Very few athletes can be compared to Lance Armstrong (let’s forget the drugs for a moment) when it comes to aerobic and anaerobic abilities. He is without a doubt an exceptional elite athlete in this regard in spite of his drug use.
Because of his physiological capabilities many people are surprised that he does so poorly (comparatively speaking) when it comes to running the marathon. He is exceptional when it comes to cycling, but average in running and on the high side of average when it comes to the triathlon.
This is not surprising: it is a classic example of sports specificity. But it appears that two key factors involved in high-level sports performance have been ignored in his training. They are technique and development of the muscles specific to the technique.
Close examination of his running technique tells us that it can be improved greatly. It can be improved with specific instruction and with the use of specialized strength exercises that are specific to the actions that occur in the running stride. By improving his running technique and development of the physical qualities specific to his technique, his running performance can improve greatly
It is well known from practical experience that you can develop the specific strength needed simultaneously with correction of technique. In fact, specialized exercises also develop the necessary feel required to improve effective running technique. In addition, he would have to develop the localized muscular endurance required to maintain good technique over the long marathon distance.
In regard to Armstrong’s running technique, it is obvious to see that that he does not have the muscle endurance, especially of the hip flexors, to maintain the same stride length throughout the entire race. Thus, it is possible to state that even though he may have the aerobic abilities to run a great race, he does not have the muscular or technical abilities needed.
This is a common fault that is seen often in many athletes. For some reason coaches take it for granted that every athlete is able to execute his skills and it is only necessary to prepare the athlete for the event. This is a fallacy or more accurately, a myth that has been perpetuated for many years, almost to the point of becoming a “truth “.
For more information on running technique and development of the muscles specifically as they function in running, read Explosive Running. It is the most comprehensive and detailed book on running technique and specialized running strength exercises. If properly applied the information contained in his book help can make a typical or high-level runner much better or even an elite runner and top finisher in the marathon.