Q & A: Records that have lasted the distance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Q. Why are all the British middle- and long-distance running record, ie 800 metres to marathon, more than 10 years old?
A.The last time one of these records was improved was when Eamonn Martin ran 27min 23.06sec in Oslo in July 1988. The records show that the nine and a half years since then is the longest span of time (this century) that at least one of the records at these four distances has not been broken.
It is remarkable that we have gone nearly 10 years without an improvement at one of these distances, given the know-how and scientific approach to training methods. The top British distance runners of the 1970s did high-mileage training 100 miles a week at a fairly sedate pace. Long-distance training is now regarded as "junk miles"; those who advise the runners talk of "quality running" and have them running faster with less mileage. Heart-rate monitors are used to check that they are training at what the coach believes is the right pace. It makes one wonder if today's runners and their coaches have been blinded by science and are overlooking one or two simple truths about training.
Wilfred Morgan,
Birmingham
ANSWERS PLEASE
Q. Judged by the difference in League places between the position the club was in when he arrived and when he left, who is the best Football League manager of all time? And the worst?
Steve Wetherill, Nottingham
If you know this answer to this question or have one of your own, write to Q&A, Independent on Sunday, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5DL. Fax: 0171- 293 2894
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments