THE MOROCCAN ROUTE TO THE TOP

ONRUNNING Editor Jonny Wootton examines the Moroccan training and development system that continues to produce a number of world-class middle and long distance runners.

Although it has never been proven, and possibly never will, it is generally thought that Kenya and Ethiopia produce an endless flow of world-class long distance runners for two main reasons.

Large areas of both countries are situated well above sea level (altitude) and the majority of their best athletes are raised, and have always participated in physical activity, in an atmosphere with less oxygen - making them a lot more effective when racing at sea level.

It is also recognised that in order to escape the high level of poverty in their respective countries it is their best chance of achieving wealth and success.

While in Kenya and Ethiopia training methods and development are still not quite as advanced as a leading European nation, both are well behind the Moroccan system.

From initial talent spotting to the finished article, the Moroccan athletic federation leave no stone unturned in their quest to produce great athletes.

Any leading Moroccan coach will tell you, they have not invented anything new but simply expanded on and improved training methods that have been recognised for many years now.

Runners, however, are born and not made and before they spend large quantities of time and money on an individual, they first have to select raw talent that needs developing.

World-class athletes such as world 1500m champion and record holder Hicham El Guerrouj and former 10,000m world record holder Salah Hissou were both found by the following method of selection.

Before a budding world-beater can even think of emulating the likes of El Guerrouj, they have to pass two methods of selection.

Head coaches, paid by the Moroccan government and national federation, travel the country in caravans to perform simple physiological tests on 12 to 16 year olds.

The ones that show initial potential are then sent to a 'Perfecting Local Unit' where they undergo more advanced physiological testing - that also includes biomechanical analysis.

Following this the numbers are chopped again and the ones who show 'star quality' are sent to Ifrane (National Institute of Athletics).

When the athletes arrive their training schedules are worked out and their diet and running style analysed.

Most European middle and long distance runners will operate on a training schedule that varies little from one athlete to another, regardless of their height, build, strengths and weaknesses. This is not the case in Morocco as every athlete is treated as an individual and a specific plan is worked out for each - however a general training theory is followed.

The biggest difference between a European distance runner and the Moroccan variety is the emphasis that the North Africans place on a strong TRUNK.

They are under no illusion that to maintain high levels of speed requires a trunk that can transfer the force. It is from working this area to a high degree that they believe the athlete can run fast for long periods whilst remaining relaxed, thus conserving energy.

To strengthen the trunk, El Guerrouj in particular, will incorporate an almost unbelievable 300 sit-ups into a standard circuit training session as well as 300 back-ups.

And, contrary to popular belief, they insist that there should be minimal effort from the upper body and energy should only be used in pushing the arms downwards and backwards, whilst ensuring they stay close to the body in a bid to avoid over-striding.

The best example of this is again El Guerrouj. The first thing you will notice, even in a world record attempt from him, is his tremendously effortless style at high speeds. If you could only see his upper body, you could be forgiven for thinking he was just out on a steady-state run.

El Guerrouj's coach Abdelkader Kada has based some of his training principles around the methods adopted by former double Olympic 1500m champion Sebastian Coe.

In the late seventies and early eighties when the majority of the leading middle and long distance runners in Britain were primarily focused on clocking up the miles, Coe, under the stewardship of his scientifically minded father, Peter, worked on speed and speed endurance.

Interestingly, as it is generally believed that heavy well-cushioned running shoes are needed to avoid injury, they believe that light 'racing flats' should be worn on training runs, usually around 30 minutes for El Guerrouj, as the chunky trainer allows the foot to become less functional. On this note, they also believe in walking on sand to develop the muscles surrounding the foot and ankle.

To back up their theory - the approach taken when an athlete is deep in training is incredibly professional.

The athletes spend 11 months in training camps away from their families so they can concentrate without any outside distractions.

A group, led by a recognised star such as El Guerrouj or Hissou, will consist of no more than 12 athletes and will be backed up with two head coaches, six assistant coaches, three doctors, seven physiotherapists and one cardiologist. Just a little bit different to someone like Britain's number one distance runner John Mayock, who has a coach, who also looks after sprinters, and access to a physiotherapist who he has to pay.

Their training camp in Ifrane is at altitude and they generally spend two separate three-week stints there a year. The rest of their training is generally at sea level in Rabat.

It is also worth noting that the majority of their sessions are done on varying surfaces and they spend little time, in an attempt to steer clear of injury, on all-weather tracks.

The Moroccan system requires a great deal of hard work and patience, but who said winning was easy!