Unsung Hero
It's Not Me!
I recommended Phil Sesemann’s Youtube series last week, and this week I am recommending his training partner’s. Alex Yee is the Olympic Triathlon champ, but this year is focusing on the marathon. So has been stepping into Phil’s world. Both guys are South Londoners (like me), and both are training for Valencia Marathon in December, the fastest marathon in the world.
I have been extremely fortunate to have known two Olympic Champions before they were successful. Alex Yee and David Rudisha, both two of the finest examples of running form you will ever see. But talent only gets you through the door, hard work keeps you in the room.
I love Alex’ latest episode. While Phil and Alex conducted a track session, the directors just let the cameras run. Lot’s of slow-mo, which helps you appreciate just how well these guys move, but also fascinating discussion about the intricate details of training at their level.
The better you get, the more important the nuance becomes. Niche stuff that 99% of people won’t care about. But that’s the beauty of the internet nowadays. There is room for every niche.
Fittingly, the coach that has been involved in both Phil and Alex’ journeys, Ken Pike, was awarded the Unsung Hero Award yesterday by the newly formed Track & Field Inclusivity Awards (TAFI). Typically modest, Ken never told any of his athletes he was even nominated.
Those that are most deserving are too quiet and unassuming to get the respect and attention they deserve. It would be impossible to count how many people Ken has positively impacted over the 40+ years he has been coaching. It would be impossible to list all the things he has taught me. But if you would allow me to mention just a few:
Culture over complexity. The deep work is getting like-minded people to buy in, train together, believe in the schedule. Helping the team helps the individual.
Patience. Athletes come and go, will surprise you, disappoint you, leave, come back again. You can only control your own actions. Keep turning up. Expect nothing. Be consistent, fair, never rule anyone out, always leave a light on.
Modelling. Act like you want to be there. Like you love it. Passionate. Positive. Listen to your athletes’ stories. Don’t waste time telling yours. The attitude you bring sets the standard.
Easy things to say maybe, but living by these values over four decades has taken enormous sacrifice from Ken. At some points he was putting in 50hrs volunteering a week. Outside of holding down a full-time job and family. He has done so many heartrending, selfless things, but would never let me speak of them here.
Who actually does nice things for people any more, and genuinely never wants it mentioned again? I mean, not even a quick Insta story.
It’s hard to know how to be a straight white male; so much noise, so many bullshit artists. Andrew Tate, Tommy Robinson, Donald Trump, Elon Musk. Are you fucking kidding me? I count myself incredibly lucky to even know someone of Ken’s calibre. A Master of Craft, and the world knows far too few.
I ran 100 miles last week. The week was highly disrupted by a trip down to London. Although I had a great time drinking, arguing, trick or treating etc, it wasn’t great for my sleep and recovery. I turned up to Dulwich parkrun, the fastest in the UK, and hadn’t warmed up. 1 mile. 1 hamstring injury. All my own fault. I can’t get away with that pace and no warm up any more. I shouldn’t have risked it.
See you next Friday!