4 methods to run like Sifan Hassan

On Sunday, Dutch distance star Sifan Hassan received the Paris Olympic marathon in her common thrilling model, setting a brand new Olympic file solely days after capturing bronze in each the 5,000m and 10,000m occasions. Hassan has created a reputation synonymous with excellence in distance operating, and all athletes can incorporate a few of her extraordinary qualities into their coaching, no matter distance objectives or potential.

Hassan’s race victories continuously show unparalleled versatility, psychological resilience and a strong ending kick. She made historical past by profitable the London Marathon on her debut, and her trifecta of medals in Paris showcased her fearless strategy to making an attempt new challenges. Right here’s how one can channel Hassan in your personal coaching.

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Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands outkicks Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa to win the gold medal within the Olympic girls’s marathon at Paris 2024. Picture: Nick Iwanyshyn

Dominate the end

Hassan’s potential to shut races from behind is famous. Regardless of the race distance, she persistently outkicks her rivals when it issues most. To construct your personal ending energy, incorporate some strides or accelerations on the finish of your simple runs. Including only a tiny quantity of velocity reminds your legs the way to transfer rapidly even when fatigued, and helps you develop the energy to complete robust like Hassan.

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Sifan Hassan, TCS London Marathon 2022. Picture: Kevin Morris

Be courageous and check out new issues

Considered one of Hassan’s most admirable traits is her braveness to step out of her consolation zone, as seen in her marathon debut and distance triple in Paris. She is open about dealing with self-doubt and worry, however she nonetheless strains up and offers every race her all. This willingness to attempt new issues, even when they frighten her, has been key to her success and development as an athlete. To channel this mindset, don’t shrink back from making an attempt new distances, races or coaching strategies. Embracing challenges won’t solely make you a greater runner but additionally construct your psychological toughness.

Embrace versatility

Hassan’s success throughout a spread of distances, from the observe to the roads, is rooted in her versatility. This adaptability was on full show in Paris, and she or he was in a position to transition from observe races to the marathon distance. Ensure to change up your coaching by incorporating a mixture of exercises—velocity work, tempo runs and longer-distance periods (with numerous simple runs in between)—to construct a flexible ability set that may adapt to any race situation.

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Paris 2024 Olympic Video games. Picture: Kevin Morris

Construct that base

Profitable the London Marathon on her debut, and pulling off a distance triple in Paris, are testaments to Hassan’s unimaginable endurance. She’s recognized for her high-mileage coaching weeks, which put together her for all the things from the 800 metres to the marathon. Progressively growing your weekly mileage whereas permitting for sufficient restoration will enable you to construct the stamina essential to sort out any distance.

Hassan’s mixture of velocity, endurance, versatility and braveness units her aside on the earth of distance operating. By incorporating these 4 methods into your personal coaching, you can begin to emulate the qualities which have made her one of many best athletes of all time.


Athletics occasions on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games are going down from Aug. 1-11. Right now’s protection is dropped at you by Canadian Operating and ASICS Canada. Comply with us on Twitter on Instagram for all issues Group Canada and up-to-date unique information and content material.

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