October 8, 2024
Feedback from Ussama, Maxime and Ziad!
Feedback from Ussama, Maxime and Ziad!
Romain
Kenya
10 Min
Today, we take a look at the daily lives of 3 of our trainees: Usama, Maxime and Ziad. On a sunny afternoon, they agreed to answer our questions.
Hello to all three of you! First of all, can you introduce yourselves?
Ussama - " My name is Usama, I'm 31 and I'm from Brussels. I'm a middle-distance runner, especially 10km and half-marathon. I have a bachelor's degree in commerce and have done several jobs in this field. I also do several athletics training courses every year to improve my performance."
Ziad - My name is Ziad, I'm 26, I live in Louvain-la-Neuve and I have a bachelor's degree in electromechanics with a production management option. I'm a middle-distance runner, particularly in the 1500m and 3000m. I've decided to stop my activity in order to concentrate solely on running."
Maxime - My name is Maxime, I'm 27, I live in Wavre in Belgium and I have a degree in bio-engineering. I'm an 800m and 1500m runner and, like Ziad, I'm gradually putting my activity to one side in order to concentrate fully on running, the ultimate aim being to become a professional."
What's your running level and what are your goals?
Usama - "I started running 3 years ago, my records are 8'36 over 3000 meters, 31 minutes over 10 kilometers and 1h05' over 20 kilometers. My goal is to break the 30-minute barrier for 10 kilometers and 1h05' for a half-marathon."
Ziad - My times are 3'37 over 1500 metres and 7'53 over 3000 metres. I've also won several national cross-country caps (junior and senior). In particular, I took part in the European cross-country championships in the mixed relay last year with the Belgian national team. My ultimate aim is to become a professional runner, so I set myself targets each season to keep a certain consistency in my progress. I'd like to run 3'34 in the 1500 metres and 7'40 in the 3000 metres this season. My long-term goal is to take part in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028."
Maxime - My personal best is 1'48 over 800 metres and 3'39 over 1500 metres. I also finished third twice in the selection cross at the European cross-country championships with the Belgian national team. My short-term aim is to qualify for the European cross-country championships for the first time and also to become a professional so that I can make a living from running."
Have you done any high-altitude training courses before this one in Kenya?
Maxime - The three of us had already been on high-altitude training courses before, but since this year the pace has quickened considerably! We did three this year before arriving in Kenya: Font-Romeu at the start of the year, followed by Flagstaff in the USA, then Font-Romeu again this summer. We decided to come to Kenya at high altitude at the start of the season because, at that time of year, we don't yet have any high-intensity sessions. So it's very beneficial for us as a 1500-meter runner to come here at this time."
Do you think these courses played an important role in your progress?
Ziad - We're convinced that our various altitude training courses are of considerable importance in improving our performance! I think altitude can be beneficial for anyone."
Maxime - As an 800-meter runner, I must admit I didn't see much difference during my first altitude training sessions. On the other hand, once I made the transition to 1500 meters, I feel I saw the effects, especially when Ziad came back from an altitude course I didn't take part in. I felt like I was lagging behind him in training, even though we were at the same level before the course. Finally, after several training sessions at altitude, I managed to lower my 1500-meter time by 7 seconds!
Why did you decide to come to the RUN'IX Athletic Center?
Usama - "Initially, when we were looking for a training center in Iten, the RUN'IX Athletic Center was THE reference! Many professional athletes have passed through this center, and not for nothing. The social networks are very dynamic, so you can get a general idea of the center and the possibilities on site. What's more, the facilities are superb: there's a gym, a relaxation area and a large dining room. Everything is optimized for our comfort.
Maxime - The RUN'IX Athletic Center is the only training camp of the year where we don't have to worry about cooking, washing or cleaning. When you train twice a day, this is of paramount importance. It allows us to concentrate exclusively on training and recovery without having to worry about anything else. Organization at the center is great. It's one less mental burden and that's not insignificant. I'd also add that despite its predominantly European clientele and its undeniable comfort, the center has managed to retain an African charm that really immerses us in the setting. The presence of local staff is very much appreciated. We really feel like we're living an experience."
What advice would you give to someone training at altitude for the first time?
Ziad - First of all, I'd tell them to respect the acclimatization period of one week to 10 days, depending on the individual, and not to overload themselves with training during this period. Bear in mind that the mere fact of being at altitude is already an advantage over people training at sea level. I'd also tell them to pay close attention to their diet and hydration. It's important to stay hydrated at altitude. What's more, dietary supplements such as iron can be useful at altitude. Another little tip: avoid taking iron supplements close to your caffeine or theine intake, as this will reduce their effectiveness, making them virtually useless."
And what would you say to those who are still hesitating to come?
Usama - First of all, I'd say to people who are hesitant to take the plunge because of the distance or the fact that they're going to Africa, don't worry about it. We're in a very secure environment, and that's great. Whatever your level and objectives, if you want to go somewhere pleasant to train and have a good time, the RUN'IX Athletic Center is the ideal destination! The general atmosphere is very good and it's very easy to switch off from training a few times because there are so many activities to do: hikes, city outings, games at the center or safaris, for example."
Group - And the setting is magnificent! There are lots of routes for jogging, each more beautiful than the last. The center is very comfortable, it feels like home, you can't tell the difference between the center and a 5-star hotel, so don't hesitate to come!"