Picture
The details: it starts on monday 20 february 2012

Week one: no race planned, focus on training.
Week two: no race planned, focus on training.
Week three: half marathon race in Den Haag.
Week four: no race planned, focus on training.
Week five: half marathon race in Venlo.
Week six: focus on training at altitude in Iten (Kenya).
Week seven: focus on training at altitude in Iten (Kenya).
Week eight: focus on training at altitude in Iten (Kenya).


Week nine: Focus on training at altitude in Iten (Kenya), I come back to Belgium on 20 april and races two days later in the marathon of Antwerp.

Very happy with this schedule, I will definitely give you some updates about my adventures and training in Kenya. So stay tuned. The plans for the weekend: this evening a housewarming party in Merchtem, tomorrow a special training in Dour. Greetings Lander
1 Comment
 
 
For me the 30 km in Schoorl was a perfect race to achieve a big training effect.
Race report: the first 10 km was mainly on the streets and went perfect with 30'59'' on the clocks.
I ran together with my two teammates Guy Fays, Florent Caelen and Willem Van Schuerbeeck. All three were shooting at a victory in the half marathon.
Once we hit the dunes our pace decreased significantly. Willem accelerated and won the half marathon without any problem. Guy and me ran side by side from 15 km to 20 km. I started to feel cold in the freezing conditions and was closely followed (80m) by the Irish 10 000 meter champion Gary Thornton. (picture below).
The last 10 km was again through the dunes and the distance between me and Gary was melting like snow in the sun. But at the end I reached the finish line with one second advantage in 1 h 36' 53'' over the 30 km. My body was frozen but this race was a great workout in the marathon build up. Gary is aiming for an Olympic selection in his spring marathon. He needs to run below 2 hour 15 minutes to qualify,  I hope he hits the standard.  Another belgian marathon runner and friend named Tim Stessens came in as third on the 30 km. In total I ran 40 km on sunday. 
To conclude I would like to thank the volunteers and the organization of this great competition.
More info: www.groetuitschoorl.nl  Afterwards Eva and me enjoyed the superb 10 km race with a great winner Abdi Nageeye (NL). But there were also a lot of other athletes that showed some great fitness. Later this week my racing program will be posted on the website. Greetings Lander
1 Comment
 
 
The last three weeks the legs were rolling on training. Schoorl is an important race in terms of a specific marathon workout. The cold will influential without any doubt the result of the race.

In March I will attack my personal best over the half marathon distance. More info will follow later.

But first Schoorl! Greetings Lander
1 Comment
 
 
As an athlete I have one clear goal and that is running as fast as possible over the marathon distance. 
In the first talk between my coach Henri Salavarda and me this was the first thing I said to him. His answer was: this means a lot of training and running races at the right moment in the preparation of a marathon. Only one problem: I would race every weekend if I could = bad idea.

Looking to find the perfect balance between training and racing.

The preparation for my next marathon goes perfect and we have planned a test of my current fitness with the 30 km in Schoorl upcoming sunday. I am looking forward to run this race.
Greetings Lander
Add Comment
 
 
Add Comment
 
Stavaza 01/30/2012
 
Everything is going  according to plan. This week there are two workouts on the menu with Vital Gahungu (BUR) and Onesphore Nkuzimana (BUR). Depending on the weather conditions we will choose for the track or the road to do our training. My next race will be the 30 km in Schoorl (NL), this will be a good test and it's the goal to run fast. Good luck with your training runs and next races. Greetings Lander
Add Comment
 
 
My routine for having the ideal racing flats on marathon day goes as follows:
  • Fase one: No running with the racing flats but instead you wear the shoes for three days in and around the house make sure the tongue under the laces is straight. 
  • Fase two: Using the racings flats during three training sessions on the track (good for +/- 38 km). The warming up and the cooling down are run in your normal training shoes.
  • Fase three: Final test of the racing flats in a ten miles or a half marathon race.  (another 22 km).
  • Fase four: Marathon day, the day were you have lived and trained for during the last months.  You have run 50 km in your racing flats on a speed higher then your marathon pace when they would not fit perfect you would have known it by now, so your shoes are ready to crush your personal best.
Below my racing flats for the next season /// Adizero Adios.
NOTE: On marathon day: I always do my warming up in my racing flats because then you can feel immediately that your socks are fitting perfect. Greetings Lander
Add Comment
 
 
December and January are the hardest training months for a long distance runner due to the lack of sunshine. But no problem the time flies and before we know the Summer is back. Keep up the good training and a fast time in your spring marathon will follow. Greetings Lander
1 Comment
 
 
Results: www.lottocrosscup.be
Add Comment
 
 
After my fever days in the past week, we considered not to run in Hannuit.  But at the moment my body is healthy so there's no problem. Two Salavarda guys will be shooting for a victory Dame Faisa Tasama and Onesphore Nkuzimana. 
Who will win this race? It's hard to tell. 
Can Pieter Desmet surprise after his altitude training stage in Kenia? I hope he wins it.  
Preliminary starting list: click here.
Greetings Lander
Add Comment