A U.S. Distance Revival

Dathan Ritzenhein, a 22-year-old who trains in Boulder, Colorado, just scored the most significant distance-running victory by an American man in two decades by winning the 6.1-mile Belfast International Cross Country run. Ritzenheim's maximal oxygen uptake, or V02 max, is among the highest measured for a distance runner and compares with Steve Prefontaine's. His coach, Brad Hudson, emphasizes hill training, which strengthens the leg muscles so they can better absorb shock. By sprinting up hills for leg power, he's able to keep his weekly mileage at a relatively low 95 miles. The New York Times (reg. req'd.) has the story.