Elite marathon runner and cycling: an essential alchemy

Hassan Chahdi, an elite marathon runner, finds himself at a crucial crossroads in his career. Having run alongside the world’s best athletes and qualified for the most prestigious competitions, he now faces overwhelming uncertainty about his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. What particularly distinguishes Hassan is the integration of cycling into his training, a vital strategy for his endurance and performance. Hassan opened his door to us, and we share here a few words exchanged with this exceptional champion…

Hassan Chahdi complements his training with a lot of cycling.

To stay in shape and recover, Hassan has integrated cycling into his training, an approach that proves indispensable for an athlete of his caliber. “Cycling is good because with age, I have to adapt and do less traumatic things,” he explains. For three years, Hassan has been riding an S-Works SL5, graciously provided by the S-Bike store in Montélimar. This partnership allows him to benefit from state-of-the-art equipment, crucial for optimizing his performance.

Cycling has become an essential tool for his muscular endurance and effort management. “Cycling helps me maintain good physical condition while reducing the impact on my joints,” Hassan specifies. This varied practice not only allows him to diversify his training but also to strengthen specific muscle groups, particularly the quadriceps, which contributes to improving his running economy. By performing regular rides of over 120 km, Hassan develops strength endurance that translates into better performance during his marathons.

Hassan Chahdi goes on bike rides up to 120 km.

Cycling also plays a crucial role in recovery and injury prevention. By reducing the load on his joints, Hassan can increase his training volume without risking overtraining. “Cycling is perfect for active recovery,” he says. “It allows me to work on my muscular endurance without the excessive wear and tear that running could cause.” This multifaceted approach allows him to stay in shape throughout the year, even during periods when running would be too strenuous.

Hassan also uses cycling to create pre-fatigue before his running sessions. By going for a bike ride before a running workout, he simulates the fatigue of a long race, which helps him better manage his effort during marathons. “This technique allows me to focus more on fat consumption than sugar,” he explains. By optimizing the use of fat reserves, Hassan improves his ability to last longer without quickly depleting his glycogen reserves.

Cycling is not just a complement to Hassan’s training, but an essential component of his preparation. “Every bike ride brings me muscular benefits that I couldn’t get solely from running,” he asserts. The stimulation of the quadriceps and the strength endurance developed through cycling directly translate into better running efficiency. Hassan emphasizes that this practice allows him to understand and optimize the energy systems used during his races, thus improving his overall performance.

By integrating cycling into his training, Hassan Chahdi has found a perfect balance between performance and recovery, allowing him to remain competitive at the highest level. This innovative and well-thought-out approach could well make the difference in his quest for a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The first blow

“For now, no selection has been announced, but I feel a sense of injustice,” Hassan confides with a voice full of disillusionment. “I was a finalist at the World Championships and, in the rankings, I am the best Frenchman.” Frustration seeps into every word. The current qualification rules ignore the specificity of the marathon, an extremely rigorous discipline where every opportunity to qualify is precious and rare. “You can’t multiply your chances of qualifying,” he explains, his eyes reflecting the complexity of juggling recovery and preparation for upcoming races.

Hassan knew since last August that the rules would be strict. “Except I couldn’t run after that because I had the World Championships and I needed to recover,” he says, his voice breaking slightly under the weight of disappointment. The timing imposed by the regulations prevented him from qualifying, despite his remarkable performances. Each marathon requires a long recovery period, making it impossible to achieve several optimal performances in a short time. For Hassan, this reality is a bitter pill to swallow, as he sees his Olympic dreams hanging by a thread.

Hassan’s qualification now depends on the fate of Mehdi Frère, whose potential suspension could free up a spot for Hassan. “It’s hard to commit 200% to training with all the sacrifices it entails without knowing if I’m qualified or not,” he confides. This situation of uncertainty weighs heavily on his morale and preparation.

Questionable rules

The selection rules provoke Hassan’s anger, especially in comparison with other athletic disciplines. “I am the first Frenchman in the world ranking, a world finalist, and I have achieved the minimum standards several times,” he declares. Yet, he finds himself limited by arbitrary dates. He cites the example of Kevin Mayer, whose qualification rules were more flexible, allowing an invitation to the European Championships in Rome. “For him, everything was made easier.”

Cycling, as a training tool, also symbolizes this felt injustice. By fully exploiting the benefits of cycling, Hassan shows that athletic performance is not limited to a single discipline and that regulations should reflect this reality. “Integrating cycling into my training proves that adaptation and diversity are essential to reach the top,” he says.

A hope to bounce back

Despite this difficult situation, Hassan remains hopeful of bouncing back. By using cycling as a strategic tool in his training, he is preparing to participate in another marathon at the end of the year, as a Plan B. “Cycling allows me to maintain a high level of physical fitness while preserving my strength for important races,” he explains. With this method, he plans to aim for the podium in New York or achieve a good time in Berlin. “I feel I still have room for improvement,” he affirms, confident in the potential offered by this diversified training approach.

Hassan Chahdi still holds a small hope of participating in the Paris Olympic Games.

His long-term dream is to run all the majors and one day do Boston again. Thanks to the endurance and strength gained through his cycling training, Hassan is better equipped to manage the accumulated fatigue during these prestigious races. Every bike ride, whether an intense session or a long outing, helps refine his physical and mental capabilities to face the challenges of the marathon.

A message of hope and support

Despite the difficulties, Hassan remains grateful to his supporters. “I don’t realize my popularity, but I know I am appreciated, and I feel that those who support me understand my values.” The use of cycling in his journey inspires not only runners but also cyclists and all those who seek to maximize their potential by combining different disciplines. He hopes his story will serve as a lesson for the future and that regulations will be reviewed to treat all athletes fairly, regardless of their discipline.

By sharing his experience, Hassan Chahdi sends a powerful message about resilience and innovation. By using cycling as a pillar of his training, he demonstrates that with adaptability and determination, one can overcome the most arduous obstacles and continue to aim for excellence.

The fight continues

Hassan Chahdi’s journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and passion for the marathon. His story highlights the unique challenges marathon runners face and the need to review selection rules for major competitions. While awaiting the final decision on Mehdi Frère’s qualification, Hassan continues to train with determination, ready to seize every opportunity that arises.

For Hassan, every race is a lesson, every challenge a chance to grow. His journey inspires not only runners but also all those who face obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Whatever happens, Hassan Chahdi remains a champion in the hearts of his supporters and a model of dedication and excellence. Thanks to the integration of cycling into his training, he proves that diverse approaches can be the key to success, even in the most uncertain moments.

High-level training according to Hassan Chahdi

Preparation and training

Hassan prefers qualitative training and high-intensity interval training, which he considers the most beneficial. “High-intensity intervals are what I prefer,” he says. To stay in shape and recover effectively, Hassan also integrates cycling into his program. “Cycling is good because with age, I have to adapt and do less traumatic things.” By riding his S-Works SL5, provided by the S-Bike store in Montélimar, he has found a way to strengthen his endurance and diversify his training without putting excessive strain on his joints. Cycling contributes to his endurance and resistance, strengthening specific muscle groups and promoting better running economy. “Cycling allows me to maintain a high aerobic capacity without the repeated impacts of running.”

The importance of the entourage

Hassan’s coach, Alain Calandreau, plays a crucial role in his journey. Despite the distance, they maintain regular communication, allowing Hassan to benefit from valuable advice while managing a large part of his training himself. “I know myself better and better, so I also manage my training well,” he explains. This independence, combined with the use of cycling, allows him to fine-tune his preparations with surgical precision.

The philosophy of running

For Hassan, running must remain a source of pleasure and discovery. He advises young athletes to keep a playful spirit and make running a personal experience. “What has always motivated me is pleasure and playfulness,” he says. Cycling, for him, represents an extension of this philosophy, a way to rediscover his body and capabilities while remaining true to his values of respect and perseverance. By combining running and cycling, Hassan perfectly illustrates how versatility and innovation can lead to excellence.

Values and objectives

Hassan aspires to run all major marathons and improve his times. He remains open to new technologies and training methods to continue progressing. His values as an athlete and person include respect, perseverance, and humility.

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