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Haile Gebrselassie - You Ask the Questions

Don't miss your opportunity to help us interview one of the world's greatest runners - we're giving you the chance to ask the questions when we quiz Haile Gebrselassie in the pages of Runner's World

Posted: 12 April 2010

In his staggering career, 36-year-old Haile Gebrselassie has dominated the world of running with success in track, cross-country and on the road. Gebrselassie's remarkable career started at 15, when he ran his first marathon in Addis Ababa wearing street shoes - and pulled off a time of 2:48.

The supremely versatile Ethiopian has since conquered distances from 1500m to the marathon and has notched up 27 world records as well as a huge haul of World Championship medals. Gebrselassie also has two Olympic golds (10,000m at Athens and Sydney) and has twice been Men's Track and Field Athlete of the Year. After leaving the track behind, he decided to focus on the marathon and has been recording stunning times ever since. In 2008's Berlin Marathon, Gebrselassie beat his own world record by 27 seconds to become the first man to dip under 2:04.

Submit A Question

Now we're giving you the chance to pose your questions to Haile Gebrselassie. Whether you want to know more about his world-beating training regime, unlock the secrets behind Ethiopia's dominance of distance running or discover the proudest moment of his long career, just submit your questions via this page before April 23.

>>> SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE

Unfortunately, we won't have time to put all your questions to the great man himself, but we'll do our very best!

Your questions and Gebrselassie's answers will appear in the August issue of Runner's World.

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Discuss this article

Karen Samuel

Hi Haile Gebrselassie, my husband and I are huge fan of yours.

My question to you is: What is your weekly training like, if you are training

for a marathon? Karen Samuel.

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 00:02

Runamok

Hello Haile,

I am avid fan of yours and deeply respectful of what you have achieved both on and off the athletics scene. I am going to be cheeky and ask 3 questions in the hope that you may answer one of them; so here goes:

What are your top tips for runners training for, running in and recovering from a marathon? (1 for each please)

Secondly, many runners seem to fear/dread the taper before a marathon, how do you cope with yours (assuming that you do taper).

Finally, what has been your greatest achievement to date (not necessarily running)?

Yours Sincerely

Howard Clark

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 11:47

David Jones 39

Hello Haile-thank you very much for taking the time to answer questions on this forum.

Your achievements over the years are amazing and I would like to ask you whether you think it will be possible again for British long-distance runners to challenge the very best in the world at distances of 5K upwards ?

The bar has been raised so high by you and those you have inspired that sub-13 and sub-27 are now required in order to challenge the very best.How do you think the most talented,aspiring UK runners can develop themselves to run so incredibly fast ?

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 12:11

Shiva

Hello Haile,

Another big fan of you and I have the utmost respects for all your achievements. My question is regarding nutrition: What do you eat during the most intense phases of your training, both for fuel and for recovery?

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 12:17

bantamboy

Hi Haile,

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 13:47

bantamboy

Hi Haile,

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 13:47

bantamboy

Hi Haile,

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 13:48

bantamboy

Hi Haile,

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 13:48

bantamboy

Hi Haile,

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 13:48

bantamboy

Hi Haile,

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 13:48

Edward Collier

Hello Haile

I raced against you in London but unfortunately you beat me

Anyway, here's my question - what pace do you run your long runs at?

Best wishes from a huge fan

Edward

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 14:25

Muppley

All Hail the Haile sorry bad i know!! but you are a legend

anyways my question is:-

Do you have any post/pre match must do routines?

Thank you

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 14:36

Alice RW

Hi there,

Apologies for any confusion - to submit your questions for Haile please click on the links above or go straight to the following page: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/comp/Comp.asp?C=172

Thanks!

Alice RW

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 14:47

tommygunn

Also submitted via that link...

Say for example you are only allowed to do one "quality" session per week. What session do you do?

Posted: 13/04/2010 at 15:23

Jacek Cieluszecki

Hi Haile

Will You come for Olympic Games - London 2012 , I hope Yes

Cheers

Posted: 14/04/2010 at 08:34

JFDI Support Crew

Total respect for a truly great athlete - I hope to see you race in 2010
Posted: 14/04/2010 at 09:18

michael rix

Hi Haile,

As marathon runners we are advised to take on nutrition in the form of gels/drinks etc during a race. However, I never seem to witness the pros (such as yourself) take anything more than a quick drink when I watch the television coverage!!!!!

What do you tend to take on during a race and at what time/distance?

Michael Rix - Farnham Runners

Posted: 14/04/2010 at 21:17

Jack Miles

Hi Haile,

When do you think we will see a sub 2:00 hour marathon and do you think you will accomplish this in your career?

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 13:17

Stevie G .

i love the way everyone's ignored Alice from RW clearly saying mid way down this link that you have to submit your questions elsewhere!

Sort it out people

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 13:43

GotTheRuns

Hi Haile,

What's your favourite colour?

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 13:56

runnerman

Haile, I am in awe of what you have achieved in your life.

My question to you is, what makes you smile?
Posted: 15/04/2010 at 14:07

Stevie G .

Haile,

Do you think people are trying to be funny, or just are just completey unobservant posting questions here when they've clearly been told to post them at another link!

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 14:44

Pammie*

Steve

I'm not Haile so i can't answer for him, but maybe people don't read the other posts, but just post anyway if this is the case they won't see your post or mine

Or they could be trying to be funny

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 14:57

runnerman

Stevie G www.miles4miles.co.uk wrote (see)

Haile,
Do you think people are trying to be funny, or just are just completey unobservant posting questions here when they've clearly been told to post them at another link!

Don't worry, posted my question directly but thought it would be funny anyway.

Would like to know what makes him smile as he's always smiling.

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 15:00

tommygunn

Haile - what is the most amount of pints you've ever drank and still remained standing?

Posted: 15/04/2010 at 15:18

Edward Collier

@Michael Rix - You can't have been watching or listening! Brendan and Steve burble endlessly on about the athlete's special drinks which (at big city races) are at special tables, which contain electrolytes replacements etc. The reason they don't eat is because eating during a marathon isn't necessary, unless you're doing it in a diving suit! Haile's only on his feet for a couple of hours - I regularly do my Sunday run for 2 - 2.5 hours without eating or drinking anything.
Posted: 15/04/2010 at 16:21

Rob-H

Hi Haile

who is your favourite member of Westlife?

Posted: 18/04/2010 at 13:55

michael rix

@Edward. Thxs for that. I'm well aware of them drinking but it's the gel issue that I'm intrigued by.

I too get through my long runs without gels but I'm interested in refuelling for max effect (by pros) in races. I'm looking at 2 33 at London so any pro help I can get would be valuable.

Posted: 19/04/2010 at 08:59

Steve Radcliffe

Hi Haile

I am trying to run sub 1:30 for a half marathon at freckleton in June. My current best is 1:32. Are you available to be my pacemaker? I would be eternally grateful!

My cousin married an Ethiopian girl last year and she got me an Ethiopia vest so, if you wear yours too, we will look like a team.

You are the greatest.

Kind regards

Steve Radcliffe

Posted: 20/04/2010 at 11:24

runnerman

Can't you ask Paula to help you, Steve.

Posted: 20/04/2010 at 11:37

Keir

Rob-H wrote (see)

Hi Haile
who is your favourite member of Westlife?

Sorry to break it to you Rob, but they disbanded several years ago.

However if you wanted to know Hailie's favourite member of Glee cast or JLS, then you might get an answer.

Posted: 26/04/2010 at 20:11

M...eldy

Dear Haile

Have you ever heard of the Bromley Vets?

Posted: 09/05/2010 at 18:27

seren nos

Keir wrote (see)

Rob-H wrote (see)
Hi Haile
who is your favourite member of Westlife?

Sorry to break it to you Rob, but they disbanded several years ago.
However if you wanted to know Hailie's favourite member of Glee cast or JLS, then you might get an answer.

but they were on TV tonight advetising their new concert

Posted: 09/05/2010 at 21:35

Keir

Money over artistic integrity. I am so disappointed by news of their resurrection that I will never play another cd by them again.
Posted: 09/05/2010 at 21:54

Karen Samuel