Farah's Recipe For Rapid Rankings Rise‎‎

Farah - second only to David Moorcroft.

Heusden, Belgium, July 23, 2006 – Mo Farah has become the second fastest 5,000metres athlete in British history but is still pleading for patience from those expecting him to take European distance-running by storm.

Somalia-born, Hounslow-raised Farah clocked 13 minutes and 9.4seconds in Heusden, Belgium, on Saturday night - putting him behind only David Moorcroft as this country's all-time quickest.

The 23-year-old is also second behind Ireland's Alister Cragg in this year's European rankings - making him an obvious contender for the continental championships in Gothenburg next month.

Farah, whose new regime incorporates a "no parties, no drinking, no silly things" lifestyle, lives in Teddington with a group of like-minded Kenyan athletes - including Heusden winner Micah Kogo.

"I hope nobody starts to hang a European Championships medal round my neck now," he said.

"I set out on Saturday night aiming to get under 13:20 and qualify for Gothenburg."

Farah's new recipe for success includes a sensible balance between enjoyment off the track and a commitment to training.

"You've got to have a social life and go out with your mates - but the priority is running," he said.

"I'm training twice every day, having massages after each one, doing some core stability exercises, a little bit of weight training - and sleeping. That's all.

"Staying injury-free is important. But I know I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, especially in world terms.

"What happens in Gothenburg just depends on the day. I may be up there with those guys now, but a lot of them have much more experience than me."

Source: SportingLife

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