Noakes - Challenging Beliefs

Published by Zebra Press

an imprint of Random House Struik (Pty) Ltd

Company Reg. No. 1966/003153/07

Wembley Square, First Floor, Solan Road, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

PO Box 1144, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

www.zebrapress.co.za

New edition published in 2012

Publication Zebra Press 2012

Text Tim Noakes and Michael Vlismas 2012

Cover image Russel Wasserfall

Blowin In The Wind (B. Dylan) 1963. Renewed 1991, Special Rider Music.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

PUBLISHER: Marlene Fryer

MANAGING EDITOR: Ronel Richter-Herbert

EDITOR: Jane Housdon and Bronwen Leak

PROOFREADER: Ronel Richter-Herbert

COVER DESIGN: Sean Robertson

TEXT DESIGN: Monique Oberholzer

TYPESETTER: Monique van den Berg and Jacques Kaiser

INDEXER: Sanet le Roux

ISBN 978 1 77022 459 9 (print)

ISBN 978 1 77022 460 5 (ePub)

ISBN 978 1 77022 461 2 (PDF)

Few people have the ability to inspire and change the world around them. Tim Noakes is one of those people.

Tim has always been highly gifted and, after matriculating in 1966, was awarded an exchange scholarship to Los Angeles. It was during this time that he became aware of the achievement of Chris Barnard, who successfully conducted the first human heart transplant in 1967. This was a defining moment in Tims life, as it informed his decision to study medicine and the workings of the human body.

In the same way that Tim was inspired by Barnards legacy, I have been inspired by Tim. His approach, rigour and ability to unearth contradictions are, in and of themselves, inspiring. However, it is the application of his findings to all areas of life that has made his work truly profound for me.

One paradox explored by Tim is that running is not simple. I have been a casual roadrunner for many years. While I always enjoyed running, I, like many others, assumed the pastime to be fairly straightforward. It wasnt until I came across Tims Lore of Running that I realised how limited my understanding of the sport was. What would become the seminal book on running for serious athletes, Lore of Running opened my eyes to the intellect, research and complexities in the field. Running is not a one-dimensional intuitive sport. Rather, it is multifaceted, spanning the scientific corridors of anatomy, physiology and psychology. Such is the nature of Tims work: he uncovers the scientific substance of what looks uncomplicated to the untrained eye. Tim has taught me that what appears to be simple is not, and that competitive advantage is about embracing complexity where others see simplicity.

Another paradox examined by Tim is that running is not purely physical. I had always assumed running to be primarily physical in nature, and that a runner is constrained only by his or her body as a regulator of performance. Tims work on the central governor theory exposed a powerful truth: the mental side of competing is even more important than the physical. I recall Tim telling me that runners who come second and who do not die at the finish line do not try hard enough; they allow their governors to determine the outcome. Initially I thought that this sounded brutal. Over time, though, I have come to appreciate the intellectual robustness of Tims assertion, and see its value in all of my pursuits. This insight that performance is mental underscores for me the importance of a positive attitude. It has also become clear to me that the ability to fool the central governor is crucial in the pursuit of success.

Tims legacy, however, is not defined only by the breadth of his academic accomplishments albeit that he is extensively published and internationally renowned as possessing the source code for all things sports science but also by his style and approach. Good science is a necessary condition, but it is not sufficient on its own. Ask anyone who has worked with or been taught by Tim, and you will probably hear of his unique ability to communicate science in an exciting and engaging way. Tims integrity, and his often quirky manner of bringing to life the inside track, has his audiences captivated. Underlying his distinctive style is a tenacious approach to critical thinking and the challenging of established norms. This combination has inspired many of Tims students, colleagues and partners to further participate in, and add new chapters to, the field of sports science.

Later, Tims passion for relating science to sport assisted me in shaping Discoverys vision to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. Discovery, and Discoverys wellness programme, Vitality, became the vehicle of change. From the start of Discovery and the inception of Vitality, the vision has been a societal one, playing a leadership role in health and healthcare in South Africa. In light of this purpose, collaborative partnerships have been and continue to be critical in achieving the goal of a healthier society. In this regard, Discovery has been truly fortunate for its long-standing relationship with Tim.

Discovery has also had the privilege of supporting Tim in his research as the Discovery Health Professor of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of Cape Town. This has, by virtue of Tims excellence, enabled Discovery to be part of something powerful the generation of exercise-science research that is meaningful, accessible and understandable. The partnership has resulted in cutting-edge scientific concepts that have defined global thinking in the field.

There is no doubt that Tims work and leadership have evolved science. More importantly, however, he continues to change people. He is a national asset, and future generations will benefit from his immense legacy. I am excited about this book and the opportunities it provides to learn from Tims incredible knowledge of and his contagious enthusiasm for his field.

This work is the next sprint, by the ultimate insider, in what has been a lifetimes contribution to sport science.

ADRIAN GORE

CEO, DISCOVERY

JUNE 2011

This book would not have happened without the vision and literary skills of Michael Vlismas. The book was his idea. After perusing much of my writings, he identified those themes that he considered to be of the greatest general interest. He then interviewed me and wrote the first draft with a speed and insight that amazed me. Thereafter it became a much simpler task to complete the fuller story. The result is that the concept is Michaels but the words are mine, skilfully edited by Michael and Jane Housdon.

My life and my science have been influenced by a cast of remarkable people to whom I am especially indebted; the events and outcomes described in this book are a result of their inspiration. As a consequence of their example and guidance, each owns a part of the person that I have become. I am the most indebted to my wife Marilyn Anne. While still in her teens, she took an insecure youth, quieted the uncertainty and set him on his path.

I thank my parents Bindy and Wendy Noakes for raising me in Africa, for teaching me good values, for allowing me to choose my own destiny and for providing financial support at certain critical junctures in my career. Amanda Louise (Mandy) has provided considerate sisterly support and encouragement; I appreciate especially the kind interest she has always expressed in all aspects of my career.