Ritzenhein’s transformation under coach Salazar

American Dathan Ritzenhein’s career has resembled the rolling hills of a cross-country course. His stellar performances —  three-time U.S. cross-country champion,  and former U.S. 5,000 metre record holder (12:56.27) — have often been followed up by long periods of injury. Most recently, he was eighth in the 2010 New York City Marathon, in a disappointing (for him) 2:12:33.

But Ritzenhein appears to be headed in the right direction, thanks to his coach Alberto Salazar. The former Boston and New York champion has undertaken a drastic overhaul of Ritzenhein’s stride — admitting that injuries will be part of the process of improving his running form. Read Jennifer Kahn’s fascinating story in the New Yorker, which chronicles how Salazar has doctored Ritzenhein’s stride with the help of a high-tech Nike sports lab in Oregon.