Roger Bannister s breaking of the 4 minute mile barrier is a prime example. In October 1953, he did 10 x 44O yds in 66 seconds with 44O yds jog recovery in 2-3 minutes, three times a week. His plan was to reduce the times of the laps by 1 second a month. Similarly, Emil Zatopek, in 1947, was doing 5x200m, 10x400m, 5x200m daily with 200m jog recovery throughout. Research tells us a lot about physical exertion and proneness to infection.
Marathoners frequently go down with bad infections a few days after the race.
It is also known that glandular fever infects the super-fit athlete more than any other person. Coe and Ovett both got it when in peak form. Again, the answer is to pay particular attention to the intake of anti-infection vitamins and minerals, vitamins B6, B5, C, E, and folic acid and the essential fatty acids, plus iron, zinc and live yoghurt, when approaching peak condition. Serious runners should take their pulse in bed first thing in the morning, then immediately on rising. A plateau difference will be established eg 15.