Omanyala reveals special dietary plan, training regime that keep him on top
By Joel Sang, July 5, 2023Kenya’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has explained how a special dietary plan and training regime help keep him on top of his game.
Although he takes a lot of eggs, Omanyala says at times she has to control the number because of his cholesterol levels. His supper always has soybeans, ugali, chicken, beef, pork, or fish.
“The number of eggs I take at breakfast depends since I conduct tests after two weeks to determine the level of cholesterol in my body. If I have bad cholesterol levels, then I cut down on my protein intake, especially beans, and eggs,” Omanyala told a local media outlet.
Meals before workout
Before he embarks on any training programme, the sprinter makes sure that he takes his meals an hour before, but that tradition changes when he is out of the country.
“They say when in Rome, do as the Romans do, but I say that with caution. My day’s training dictates what I will take. A full breakfast for me will include tea, eggs, bread, and pancakes, but I will also add cassava, yams, sweet potatoes, and different types of cereals,” Omanyala added.
Currently, the runner’s focus is on the national trials set to be held at Nyayo Stadium over the weekend before he takes part in the relay championship scheduled for the coming week in the Bahamas.
The 27-year-old will always engage in speed sessions on track on Monday and Thursday, while Tuesday and Friday are dedicated to gymnasium sessions and speed work, especially block starts.
Break
Omanyala, who won his first international championship in 2022, will take a rest on Wednesday and Sunday. He will wake up at 7:00 a.m. on Monday and Saturday before he leaves for Kasarani, where he always conducts his track sessions.
“We do that [shuffles between distances of 20m that take 15 minutes with a 10-second break] as a warm-up before embarking on hip mobility that opens up the hips after the weekend and the normal dynamic stretches.
“What matters most in 100m is that you ought to have longer strides and fast cadency, which is the quick feet you step when you are running. When you are stepping far and quickly, it helps you reduce the time,” Omanyala explained.
The Bungoma-born star also explained the importance of sled pulls and resistance training over 30 metres.
“We wear weights on our waists and speed with them. It makes one run faster without it,” he stated.
To make sure that his speed and endurance remain top-level, he runs 250 trials, which are followed by a 120mx3 sprint.
“That is why we do over-the-cone runs. The 120m ensures that you maintain form even when you are tired because, after the 250m, you are tired but must maintain continuity,” Omanyala explained.
He has been training at Kasarani with his 4x100m relay teammates ahead of the Bahamas competition.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, he will always make time to see his physiotherapist, Philomena Minoo.