All of the standard distance races including cross country are combined zone races. Combined zone means that energy needed for muscular contractions at race pace is derived from both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems in combination. Improvement in both the capacity and efficiency of these independent energy systems, and how they work in tandem,…
Training science, like all science, is about replication of procedure to attain the same data sets. Yet each runner is a unique person. Track coaches use sciences of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes in hopes of replicating data from person to person and season to season. This can be difficult in part because…
Track coaches use the disciplines of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes. This can be difficult in part because coaches usually work with large groups of athletes in their training group. The application of unique training and psychological stimuli within the training group is called individualization of training. To do this effectively is critical…
For me, an indoor and spring track coach, the indoor track season starts in 24 days. The pressure and excitement are starting to build. I feel very good about my preparation for the upcoming season, as well as the upgrades I’m making to my programs. (Except for the part where Vince Anderson said I had…
I need to hire some assistant coaches. Last season I had my ‘Michael Jordan’ moment. Despite the success of my sprints/hurdles/jumps group, I realized that I can’t get the results I’m after if I’m doing it all myself. As a student of the patterns of the universe, I simply looked at the best team in…