The latest ALTIS Podcast features Dr. Gareth Sandford and is hosted by Strength & Power Coach, Jason Hettler.

Gareth (along with Jason) was a member of our first Intern group in the Spring of 2014. Following his internship Gareth joined Athletics New Zealand as a Performance Physiologist and completed his PhD with Auckland University of Technology.

He is currently a Post-Doctoral Researcher and Performance Physiologist with the University of British Colombia and the Canadian Sport Institute - Pacific.

In this conversation Gareth and Jason cover many topics centered around Gareth's PhD dissertation, Applications of Anaerobic Speed Reserve to Elite 800m Running. From a 'big picture' perspective they cover topics such as asking the right questions and defining the relevant terminology. They then zoom-in on determinants of performance, categorizing athletes, and more.

The final third of the conversation centers around the application of Gareth's work beyond the 800m, particularly into team sport.

PODCAST TIME STAMPS

• 1:00 - Background Highlights
• 11:15 – Developing performance questions
• 15:45 – The complexity of middle distance
• 23:45 – Immersion within high performance environments around the World
• 25.50 – What is anaerobic speed reserve?
• 30:40 – Determinants of the sprint finish
• 34.05 – How does anaerobic speed reserve apply differently between genders and performance levels?
• 39.30 – Categorizing athletes – to better understand complexity
• 44:45 – Biomechanical components of the kick – the skill of running 'fast relaxed'
• 50:15 – What is speed?
• 54:25 – Outliers, cultural differences and making judgements on training approach
• 59:00 – Anaerobic speed reserve and team sport applications
• 66:50 – Individualizing based on biomechanical differences?
• 73:30 - Connecting science between coaches, research teams and stakeholders
• 78:30 – Future applications of anaerobic speed reserve principles
• 85:45 - Concluding Thoughts