Today I discuss the defense of old school methods. I ask the questions where you there, are/were they successful for a long period of time, and does the "new school" training pass the smell test? Further, I talk about having an open mind goes both ways. Plenty of absolutes out in the world but those standards are hard to defend. I then circle back to talk about the questions I asked about the old school that should be equally applied to the new school as well. Join me as we go back in time back to the old school if you pay attention you might just realize some of those wrinkled faces have lots of wisdom to share.

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

If you are interested in the Sprinter's Compendium visit: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

Coach Kebba Tolbert is a record-breaking coach at the Division I and Ivy League level. It was an honor to speak to Kebba about his development as a coach. We discussed the unique opportunities and challenges of coaching young adults at such a prestigious academic institution like Harvard. We discussed how he has been influenced by great coaches like Tony Wells, Tony Veney, Dan Pfaff, Gary Winckler, and many others. As we discussed the training system Kebba shared with us his thoughts on Tempo, differentiating instruction, how he lays out his micro-cycles and nonnegotiables in his program design. He graced us with his thoughts and ideas on how to reduce injuries. As a college coach, he enlightened us on traditional gaps early on with athletes as they enter the university ranks. We pondered what coach Tolbert believes is areas he would like to still challenge himself and grow. Finally, we concluded our talk with where he sees himself as a man of color in our current struggles with equity, race, and health as a leader in the community. By far this was my most information-dense discussion with a master in his craft. Sit down and get ready to be enlightened.

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

To purchase the Sprinter's Compendium visit: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

I discuss methods and means to improve cross-training options for sprinters through injury or plan B, C, D, etc. I move on to talk about how to improve the holy grail of speed, Maximum Velocity. I talk about how to manage when athletes are sore and what must be done to not interrupt the growth of speed in the process. I talk about if endurance training has any place in a sprinter's plan. The answer is simple but I think it's important to listen to why I feel strongly about the subject. I finish my discussion discuss fasting, eating, dieting, and their effects on high-performance sprinting.

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

To learn more pick up the Sprinter's Compendium here: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

It was a pleasure to dive deep into the science of high speed. We did deep dives into research mistakes and strategies coaches to best make use of their time studying research. We discussed how it's possible to marry science and high-performance coaching. Dr. Clark educates us on commonalities and motor realities in research on limb velocity. He talks about what we want to see at maximum velocity and how some athletes create their own trap. He answers my question on how to develop proper posture and mechanics along with its unforeseen advantages. Ken humors us by dipping into the maximum velocity vs. acceleration debate. Dr. Clark introduces us to numerous other sports scientists we should further explore and ponders why we find him to be such a valuable source of knowledge in all things speed.

To Contact Dr. Ken Clark visit: https://www.kenclarkspeed.com/

Please Visit Our Sponsor Simplifaster: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

For the Sprinter's Compendium: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

In this week's bonus drop on the pod, we turn to Reddit for questions from their sprint community! We discuss building speed in many different forms and events. I give my unfiltered opinion on the Toe Drag technique during a sprint block start. Then we break down the mysticism behind drills and teach their real purpose in daily training planning for all athletes. We continue by taking on the questions of hand position during high-speed sprinting. Finally, we finish by helping an athlete identify and accept slowing times during periods of recoveries. 

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

Check out the Sprinter's Compendium here: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

Today we talk with recording-breaking coach and author Sean O'Connor. Sean has singlehandedly rewrote the Missouri distance records both in XC and track & field. Coach O'Connor and I discuss his influences that led to his path into coaching. He lays out his unique system of training that he developed from some of the biggest names in distance coaching like Dr. Daniels, Renato Canova, Arthur Lydiard, etc. Through this unique mixture, he came up with what he calls the "funnel." We talk about how to build long-lasting programming to create a unique opportunity to be equally competitive at both cross country and track. We discuss how to develop winning cultures, how to actually implement actionable sport psychology. He discusses the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and visualization. Coach O'Connor leads us into the importance of using mistakes as teachable moments and personal professional development. The path becomes our best teacher. 

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

To pick up Distance Training Simplified: https://www.amazon.com/Distance-Training-Simplified-Se%C3%A1n-OConnor/dp/1720504024

To contact Coach O'Connor

Email: [email protected]    Twitter: @LafayetteBoysXC

To pick up the Sprinter's Compendium: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

1. Have you read the book Born to run and if so thoughts?  

2. If you have read it, how do you think running sandals or minimalist shoes would translate on the track for shorter distance sprints as opposed to the long runs in the book?  Feel free to tag anyone that might have input.  

A. Purpose B. Injury prevention C. Implementation D. Caution E. Other things to consider as well  

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

For more check out the Sprinter's Compendium https://www.amazon.com/Sprinters-Compendium-Ryan-J-Banta/dp/1946208566/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

From across the ocean, we get to have a pleasant chat with Mike Hurst the godfather of the Concurrent System for sprint training. Which lines up nicely with the critical mass system discussed recently. His modular methods have produced World Class competitors for 40 years! He discusses the microcycles that are used in his unique program. We highlight the importance of plyometrics, running mechanics, and recovery within the concurrent system.  He runs the Fast Track 400m Facebook group. His system is uniquely his own allowing for athletes to be race-ready with greater frequency than most systems. Mike's "first" career was as a sports journalist that has allowed him to meet many great coaches from across the globe for decades. Mike is a fountain of practical wisdom and kindness which all coaches could benefit from emulating.

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

To purchase the Sprinter's Compendium Please visit: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

To join Coach Hurst's Fast Track 400 Group Visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1762428870638770/

I discuss the differences in three or e elite high school sprinters I have had the privilege to coach. I reflect on training methods, the difference in implementing that training, and what I have learned from coaching the trio of athletes. We look at their strengths and weakness along with the opportunities for other coaches to reflect on what I have learned to help the special sprinters they will coach.

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

For my book the Sprinter's Compendium here: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html or on Amazon

In episode 4 we talk with Latif Thomas. Coach Thomas is an elite speed and sprint coach! As the owner of Complete Track & Field, he has provided content and value to coaches around the world. We discuss his evolution from a young coach searching for knowledge to becoming one of the best educators for the sport on the planet. Coach discuss who or should I say what he would "fire." We discuss the importance of leaders in the field being willing to help one another academically and financially. In the realm of performance, we dive deep into what Latif feels is the most important thing he would train if give only one modality to work on for sprint training. We talk about weekly planning, blender workouts, and logistics before, during, and after practice. We close the conversation talking about being dads has taught us to be better coaches and what training has taught us in respect to parenting. 

For elite performance technology please visit: https://store.simplifaster.com/sku/83/

To pick up the Sprinter's Compendium visit: https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081803315.html

For more on Latif's camps, workout systems, combined, and training curriculum visit: https://www.completetrackandfield.com/