2012 Highlights

I was very fortunate to have many great opportunities to learn and share ideas in the past year. My top three experiences for 2012 were:

#1 – GAIN V Houston Texas June 12 to June 17 at Rice University. This was the fifth year for the GAIN Apprentorship program. It was by far the best. Terrific interaction and sharing of ideas among true professionals, the network aspect of this is really coming together.

#2 – Global Coaching House in London during the Olympic games. This was a place to gather and listen to presentations and share experiences with coaches from around the world. Just the opportunity to interact day to day with coaches like Frank Dick and Bill Sweetenham was an experience of a lifetime. The Olympic atmosphere also helped to elevate the event; it was special, one of the best learning experiences of my career.

#3 – Visit to University of Oregon in November. My good friend and colleague Jim Radcliffe, head Strength & Conditioning coach at Oregon, brought me in to do staff development with the S&C staff and the athletic trainers. This hands down is one of the best strength & conditioning programs I have seen in all my travels and all my years. They train athletes. It was as experience to be totally immersed in the program including the game day experience. One big reason Oregon plays the way they pay is because of the way they train.

Sporting Highlights

#1 – Aston Eaton’s world record in the decathlon in atrocious conditions at the US Olympic Trails. This kid is special. I got to watch him train when I was at Oregon in November. His coach Harry Marra has done a great job and there is more to come. He has redefined the event.

#2 – David Rudisha’s world record in the 800 meters at the Olympic games. What a spectacular run from the front and in the pressure of the Olympic games. This guy is poetry in motion.