Middle-distance running requires a unique interplay of aerobic and anaerobic energetics. Historically, however, research on the events has centered on the aerobic side. Physiologist Gareth Sandford has sought to correct that imbalance by looking in detail at anaerobic speed reserve. He joins this week’s GAINcast to discuss his work and look at how to profile athletes and develop individualized training for complex events.
As technology has become commonplace in training, more and more coaches understand how to use technology. But getting the most out of any technology requires more than that. It requires seamless integration with training. Dean Benton is a master of integrating technology in the training process. As our site theme this month is technology and sport, it is only appropriate to get the master’s take on how to combine the two.
Velocity-based training has been gaining traction over the last few years as the technology becomes more affordable. Many of the resources out there, however, keep discussing the same old approaches to VBT. Weightlifting coach Wil Fleming just published a new book on VBT based on his experience using it in a sport that is based around the barbell. On this week’s podcast we discuss some of the methods he has tried out and how they can be adapted to other sports.
Technology is a good thing, right? When we evaluate technology we tend to focus on the benefits: what it can add. But the paradox of technology is that it often has hidden costs we do not see up front. Determining whether technology is good or not can be harder than it looks.
Technology has changed the world and sport over the last few decades. It has helped sport make substantial progress in some areas, but also failed to live up to the hype in others. On this week’s episode we talk about how technology can best support coaching, and share examples of how to evaluate technology, best practices in using it, and more.
Lots of people write about common myths or the core principles of training. But it’s easy to find what always works and always doesn’t. What about the half truths of training? What about the statements that hold some water until you take them too far? On this week’s podcast we share some of the half truths we encounter in training and how to navigate them.
The GAIN Master Class Series has been going strong the last six months and we want to give you a taste of what it’s about. Our latest event last week looked at reconsidering periodization, including a top panel discussion with leading practitioners. On this week’s episode of the GAINcast, we share highlights from the panel discussion, as well as an interview with Professor Keith Baar, our next Master Class presenter.
The site theme in October is rethinking periodization, culminating in this week’s GAIN Master Class event on the topic hosted by Vern and Martin. Below are even more new resources on the topic that we published throughout the month, including the topic content from our articles on periodization.
What happens when a top sprint coach takes a hammer thrower into his training group? PJ Vazel has coached some of world’s best sprinters but more recently is known for his work in guiding Quentin Bigot to a silver medal in the hammer throw. On this week’s podcast he discusses the parallels between the events and what he learned from transitioning between them.
Recently Track and Field News announced their top high school athletes of 2020. Traditionally the publication names an athlete of the year across all events, which hammer throwers Rudy Winkler and Walter Henning both have both previously won. Given the abbreviated nature of the 2020 season, they instead named a most valuable performer this year. A panel of experts voted amongst 5 boys who produced performances that made the all-time top 10 lists, including hammer throw Trey Knight (Ridgefield, WA). Knight came out on top.
