Speed is a common theme in our discussions on training. If you have listened to a few episodes you will continually hear us talking about how the effectiveness of maximal strength method is generally overestimated. In fact our second episode was about the advantages of submaximal training. But why does fast training work so well? Read more
A common approach to strength training is to assess an athlete’s weaknesses and focus training on those points. This makes sense at some level, but it also ignores an important variable in training: the athlete’s individual strengths. It would be nice if training were a simple formula: lift X pounds, sprint Y fast, and jump Z high will equal a certain performance. But training isn’t like that. There are many ways to the same level of performance and an athlete’s strengths will most likely be what bring them to the next level. Weaknesses are important, but so are the strengths. Read more
Derek Evely joined the Pacey Performance Podcast today to discuss a variety of topics regarding training, coaching his experience, and of course Bondarchuk. Rob Pacey is an up and coming UK-based strength coach that puts together some great interviews. Check out the podcast if you get a chance. You can listen to the complete episode below. Read more
Velocity-based training has been a buzz word in training circles recently as devices to measure velocity becomes cheaper and easier to use. Nick and I are often skeptics with regards to new technology, but there are some real lessons to learn when the technology relates to one of sport’s most important elements: speed. We have both started implementing velocity measurements in our training and seen some fast benefits. Read more
Football season is starting and that means coaches around the country are working hard to toughen up their athletes. By giving them grueling workouts in the summer sun the idea is that they will grow mentally strong. Unfortunately it isn’t that easy. On this week’s podcast Olympic finalist and fellow HMMR Media author Kibwé Johnson joins us to discuss the topic of mental toughness. Read more
For this week’s episode we wanted to change the pace a little and let our listeners get to know a little bit more about us. Nick and I discuss some of the things that make us tick outside of training and coaching like Nascar, BBQ, and even tax law. And, of course, we also find a way to connect those things back to coaching. Read more
The World Championships started on Saturday, meaning that the offseason is near for elite athletes. But for the rest of us the offseason is already underway. I frequently get questions on what to do during the offseason. Should you be working on building a base of strength? Refining technique? Getting in reps of throws? Building aerobic endurance and work capacity? On this week’s episode of the HMMR Media Podcast Nick and I take a look at some factors to consider when setting up an offseason training plan. Read more
Ten days ago I showed up for the Swiss Championships. As the six-time defending champion the meet should have been a walk in the park. Instead I threw 45.23 meters. No, that isn’t a typo . . . here’s the proof. It was my worst result since I was 18 years old and because of it I guess I’ll have to start calling myself the former Swiss national champion. Read more
You might have notice this episode arrived a week early. With some extra time over the summer Nick and I decided to try doing the podcasts on a weekly basis until we run out of time or ideas (whatever comes first). Read more
Looking back on this site, I can’t believe I have never covered the topic of the so called “work-life balance.” In interviews I am often asked how I balance everything I do, but I have never sat down to write about it. Part of the reason is that I am hardly alone. Just as I do, Nick also works, coaches, trains, contributes to this site, and devotes a lot of time to family. Unless you are top 10 in the world, this is the life of a modern thrower. Another reason I have not written about it is that there are many others that do it better than I do. One of those people is Kevin McMahon. McMahon was a two-time Olympian and top American thrower for more than a decade despite working a full-time job, coaching, and being married. We invited him on this week’s podcast to discuss his experiences in finding the right balance, priorities, as well as some of the advantages that we all have noticed can come from this balancing act. Read more
