There is a real and distinct difference on one hand and some real lessons to be learned on the other. It all depends how the “fitness” tests are used and how they are framed in the overall context of the annual and career plan. The goal is accurate feedback in a competitive environment of the physical qualities that could determine success in the game. Selection and timing of tests sen [...]

Here's an interesting read by JR Minkel of Scientific American:Researchers have prompted mice to grow whole muscles from a normally rare type of muscle fiber, yielding rodents capable of running harder and for longer stretches of time than their unaltered compeers. Such animals may help to determine the role of this poorly understood type of fiber and to identify drugs capable of counteracting [...]

Yes you are what you train to be, so the first mistake people make in training young runners or swimmers for that matter is to pile on the miles. Build that big aerobic base and get them real slow! It is preferable to start with good sound running mechanics and get them comfortable running fast. Then gradually build up their ability to carry that speed. That does mean to imply that it is an either [...]

Tracy Fober has some good posts on the mile run test for basketball and also frames in the context of the general lack of fitness in today’s kids. I do not believe in mile run, two mile run or Cooper tests as fitness tests for intermittent sprint or transition game athletes. First they send a message that to be successful in these sports is only about endurance. Training for endurance, which [...]

It was interesting to read an Interview with Lance Armstrong about his preparation for the New York Marathon. First I was struck with how haphazard his preparation was compared to his methodical preparation in cycling. On second thought it makes sense in that he is now a ‘retired’ athlete. What really jumps out is that this guy is all about competition. He competes in everything he doe [...]

Situated less than an hour from NYC, the area I live in is semi-rural, mainly mountainous, and full of impassable one lane roads. This morning on my commute to work (for a 5:30 am practice of all things) I got stuck behind someone on one of these one lane over the mountain roads. It was frustrating as it is the other 1-2 days of the week that it inevitably happens. While the roads are admittedly s [...]

I received this email from a friend of mine, Bob Helfst. It speaks volumes about things that used to be done and why we have the problems we have today.Watch old for those old farm guys! I spent most of the afternoon with my 70 year old father-in-law bailing, stacking and putting up the last cutting of hay from his fields. We stood on a wagon that swayed and shifted as it was pulled around the bu [...]

hey Carl what could i do to build work capacity and recovery btw my high int days besides tempo - i heard u had some great ideas.?Thanks for the first question. It's been a long time since I have posted on a blog so you will have to be patient. I will try to answer questions instead of ranting but I may vent some frustrations from time to time.Two key elements you stated you wish to improve on [...]

Doctors and Chiropractor are not trained in exercise. They have no idea how a healthy body responds to the various stimuli of training. I know you have to be careful when you paint with a broad brush stroke, but this is true in the vast majority of times. I have recently run into a situation where an athlete that I have helped over the past few years has had a flair up of chronic back problems. Th [...]

A friend of mine just sent me an article from his local paper. A former star runner, s a state champion in the 3200 meters died of Anorexia Nervosa. In the article it referred to anorexia as an eating disorder, unfortunately that just keeps perpetuating the myth. It is not an eating disorder; the eating or not eating is just a symptom of deeper psychological issues. It is an insidious disease. I h [...]