Elitetrack: Sport Training & Conditioning

Hey Guys, Jamie here

I’ve been running track for about 5 years now, got serious about it around 3 years ago and mainly competed in the 400, also did a lot of 200’s and some 1’s.

I have always wanted to try the decathlon, and seeing as I’m still young I taught this would be the best time to give it a go.
Also I have never tried any of the other events in the Dec besides the 100 and 400!

The thing is, where I am based there are zero coaches who specialize in decathlon, or any sort of multi event. So I’m wondering where to start and where I could get a program to follow? I’ve looked about on the net quite a bit on sites like brian mac and decathlon2000 but I’ve not been able to find anyone i can chat to!

So could anyone help me out?

Here’s some stats of mine and results of some recent testing I did

age - 21
height - 5’10”
weight - 75/76kg

Person bests
60 - 7.19
100 - 11.07
200 - 22.49
400 - 49.55

Testing Results
Overhead 7kg shot throw - 12.04m
standing LJ - 2.71m
standing TJ - 7.42m
12 stride LJ - 5.83m

Where are you based?

Advice:

1. Check out the training journal section.My Journal (Washed up Decathlete) is a pretty solid example for someone to follow who is coach (qualified observer), facility, or time challenged. Eric Broadbent’s Journal - is a good example for someone who doesn’t have those same limitations.  My program is built on a lot of the things that Mike does with Eric.
2. See if Mike Young will take you on as a client and help you with your program design, and he can even do video coaching. 
3. Start fooling around with other events - IE - at least 1x per week just go out and practice SP, Discus, Javelin, Hurdles. Just be athletic/aggressive and you can make big gains here.  Yes, form is critical - but early development as a decathlete will not be contingent on flawless mechanics.
4. PV and HJ - These need real coaching observation.  For PV - the best bang for your buck will be going to some sort of PV camp.  Get on google, there are tons of options.
5. Lifts - What are they currently?  I’d spend some time in the weight room and not be afraid to gain a little weight.  At your height, you can easily handle another 5kg of muscle.

I’m in Dublin, Ireland. Our multi’s are not very strong at all, you’re talking high 3000 to win the national champs!

Yeah I’ve been skimming over some of the training journals, though ill take some time with them now. Excuse my ignorance, who is Mike Young? Is he on the forum?

I bought a pair of throwing shoes a couple weeks ago so I’ve been doing a bit of fooling around in the circles after track sessions. Luckily I know a good pole vault coach and I’ve already got a few sessions done with some vaulters so Ill stick with them.

It’s been a while since I’ve lifted due to some injuries, my bests: Full clean 90kg, Full snatch 65kg, Front squat 100kg Back squat 137.5kg. My power lifts need some improvement

JamieDavis - 10 October 2010 05:33 PM

I’m in Dublin, Ireland. Our multi’s are not very strong at all, you’re talking high 3000 to win the national champs!

Yeah I’ve been skimming over some of the training journals, though ill take some time with them now. Excuse my ignorance, who is Mike Young? Is he on the forum?

I bought a pair of throwing shoes a couple weeks ago so I’ve been doing a bit of fooling around in the circles after track sessions. Luckily I know a good pole vault coach and I’ve already got a few sessions done with some vaulters so Ill stick with them.

It’s been a while since I’ve lifted due to some injuries, my bests: Full clean 90kg, Full snatch 65kg, Front squat 100kg Back squat 137.5kg. My power lifts need some improvement

Mike Young owns Elitetrack.com and HPC.  You can contact him through hpcsport.com

Hey Matt-
Thanks for the referral.

Jamie-
Welcome to the boards. Training for the decathlon without any experience in the technical events is pretty tough at your age. It can be done though. You can see the general training outline of one of my multi-eventers in Eric Broadbent’s training journal. If I can help let me know.

On a side note, high 3000 points to win the national champs! I’m considering changing my nationality and coming out of retirement.