Training TechniqueWritten by Matt Russ
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•Work on only 2-3 aspects of technique per session. If you try to adjust too many things at once it is difficult to focus on performing them all correctly. Take just a few aspects of your stride, stroke, or spin and work on perfecting them. •Slow then fast. Take a motion or even part of a motion and perform it very slowly and correctly. Gradually bring up speed of motion until you are at your race pace. If at any point you perform it incorrectly, slow down again and repeat until you have it. •Work in base. As intensity increases it becomes harder to concentrate on form. If proper form is not unconscious at this point, it will be much harder to learn. The long slow base work outs are great for working on form. This is not to say you should only work on technique in base. You should work on technique and use drills year round. Base is simply best time to perfect your form so that you carry good technique into season, and it adds variety to your base work outs. •Get right equipment. If you are running in wrong shoe for your stride mechanics, or you are improperly fit on your bike, it will make it more difficult to have good form. Make sure you have right equipment and that it is adjusted correctly.Learning and using proper technique is "free speed." Often you can lower your energy usage and increase your speed without greater exertion. In fact, your exertion level may go down and your speed or power up. Proper technique is no less applicable to an amateur athlete than it is to a pro. In fact, amateurs can usually benefit most from technique instruction.
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
| | Why am I doing this; again?Written by Matt Russ
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If you are training mainly for joy of competing, you may wake up one morning and realize that it is no longer fun for you. If that is case, it is time to move on to something else, perhaps another sport, something new and interesting. This change in motivation is natural, and is not a result of deficient character, it is part of life. Endurance athletes are unique animals. The training takes more hours than most sports, and is usually solitary. Successful training for endurance sports requires you to train through all seasons, terrible weather, and early mornings when you would rather be in bed. Even pros make little money relative to other sports, and receive little recognition beyond endurance sport community. If fame, fortune, and adoration are your motivators you are in wrong sport. Endurance sports arguably require greater fortitude and discipline. Know what payoff is for your efforts, and you will be a more motivated, successful, and happy athlete.
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
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