If you are in your first few years of distance running or looking to update your method of coaching then this presentation is sure to have something to offer you. Coach Brown presents his information standing in front of a white board with notes already prepared. This is the type of talk often presented to coaches clinics to start off the high school track and field season. One of the bonuses are several cut away shots of collegiate athletes performing the concepts as they are presented. With about 15 topics presented, this video is tailored to athletes and coaches who are primarily preparing for a 5,000 meter race performance, whether in cross country or on the track. The sections include topics such as a pyramid of fundamentals, sample workout cycle, circuit training, race strategy, males vs. females, nutrition, running logs, cross training, road racing, shoes, a word to the parents, and injuries.
21 minutes of this hour long presentation is focused on sample workouts and circuit training and is some of the strongest material presented. The two week cycle is broken down day for day with many examples of options to fulfill the need for longer intervals, shorter intervals, distance, slow/fast, and hills. The circuit training schedule includes 15 steps that is repeated for a workout that lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Coach Brown credits Owen Anderson from Running Research News for these drills that are used in lieu of weight training to aid the endurance and strength aspects of the pyramid that is presented right at the beginning to illustrate how all the pieces fit together.
Quotes from Coach Brown:
"A hard easy training cycle is the fastest way to get better."
"What is a race? It’s the best longer interval workout you can do. It’s basically 1 x 5,000 meters all out with no rest. That’s pretty good."
"You can’t win a 5,000 meter race in the first mile, but you can sure loose it. Run as evenly paced as you can. This is the best, simplest, and most effective race strategy that has proven itself through the ages."
The information here is solid, tested, and is sure to provide you a greater ability to reach your fullest potential if you are just starting out as a distance runner. This 2002 release was once made available through Championship Productions.com, however they discontinued VHS format tapes in the summer of 2007 taking this title out of print.
