Sometimes we wonder if the effort expended in taking down useless icons of sport training, especially those in the "speed" world, are worthwhile. We often question if the end goal is worthy of the time put in to get there.
But that, of course, is what every sport is about anyway.
It would be easy to satisfy ourselves with just coaching our local athletes, giving them the very best science has to offer, and the heck with everyone else.
Why take the heat from other sites? Why bother explaining to those so ingrained in what they do that they no longer care if its right or wrong...as long as it's within their comfort zone, who cares?
Then, along comes an unsolicited email, such as the following:
Dear Mr Ross
This is just a note to thank you for your web site. I really enjoy your information articles and videos. I find your explanations clear and comprehensible. I am not a coach, merely an Masters athlete trying to do her best with all the available information. I am really my own research project, trying out training techniques and evaluating their success. I know for certain that the kinds of training that you say don’t work....certainly don’t (for me anyway) I spent two years on the regime of repeat 200’s with limited rest (to get strong and fit!!!!!!) only to get slower and slower.
I have read and understood ‘Secrets’ and am a member of ASR speed training. I have begun to feel my speed returning (more than feel...witnessed by the stop watch). Due to a nagging hip injury (sustaining while running repeats with a lack of necessary strength....I now know!!!!) I still have some way to go. But I am more than happy with my progress and I am looking forward to the season 2008-2009 (our outdoor season runs November-March...we don’t do indoors in Australia).
Again many thanks
Dorn Jenkins
Ps I did win my age group in the State Titles for the 100/200
I know that Ken feels the same way as I do. Certainly Ken deservers most of the credit for remarks we've received similar to Ms Jenkins in regards to this website; expecially for the tremendous amount of time and effort he spend to make his posts clear, scientifically based, and, most important, usable for any athlete.
Dorn Jenkins: Ken and I thank you and all the others who are willing to take a chance on the science of sport training rather than myths and urban legends!