Vern Gambetta

“By using a training program involving a gradual adaptation to stress over a prolonged period of time, workouts consisting of both quality and quantity may be accomplished. However intensive training absolutely does not insure successful racing. The training merely makes successful racing possible. A runner must have the all-important factor of mental attitude, a will to win, a subconscious desire for victory, courage, tenacity, and a competitive “killer instinct” in order to achieve racing success.”  More wise words from Fred Wilt from the introduction to “How They Train – Half Mile to Six Mile” written in 1959. Take out the word runner and substitute athlete and this applies to any sport!

Vern Gambetta

To understand what good training is, you must separate fact from fiction and style and marketing claims from programs that have substance and produce consistent results. Along the same line of thought beware of false prophets of the bearing gifts. Nothing easily attained is ever worthwhile and nothing worthwhile is easily attained. There are no secret programs or shortcuts to athletic excellence. Great training programs focus on fundamentals and build on the basics. Good training is built upon empirical evidence and best practices that has stood the test of time. Adaptation takes time; the process is predictable based on the demands imposed on the body. Nothing exotic here, it is all very basic, if someone tells you otherwise, don’t listen. Take your time and stay on the functional path to the destination – optimum performance in the competitive arena.

Lest we forget talent is nothing more than potential. So many with talent never realize their potential because they are unwilling to do the work to turn the talent (potential) into performance. Many are called, but few will choose to take the difficult road to excellence.

– Vern Gambetta –

Let’s not overcomplicate this. You coach speed into the athlete by training speed at the appropriate time in the workout, using an appropriate method and dosage for the time of the training year. You train speed out by doing all sorts of general nonspecific work and slow ”base building” type of work, in short, emphasising volume. Remember you are what you train to be! To be fast you must train fast. When I hear a coach say I have not started speed work yet, I just smile, and I hope we can compete against those teams or individuals often. You train speed from the first day of training until the last. Remember the stimulus for speed is high-quality intense work. It does not take much to dull speed.

Vern Gambetta