Building a Better Runner by RunningDVDs .com
January 5, 2008 by Jimson Lee
Introduction
I’ve reviewed my fair share of training videos in the past and was very happy to see this DVD didn’t focus on selling a gadget, or belong to the “answer to success is core stability” camp. Visions of Paul Chek come to mind.
I’m a big fan of going back to basics and keeping things simple, especially using your own body weight, medicine ball, stairs, or training partner for resistance. I do believe in using props, such as towing a light weight depending on the season.
This DVD also includes iPod ready MPEG-4 files (*.m4v) and Windows Media (*.wmv) format, so you can drag and drop them onto your personal video and music device! I don’t know an athlete who does NOT have an iPod! Plus, it contains handouts in PDF of all the exercises which you can bring to the track or distribute to your athletes.
Who are These Guys?
Jay Johnson is the middle distance coach at the University of Colorado and Mike Smith is the head cross country coach and middle distance coach at Kansas State University. Jay produced and edited the DVD content while Mike provided the “recipe” of various preventive strategies, general strength strategies and ground contact strategies. All of the subjects in the video are current or former Kansas State University athletes.
As you may remember from my review of the USATF National Podium Education Project, they spent significant time and research money studying ground contact times.
When we think of the amount of time an athlete’s foot spends on the ground, we immediately think of sprinters. However, they have advocated for several years that distance coaches should focus on this area to improve performance as well. Why should we limit the physics to sprinters only?
What’s in the DVD?
The DVD is divided into 4 parts.
The first part discusses the rationale for preventive exercise, general strength, and the tempo warm-up.
The 2nd section goes in detail for preventative strategies, focusing on 6 key areas: Balance, Lower Leg, Patella Tendon, Hamstring & Hip
The 3rd part gives 6 different general strength routines, which can be adapted to each individual athlete.
The last part is the Bonus Features section, which I liked as I always enjoy unrehearsed interviews of athletes, but not immediately after winning a race.
If there is one lesson to take home, that is to to incorporate some or all of these exercises slowly into your routine. It might be easier for younger or Junior Development athletes, while seasoned veterans may have some “questionable opinions” with some of the newer routines.
Where to Buy
More information can be found at RunningDVDs.com and you can purchase it directly from www.createspace.com.
The price is $34.95 USD but Speedendurance.com readers can use the coupon code NZXTXYFS for 20% off! That’s $7 dollars off the list price:
Speedendurance.com coupon code: NZXTXYFS
If you are looking to get stronger, stay healthy and run faster, this DVD is a great addition to your collection. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent review completely of my own opinion and is not influenced by anyone. This is not an affiliate link: I do not make a commission on this product.
If you’re interested in having your product reviewed, please contact me.
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Interviews, speed, Success, Training, Videos
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