The Physiology of Sprint Training (Part 1)

Hosts:Coach Donald: M.Ed Exercise Science, Owner of Global Human PerformanceCoach Tim: MBA, CPT, PES, FNSSummary:Coach Donald & Coach Tim take a deep dive into the physiology of sprint training, and discuss the what, when, why and how of high-intensity sprinting.Key Discussion Points:Coaching Moments:Cross country season re-cap and success storiesIn-gym highlightsDeep Dive:The Fitness-Speed Pipeline, and the ever-present argument about what comes firstMore is not always better, especially with high-intensity activitiesThe physiology of sprint training, sprint mechanics and plyometricsMotor learning, brain training and body positioningThe integration of strength training with sprint training.CNS fatigueStride rate & stride lengthCoaching challengesWebinar Pitch, Outro & FeedbackNoteworthy Moments/Quotes:2:10 - Coach Donald and Coach Tim share their most recent Coaching Moments and Performance Highlights.9:00 - Coach Donald discusses the Fitness-Speed Pipeline, and addresses some common misconceptions with the “fitness first” approach.16:02 - More myth-busting conversation about how more is not always better, especially with athletes training and competing on a very high level.19:48 - Coach Donald explains the physiology behind sprint training, including neural drive, motor unit recruitment, rate coding and coordination.25:56 - The coaches talk about tissue stiffness during sprinting, and explore tendon elasticity and the muscle-tendon interaction.30:33 - Ways to incorporate and apply plyometric training, as it relates to running economy.31:38 - Coach Donald talks about motor learning and how “brain training” is crucial for athletes, and the importance of doing drills and skill work with specific intent.36:02 - A chat about force application, quality of movement and body positioning.40:25 - Coach Donald brings things full circle, and explains why/how strength training integrates into sprint training.43:52 - CNS fatigue: what it is, things to look for and how to manage it.49:09 - Coach Donald summarizes the episode with stride rate and stride length.50:45 - The coaches explore how sprint training can benefit endurance athletes.54:45 - Coaching challenges with sprint training can include personalizing approaches in a group setting, knowing when to appropriately end a session and balancing being knowledgeable in biomechanics, physiology and environmental control.Resources Mentioned:Webinar: https://ghperformance.com/webinar/Website: https://ghperformance.com/Jack Daniels’ Running FormulaThe Mechanics of Sprinting & HurdlingJumping into PlyometricsActionable Takeaways:Sprint training can benefit every athlete, regardless of their respective sports.Sprint training is important to develop speed, power, posture and good biomechanics.Strength training and sprint training are very complementary.Stride rate and stride length are the two most important indicators of a runner's performance, whether they are sprinting or doing a distance event.Support the podcast by downloading Coach Donald’s Strength Training for Runners webinar!Next Episode Teaser:In Season 2: Episode 4, Coach Donald & Coach Tim continue their discussion on the Physiology of Sprint Training.