Alabama Runners announcing a new series looking at coaching philosophy and training programs

Great distance runners do not simply fall from the sky.  Powerhouse teams don't just happen.  Winning doesn't happen without hours of training and months of hard work.   These things take time to build.  While it is easy to recognize athletes for their outstanding performances and teams for their success, what usually goes unnoticed is the training program and philosophy which prepared them to perform better than everyone else.  In our instant-gratification minded society we usually see those who succeed and want to emulate their workouts or adopt their regimen.  We fail to recognize the progression of training which got them to the top.  There is no secret workout scheme to follow.  There isn't a magical number of miles to be run in order to attain greatness.  There is no substitution for good, old-fashioned hard work.  In a world where immediate results and feedback are expected, distance runners especially must remain patient because as legendary Oregon coach Bill Dellinger said, "Good things come slow - especially in distance running."  Great distance runners develop over time and powerhouse teams are built piece by piece, year by year.  
 
In the articles to come, I will take an in depth look at training programs and philosophies of successful teams from across the state and from across the nation.  I have asked specific questions regarding the aspects of training design, training theory, psychology, motivation and inspiration.  I have been fortunate to get overwhelming responses from high school coaches who have had success at major meets like NXN or Penn Relays and obviously state championship meets.  College coaches with impressive resumes have also added their thoughts to some of the topics.   Instead of just acknowledging these coaches for having a successful athlete or two, I hope to identify the development of the athletes and programs we all recognize and respect.  I hope it can be a resource for all students of distance running.
 
Michael Zelwak
 
 
 
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