I Am Not a Role Model
By Athletes' Acceleration | November 9th, 2007
Since releasing my interview with Barry Ross earlier in
the week I’ve been reminded of this 1993 Nike commercial
featuring Charles Barkley.
Why?
Because I’ve gotten a few emails from both subscribers and
customers who were confused at the apparent contradiction
between my ‘philosophy’ on training speed and Barry’s
seemingly contradictory ideas on the subject.
*******************************************
If you missed that 80+ minute interview, click here:
http://tinyurl.com/23dxzl
*******************************************
The purpose, ultimately, of Athletes’ Acceleration is to
help athletes.
As a high school athlete, as well as an athletic
scholarship athlete at the collegiate level, I never felt
as though my coaches had or took the time to learn how
to maximize my potential, despite my glaring deficiencies.
And back then there was no internet or Athletes’
Acceleration to use as a resource to help myself.
So I’ve made it my mission to educate coaches and parents
by providing information and resources to ensure
that athletes are using safe, modern and effective training
techniques.
As a coach, I’ve been successful. So you should listen to
what I say. And you should emulate what I do. Because your
athletes will get faster.
That’s why we made Complete Speed Training, why it’s by far
our best selling program, why it gets the fewest returns
and the best reviews despite being one of the most
expensive programs on the market.
It’s like this:
There are a lot of coaches whose information I really like.
But none whose philosophy I use entirely. I read their
info, throw it against the wall, see what sticks and take what I like.
Does that take away from any particular coach or dilute
the value of what I spent on their program? Nope.
What you should do is use Complete Speed Training as the
foundation of your system.
http://www.CompleteSpeedTraining.com
Use what works for you. Don’t use what doesn’t work for you.
Because not everyone agrees with everything I say.
Patrick Beith doesn’t. Brian Grasso doesn’t. Lee Taft
doesn’t. Rhadi Ferguson doesn’t. Barry Ross doesn’t.
Does that take away from my ’status’ as a coach? Does it
make them respect me less or apply my ideas less often
because sometimes they don’t agree?
Nope.
In fact, if any of those guys agreed with everthing I said,
I’d question their commitment to being a better coach.
Patrick and I argue about everything all the time. Sometimes
just for the sake of forcing the other to justify their
beliefs with facts and science. And often when we actually
agree on the point being argued.
That’s how you get better as a coach.
Do I agree with everything Barry Ross says? Not even close.
But I like his information. And I’m not so arrogant as to
dismiss it because it’s controversial or makes me
uncomfortable.
Unless I test it out - throw it against the wall and see
what sticks - I have no right to say he’s wrong.
I’m simply providing you with an alternative view point
to listen to, think about, test out and form your own
opinion.
Let me give you 2 specific example of an emails I got which
only serves to highlight all the points I’ve made so far:
___
“money money money you endorse both sides of the fence?
what should i do with complete speed training? etc. i
didn’t think you guys would sell out for the dollar!”
John K.
First, let me say this. If my goal was simply to make money,
i.e., ’sell out for the dollar’ then I wouldn’t be promoting
a $37 product. After expenses, we take in very little per
book since Barry Ross gets most of each sale.
And how many businesses would actually acknowledge they got
these emails if they were just money hungry? None.
It’s called keeping it real. And that’s what I do both
online and off.
Now, what you should do with Complete Speed Training is
continue to use it. Once you are truly comfortable with it,
you can add, modify, change and improve things based on
your individual situation by adding further information
to your knowledge base.
I never said ‘Stop everything and do everything Barry says.’
But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t provide you with
every resource and viewpoint possible to form your own
opinions.
In fact, I never even gave my opinion. I just asked Barry
questions and clarified points. The best coaches can argue
from multiple points of view.
Next complaint…
“How does promotion of this program conflict with your own
program? I spent a lot of $$ ordering your “Complete
Speed Training” DVD’s and now it seems like you are
promoting the Underground System of Barry Ross which
seems to say to throw much of your stuff out the window.
I am interested in his program and feel that if it works,
it would be good for high school sprinters, but don’t
want to spend money again just to have it wasted because
a “new and improved” system shows up.
How do you respond to this?”
(Name Withheld)
I respond like I did previously. We live in a Universe of
balance. We can’t expect to evolve by just taking, taking,
taking and never giving.
The best coaches are willing to spend some money to learn
more. You can’t just expect experienced coaches to give
you their best information because you want it and then
get mad because you have to pay. Because that’s not a
balanced transaction. It’s not an equal exchange of value.
In the beginning you can just regurgitate what a reputable
coach says and does. But if you’re getting better, you’re
going to form your own opinions. And that requires, at
some point, obtaining information across a wider spectrum
of opinions.
So yes, Barry’s stuff goes against much of what I say.
And I still do what I do like I always do it, just a little better each year.
But what would you have me do?
Blow smoke up your ass?
Maybe if I was all about the money I would. Because
common sense would say to only promote my $197 program
and not a bunch of $40 programs.
But I’m trying to make you a better coach by giving you
access to a wide array of information so you can form your
own opinion and go from there.
Even if it doesn’t make me the most money.
At the end of the day people will still base their system
on Complete Speed Training because it’s the best way to
train athletes and make them faster.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to other
peoples’ theories and opinions and form your own opinion.
Athletes’ Acceleration gives away more free information
in the form of articles, interviews and newsletters than
any other athletic development site I’ve ever seen.
It’s to help you help your athletes. And you should listen
to what I say and do what I do because it works.
But at the end of the day you have to form your own
opinions because…
I Am Not a Role Model
In speed,
Latif Thomas
P.S. What do you think? Respond below.
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This entry was posted on Friday, November 9th, 2007 at 9:39 am and is filed under Speed Training . You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
November 9th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Latif,
I absolutely agree with your comments. I have read and taken a lot from your ideas and program. Your program is proven and is extrememly successful and i think it is highly commendable that you took the time to interview and endorse views that clearly are not your own. For anyone to disregard your products and programs after what you did is just ridiculous. Barry’s workouts are out of the norm, and as a 400 runner i was shocked to hear his thoughts on 400 meter training. The bottom line is, there are many ways to train an athlete and new ideas and methods should not be ridiculed, but understood and appreciated. You damn right you aren’t a role model, but you are a man that has single handidly changed the way “lame”, “senseless” coaches train there athletes. Congrat s on a great product, site and program. Continue to be the best at what you do.
In Speed,
TR400
November 9th, 2007 at 10:46 am
I think everyone has to come up with their own “best” way of doing things. Taking ideas from you, Patrick, Barry, or whoever is just going to make your own program better, Training your own athletes, with your own style, that can be replicated by you. When you get down to it, I’m training my athletes, not you or anyone else. But ideas from others help shape my program and what I do.
Keep up the good work,
Pete Koeniges
November 9th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Latif,
I have purchased both your Complete Speed Training DVD and work plus Barry Ross’ E-book.
It is very simple. you use heinformation that is applicable to your situation!
I use what I need since my work is primarily on a soccer field.
Your Complete Speed Training product is worth every penny.
As I say you need to put everything into perspective.
Mike Grafstein
B.Ph.Ed,CAT(c),CSCS,YCS,MT
November 9th, 2007 at 11:22 am
“But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t provide you with every resource and viewpoint possible to form your own
opinions.”
Th eproblem I have is not being able to fully discern which information you send to me is valid. This is confusing and befuddling. Perrovide me with information that builds upon your basic philosophy not contrary to it. Why should I buy a $40 dollar book to find out that it doesn’t work!!!!
It might make sense to you but not me..
In college, I ran for class president; however, I did not vote for my self because I thought it was unscruples I( can identify with your philosophy of showing all sides of the coin). The elecction ended in a draw. Fiends told me if I didn’t think of myself as the best candidate that I shouldn’t run in the next election. On the second vote I won by 2 votes .
I really don’t need a product which doesn’t think it is the best!!!! I suggest that you should be more disceerning what you implicitly endorse by sending it to my house. if you need to improve those who you are mentoring (cusomers) input your opinion upfront?????
I plesd for understanding so I don’t soend monies foolishly ( something that won’t work)
I believe that there are many techniques that are an enhancement to your baseline program. How about endorrsing them.
You mentioned other publishers. Could I get you evaluate them (percentage) of how much you endorse of their program and specifically identify what is helpful in their product that enhances your product .
I believe that many of your clients naively endorse any product if you associate youself with. Be our mentor (I plan to menter when I retire; however, I don’t believe that I would expose people to misinformation . If I did then upfront I would say why it didn’t work) with this said, can you understand how deeply I rely on your expertise.
You are my ROLE MODEL whether you like it or not (Mr. Barkley) if I did not think that you would be protect my naivetyI would I spend that much moneyfor your product???
Be a Mentor to me not a publisher!!!!!.
November 9th, 2007 at 11:24 am
I’m a recent CST customer, and I really “get” what you’re saying. I even admire you to be so open minded about Barry’s book, a competitor you might say. I bought his book because of your interview with him. I’m about half way through it and it’s a great read.
But I have to admit, at first I had the same reflex that some people had I suppose : “Why did I bought a 200$ package?” But it’s not about that. It’s about learning and understanding new techniques, new thinking and using what works best for you to achieve your goal.
I will surly incorporate some of Barry’s technique into my CST and not the other way around.
Keep up the good work
Frank
November 9th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Latif,
There is more than one way to skin a cat - apologies to any feline lovers out there. It is possible to get results from different approaches, and it is greatly to your credit to acknowledge the value in other people’s ideas.
As an ageing track warrior (when not injured) i was intrigued by the ideas in your interview with Barry Ross. I bought the e-book.
The ideas appeal because it seems that they minimise the strain necessary on my ageing frame whilst improving my performance.
My disappointment witth the book is this - the interview covered Barry’s minimalist approach for gym and track training, but the book only covered the gym work. I will try his approach in the gym, but what should I do on the track to complement it? I don’t know because the book doesn’t say.
Can anyone point me to the information, or do I simply have to glean what I can from the interview?
Neil
November 9th, 2007 at 11:53 am
I absolutely agree with all your comments on trainning. I’ve reviewed a great deal of trainning ideas and info from amny different trainners and coaches I throw them against the wall and see what stick and work best. I don’t think there is just one program that has all the answers, I think you need a combination. You just can’t do the same thing over and over if you want to avoid the plateau effect. Your program provides a great base and work well. I think each speed coach has a duty to add and expand on your program so that the athlete can reach their max potienal. It would not be a wise move to dismiss every idea without testing it to find as we say “what sticks” . There will always be continueous growth and developement. and taken a lot from your ideas and program.
November 9th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Latif,
I was the one who had (Name Withheld) because I didn’t know I was supposed to sign at the end, I thought it was taken from the “Name”. I was asking my question because I felt that you were endorsing Barry’s system. I really like, use and value your complete speed training DVD’s (well worth the money), but I can see a real advantage to Barry’s system if it works for certain of my kids. I guess I mostly wanted your opinion about his program, book, etc. since I value your input and use your work. I truly appreciate your website, e-newsletters, blogs and all the information you provide; and no I don’t want you to “blow smoke up my a$$”. I understand that coaches need (and will) to take what works for them and use it and that there should be a trade-off which is what I think you blog provides in many ways. I did not mean to imply that you are promoting “any new thing that comes along”, but it seemed like you were/are promoting Barry’s work. I really just want your input about his training, research and program.
Thanks & keep up the GREAT work,
Dan Thompson
November 9th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Thanks for the input so far everyone. I wasn’t sure if I was going to get put on blast or if people would agree.
I’m glad to see mostly the latter!
But I will briefly respond to the dissenters.
James Wallace: As was mentioned, there is more than one way to skin a cat.
But in a nutshell this is my opinion:
CST should be the foundation of all programs. I agree with everything in it.
The other products on this site serve as great supplements to CST, but are not ‘complete’ programs in and of themselves.
Barry’s book is no different.
But my goal is to disseminate information, not turn people into Latif Thomas as much as that would entertain me and horrify Patrick.
I will certainly consider being more forthright on my opinion on resources I promote. But if I mention it or sell it, then I find it to be something you should consider purchasing.
I agree with much of what Barry says and incorporate pieces of it into my specific situations.
But I will continue to teach speed drills, do fully dynamic warmups, general strength and conditioning, squat, run middle intensity lactic acid workouts for all athletes other than 55-200m runners, etc.
The principles in CST apply. But to what degree depends on individual situations.
Nothing I have done is misinformation…and I wouldn’t ever have considered not voting for myself in an election I was running in. I wouldn’t run if I didn’t think I was the best just like I wouldn’t mention other peoples’ products if I didn’t have the confidence that comes from knowing Complete Speed Training is the best.
Neil Moore: In the later interviews Barry talks about the algorhythm program he has which dictates volume and intensity of on track workouts. I believe the website is: http://www.asrspeed.com
Here is an article that talks a bit more about the track stuff:
http://tinyurl.com/2972f6
Dan Thompson: I had your name just didn’t use it because I went off on a tangent. Here is where I like what Barry says - He is a minimalist. For example, this winter I’ll be in charge of between 40-50 HS sprinters by myself. Now if it was 10 sprinters, I could be a lot more in depth and detailed. But with that many, economy of time is critical. So I have to scale some things back. For example, since I’m taking a new program I probably won’t teach cleans. Just don’t have time to put that in the program with all that needs to be done. Does that mean coaches shouldn’t know how to teach cleans? No that would be unacceptable. So if nothing else, Barry’s philosophy has me saying ‘OK what am I doing that may be extraneous? What can I combine or eliminate and still get the results I am looking for?’
I can’t do it without CST. And I may not have time to use everything in CST. But I damn sure better know enough to know WHY I choose to use or not use a particular set of information for a particular situation.
That’s how programs evolve. A $40 book does not make a system. It’s a piece of the puzzle. And I would much rather have the tools in the tool box to use at my discretion than not even know that I don’t know what my options are.
Make sense?
-Latif Thomas
November 9th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
I like the Complete Speed Training stuff. I like Barry Ross’ stuff. I like Clyde Hart’s stuff. I really like InnoSport’s stuff. All of the aforementioned “systems” are good, sound programs. However, everything that is good is not good for everybody. The kid that cannot handle the sheer volume of work in Clyde Hart’s program may thrive in the minimalist environment that Barry Ross promotes. But at the same time the 6′5″ kid with the 37″+ inseam may have a hard time with the deadlifting, hence we may have to insert some of the InnoSport stuff for him. See my point? It all depends on the individual kid. Too many times we adhere to one theory. A couple of kids thrive, but most just hang in there, and some fail miserably. Often times they are not just simply worse athletes. To the contrary, they simply were not put in an environment were THEY could reach THEIR potential. This is where the different programs and the mixing and matching of all of them comes in at. Each kid is an individual and has individual strengths and weaknesses that can be addressed via different training concepts that are tailored to what he/she needs. The aforementioned systems? They all work for somebody. However, I must say my experience has told me that 95% of the time “step over, drive down” stays. Particularly with young kids. Thanks.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Maurice
Fantastic post.
-LT
November 9th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I have been a soccer and Lacrosse coach for over 25 years and I am one of the few coaches that I know that cares about how to train my players for speed and agility. My primary concern is to keep them healthy and help them grow as athletes. 90% of my athletes are multi-spot athletes. Only the rare few go for extra speed/ agilty training so that leaves it to me !!!
Before Complete Speed training I lived by the next article I found and had to test it on my “ginuea pig athletes” I prefer to find things that are proven and go with what works… I now have a “complete” resource on speed training. It gave me Warm ups that work, Dynamic stretches tha work, and the ability to show athletes what it looks like to run correctly by showing them the videos not just me doing it.
I love that you share differing view points! I would rather have an Expert like you looking and questioning alternate Ideas than me using my athletes to “test” things. For $37 bucks it was worth it for me to buy his book and read about how he trains his athletes. By the way it is $2 bucks cheaper through you than his website… thanks!
You may not be a role model… but your williness to share conflicting viewpoints makes you a role model to me!
Thanks
Yours in increasing speed
Bill Entwistle
November 9th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
I think you guys do a great job of arming your clients with good unbiased information that can really be an asset to any coach looking to do all they can to help develop their atheletes.The different points of veiw,to me, Barry’s approach seems to be more for linear(track) based and it makes sense that it would work for some atheletes.CST is a comprehensive program(speed and power) covering a wider range of sports.Different atheletes respond to different methods of training.I thank you for providing us with not just your proffesional knowledge but also that of some other really good coaches.There’s no other way I personally would have access to this much quality coaching knowledege.Thank you and keep doing what you do.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Dear Latif:
I just wanted to make a response to feedback regarding your interview with Barry Ross. First off, I wanted to compliment you and your associates for sharing “new” ideas regarding maximizing speed for athletes for all ages.
I believe that your CST program is on the right track (No pun intended). I coach kids in soccer, baseball and track. I believe that your program is excellant training for kids 8 - 18 years old. The CST program is worth at least four times its value. In essence, it should be the core training program for training athletes. in any running sport.
In reviewing Barry Ross’ program, I am not convinced that his training methods are cutting edge. In fact, with respect to his suggestions on track training, I would like to suggest that his perspective is somewhat dubious at best. He is known for helping to train A. Felix, when she was in High School with respect to “Weight Room” exercises/training. However, what A. Felix’ track training actually was probably more that a 15 minute walk.
In researching some of Barry Ross’ critics, I have found plenty of discontented athletes who were disiilusioned with his program. In particular, one athelete stated that Barry Ross’ techinques almost cause his hamstring to “blow out”
That being said, I believe that there are some practical applications that Barry Ross is on target with: First, the importance that a good sprinter has to have very strong legs. I am not talking about bodybuilder legs, but rather power lifting ability. For example, A. Felix was purportedly able to leg press 700lbs in high school. If you look at her physique, you would wonder where her “power” came from. However, time after time, the fastest sprinters have incredible leg strength (and flexibility). Toward that goal, deadlifts are very effective in builiding torso and leg strength. I am not convinced that power lifting, especially during the running season is effective. There’s a difference between strength training and power lifting.
The seoond aspect of barry Ross’ book that is applicable is the importance of not overtraining. This concept is one of the core aspects of CST. Although, I believe that Ross’ minimalist approach has its downsides, it does have merit in the importance allowing the athlete to rest properly.
Like to hear more of your thoughts on the subject. Thanks for keeping current, and for all of your ocntributions and the CST program.
Very Truly Yours,
Leo Alberigi