How and When to Use Feedback with Athletes

It’s an interesting thing. Listen to coaches during games or in our case track meets. Most coaches confuse practice with competition in giving feedback. There is a basic premise in sports psychology regarding performance and feedback that goes something like this: practice is to learn, prefect, and get feedback to adjust what you do to [...]

Time off and Deconditioning

I’ve been writing this article for the past month and a half. Though I’ll base my answer in what the research says (as always); I’m also going to contribute anecdotal evidence to stimulate your thoughts and not to take everything hook-line-and-sinker just because a “researcher” says.

An interesting inquiry came in about losing conditioning and how [...]

Nike Ad – One You Gotta See

OK, sometimes retailers outdo themselves. Nike has a great new ad. I won’t spoil the fun for you see it for yourself on Coach Joe’s site. It’ll make your day. It’ll put a smile on your face.
Size 15????

A Little Press – Appreciated

I think it is especially fitting that I write this article since today marks 41 years (1968) since Amby Burfoot’s Boston Marathon victory – Patriot’s Day.
So, ya, I’ll say it… “Amby, thank you very much for the nice interview, the ink on page 64 of the May 2009 RW edition and our follow-up email exchanges.” [...]

The Hawthorne Effect and Running

Anyone who has taken courses in psychology, business or industrial psychology, etc. has come across this phenomenon called the Hawthorne Effect.
Here is a simple definition of the Hawthorne effect:
People singled out for a study of any kind may improve their performance or behavior, not because of any specific condition being tested, but simply because [...]

Summer Running Camp for Youth – Registration Now Open

It’s time to plan for a summer running camp! This will be physically and mentally rewarding; oh ya, and it’s going to be fun!
I am proud and excited to announce Elevate Running Camp, a running camp that I will co-direct with Coach David Allison of Marathon Coaching Consultants and Gateway Community College. It’s been in [...]