Next week we will use HD cameras in slow-mo to really analyze my starts. The good, the bad, the ugly; you can count on Coach Rad to let me know where I need work! Consider subscribing if you want to see that vid next week!!
The sprint start is one of the most powerful athletic movements but can feel unnatural for those who have not practiced it :) You have phenomenal natural speed so once you master the start and drive phase you are going to crush the 100 meters! One thing to note for outdoor meets in hot weather when the track has been in the sun some time - the track can be scorching and will not only be uncomfortable for the hands but also the rear knee in the "runners take your mark" position. It could be useful to have a cup of water nearby to pour on the contact points prior to getting in the blocks to avoid getting burnt.
As a young track and cross country runner, this video was so helpful. I really started to notice some things that I wasn't doing correctly when I would get out of the block for the 100 meter. What a helpful and entertaining video. Thanks Nick!
This was great! Love seeing you transition from the mid-distance mindset to a 100 sprinter. Starting blocks look tough! Thanks for sharing the progression of how Coach Rad introduced the blocks to you.
really nice to see you beginning to do block starts I'm a sprinter myself and its good to see you're getting a deep breath at the start when up in set, of course this isn't a full block start to 30 metres or whatever but you'll find a diff holding that breath to 10 metres then letting it out. Keep up the good work and focus on that drive :)
really love that video, I think it's going to be helpful to a lot of runners! thank you so much Nick that you put the time in and share it with us all, it's very much apprechiated! :)
glad you liked it! Sure helps to have Ryan working on these vids with me. Should allow me to focus more on exercises and showcase more of the actual workouts.
Man I love these videos. Just started watching you 3 days ago. Keep up the great work. Also, first time I ever used blocks were my Junior year in HS. I were a mid distance runner the years before and my coach asked me if I could anchor the 4by1 relay. Of course I said yes. I did well, got 1st in our first 3 meets. Our 4th meet, my coach asked if I could be the first leg, I said sure(never used blocks before), well I didn't realize that someone were supposed to hold onto the back of the blocks and when I pushed, the blocks went backwards and I face planted on the track. Last time I ever started a relay.
Great instructional video! I am trying to learn block starts to teach athletes (I am distance runner by trade), this really helps breakdown the mechanics! Huge fan of you as an athlete and your channel. Keep up the great work!
You should compare your start to that of an elite sprinter, the more you practice it, the more subtleties and differences you’ll notice between your start and a world class start. This will give you a better visual of what you’ll be aiming for as opposed to what the coach is trying to describe, just a tip that worked for me when I first learned to use blocks. Asafa Powell has one of the best starts, there is plenty of good slo mo vids of him too
Thanks for showing coach's session with you. It was awesome insight into the blocks usage. Is there any benefit to middle aged hobby jogger, like myself, learning to use blocks?
@@nicksymmonds His hip mobility seems off the charts. Ask him if he'd be willing to trade hips with me. Make sure to point out that I'm only 35, and remember that as a result of HIPAA, my medical history is legally PRIVATE. So, don't worry about that...
Nick- with your great speed endurance, I have to believe that you ran more than a few 4x4 relays in your HS and college days . My guess is that as you are such a tough competitor, you usually ran anchor thus never had the need to use and learn blocks.
Oh what could i have done in HS track with this 1 video. We didnt have any sprint coaches and all i did was on my own. Some meets we didnt even have blocks. Recall having to start in a divot on the track once, slipping, then still running them all down ftw. Shame, my hammys wouldnt survive if i wanted to try and so same and break 11. PR was 11.1 or 2. Though overcoming childhood fears of running more than a sprint this last mth (bike to 5k) and managing 25min on raceday wad quite satisfying. -U10
I may have missed this but what is with the sudden interest in sprinting? Did you wanna try something new or get a new challenge? Also nice video as always man!
Balance in all things Nick! Right now I see too much wasted motion in your outward thrust and squaring up.I see an ice hockey player holding back a sprinter! Think rails with a much more narrowed base.You will do this.Wear horse blinders if you have to accentuate this.Attack this correctly and figure Yohan and Usain on either side of you.
do you live in eugene? i visited there in 2018. the druggies in the street turned me off. but the place is perfect for running and it looks like the rest of the peeps are nice. loved Pre's trail
need to work on the arms and keep them close to your body but not to much. 90 degree angle and have them going almost straight forward. need to have your jumping leg at the back for maximum pushing power
Hi Nick, I've been following your career and your new quest for a while and I wish you great success. I coach sprinters and I was enjoying what the coach was saying about block technique. It helps confirm my thoughts and methods on starts. I also am a photographer (not a videographer) and I know you didn't ask but I would like to offer a critique on this video. The focus went in and out several times and was somewhat distracting. The video also went off subject a few times and was shaky. I think a steady-cam and slightly wider lens would help it look more professional. I am looking forward to seeing the end result of all your training. Again I apologize if I have offended your or your videographer.
this was Ryan's first time filming a T&F practice. It is a much different beast than filming other subjects. It will take him a few vids to really find his groove, but I think he did an A+ job here!
Nick you keep taking about how you've never gotten under an 11 second 100. If you think about it, how would it be possible for you to have ran a 1:42 in the 800m if you weren't capable of running under 11 seconds in an all out 100m?...
To be totally honest this guy sounds like he is spitballin on his "expertise" with blocks. Seems like he's made a career bullshtn his who life and has gotten away with it.
Next week we will use HD cameras in slow-mo to really analyze my starts. The good, the bad, the ugly; you can count on Coach Rad to let me know where I need work! Consider subscribing if you want to see that vid next week!!
Nick Symmonds when is your 100m race Nick ?
@@APBCTechnique first race is in June!
10.90 on this race. The goal should be 10.28 though.
The sprint start is one of the most powerful athletic movements but can feel unnatural for those who have not practiced it :) You have phenomenal natural speed so once you master the start and drive phase you are going to crush the 100 meters! One thing to note for outdoor meets in hot weather when the track has been in the sun some time - the track can be scorching and will not only be uncomfortable for the hands but also the rear knee in the "runners take your mark" position. It could be useful to have a cup of water nearby to pour on the contact points prior to getting in the blocks to avoid getting burnt.
great advice! I hope to have this down by June when my first race is
@@nicksymmonds Best of Luck to you! I'm running the bay league prelims here in california on tuesday, running the 400 meter!
Leonard Britt wow, being from Scotland, I can only imagine the feeling of scorched fingers and knees on the track! 😆
Honestly, I'm super impressed you ran a 47 in the 400 from a standing start! I guess just great sprint endurance!
yep! it was about 10 days before the 2012 Olympics Games so I was pretty fit at the time!
*meets with the best coach in the world*
*learns how to use blocks*
Whoever filmed and edited this in a better camera than you usual do - keep paying them. Makes it so much easier to watch.
yes!! That is our new videographer Ryan. Makes it a lot easier for me to actually do the workout too!!!
@@nicksymmonds classic ryan
As a young track and cross country runner, this video was so helpful. I really started to notice some things that I wasn't doing correctly when I would get out of the block for the 100 meter. What a helpful and entertaining video. Thanks Nick!
This was great! Love seeing you transition from the mid-distance mindset to a 100 sprinter. Starting blocks look tough! Thanks for sharing the progression of how Coach Rad introduced the blocks to you.
no prob! they are tricky, but i still have a few weeks to get the hang of it
This was perfect timing! I was just wanting to learn how to use blocks because I’m moving down from a 800/1600 runner to more of a 400/800 runner
hope you found this one helpful!
You mainly need the blocks for that 400 just keep me updated on how you do
@@ViiRaLChaoticGamerTM23 yeah in high-school at least 800 doesn't use blocks they arent really needed
@@youraveragehotdog6836 400m down uses blocks
Music is on point 😎 System of a Down, Eminem, love it all 💪🏼
You can thank the UO track and field team! They came in during our workout and cranked the tunes.
Skip717 sound of silence disturbed
really nice to see you beginning to do block starts I'm a sprinter myself and its good to see you're getting a deep breath at the start when up in set, of course this isn't a full block start to 30 metres or whatever but you'll find a diff holding that breath to 10 metres then letting it out. Keep up the good work and focus on that drive :)
thank you!! there is still a ton for me to learn about blocks
I’m an ex 800m runner learning to Block start 🙌all these tips were so helpful!!!
Awesome! I’ve been waiting for this video and it does not disappoint, the editing has gotten really good too.
wish I could take credit for it! Run Gum's new videographer is very talented. We are lucky to have him!!
Keep up the great work, Nick! Also, awesome background music 👍🏽
haha thanks! Some of the UO athletes came in and cranked that up
really love that video, I think it's going to be helpful to a lot of runners! thank you so much Nick that you put the time in and share it with us all, it's very much apprechiated! :)
glad you liked it! Sure helps to have Ryan working on these vids with me. Should allow me to focus more on exercises and showcase more of the actual workouts.
Man I love these videos. Just started watching you 3 days ago. Keep up the great work. Also, first time I ever used blocks were my Junior year in HS. I were a mid distance runner the years before and my coach asked me if I could anchor the 4by1 relay. Of course I said yes. I did well, got 1st in our first 3 meets. Our 4th meet, my coach asked if I could be the first leg, I said sure(never used blocks before), well I didn't realize that someone were supposed to hold onto the back of the blocks and when I pushed, the blocks went backwards and I face planted on the track. Last time I ever started a relay.
That was one of the most comprehensive best videos I’ve seen on starting yet can’t wait till next week 😎and see your progress
thank you! Really glad you liked it
Thanks Nick, You Will Break 11 This Season!! Your videos are always awesome and informative :)
thanks! very glad you are enjoying them
This video by far has helped me the most . Thank you 👌
Just ordered his book yesterday. Looking forward to reading it, and using it to tweak my training while I’m in LA this summer 💪🏼
I think you will find it really helpful!
Great instructional video! I am trying to learn block starts to teach athletes (I am distance runner by trade), this really helps breakdown the mechanics! Huge fan of you as an athlete and your channel. Keep up the great work!
thank you for following me career!!
You should compare your start to that of an elite sprinter, the more you practice it, the more subtleties and differences you’ll notice between your start and a world class start. This will give you a better visual of what you’ll be aiming for as opposed to what the coach is trying to describe, just a tip that worked for me when I first learned to use blocks. Asafa Powell has one of the best starts, there is plenty of good slo mo vids of him too
7:37 playing Empty Walls by Serj Tankian, whoever's running the music has great taste
the fifth Ace 9:26 is disturbed sound of silence
Thanks for showing coach's session with you. It was awesome insight into the blocks usage. Is there any benefit to middle aged hobby jogger, like myself, learning to use blocks?
yes! it is an explosive & technical move that is fun to learn and very helpful if you ever decide you want to race 400m or less
Coach Rad is the man.
Playlist is gold!
What a Great Video... Thanks Nick and Coach 💥💥🇺🇸💥💥
Waking up from a nap to this... ITS CHRISTMAS- ITS CHRISTMAS!!!! No, actually it’s workout Wednesday 😎
ha! Hope you like it :)
Thanks for the video! I have a meet tomorrow and I need to use blocks.
no prob! good luck in your race
Coach Rad seems super knowledgeable, might have to pick up that plyo book
he is a GENIUS!!!
That dude is like Jim Carey
Look up Essop Merrick start drills. Brilliant breakdown of the elements & how to drill them
Love this video, very informative and useful!!
Amazing series - keep it up!!
glad you are enjoying it!!!
Love that System of a Down is blasting.
UO track team bringing the A+ playlist!
How are you not on 1 million subs yet?
Does Radcliffe run masters?!?! Because it looks like he should be if he's not.
he doesn't! But he could CRUSH it if he did
@@nicksymmonds His hip mobility seems off the charts. Ask him if he'd be willing to trade hips with me. Make sure to point out that I'm only 35, and remember that as a result of HIPAA, my medical history is legally PRIVATE. So, don't worry about that...
Where did Coach Rad get this Extraordinary knowledge on how to train sprinters to become Champions at Sprinting?
That looks like tons of fun
Loved this video
very glad to hear that!!
Nick- with your great speed endurance, I have to believe that you ran more than a few 4x4 relays in your HS and college days . My guess is that as you are such a tough competitor, you usually ran anchor thus never had the need to use and learn blocks.
Kevin Cruikshank I am surprised he didn’t race several 400m as part of his 800m training
Oh what could i have done in HS track with this 1 video. We didnt have any sprint coaches and all i did was on my own. Some meets we didnt even have blocks. Recall having to start in a divot on the track once, slipping, then still running them all down ftw. Shame, my hammys wouldnt survive if i wanted to try and so same and break 11. PR was 11.1 or 2. Though overcoming childhood fears of running more than a sprint this last mth (bike to 5k) and managing 25min on raceday wad quite satisfying. -U10
Great video Nick! I like the extra detail and way to utilize the new camera guy. You look like you might have soreness somewhere. Are you sore?
very sore!! good eye. I did squats the day before this vid was shot
@nicksymmonds Thanks im a new starter explained very well
Excellent sir
Hey Nick, great video!! What is the distance between the tapes that you put on track to measure stride length? Thank youu
tbh I do not know. Jimmy put those down and told me not to focus on them
Did Coach Rad ever get into how you can load the back foot more?
I notice there were white marks about 18"-2' in front of start line. Are these the desired landing points for your first step out of the blocks?
Watching this the day of my 400 race. I've never used starting blocks 😂
Really good backtracking songs hahaha
I may have missed this but what is with the sudden interest in sprinting? Did you wanna try something new or get a new challenge? Also nice video as always man!
K&J Survival he wants to break 11 seconds in the 100m
never ran the 100m, always wanted to
After you get your 100 meters below 10s If you find a sled team you can go winter Olympics.
ha!! that would be so freakin cool
Yes snow and ice is cool.
Do you need to send in weight on your arms when you are on your Set stance before the gun shoots off?
Balance in all things Nick! Right now I see too much wasted motion in your outward thrust and squaring up.I see an ice hockey player holding back a sprinter! Think rails with a much more narrowed base.You will do this.Wear horse blinders if you have to accentuate this.Attack this correctly and figure Yohan and Usain on either side of you.
gotta learn bit by bit!
@@nicksymmonds You will.You are now on your way as a sprinter warrior!
Good coach
Hey Nick! I was just curious about that tape drill. How far should you place each piece of tape do you think? Is there a general rule?
watched this in school
I would love the chance to race Nick Symmonds in the 100m hot damn (I dont run 100m but estimated pb would be 11.3s)
Come to Eugene! I'll be racing the OTC all comers meets every Wednesday
I'm left handed. Do you need to use your dominate leg as your front leg on the block stance?
What are those measurements on the tape marks? Were those coaches recommendation for beginner level sprinters?
What blocks were you using?
that track looks so big, is it 400m for 1 lap or 200m?
do you live in eugene? i visited there in 2018. the druggies in the street turned me off. but the place is perfect for running and it looks like the rest of the peeps are nice. loved Pre's trail
What do y’all think his 200m splits were in the 47.4. Probably pretty even
Since I do 110 meter hurdles, which leg should I put my first block on.
Depends on your lead leg into the hurdle.
send me somma dat caffeine lol
Nice brother
I’m late like usual. Did he end up breaking 11? What was his official time?
How fast did you run the marathon?
Which Brand is your shoes? (Spikes)
need to work on the arms and keep them close to your body but not to much. 90 degree angle and have them going almost straight forward. need to have your jumping leg at the back for maximum pushing power
In the nick-ed light I saw ten thousand people maybe more.
ha! :D
Omg I’m from Ireland d and I find it so weird that you ran here
thanks Nick! unfortunately my coach sucks
Is it just me or does it seem like nicks mouth isn’t synced with his voice?
maybe .25 seconds off at the beginning. Good eye. These vids will get better and better as we learn how to best produce them!!
Hi Nick, I've been following your career and your new quest for a while and I wish you great success. I coach sprinters and I was enjoying what the coach was saying about block technique. It helps confirm my thoughts and methods on starts. I also am a photographer (not a videographer) and I know you didn't ask but I would like to offer a critique on this video. The focus went in and out several times and was somewhat distracting. The video also went off subject a few times and was shaky. I think a steady-cam and slightly wider lens would help it look more professional. I am looking forward to seeing the end result of all your training. Again I apologize if I have offended your or your videographer.
this was Ryan's first time filming a T&F practice. It is a much different beast than filming other subjects. It will take him a few vids to really find his groove, but I think he did an A+ job here!
I always thought with his physic, he, be a 400 runner
me or Jimmy?! :D
Nick you keep taking about how you've never gotten under an 11 second 100. If you think about it, how would it be possible for you to have ran a 1:42 in the 800m if you weren't capable of running under 11 seconds in an all out 100m?...
If you can break 11 sec for 100m, I'm pretty sure I could break 10 seconds!
Dunno if I can do it, will find out this summer!!
@@nicksymmonds I wish you luck buddy! Please post some videos of the type of exercises you're doing in the gym.
burners only playing in the background
Second
woohoo!! :D
Behind the scenes be like :
😢 😿 😭
ok i am not a sprinter, next video
Once you learn to push through your hips 10.7 is coming
why are they playing the sound of silence at the track
Why not?
haha I dunno. UO track team bringing the playlist
How old are you
Haydn TUA he is 36
To be totally honest this guy sounds like he is spitballin on his "expertise" with blocks. Seems like he's made a career bullshtn his who life and has gotten away with it.
Can you please buy me a spriting spike
They should use blocks in the 800. You would have did 1:42.54.