TRACKSPEED1 UK - REBORN !

Trackspeed1 UK has a whole new look to it for the coming winter training programme, with Head Coach John Powell overwhelmed with the number of athletes making approaches to share in a slice of success for 2015.

It's not just numbers either - there is a feel of quality about the squad in a depth not seen for a few seasons now, and with a training programme he describes as the most detailed he has ever devised, 2015 could see yet more dark horses emerge from the mist - as Kieran Daly did this summer.

Daly improved from 10.58 to 10.18s over 100 metres this year, catapulting him into the ranks of the UK's fastest 8 men, while most other TS1 athletes set PB's at various levels too.

"I'll never give an outright 'no' to anyone who asks for help or advice," said John, "but there is a limit to the number of athletes we can manage, and we are not far off that limit right now.  There are a few names to add or delete as things stand, and the list won't be fully up-to-date until October, but we have some real talent among us now with 2 or more athletes targeting 100m 10-zero's next year!

A blend of youth, talent, and experience moulded together is what the Trackspeed1 UK
brand will look like this Autumn

"I have drawn a lot of advice from coaches both at home and in the USA this year, and for the first time in around 3-4 years, I'm making some significant changes to our winter programme.  Coupled with trackside physio' advice weekly, an in-house nutritionist, and mentoring on strength and conditioning at the highest level, my view of next year is really positive.  All we need now is for the athletes to do the work!"

John is in the process of slowly recontacting the group, their season having ended relatively early compared with the international calendar this year, but with no representation in the Commonwealth Games or European Championships, it was the ideal opportunity to finish early and start early to optimise preparations for 2015.

"I just know we won't get as far as day one of squad training in October without losing one or two," he said.  "With a group as we have now, I can ensure standards are high, and remain high.  Athletes who insist on not communicating, or doing all the basics that prep' training demands before we begin the training programme as a whole, will very quickly be shown the door - whatever level they're at!"

Trackspeed1 UK has an international reputation for developing world class athletes from developing adolescents, and rarely does a season go by without a new name hitting the headlines.

"The average age of the squad is quite high now, with some real experience to lead the wealth of talent we have under 23, so it's a great mix.  The gender balance has just begun to creep in too, and I always think that is a positive ingredient," added John.

The whole squad met at John's house earlier this month for a talk about the coming winter, and everyone was rely upbeat.  Jason Hussain, the longest serving athlete in the squad now, having been with TS1 for nine years, endorsed the coach's plans:   "Do the work, be professional about it, and you can reap the rewards," he said.

Trackspeed1 UK reform as a group on October 9th, but before that will gather for fitness assessments on September 23rd and 25th.

"TEAM TRACKSPEED1" - EXCITING FUTURE AHEAD

Trackspeed1 UK Head Coach John Powell hosted his entire group of athletes at his Petts Wood home today (Sunday 3rd), including all nine new additions that will comprise the new squad for 2014/15, and it was agreed by all - the new athletic year already promises to be really exciting!

"It was a great opportunity for me to deliver a few key messages and lay out plans for winter," explained John, "and also a chance for everyone to chill out and relax whilst also networking with each other, with the new names getting to know everyone else in the group.  There was also the added bonus of my wife producing half a ton of Thai yellow curry, which went down very well indeed!

"We aren't involved in the Commonwealth Games or European Championships this year, and so the season has ended for most quite early.  From a coaching point of view that's been great, because I've met every athlete individually over the past week, reviewed their season, and agreed objectives for 2015.  I'm a great believer in planning, and you can never start too early.

"We again have a great package on offer for what is an entirely unfunded group.  It ranges from trackside physio' at some training sessions, to partnerships with two leading local practices, a kit deal with Adidas which I dearly hope will continue, not to mention a wealth of experience and advice in the consultants I regularly dip into for views and advice all over the globe as well as in the UK.

"I am looking to work with a mentor from England Athletics on the strength and conditioning side of things, and we even have an agent now overseeing many of our athletes, which could be a massive asset if a few more break through into top level athletics."

'Trackspeed1 UK' at Head Coach John Powell's house today (Sunday 3rd) for an end of season / pre-winter get-together.  All bar 2 athletes attended, including (front right) physiotherapists Lucy Eggleton and Rebecca Webber.

Apart from a few words of wisdom from the coach, also addressing the group was physiotherapist Rebecca Webber, who attended with another TS1 therapist, Lucy Eggleton, who works alongside Dr John Allen.  Jonathan Alexandra had some input on nutrition issues and lifestyle, while the longest serving athlete in the group, Jason Hussain, said:

"We've had a lot of athletes come and go in this group over the years, and their progress has varied, but there is no substitute for doing the work John gives you.  We are in a strong position now with the new faces in the squad to really make an impact next year - ultimately it's down to everyone to take advantage of this opportunity, support each other, and hopefully then PB next year."

"It's barely August, but I'm already looking forward to the winter training phase," said John.  "I'm integrated a few new ideas into our workouts this year which I've taken from other coaches both at home and abroad, and I know the programme we offer this time round as a whole is going to be amazing for those who engage and do the work."

'Trackspeed1 UK' will be travelling to Florida again in March for pre-season training at Clermont as in past years - a five week trip - which John hopes will again put the cherry on the icing on the cake regarding preparation for the outdoor season.

"We have the potential to score a lot of really significant successes next year, and I for one will be doing everything in my power to ensure we deliver against our potential."