The pilot program of the Lydiard Certificate Program was held in Chino, CA, this past weekend (June 16~17) to the Pacers Running Company marathon training group and was also open to the public. On the first day Part I covered the basic theory, principles and structure of the Lydiard program; physiology, the pyramid system, sequencing and progression from base to peak. On the second day Part II covered scheduling, peaking and racing and explained the application of these Lydiard principles to various situations, age groups and abilities. Nobby Hashizume presented never-before-seen Lydiard-based schedules from great champions such as John Walker, Toshihiko Seko and Lasse Viren. Participants were also given a practical demonstration of hill bounding and drills.

Co-founders, Nobby and Lorraine Moller, were joined by special guests RodDixon and Steve Scott. Scott still holds the American record for the mile of 3:47 (since1982) as well as the Guinness book of the world record for the most sub-4 minutemiles, 136. Scott tracedthe thread of Lydiard training through his high school coaches tohis college coach, Len Miller, and explained how he continues to use the principles of Lydiardism with his own coaching.

Dixon, Olympic bronze medalist in 1500m in 1972 and the New York Citymarathon champion in 1983 credits his New Zealand background and the influence of Arthur Lydiard himself with enabling him to dominate such a wide range of events throughout his career. “Arthur came to our house to talk to me and John (Rod’s older brother and coach) about training when we were both lads. What was to be an hour visit turned into five hours. Arthur rebooked his flight three times that day so that he could put us right. I am forever indebted to how Arthur’s input that day greatly influenced my history as a runner.”

Both Scott and Dixon, two of the history’s greatest middle distance runners, stressed the importance of careful handling of anaerobic training. “Training should never be raced,” Scott said. “Everybody is different in handling anaerobic training,” Dixon, who used to compete around Europe with the Olympic 1500m champion, John Walker, said. “John can handle much faster intervals than I. I ran better with a bit slower but more volume of intervals.”

Moller, one of the greatest marathon runners in women’s athletic history, stressed the application of adaptation. “Lydiard principles are based on sequential development and are response-regulated. The pace at which one proceeds must be governed by each individual’s responses,” Moller said. “One must carefully gauge on a daily basis the right amount of intensity, the right amount of volume and balance these with the optimal amount of recovery. A good coach will provide guidance until the runner develops the experience base to feel this for herself.”

The clinic was a part of Grand Opening events for Pacers Running Company in Chino. The owner, Steve Sumner said, “This is exactly what we wanted. We knew this would be a bit hard-core for some of the audience but the enthusiasm from everybody was tremendous. It was like a dry sponge, sucking up water. They were all into it so much.”

Parts I and II of the Lydiard Coaching Program are presented over two six hour days. If you are interested in hosting a program in your area or want more information please contact Nobby Hashizume at 763-443-9828 or email nobby@lydiardfoundation.org.


IMAGES:
UPPER RIGHT - Special guest, American record holder for the mile, Steve Scott
MID LEFT - Nobby presenting Lydiard Certificate Program
LOWER RIGHT - From left to right; Rod Dixon, Lorraine Moller, Steve Scott and Nobby Hashizume, in front of the Pacer Running Company