USATF Level 2 Endurance

It is a good class and you will certainly hear some new ideas. Approach the class with an open mind and with the attitude that you will be hearing from speakers and other students who might have differences of opinions on training theories. Make sure you are fully rested when you get to Level 2 because the science classes are prety deep and require lots of reading and study time after hours. This is not a week to party, but a week to learn on how to be a beter coach.

I completely agree with the above poster. It is a great opportunity and highly recommended. I know that I am a much better coach for having attended the USATF schools. Good luck!

I have done Level 2 and Level 3 Endurance Schools......Loved them and learned a lot! Good advice from the above posters......Go RESTED......the science stuff is pretty intense, but really good if you are a serious and motivated person concerning endurance training!

I did my Level 2 in the early 90's at BYU......GORGEOUS SETTING and really good speakers!

Level 3 was in Dallas with Jack Daniels, Dr. Vaughn and Peter Snell......really good stuff.

Hope you enjoy and have a GREAT TIME!

For me it was mainly about the paper to be honest, but I guess it varies by individual. I feel like I learn more about coaching by doing (coaching) and through more 'practical' conversations about coaching. Don't get me wrong, the theory is all good, but I'd rather have spent a week tagging along behind a D1 coach at his practice than sitting cramming biochem / physiology at night. Having said all of that, you do have the chance to meet all sort of people with whom you can have those sorts of 'practical' conversations - instructors included, so it's really up to you to do a good job of meeting folks and staying in touch with them. Overall, it's a positive experience, but you should know that the emphasis is largely theoretical.

It's kind of like the difference between studying foreign language grammar for a year before spending a month in the country where that language is spoken...the theoretical background helps you, but in that month you experience all sorts of crap you never can really touch on in the classroom (even though the classroom stuff was for one year...and at Level 2, it's one week, so you figure it out.)

I'd do it again, but just don't expect to be out on the track analyzing stride patterns and stuff...

Generally - the majority of the coaches are at what level? - College, HS, Private?

The coaches come from a variety of levels ranging from high school to club teams to the college level. It is a great mix of backgrounds which help to stimulate great conversations. You can look at the USATF website under coaches education and read the bios of the presneters.

Instructors:

Mike Smith

Al Schmidt

Troy Engle

Scott Christensen

Is it substantially helpful to read all the books prior to getting there?

Yes. Once you get there you will have no time to read the books. Save luggage space and weight and don't even take them. The course notes are the only thing that you will study or read all week, but the books can help you get a footing in advance with the sport sciences portion (the first three days).