Whether your child is an aspiring runner or they simply need PE credit, the Training Like an Olympic Runner course can help homeschoolers accomplish both!
For those who don’t know, I played basketball in college. My husband has played sports at the professional level and has trained athletes at all levels. In fact, he trains our five kids, who all play sports. Between the two of us and our collective experience, I thought my husband and I were pretty knowledgeable about conditioning and running.
When I discovered the Train Like an Olympic Runner class from the Mr. D Math course catalog, I was intrigued – not because I thought I was going to learn something new about running, but because I was curious how the instructor was going to teach running (and all that’s involved in it) in a self-paced video format.
But, was I in for a surprise! Not only was the online, self-paced delivery method effective, I learned techniques and exercises that I didn’t know before! My husband even overheard me watching the videos and came in. As we watched, I was continually pointing out things for him to utilize with our children.
But my kid doesn’t want to be a runner…
I hear you – you aren’t trying to train your child to be an Olympic runner. Me neither. My daughter plays volleyball and my boys primarily play football and basketball now.
However, having great running form and technique is something that can be beneficial in just about all major sports! So, maybe your child doesn’t want to be an Olympic runner, but perhaps they want to compete on the soccer team or they want to earn a starting spot on the basketball team. Being a better runner with excellent technique will only help them in their endeavors.
But my kid doesn’t play sports…
Is your child not an athlete? No problem! As a homeschooler, they need a PE credit, right? Why not learn excellent running technique? Who knows, perhaps your child will develop a passion for running that will follow them into a healthy, active adulthood.
Either way, the Training Like an Olympic Runner course can help you accomplish both!
About the Instructor
This course, Training Like an Olympic Runner, is taught by international sprint coach, Jason Bean. Bean is a level 5 United States of America Track and Field Federation (USATF) certified coach.
He is also a two-time Florida Association of High School Coaches (FACA) sprint technique instructor and has worked with countless national and international sprint teams. So, you know that he knows his stuff!
About the Training Like an Olympic Runner Course
The Training Like an Olympic Runner course is a 32-week curriculum designed to increase physical activity and provide insight into running technique and training theory.
The course consists of four units with eight lessons per unit. Each lesson is designed to be completed over the span of one week. Ideally, the student watches the lecture on Monday and then completes the physical activities at least three days during each week. However, to get the most out of the course, the activities should be completed Monday through Friday; as each week progressively builds on the previous week.
Plus, there are mini quizzes after each lesson that covers the material presented in the corresponding lesson.
What’s Included in the Course?
Curious about what exactly is included in the Training Like an Olympic Runner course? Check out the course units and lessons included in the 32-week curriculum:
Unit 1:
- Lesson 1: Core Activation
- Lesson 2: Closed / Open Chain Exercises
- Lesson 3: Dynamic Mobility & Coordination
- Lesson 4: Stability / Balance
- Lesson 5: Build ups / Transient Movements
- Lesson 6: Regeneration
- Lesson 7: Specificity
- Lesson 8: Recap & Research Warm-ups
Unit 2:
- Lesson 1: What is Maximum Velocity?
- Lesson 2: Accelerated Thigh Drill
- Lesson 3: Step Over Run Drill
- Lesson 4: Negative Foot Speed Drill
- Lesson 5: Fast Leg Drill
- Lesson 6: Pure Acceleration
- Lesson 7: Transition
- Lesson 8: Start
Unit 3:
- Lesson 1: What is Velocity Based Training?
- Lesson 2: Standing Long Jump
- Lesson 3: Between the Legs Forward Throw
- Lesson 4: Overhead Backwards Throw
- Lesson 5: Side Hip Toss
- Lesson 6: Step Lunge
- Lesson 7: Bounding
- Lesson 8: Single Leg Bound
Unit 4:
- Lesson 1: Explanation of Training
- Lesson 2: Understanding Stimulus
- Lesson 3: Adaption and Acclamation
- Lesson 4: Periodization
- Lesson 5: Aerobic Energy System
- Lesson 6: Neuromuscular Energy System
- Lesson 7: Rest and Recovery
- Lesson 8: Performance Pieces & Parameters for Pacing
My Thoughts on the Training Like an Olympic Runner Course
In case you can’t tell, the training in this course is extremely thorough! As a former athlete, I especially appreciate that this course starts with the basics and builds from there. You don’t start running in lesson one. Your child is taught many excellent exercises and training techniques first! I am a firm believer in building a strong foundation and that is exactly what the instructor does in this course!
After completing the Training Like an Olympic Runner course course your child will not only know how to train like an Olympic runner, but they will know tons about the human body and how it works! Whether they are actually training to become an Olympic runner or they simply need a PE credit, upon completing the course, they will definitely be in great shape!
Learn More about the Running / PE Course Here!
This post was originally published on February 16, 2021.
