It was exactly 4 years ago today that I conquered the toughest workout you’ll never try. Me, Jeff Nielsen, James McGown, Dylan Wilson, Linda Kunasek. Five Nebraskans have had the juevos to attempt and conquer the full monty, we’re a proud fraternity.
For your inspection and approval, I present the McLatchie Ball Buster workout:
2 X 1 Mile, :30 recovery (6:26, 6:17)
2:00 jog
2 X 800, :30 recovery (3:05, 3:02)
2:00 jog
2 X 400, :30 recovery (:87, :83)
jog 5:00
2 X 1 Mile, :30 recovery (6:29, 6:20)
2:00 jog
2 X 800, :30 recovery (3:10, 3:04)
2:00 jog
2 x 400, :30 recovery (:89, :84)
“Nobody annoys Percy more than a coach who, unlike himself, doesn’t practice what he preaches. I had a demonstration of this in 1958 when Percy and I attended an instructional clinic at UCLA. All America’s leading coaches were assembled and while athletes went through their paces on the track or in the field events the coaches took turns to lecture on style. The coaches stood around looking very important as they glibly ordered the athletes to perform various tasks. Puffing their cigars, they allowed each other fifteen minutes on the public address system. Finally, it was Percy’s turn and was told he had two minutes. The arena was electrified as Percy called all the coaches a pack of pompous clowns who had no right teaching students in that fashion. When he’d finished, the coaches were bristling with anger and embarrassment, but they had heard the truth. I know that if I approached a bloated, cigar-puffing coach after exhausting myself and he told me to run another lap in 60 seconds I’d lose all confidence in him.”
–THE HERB ELLIOTT STORY, Herb Elliott, 1961
I realize maybe 5% of you have heard of Herb Elliott, even less of the great Percy Cerutty. Google them. The message then today is I have never asked an athlete to do something that I have not done myself. I’ve modeled dedication and hard work and expect the same from you. You with me?
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