Search Weight Loss Topics:




Jul 3

In conversation with Carl Georgevski, Varsity Blues track and field head coach – Varsity

Exercise Programs Comments Off on In conversation with Carl Georgevski, Varsity Blues track and field head coach – Varsity

The Varsity had an opportunity to speak with Varsity Blues track and field head coach Carl Georgevski about the teams adapted training routines amidst the pandemic.

The former Ontario University Athletics high jump champion and graduate of the University of Torontos Faculty of Physical Education and Health now known as the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education spoke about the challenges of coaching through Zoom, the uncertainty of returning to campus in the fall, and ways to stay healthy and active while complying with physical distancing measures.

The Varsity: How has the track and field team adapted its training in light of the pandemic? And how have you been finding the experience of coaching online?

Carl Georgevski: Track and field is one program, but its divided into different areas. So we have our middle distance cross country area; we have our sprints and hurdles area; we have our jumps combined events area; we have our throws area. So each coach has a unique way of delivering the program to the athletes in each area.

It was easiest to adapt the training of middle- and long-distance runners right from the beginning, since theyre used to running outside on the streets. It was a bit different for our sprint group. You cannot sprint on the hard concrete every single day youre going to do more harm than good to your lower extremities, your hips, and your back. So weve been holding training and circuit sessions with them on Zoom.

For jumps and combined events athletes, I send out a weekly training guide, and every Saturday morning I have combined events meetings. Whenever they need a bit of a pick-me-up and a good laugh, I send them videos of me demonstrating the exercise. Then they send me a video of what theyre doing and I go over the video with them to make sure theyre doing the right thing.

On Wednesdays, our strength and conditioning coach holds a Zoom circuit workout with the entire team, so all the athletes can get back together that way. We had an entire team meeting, with returning and incoming students, and it was kind of neat!

TV: When do you expect to return to campus, or to be back on track?

CG: We dont know. We follow the universitys policies and guidelines. Safety and everyones well-being is our first priority. In our next team meeting, which is going to happen in a couple of weeks, we should have more information on what things are going to look like in the fall.

TV: Now that we have fewer options to exercise, but more time on our hands, what are your first steps for readers who are interested in developing a running or workout routine?

CG: Number one: start slowly, start gently dont overdo it. If you make a mistake, always make the mistake of undergoing rather than overdoing. If you overdo it, youre going to be hurting especially if youre hitting the streets right now, because the concrete is not very lower-extremity friendly. So, for people who have never done any kind of running, I would even suggest to start walking and gradually transition into jogging. Then, increase the distance that youve been covering by half a kilometre at a time.

There are also some great programs online, like From Couch to 5k. Even if you have the big aspiration of being a marathon runner, there are beginner programs for marathoners as well. Training hard and smart, thats the key to success. Why not start off slowly and gradually build and strengthen your muscles and tendons rather than doing it all at once?

TV: How much time a day would you recommend dedicating to exercise?

CG: If you havent ever done anything athletic, take 15 minutes and do something active. In a way this pandemic is a gift to you personally what else have you got to do? Take one hour a day and totally dedicate it to yourself, even if that means putting your feet up, drinking tea, and not thinking about work. Look after your body; its the only one you have. Look after your mind. And the way you look after your mind is by looking after your body to a large extent.

TV: If thats your coaching philosophy for the pandemic, Im sure your athletes are very fortunate to have you as a coach. Im sure a lot of people are looking for guidance right now.

CG: Well, sometimes my athletes look at me and say, Are you for real? With the coaching philosophy in our program, no one ever gets yelled at, nobody gets put down, because were here to build. Were here to empower, and the only way that I can empower you is to allow you to feel comfortable in the environment that I set, and for me to challenge you. So, having said everything that Ive said about our program, what it really comes down to is passion about what youre doing and having no regrets.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Read the original here:
In conversation with Carl Georgevski, Varsity Blues track and field head coach - Varsity

Related Posts

    Your Full Name

    Your Email

    Your Phone Number

    Select your age (30+ only)

    Select Your US State

    Program Choice

    Confirm over 30 years old

    Yes

    Confirm that you resident in USA

    Yes

    This is a Serious Inquiry

    Yes

    Message:



    matomo tracker