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Level 3 Performance Development Coach - Trail and Ultramarathon Course Information

 

The Level 3 Trail and Ultramarathon Coach course is designed to provide an evidence-based coach education program to support healthy and successful participation in trail running and running events longer than the Marathon. 

 

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Target Coaching Audience

  • Long Distance Running and Triathlon coaches looking to further their understanding of ultra-endurance coaching.
  • Existing Trail and Ultra coaches who are preparing their runners to meet specific performance objectives.
  • Recreational running coaches looking to transition into coaching Trail and Ultramarathons.

 

Target Athletes

This course focusses on coaching athletes over the age of 18 who aim to participate and successfully complete a trail running event or Ultramarathon. 

 

Course Content

Days 1 and 2 (Practical Modules)

  • Definining Your Coaching Philosophy and Principles
  • Mobility and Flexibility
  • Load Management
  • Plyometric Testing
  • Aspects of Personality
  • Planning
  • Myofascial Release and Mobility
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Pool Sessions (Deep Water Running)

 

Days 1 and 2 (Online Modules)

  • Anatomy
  • Introduction to Biomechanics
  • Applied Biomechanics to Track and Field
  • Role of the Coach in Athlete Well-being
  • Injury Prevention and Sport Safety
  • Psychological Factors Associated with Return to Sport from Injury
  • Loading, Adaptation, and Recovery
  • Nutrition, Hydration, and Energy Availability
  • Planning and Periodisation
  • Plyometrics and Complex Training
  • Skill Acquisition
  • Introduction to Sport Psychology

 

Days 3 and 4 (Practical Modules)

  • Introduction to Trail and Ultramarathons
  • Trail and Ultra Training Modalities
  • Training the Ultra Athlete
  • Trail Running Skills
  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Equipment and Technology
  • Programming (Ultra and Trail Specific)
  • Preparing for the Unknown (Including Altitude Training and Extreme Temperature Preparation)

 

Days 3 and 4 (Online Modules)

  • Nutrition and Hydration (Ultra and Trail Specific)
  • Performance Psychology (Ultra and Trail Specific)

 

Requirements to Gain Accreditation

  • Completion of Days 1 and 2 and Days 3 and 4 (Trail and Ultramarathon)
  • Completion of all Days 1 and 2 online modules and assessment task (Multi-choice)
  • Completion of the Trail and Ultra post-course assessment task (Short Answer, Long Answer, and Training Program)

 

Associated High Performance Pathway

NA

 

Course Delivery

This course is run in two blocks - Days 1 and 2 and Days 3 and 4.

  • Days 1 and 2 - All Coaches
    Practical Course: 14 hours (held over 2 days)
    Online Modules: 8-12 hours
    Reading: 4 hours
    Assessment: 1 hour
  • Days 3 and 4 - Trail and Ultramarathon Specific
    Practical Course: 14 hours (held over 2 days)
    Online Modules: 2-8 hours
    Assessment: 2 hours

 

Required Competencies

3-PD-1: Design an effective season training program for an athlete targeting entry in the national Junior or Open Championships

3–PD-2: Effectively prepare and deliver warm up, mobility exercises, event-specific drills, strength and conditioning (including plyometrics), active recovery and pool sessions in an athlete’s training program. 

3–PD-3: Prescribe and monitor a training program that develops the biomotor abilities of athletes, with consideration of the priorities of their event group. 

3–PD-4: Understand the roles and responsibilities of athletes and coaches in regards to anti-doping.

3–PD-5: Understand methods to monitor and effectively manage training load for optimal performance and injury prevention.

3–PD-6: Use basic sports psychology techniques to optimise athlete performance. 

3–PD-7: Understand the basics of human anatomy and how it relates to athletic performance. 

3–PD-8: Have an advanced understanding of the selected event-group, including drills, faults, cause and corrections. 

3–PD-9: Use a range of methods, including using technology, to effectively analyse and provide feedback on an athlete’s technical model. 

3–PD-10: Use a range of coaching methods in the preceeding weeks and on the day to prepare an athlete for optimum performance at a target competition. 

 

Recognition of Prior Learning

Coaches who already hold the expected competencies of this level of accreditation can apply for recognition of prior learning here.

 

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