Gareth Sandford

Gareth Sandford, PhD, is a physiologist at the Canadian Sports Institute Pacific with extensive experience in Olympic and professional sports. He dives into the intricacies of athlete profiling and the concept of Anaerobic Speed Reserve. Discover how tailored training can optimize performance for different athletes, the critical balance between intensity and endurance, and why too much high-intensity training can backfire. He also sheds light on the role of fast-twitch muscle fibers in marathon performance, providing insights that can elevate any triathlete's game.

Gareth Sandford, a physiologist for Athletics Canada with a rich coaching background, dives into the fascinating world of anaerobic speed reserve. He explains its significance for athletes and contrasts it with traditional metrics like VO2 max. The conversation also covers various training models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses for optimizing performance. Gareth emphasizes the importance of athlete profiling to customize training strategies effectively. This insightful discussion is a treasure trove for coaches looking to enhance their athletes' conditioning.

Gareth Sandford, an exercise physiologist at the Canadian Sports Institute and a rising star in sports science, shares his journey working with elite coaches and athletes globally. He discusses the critical role of persistence and mentorship in navigating early career challenges. Gareth recalls transformative moments in India that reshaped his outlook. The conversation touches on coaching middle-distance running dynamics, emphasizing the blend of scientific insight and practical application. He also highlights the importance of building global connections and understanding motivations in coaching relationships.

Gareth Sandford, a sport science consultant specializing in individualized training for sports that demand exceptional speed and endurance, discusses the benefits of endurance training and how to use speed to improve endurance. He emphasizes the importance of balancing intensity levels, building aerobic capacity, and tailoring training based on an athlete's type. Understanding athlete profiles and physiology can enhance performance, with examples from football and short track speed skating.

Gareth Sandford, an Olympic and Paralympic Sport Scientist, teams up with Damien Harper, a Lecturer in Coaching & Performance, to delve into modern football's evolving demands. They discuss the importance of high-intensity game models and the balance of risk versus reward in training. The conversation highlights deceleration training as a crucial factor in player performance and injury prevention. They also advocate for personalized training regimens and the integration of aerobic conditioning to boost recovery and athletic development in a competitive landscape.