What does this mean? What constitutes “high velocity”?
The article was comparing nationally ranked competitors within a specific sport and was posing whether the difference between the elite level champions and the rest of the field was genetics or the willingness to absorb punishment in training. It wasn’t suggesting that genetics and body type play no role in determining potentials and limitations or that genetics and body type play no role in whether someone is well suited for one sport vs another and at a recreational vs a world class competitive level. It was also admonishing competitors not to use genetics as an “excuse” for disappointing performance relative to others but to instead to look at their willingness to endure the training that is needed to be a champion.
High velocity progressive resistance training - think plyometric, power focused training.
Think explosive movements done at speed. Instead of slow methodical pushing or pulling resistance training.
Here’s a link to the entire test protocol that describes in detail the exercise modalities used:
http://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2474-13-78
I agree that talent/genes are necessary to compete in the skill sports and sprinting. However, In my experience with HS boys and girls cross country (and distance races 800 meters and beyond) mental toughness and grit trumps talent in most instances. It’s a sport where the above average athlete can more than compete with the elite athlete that doesn’t have the mental fortitude.
Big day for me- this morning’s run was DAY 300 of my streak! I tried to focus on my gratitude for being healthy enough and injury free to run 300 days in a row. I bet I only had about 2 or 3 days that were only 1 mile days, too. I don’t take it for granted, and I think my attitude towards the streak is generally healthy. I will be sad when it has to end, but I realize that something will happen at some point. I have friends who, unfortunately, have permanently damaged their bodies by refusing to stop when they needed to stop.
1459.8 miles for an average of 4.9 miles per day. My longest streak remains 960 days averaging 5.4 miles per day for 5220 miles. Not sure how in the world that happened!
If you are talking about the differences in the top 0.1%, then yeah I can see that mental toughness can be what makes the difference.
Congrats on the streak… that’s some serious mental toughness right there.
My muscles are starting to get over the shock from getting back in the gym… I’ve only been going every three days because of the soreness (and I am not overdoing it!), but it’s starting to take less time to recover.
Thanks. I’ve said this before, but streaking actually makes it easier for me to get my run in. It’s just not an option not to do it. Having my own treadmill has been a tremendous help, too. I remember during past streaks really struggling with what to do on the icy days- even driving to the gym was dangerous.
PlantMom -the first time I did 10 miles it was in a race & I came home, ate an enormous meal & slept for several hours. Several months later, but still pretty new at this, I’m finding that up to 9-10 miles, I just come home & go about my day as normal. For 10+ miles, I need a nap later. And heat definitely makes it worse - it’s a huge effect for me.
I’ve just discovered the Clif Shot Blocks that were mentioned upthread - they are tasty & actually a treat, unlike the gel products I’ve tried (have not tried Huma).
Congrats, MOfWC! I remember your posts dealing with the dilemma of whether to run in nasty conditions or to try to get to a treadmill! So glad you have your treadmill now. It is a safety device, really. 
This is my happy place. And I really apologize for my unhappy news.
My bil passed away today. He was 52 and has a 20 yo daughter and a 15 yo son. He was a great guy, I can’t imagine he ever had anyone who disliked him.
I am very sad, my D is taking it hard.
No exercise today and I’m eating a bunch of junk food today. No shame.
I am so, so sorry, Deb. What a sad thing. Prayers for your family. That is just terrible.
Sorry for your loss, @deb922. 
I am not able to sync my FitBit today. This is my first problem at all! Anyone else with iPhone not syncing?
Deb, I am so, so sorry.
I’m so sorry , deb.
Deb, so very sorry to hear this. This is definitely an occasion for comfort food. Big hugs to you and your family.
I’m sorry to hear, deb. Special thoughts and a virtual hug to you and yours.
Deb922, I so sorry for your loss and that of your family.
notrichenough, obviously you can find all sorts of examples where genetics plays a significant role in determining one’s potential in a given sport. And you can always find examples of where one person is more suited than another for a particular sport because of genetics and body type. But the reality is that across all levels of athletics, within a particular cohort, the most significant determining factor is training and the mental discipline to train hard and push yourself past your present limits. And as ohiopublic notes, there are plenty of examples of where someone with “lower potential” outstrips the performance of someone with “greater potential” because of a willingness to train harder and smarter, be more disciplined and make more sacrifices. Within a given sport and a given level of competition, the difference between those who medal and those who don’t is most often due to training and mental toughness and not genetic differences.