A Comment on ALTIS

Coach Dan Pfaff pictured mid lesson teaching HPW Elite miler Rebecca Mehra.

He who works with his hands is a laborer.
He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.

― Francis of Assisi

A handful of HPW Elite and myself are currently in Arizona on a mini-training / performance therapy camp courtesy of the world-class team at ALTIS.

The ALTIS community is a cohort of artist coaches and performance practitioners whose hands, head, and heart guide every athlete's preparation and development. It is refreshing to witness. And inspiring. 

Context is key at ALTIS. To date, nothing like this exists anywhere else in the track and field world, or at least which I am aware, so it is impossible to compare it to any other set up. ALTIS is not simply a training group, it is more than that, it is an environment of excellence.

And like the taste of chocolate, the only way to truly understand it is by experiencing it first hand. Talking about it affords only a surface, shallow awareness, which ultimately falls woefully short.

To be honest, I had my doubts (as we all do about new, innovative methods) before I came down last year and participated in their Apprentice Coach Program, but that experience fundamentally changed me for the better. It forced me to raise my bar. And I felt it moved me from being a two dimensional craftsman towards becoming a multidimensional artist.

If you haven't spent time at ALTIS and are curious, I encourage you to consider it. You'll receive an education in a few short days like none other. You'll level up. And as a by-product, those you coach will be elevated as well.

A true win-win for all involved.

Thanks for reading. I'm glad you're here. // jm