At FAST Running, excellence isn’t accidental — it’s the result of purposeful planning, smart systems, and a relentless commitment to improvement. That mindset doesn’t stop with our athletes on the track. It lives in our coaches too.
Recently, Head Coach Steve Dodt completed and passed three key certifications in SAFe 6.0 (Scaled Agile Framework) — a globally respected system for delivering complex, adaptive, and high-performance outcomes in fast-moving environments.
Steve’s certifications include:
- SAFe 6.0: Leading SAFe
- SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager
- SAFe for Teams
These qualifications might sound corporate, but they bring powerful real-world value to our coaching environment. SAFe is all about leading agile teams, managing change, building aligned goals, and delivering progress in small, measurable, and impactful steps — principles that align perfectly with how FAST Running trains and performs.
“Whether you’re developing elite athletes or high-performing software teams, the foundations are the same — vision, structure, communication, and a constant cycle of feedback and improvement,” says Steve.
From Frameworks to Fast Times
So what does this mean for our squad?
- Stronger planning: Sprint seasons, competition peaks, and recovery blocks are built using principles of agile iteration — adapting to the athlete, not just the calendar.
- Clearer communication: With multiple coaches and athletes, good systems create clarity, not confusion — and better athlete outcomes.
- Improved squad alignment: Like a relay team in perfect sync, the FAST Running coaching group works as one, each playing their role in delivering “Running Excellence.”
- A growth mindset for all: By role-modelling lifelong learning, Steve sets a clear standard — that learning doesn’t stop when you leave school or win a medal. The best keep getting better.
Learning Is a Team Sport
This professional development is just one of many examples of how FAST Running lives out its values. Whether it’s learning a new drill, trying a new lift, or diving into new ways to think about programming, curiosity and growth are baked into our culture.
We train fast, and we learn faster. It’s what keeps us ahead — on the track, and in the systems that support it.
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