Early specialization and athlete backgrounds

Luke Watson is the performance head coach of the National Triathlon Performance Centre Wales in Cardiff, a development environment for both short-course and long-course triathletes with world-class potential. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Luke's coaching methodology and training principles

-The evolution of triathlon and how to adapt to changing demands

-Periodisation of racing and training

-Training similarities and differences between elite short-course and long-course athletes

-Maximising training efficiency for age-group athletes

-Common mistakes to avoid for AG-athletes

-How to create a good pacing strategy for half and full distance races

-Tips for age-groupers to improve their swim, bike and run training and performance

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts433/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

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SPONSORS:

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LINKS AND RESOURCES:

• National Triathlon Performance Centre Wales (NTPCW) website and Instagram

• Welsh Triathlon website and Instagram

• Daniels' Running Formula - book by Jack Daniels

• Training and Racing with a Power Meter - book by Hunter Allen, Andrew Coggan and Stephen McGregor

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SPONSORS:

• Precision Fuel & Hydration produce our favourite gels, sports drinks, and electrolyte and carbohydrate products here at That Triathlon Show and Scientific Triathlon. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event, and get 15% off your first 2026 order by using the code TTS2026 at checkout.
  
• Rouvy is hands down the most complete indoor cycling platform for triathletes. Among their thousands of beautiful bike courses from all around the world, all filmed in stunning quality, they have over 75 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race courses plus 20+ Challenge Family courses, so you can pre-ride your race from home. Real gradients, real visuals, and real feel! Head to rouvy.com and use the code TTS to get your first month free on top of a 7-day free trial.
  
• Effortless Swimming produce the best swim goggles for triathletes and open water swimmers. Their NanoClear anti-fog lenses give you clear, fog-free vision that lasts and doesn't wear off. Don't let foggy or leaky goggles ruin another swim. Go to shop.effortlessswimming.com and use the code TTS15 to get 15% off your goggles, and get a free two-month Effortless Swimming course membership.

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