Optimizing Spring Training: Chris Hauth Returns

Apr 26, 2019

Chris Hauth, a former professional triathlete and Age Group Ironman World Champion, shares insights on balancing fitness and life demands. He emphasizes realistic goal-setting for weight management and the importance of gradual training increases as spring arrives. The conversation navigates the mental complexities of performance mindset, urging athletes to embrace their journeys. Hauth also discusses evolving endurance sport trends, highlighting a shift towards meaningful experiences over competition, and stresses tailored nutrition for optimal performance.

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ADVICE

Gradual Training Increase

Gradually increase training volume in spring, avoiding big jumps.
Masters athletes should be careful with adding too many hours.

ADVICE

Avoid Overtraining

Avoid overtraining by resisting the urge to go too hard or long in spring.
Prioritize restraint and gradual progress to prevent injuries and burnout.

ADVICE

Flexible Training Plans

Write down weekly training intentions and adjust based on life and body responses.
Prioritize key workouts, and do not be too rigid with the schedule.

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Making his latest appearance in our ongoing Coach’s Corner series is none other than Chris Hauth, one of the world’s most respected endurance and ultra-endurance coaches.

A sub-9 hour Ironman, Chris (@AIMPCoach) is a former professional triathlete, Age Group Ironman World Champion, and 2-time Olympic Swimmer. In 2006, Chris won the Ironman Coeur D’Alene and went on to be the first American amateur & 4th overall American at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

When he’s not training and racing, Chris hosts the Weekly Word Podcast and runs AIMP Coaching, mentoring a wide spectrum of athletes ranging from elite professionals — including Ironman and Western States top finishers, Ultraman winners and Olympic Trials qualifiers — to first time half-marathoners.

Whether you are an elite athlete or just starting out, Chris knows how to get the best out of athletes the right way. A long-time friend and mentor as much as a coach, I have been under Chris’ tutelage since 2008, during which time he deftly guided me through three Ultraman World Championships (’08, ’09 & ’11), EPIC5 in 2010 and the Ötillö Swimrun World Championships in 2017, an event we raced together as a team.

I could have never achieved the level of athletic success I have enjoyed without Chris’ deft counsel, so it is with pleasure that I share more of his wisdom with you today.

As we put the cold winter months behind us, today's conversation focuses on balancing your fitness goals against life's demands as we welcome warmer days. As always, Chris drops knowledge applicable whether you are a professional athlete or a cubicle warrior just looking to improve the quality of your day to day.

Specific topics discussed include:

* optimizing fitness as we transition from winter to spring;

* scheduling training in balance with real-life pressures and expectations;

* when to hold back & how to avoid doing too much;

* experimenting with race nutrition during training;

* tips to develop the nuances of swimming technique; and

* finding joy in the training process

For those in the northern hemisphere, Spring is officially here. Whether you've fallen off track or been on top of your game, it’s the perfect time to once again check-in with the coach.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. If you're new to the show, please check out Chris' previous RRP appearances in episodes 21, 256, 297, 30...

Enjoy!

Rich