Matt Fitzgerald is a coach, nutritionist, and author of books on endurance sports including Pain & Performance, 80/20 Running, How Bad do you Want it and his most recent book “How to Run the Perfect Race- Better Racing Through Better Pacing.” He is cofounder of 80/20 Endurance and a lifelong endurance athlete.AI-powered
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Marathon Training Academy
How to Run the Perfect Race: Interview with Matt Fitzgerald
Mar 1, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Matt Fitzgerald, an endurance sports coach and author of 'How to Run the Perfect Race', shares insights into the art of race pacing. He explains common struggles runners face with pacing and delves into fascinating concepts like the central governor theory of fatigue. Conversations also highlight the interplay between nutrition and performance, especially with slow-release carbohydrates. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and balance in running, blending psychological tactics with practical training advice.
49:06
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Quick takeaways
- Effective pacing involves understanding individual abilities and making strategic decisions throughout the race to avoid underperformance.
- The central governor theory suggests mental processes significantly influence physical performance, highlighting the importance of overcoming perceived barriers in racing.
Deep dives
The Importance of Pacing in Races
Many runners struggle with pacing during races, which can lead to underperformance despite their fitness level. The conversation emphasizes that effective pacing requires understanding individual abilities and making strategic decisions throughout the race. Observations from coaching experiences show that athletes often waste their fitness by not executing their race plans effectively. This highlights the need for runners to focus on pacing as critical for achieving their race goals.
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