Reflections on the podcast's one-year anniversary and impact. Inspiring stories from Olympic trials. Discussing doping in sports and the use of sunscreen in baseball. Exploring the stress and dilemmas faced by MLB pitchers. Examining the effects of castrated boar meat. Mistaken porporino orders and the responsibility of coaches in the doping system.
During the taper period before a race, athletes may experience minor injuries due to underlying inflammation, so it's crucial to listen to their bodies and back off if necessary.
Coaches invest a lot in their athletes, deal with uncertainty, and support them with trust, compassion, and a positive mindset.
In ultra racing, there are uncertainties and varied outcomes, so athletes and coaches should focus on planning for the best while being prepared for setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook.
Deep dives
Taper Niggles and Inflammation
During the taper period before a race like Western States, athletes may experience some niggles or minor injuries. This can be attributed to the underlying inflammation in the body during peak training. As the training load decreases during the taper, the background inflammation remains high, which can lead to these niggles. It's important for athletes to listen to their bodies during this time and back off if needed. The inflammation levels will eventually settle, and most athletes will have a smooth race day.
Anxiety and Uncertainty
Coaches like Team Merfs can feel anxious during races like Western States because they invest a lot in their athletes and know their strengths and weaknesses. They can also feel uncertain about the outcomes and how each athlete will perform. However, they work hard to support and guide their athletes, taking into account the range of probabilities and understanding that anything can happen. They maintain trust, compassion, and a positive mindset throughout the race.
Range of Probabilities in Ultra Racing
Ultra racing is full of uncertainties, and the outcomes can vary greatly. Coaches and athletes need to understand that there is a range of probabilities, including both positive outcomes and unexpected challenges. However, they should focus on planning for the best possible results while also being prepared for any setbacks. It's important to believe in the possibilities and maintain a positive outlook while acknowledging that not everything can be controlled.
Avoiding the Bottom Third of Probabilities
Coaches and athletes aim to avoid the worst-case scenarios during a race. By controlling what they can control and making wise decisions, they can increase the chances of having a successful race. This means paying attention to details, like proper rest and nutrition, to give their best performance. They aim to stay away from the lowest outcomes and focus on the higher possibilities.
Compassion and Love for Athletes
Throughout the race day and the post-race period, coaches like Team Merfs provide support and compassion to the athletes. They understand that not every athlete will have the perfect race and that some may struggle with disappointment. The coaches aim to help athletes overcome post-race blues and provide guidance and empathy during this time. They celebrate the successes and offer comfort and encouragement to those who may have faced unexpected challenges.
In our one-year podcast anniversary episode, we talked about amazing stories from the Olympic Trials, the science of why tapers might involve small injuries, and more thoughts on the recent doping news. THANK YOU ALL! WOOHOO!
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