The Next Move Elite Endurance Coach: “They Trained More… and Got Worse” — The Science of Endurance with Alan Couzens
Jun 3, 2025
Alan Couzens, an elite endurance coach known for his data-driven approach, joins the conversation to unveil the secrets of endurance training. He discusses why many athletes over-train while under-performing and the importance of patience for long-term gains. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is highlighted as a crucial tool for tailoring training plans. Couzens also emphasizes the significance of rest and dynamic adjustments in training, to optimize performance and enhance overall health, making fitness a lifelong pursuit.
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Endurance Gains Are Layered And Slow
- Endurance improvements stem from both short-term neuromuscular and long-term physiological adaptations.
- Key changes like heart size and muscle efficiency require patience and years to maximize.
Endurance Potential Takes Decades
- Reaching endurance potential is a very long game, often spanning decades.
- Improvements in VO2 max, stroke volume, and muscle economy evolve progressively over many years.
Alan's Overtraining Swimming Story
- Alan started swimming competitively late and trained harder than his peers to keep up.
- His inconsistent overtraining led to sickness and injury, showing the importance of training at the right level.