174. Wild Heart Rate Data, New Coaching Theories, and 8 Shoe Reviews!
Oct 3, 2023
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On this episode, the guests discuss exciting coaching theories, heart rate data, and review running shoes. They also cover topics like the FURTHER project, at-home recommendations, stress-induced heart rate responses, and the use of AI in athletics. Stay tuned for a heartwarming listener email at the end!
Coaches should prioritize power and speed at VO2 max for performance improvement in endurance sports.
Remaining open to new ideas and adjusting coaching approaches based on individual athlete needs is crucial for success.
Practicing self-love and positive affirmations can lead to personal growth and improved well-being.
Deep dives
Refocusing on Power and Speed at VO2 Max
One area of coaching that I've been reevaluating is the emphasis on power and speed at VO2 max. While I previously explored other training approaches, I found that consistently reinforcing power and speed at VO2 max throughout the training cycle has been more predictive of performance. This includes incorporating strides, short intervals, and even longer intervals to ensure athletes maintain a focus on these key variables. The combination of strength and speed work has shown to be highly beneficial for athletes, especially after completing an ultra event.
The Importance of VO2 Max Training for Performance
Contrary to popular belief, the focus on VO2 max training is still a critical component for success in endurance sports. While other approaches, such as the Norwegian training method, gained popularity, I've found that power and speed at VO2 max continue to be the most predictive variables for performance. By incorporating a combination of strength work and speed intervals, athletes can enhance their VVO2 capabilities, which in turn, enhances their overall performance across a range of distances.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability in Coaching
As a coach, it's essential to remain open to new ideas and adapt to individual athlete needs. Recent experiences, such as recovering from COVID-19, have emphasized the importance of individualized training and understanding the unique responses of athletes. Additionally, focusing on specific training variables, such as power and speed at VO2 max, can significantly impact performance. By continually learning and adjusting coaching approaches, coaches can better support athletes in achieving their goals.
The Power of Self-Love: Overcoming Anxiety and Addiction
A listener shares their journey of overcoming performance issues, low energy, anxiety, and addiction through the power of self-love. They credit the podcast for providing a sense of recognition, contagious joy, and a true community that goes beyond the podcast itself. By practicing positive affirmations and leaning into self-love, they have experienced a quieter negative voice and a healthier relationship with substances. This newfound self-love has not only improved their personal well-being but also their ability to show up and support others.
The Hidden Motive of Mile Ranges on Training Programs
A hot take suggests that coaches use mile ranges on training programs not only to prioritize individual preference and ability, but also as a secret way to gauge an athlete's mindset and determination. By observing whether athletes consistently choose the highest mileage in the range, coaches can assess their commitment and resilience. It also reflects the coaches' intention to challenge their athletes and encourage them to push their limits.
Perceived Exertion as a Key Metric in Various Areas of Life
A hot take highlights the significance of perceived exertion (RPE) beyond running and exercise. It suggests that RPE can be applied to other aspects of life, such as level of participation at dinner parties, quality of parenting, and intimate moments. By acknowledging and managing personal exertion levels in these areas, individuals can achieve positive outcomes, improve self-awareness, and maintain a healthy balance.
You want the best podcast vibes? Because that's what you get on this episode, with some 4 AM recording energy. Why were we recording at 4 AM? For the love of the game! The main training topic was answering a listener question about what excites us most right now in coaching and theory. We delve into some of the scientific history of VO2 max via a new study, whether you should do shorter races, how to think about intensity distribution, popular supplements we are intrigued by, and lots more. We backed that important discussion topic up with a silly compilation of shoe reviews. Do you want to find the next shoe for you? Start here. Then go other places too, since we are mainly making fun of shoe companies.
And that was just the start of the pre-dawn fun! Other topics: the FURTHER project seeing how far athletes can go, our one at-home recommendation to improve your quality of life, the most weird heart rate responses to stress, WHOOP's new use of AI, Transvulcania leaving the UTMB World Series, Jim Walmsley getting a golden ticket to Western States, a wonderful new study on ultras, and hot takes. Stick around for a beautiful listener corner email at the end that will bring tears to your eyes and put fire in your belly!
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