Season 6 Ep 5 — Applying Elite Training Science to All Athletes With HYCYS Coach Björn Geesmann
May 15, 2024
auto_awesome
Sports scientist and coach Björn Geesmann discusses applying elite training science to all athletes, from wind tunnel testing and bike selection to sports psychology. Exploring the impact of data from pros on age group athletes and the balance between analysis and impactful training. Emphasizes the importance of simplicity, consistency, and seeking support in athlete training.
Professionals in endurance sports benefit from consistency over extremely long runs, averaging 50 kilometers for Patrick Lange and 35-40 kilometers for Kat Matthews.
Athletes should prioritize strength training, mobility, and physiotherapy as the fourth discipline in triathlon to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
Deep dives
The Debate on Long Runs - Risk vs. Reward
The speaker questions the necessity of long runs exceeding two and a half hours due to the potential risks such as tendon strain and energy balance issues compared to the physiological rewards. He emphasizes that for pro athletes, running volumes average around 50 kilometers for Patrick and 35 to 40 kilometers for Cat, highlighting the importance of consistency over extremely long runs. The discussion delves into the training context and adaptation of long runs, suggesting that the benefits could be psychological for first-time Ironman athletes to build endurance mile by mile.
The Importance of Comprehensive Athletic Training and Mobility
Emphasizing the crucial role of athletic training and mobility as the fourth discipline in triathlon training, the speaker stresses the need to prioritize gym work, flexibility, and physiotherapy to prevent injuries and enhance performance. He highlights the significance of maintaining muscular balance, strength endurance, and glute activation, especially for running performance. The integration of physiotherapy and specialized training techniques is recommended for athletes to achieve optimal function and efficiency.
Approach to Strength Training for Triathletes
The podcast advocates a strategic approach to strength training, suggesting tailored programs focusing on neuromuscular training and maximizing muscle functionality rather than muscle volume. The speaker advises against high-volume, high-mass training that may hinder triathlon performance due to added weight and potential fatigue. Instead, maintaining functional strength, balance, and stability through exercises like bodyweight strength training and strength endurance workouts is recommended for improving performance and preventing injuries.
Balancing Long Run Duration for Age Group Athletes
The speaker cautions age group athletes against overly emphasizing long runs beyond the two-hour mark, citing potential risks of inflammation, prolonged recovery times, and bone density impact. With a focus on training adaptation and risk assessment, a maximum long run duration of two hours is suggested, highlighting the importance of considering training workload and recovery dynamics in a holistic training plan to optimize performance without compromising health.
Björn Geesman is a German-based sports scientist and coach. He is also the CEO of HYCYS coaching company and co-founder of power & pace. He works with pro triathletes Patrick Lange and Kat Matthews, among other big names in endurance sports.
In this episode, Dirk and Björn dive into everything from wind tunnel testing tunnels and bike selection based on data to the importance of sports psychology to his potentially controversial approach to the "long run" — even at the professional levels of sport. He also explains how the science and data learnings from pros can relate to athletes competing in age group races and events. Yet, reminding us all that it's essential not to get lost in excessive analysis but to focus on impactful training.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode