Olav Aleksander Bu - Genius Coach of Kristian Blummenfelt & Gustav Iden
Mar 31, 2025
auto_awesome
Olav Aleksander Bu is a renowned coach known for guiding elite triathletes Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. In this insightful conversation, he shares the importance of intensity control and how customized training can boost performance. Olav discusses the role of Zone 2 training in the Norwegian training system and weighs the benefits of volume versus intensity in workouts. Quick-fire questions tackle the use of super shoes, VO2 max training, and the necessity of individualized plans for peak performance.
Understanding the distinction between internal and external intensity control is crucial for optimizing triathlon performance based on physiological responses.
A balanced training program incorporating various intensities, while avoiding over-exhaustion, is essential for consistent progression in both amateur and elite athletes.
Individualized training plans that adapt to specific goals and fitness levels maximize efficiency and effectiveness in achieving peak performance.
Deep dives
Training and Coaching Philosophy Evolution
The speaker emphasizes that while the core principles of training and coaching for triathlon have remained largely intact, there has been a deeper understanding of intensity control. This involves differentiating between external-oriented intensity control, which aligns with race demands, and internal-oriented intensity control, focusing more on individual physiological responses. The speaker notes that while power output and speed can be monitored externally, managing stress and energy sources through metrics like heart rate and lactate is crucial for optimal performance. This nuanced approach allows for better adaptability to stress levels, which is vital for both elite and amateur athletes.
Importance of Intensity and Duration
The effective training program is built upon two foundational elements: intensity and duration. The discussion highlights that increasing intensity can significantly elevate stress on the body compared to an equivalent increase in duration, highlighting the care needed for athletes when adjusting their training. Both amateur athletes and those pursuing elite performance must understand that balance is essential; never pushing to exhaustion allows for better recovery and consistency in training. The emphasis is placed on developing a well-rounded program that incorporates high, medium, and low-intensity workouts tailored to the individual's goals.
Individualization and Goal Setting
The speaker stresses the necessity of individualized training programs that account for an athlete's specific goals, be it health, longevity, or high performance. A well-crafted program should assess the athlete's current fitness levels and continuously adapt to their progress through a gap analysis. This not only maximizes the effectiveness of training sessions but ensures that athletes derive the highest possible benefit from their allocated training hours. The importance of understanding personal strengths and weaknesses is crucial in crafting targeted interventions that lead to improvements in performance.
Peak Human Performance and Motivation
The conversation touches on the quest for peak human performance, particularly through the experiences of elite athletes Christian Blumenfeld and Gustav Eden. It is suggested that while extraordinary physical achievements have been recorded, there is still potential for further exploration of human capabilities. The key to success lies not just in the physical realm but also in the psychological aspects, where motivation and a strong support system play a transformative role. The ability to remain focused and passionate about training is paramount, as complacency can inhibit desire and progress.
Volume vs. Quality in Training
A current debate in the triathlon community centers around training volume—whether more hours are beneficial or whether a focus on quality sessions is preferable. The speaker acknowledges that the effectiveness of training can vary greatly depending on the athlete's individual response to increased volume. For instance, a previously driven athlete might find new motivation and progress by reducing their training load, while others may perform better with additional volume. Ultimately, the conversation reinforces the importance of tailoring training strategies based on individual needs and circumstances.
One of the great sports science & triathlon coaching minds is back on The Triathlon Hour. We talk about a lot of training topics including intensity control and how crucial it is to being your best, how important is volume in training and can doing less with more intensity/recovery be better for your training or are you better off to focus on trying to do more, peak human performance, what is Zone 2 training and how do the Norwegian's use it in their training and then we hit some quick fire questions about long running/riding, should you use super shoes in your training and should VO2 max training be a part of everyone's programs. If you love training - this podcast with Olav is for you.
