TrainingPeaks CoachCast

Iñigo San Millán, an internationally renowned applied physiologist and performance coach for UAE Team Emirates, dives into the intricate world of nutrition for Tour de France cyclists. He reveals how race data from TrainingPeaks shapes personalized fueling strategies and discusses the importance of tailored meal plans for different stages of the race. From pre-race breakfasts to recovery with tart cherry juice, Iñigo emphasizes stable weight maintenance and the role of quality ingredients, providing invaluable insights for both pros and amateurs in endurance sports.

In this insightful discussion, Amine Issa, founder of Mobalytics and an expert in human performance optimization, dives into the intriguing parallels between gaming and traditional sports. He shares his transformative journey from gaming in Lebanon to cutting-edge research at the Mayo Clinic. Amine emphasizes the importance of mental tactics and data-driven strategies in both fields. He highlights the evolution of esports coaching and the critical roles of nutrition and mental health. The conversation blends sports science with gaming tactics, revealing valuable insights for coaches and gamers alike.

In this discussion, John Wakefield, managing director of Science to Sport and performance coach for Bora-hansgrohe, shares his extensive coaching experience. He emphasizes the importance of recovery as a key to athletic progression, detailing a sub-max test that combines data and subjective feedback. John explains recovery's nuanced aspects, including nutrition, stretching, and mindfulness. He also offers insights into team strategies for maintaining recovery during high-stakes competitions, showcasing a comprehensive approach to optimizing athlete performance.

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.

Dr. Will O'Connor, a running scientist and former triathlete from New Zealand, dives into the world of running power metrics. He discusses the evolution of power technology and its implications for training, emphasizing the need for accuracy among various devices. Will highlights the differences between running and cycling power metrics, explaining how terrain affects energy expenditure. He also explores the importance of heart rate monitoring for trail running and the growing acceptance of power metrics in endurance sports.

Kristin Armstrong, three-time Olympic gold medalist and cycling coach, dives into the interplay between technology and coaching. She discusses the pressure young athletes face from social media and how it affects their performance. Kristin emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to data while maintaining mental health. She shares insights on integrating new wearables into training and how to set healthy boundaries with social platforms. With her vast experience, she offers strategies for coaches to adapt in a data-driven athletic landscape.

Joe Friel, a legendary endurance coach and co-founder of TrainingPeaks, shares his transformative journey in the sports world. He reminisces about opening the first triathlon store in the U.S. and the evolution of coaching practices over four decades. Joe emphasizes the balance between personal experience and data-driven insights, while addressing the importance of sharing knowledge within the coaching community. He also discusses the impact of technology on training and the need for personal connection in remote coaching.

Expert in sports sociology and coaching, Dr. Brian Gearity, discusses the impact of sociology on coaching decision-making and athlete-coach relationships. They explore the distinctions between sports psychology and the sociology of sport, emphasizing the importance of human connection in endurance sports and concerns about AI. The chapter also examines bias, social framing, and the three C's - construct, critique, create. Finally, they discuss different types of coaches in the Masters of Art, Sport Coaching Program and the online format of the program.

Chris Lee, the director of Sports Performance at Kinesis Integrated and certified strength and conditioning specialist, shares his expertise on strength training for endurance athletes. He emphasizes the importance of year-round training for injury prevention and performance enhancement, integrating strength work seamlessly into endurance regimens. Lee discusses the benefits of plyometrics and eccentric movements, addresses athletes' limitations, and offers practical advice for beginners. His insights are key for coaches looking to optimize training through collaboration and tailored plans.

In this episode, Lance and Dirk discuss the importance of cultivating a multidimensional sports foundation for young athletes before zeroing in on a particular sport. Hear about the upsides of a mixed sporting background and the risks of early specialization. Lance also shares insightful experiences as a coach (guiding Brent McMahon from the junior ranks to retirement from the pro circuit) and a parent of two high-performing kids.When is the right time for a young athlete to specialize in a sport? How far is too far for those athletes? What role do parents play in the progression of their children's athletics? Why is it important for young athletes to have a broad range of skills? Find out what has worked for Lance and his athletes for over 25 years, including his son and daughter.