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 talks coaching strategies in a data-driven world filled with wearables and social platforms. With the advancement of technology and platforms, there is a growing tension between positives and negatives when it comes to data, wearable devices and social media.The challenges of managing this tension have become heightened for younger athletes who may feel pressure to maintain an online persona of success and accomplishment through sharing data and results. How can a coach find the balance between using data to improve performance while minimizing the risks of an overly connected athlete? Kristin explains her approaches, including how she tries out any new wearable an athlete brings up with her to understand how it works, what it tracks and the experience as a user.Kristin, the most decorated U.S. female cyclist and the best female time trialist in history, lives in Idaho. She owns the Pivot by KA chain of health clubs while still managing a cycling coaching business. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, a two-time World Champion, and has won six U.S. National Championships. She is the only female U.S. athlete to have won the same event in three consecutive Olympic Games and the oldest female cyclist in history to win an Olympic gold medal.To watch the interview, head over to the TrainingPeaks YouTube Channel.

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. 

Mike Ricci, founder and head coach at D3 Multisport and After 40 Reboot, shares triathlon offseason training tips. Topics include goal setting, blood testing, strength and mobility programming, and making small adjustments for significant improvements.

Whether you're a coach looking to navigate the business landscape or an athlete considering hiring a coach, this episode offers valuable insights and perspectives from seasoned professionals.Three diverse coaches in business structure, sport type and location open up to shed light on their sources of income, ranging from subscription-based coaching to book royalties and bike fits. Learn the differences between U.S.-based and European-based coaching businesses. They discuss the challenges and opportunities coaches face in the marketplace and where they see the future of coaching going beyond an increased focus on personalized services. 

Ben Day, retired pro cyclist and head performance coach of the American Magic team, discusses the intersection of cycling and sailing in the America's Cup. Cyclors, with their lower-body strength, play a crucial role in manipulating sail shapes. Absolute power, not watts per kilogram, is key in yacht racing. Training for yacht racing differs from road cycling, and a strong aerobic foundation is crucial. Learn how to contact the team and submit training peaks files to join their talented group of athletes.

In this episode of the TrainingPeaks CoachCast, host Dirk Friel interviews Jill Colangelo, a researcher focusing on mental health in endurance athletes. Colangelo shares insights from her ultra endurance experiences, sports psychiatry work and research, highlighting the higher prevalence of mental illness among ultra endurance athletes. She discusses the need for recognition and treatment of exercise addiction, as well as the importance of balancing athletic pursuits with a fulfilling life outside of sports. Colangelo also delves into overtraining syndrome, its symptoms and the challenges in diagnosing it. Offering practical solutions for maintaining physical and mental well-being, she stresses the role of coaches in promoting rest, nutrition and mindful training. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on mental health in the endurance sports community.