That Triathlon Show

Alexandra Coates, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow at the McMaster University in Canada. She is also a former elite short-course triathlete and triathlon coach.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Cardiac adaptations to endurance training -How important and rate-limiting are cardiac adaptations for endurance performance? -Stroke volume, VO2max, and what type of training to do to improve them? -Transferring scientific knowledge into practical application -What Alex would have done differently in her career knowing what she knows now SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts375/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. Get the special Zen8 x TTS bundle including the Swim Trainer and a number of ZEN8 training plans and on-demand workouts on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Alex profiles on Research Gate and Twitter Cardiac Remodeling in Elite Aquatic Sport Athletes - Coates et al. 2022 Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Elite Swimmers and Runners - Currie et al. 2018 Markers of Low Energy Availability in Overreached Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - Kuikman et al. 2022 Superior performance improvements in elite cyclists following short intervals vs. effort‐matched long intervals training - Ronnestad et al. 2020 What types of intervals are most effective? A scientific analysis with Michael Rosenblat | EP#243 RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports) with Margo Mountjoy | EP#233 Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance - by Alex Hutchinson Mind, body, and the curiously elastic limits of human performance with Alex Hutchinson | EP#101 RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Coach and professional triathlete Melanie McQuaid (still going strong at 49) returns to That Triathlon Show for another interview, this time focusing on Ironman and 70.3 distance training and racing.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Mel's overall approach to training for long-distance triathlon -Diving into specifics on swimming, biking and running -What training looks like early in the year (right now) far from racing -Pacing in long-distance triathlon -Running biomechanics  -How Mel has stayed competitive as a professional athlete while approaching her 50th birthday SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts374/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15.    LINKS AND RESOURCES: Mel's website, Instagram and Twitter Training for Xterra and off-road triathlon with five-time world champion Melanie McQuaid | EP#196 Altis coaching education RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Coach Frank Jakobsen returns to That Triathlon Show to discuss a number of topics pertinent to the start of the year. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Season analysis: how to do it and use the information gained going forward -Periodisation strategies -Training camps: benefits, considerations, and mistakes to avoid -The Ironman World Championships in Kona and Nice: implications for athletes SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts373/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. Get the special Zen8 x TTS bundle including the Swim Trainer and a number of ZEN8 training plans and on-demand workouts on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Frank Jakobsen – Performance, training and mindset | EP#231 Workout fueling – best practices of top coaches | EP#306 Kona preparation – best practices of top coaches | EP#309 RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Mikael answers listener questions (from Instagram and Newsletter followers) on the topics of season planning, goal setting, and personal limiters.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -How to set race goals (and account for factors like course, competitiveness of the field, etc) -How to know what's realistic to aim for -How to track the progress towards your goals -How to establish limiters and assess if you're training to tackle them is working -When is the best time to do a marathon if triathlon performance is your main goal? -How to plan your season when you want to qualify for Kona but you don't know if you will manage to qualify or not SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts372/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15 on formswim.com/tts.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. Get the special Zen8 x TTS bundle including the Swim Trainer and a number of ZEN8 training plans and on-demand workouts on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Q&A episode archive RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

A round-up of some of the best episodes and moments from That Triathlon Show in 2022.    IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Tim Reed -Bex Milnes -Mark Burnley -Tim Podlogar -Alan Murchison -Glenn Poleunis -Paulo Sousa -Eoin Everard -Erin Carson -Tom Bell -Andrew Sellars SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts371/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes perform at their best through their online tools, patented Sweat Test and range of electrolytes and fueling products. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner and receive a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake. If you want further help, book a free 20-minute video consultation to chat through your plan. Listen out for the code in today's show to get 15% off your first order of PF&H electrolytes and fueling products. If you missed the code, just email hello@pfandh.com. FORM Smart Swim Goggles give you unprecedented real-time feedback in your swim training through a display on the goggle lens. See every split to stay on pace, track your stroke rate and don't let it drop, use heart rate to become more scientific and precise with your training (through integration with Polar HR monitors) and analyse more in-depth metrics post-swim in the app. You can also use a vast library of workouts or training plans, or build your own guided workouts. Get 15% off the goggles with the code TTS15.  LINKS AND RESOURCES: Training talk with Tim Reed | EP#350 Training talk with Bex Milnes | EP#353 VLaMax, Polarised training, Fatigue and Complexity with Mark Burnley, PhD | EP#331 Carbohydrates – science and practice with Tim Podlogar, PhD | EP#354 The Performance Chef – Alan Murchison | EP#366 Training talk with Glenn Poleunis | EP#335 Training talk with Paulo Sousa | EP#360 Injury prevention, strength training, and running biomechanics with Eoin Everard, PhD | EP#336 Strength coach Erin Carson | EP#367 Training talk with Tom Bell | EP#356 Physiology, testing and respiratory training with Andrew Sellars | EP#361 RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

In this episode, we discuss the results of the recent That Triathlon Show listener survey, and what that means for how the show will develop and (hopefully) improve in 2023 and beyond. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -A detailed summary of the That Triathlon Show survey, including both positive and negative feedback -A completely transparent peek behind the curtains of how Mikael analysed and interpreted the survey responses -What this means for That Triathlon Show going forward. What changes can you expect, and what can you expect will stay the same?  SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts370/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: ROKA - Exceptional quality triathlon wetsuits, trisuits, swimskins, goggles, performance sunglasses as well as prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.  Online vision test for prescription updates and home try-on options available for eyeglasses. Ships from the US, UK and EU. Trusted by world-leading athletes such as  Lucy Charles-Barclay, Javier Gómez Noya, Flora Duffy, Morgan Pearson, Summer Rappaport and others in triathlon, cycling, speed skating, and many more. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order. ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. Get the special Zen8 x TTS bundle including the Swim Trainer and a number of ZEN8 training plans and on-demand workouts on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Sign up for the Scientific Triathlon newsletter TTS Thursday episode archive Beginner Tip episode archive Q&A episode archive RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Olav Aleksander Bu is the coach of Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. He returns to the podcast (see also EP#264) for another in-depth discussion of training, racing, science, coaching and what makes these two athletes so exceptional.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Going from short-course to long-course and back again -Key swim, bike and run sessions for short course and long course, respectively -Recovery between races (e.g. Kristian becoming 70.3 World Champion 3 weeks after finishing 3rd in Kona)  -An in-depth look into Kristian's and Gustav's swim training -The importance of specificity -The balance between VO2max and economy -How would Olav coach an amateur athlete with 10 hours per week to train?  -Other age-group related questions: good and bad things to spend money on, training mistakes, do physiological measurements matter... -Talent, talent development, nature and nurture -Olav's favourite piece of gear or equipment SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts369/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using their FREE Fuel & Hydration planner. Book a FREE one-on-one consultation to chat with the team and refine your fueling and hydration even further. Listeners of That Triathlon Show get 15% off their first order of fueling and hydration products. If you didn't catch the discount code in the episode, email Andy and the team at hello@pfandh.com and they will be happy to help.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a unique Dryland Swim Trainer that allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. With the trainer you can do specific power and technique work, including working on your catch and core activation, and it helps you stay consistent even if you don’t have much time to train. Get the special Zen8 x TTS bundle including the Swim Trainer and a number of ZEN8 training plans and on-demand workouts on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Olav Aleksander's Twitter and Instagram  Applied triathlon science with Olav Aleksander Bu (Norwegian Triathlon Olympic team) | EP#264 Olympic gold medal training and preparation with Arild Tveiten | EP#304 Arild Tveiten – coach of Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden and Casper Stornes on triathlon training the Norwegian way | EP#223 How Norway became a triathlon powerhouse with head coach Arild Tveiten | EP#154 RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/ CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. NEW BASE TRAINING PLANS - 60% LAUNCH DISCOUNTWe have just launched a set of brand new base training plans. There is a low-volume (7 hours per week average), mid-volume (10 h/wk) and high-volume (14 h/wk) version available. For a limited time only, until the 31st of August 2025, these plans are available on a massive discount of 60%, meaning you can purchase a plan for 30$ instead of the regular price of 75$. Use the code "BASE1" at checkout to apply this discount code. The plans are only available on TrainingPeaks. You can learn more about each of the plans (and purchase them, if you so desire) through the links below. Low-volume Base Training PlanMid-volume Base Training PlanHigh-volume Base Training Plan

Dan Bigham, a performance engineer at INEOS Grenadiers and former World Hour Record holder, dives into the nuances of aerodynamics and endurance racing. He shares details about his rigorous training and preparation for the Hour Record, offering insights into pacing strategies and heat management. Bigham discusses the innovative Sub7 project and reveals what works—and what doesn't—in aerodynamics, including the impact of gear like trisuits and hydration systems on performance. Listeners also get answers to their burning questions about aerodynamic myths and practices.

Erin Carson, a strength coach for elite triathletes like Taylor Knibb and Paula Findlay, shares her insights on enhancing athletic performance through strength training. She emphasizes that strength isn’t just about lifting weights; it's about understanding the body's kinetic chain for injury prevention. Discussing tailored training strategies, she highlights effective home-based workouts, recommended exercises for those over 40, and the importance of individualized programs. Erin's holistic approach merges mobility, recovery, and dynamic movements for optimal athletic function.

Alan Murchison, a lifelong endurance athlete and a Michelin-starred chef, shares his expertise in performance nutrition for athletes. He discusses how individualized meal plans help optimize training, emphasizing the balance between nutrition and enjoyment of food. Alan also delves into the complexities of supplements and the importance of whole foods. He highlights the unique nutrition needs of female athletes and offers insights into managing dietary challenges while ensuring energy levels remain high during training and competition.