That Triathlon Show

Andy Renfree, PhD, is a sports and exercise scientist with a background in and passion for running. In this interview, we discuss one of Andy's main areas of expertise, the science of pacing. We also have a more general discussion about training, sports science, and the integration of the two.       IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -The science of pacing -Practical recommendations for improved pacing -The messy reality of training and the implications for athletes and coaches -The role of sports science in training and coaching SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts349/ 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 one of a kind swim bench for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve their swim technique, power and propulsion, and consistency of swim training. It is very affordable, about the price of a pair of running shoes, and Zen8 offer free shipping in the US and the UK. Best of all, you can try it risk-free. If you don't love it after two weeks, send it back and get a full refund. Get 20% off your order at zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Andy's blog, Twitter and Research Gate A selection of studies on pacing from Andy and his colleagues Influence of an Enforced Fast-Start on 10-km Running Performance - Carmo et al. 2015 The Influence of Collective Behavior on Pacing in Endurance Competitions - Renfree et al. 2015 Effects of different goal orientations and virtual opponents performance level on pacing strategy and performance in cycling time trials - Carmo et al. 2021 Affective Feelings and Perceived Exertion During a 10-km Time Trial and Head-to-Head Running Race - Carmo et al. 2020 Risk Perception Influences Athletic Pacing Strategy - Micklewright et al. 2014 The influence of performance level, age and gender on pacing strategy during a 100-km ultramarathon - Renfree et al. 2015 Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Athletics: How to become a champion by Percy Cerutty 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.

Dr Fabian Urban is a systemic performance coach with a background in behavioural economics. He works with people in leadership and business roles as well as with athletes, to help them maximise their performance in sports or business. Fabian worked with pro triathlete Florian Angert in the lead-up to his fantastic 5th place finish at the Ironman World Championships in St George, which we discuss as a case study in the interview.         IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -What is systemic performance coaching -Finding your knots or barriers -Developing a mission -Using mental images -How Fabian worked with Florian Angert (for more than 100 hours) to help him perform to his potential in the Ironman World Championships in St George -How age-group athletes can use systemic coaching principles in triathlon and in their professional lives SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts348/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free Fuel & Hydration planner on precisionfuelandhydration.com. 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@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a one of a kind swim bench for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve their swim technique, power and propulsion, and consistency of swim training. It is very affordable, about the price of a pair of running shoes, and Zen8 offer free shipping in the US and the UK. Best of all, you can try it risk-free. If you don't love it after two weeks, send it back and get a full refund. Get 20% off your order at zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Fabian's LinkedIn, Instagram and email (right click and select "Copy email address")   Breaking Barriers website and House of Leadership website The Art of Somatic Coaching: Embodying Skillful Action, Wisdom, and Compassion - book by Richard Strozzi-Heckler Leadership by Personality: Von der emotionalen zur spirituellen Führung - Ein Dialog - book by Rolf Arnold Philipp Seipp – coach of Sebastian Kienle and Laura Philipp | EP#219 Sports psychology and applied neuroscience with Simon Marshall, PhD and Lesley Paterson | EP#282 Practical application of sports psychology for triathletes with Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter | EP#108 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.

Cecile Reynaud, PhD, has an impressive resume coaching volleyball and in leadership roles in various organisations. She is also an author, and most recently published a book called "Winning ways of women coaches", where a large number of successful women coaches discuss various aspects of the profession. In this interview, we discuss the topic of women in coaching across any sport, spanning a range of topics from policy to personal development.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -The current state of women in coaching -What can be done to increase the number of women coaches generally, and at the highest level in both women's and men's sports? -What it means for women's coaching in triathlon that the sport is on its way to becoming an official NCAA sport -Considerations for women who want to pursue a career in coaching, or want to advance their career -Leadership and personal well-being in coaching  SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts347/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free Fuel & Hydration planner on precisionfuelandhydration.com. 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@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.  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. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Cecile's profile page and books (on Human Kinetics) Winning Ways of Women Coaches - book by Cecile Reynaud 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.

Andy Blow, Founder of Precision Fuel & Hydration, discusses the science and practice of using caffeine in endurance events. Topics include caffeine as an ergogenic aid, when to use caffeine before and during the event, the impact of event duration on caffeine intake, and case studies from top triathletes.

Jacob Tipper is a coach of athletes across the spectrum from track sprinters to triathletes, and he is also a great track and road cyclist himself. Jacob was the person tasked with putting together Alistair Brownlee's team for the Sub7/Sub8 project (discussed in detail in EP#344). This week we talk generally about Jacob's perspectives on coaching and training.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Jacob's overarching coaching philosophy -Perspectives on intensity and volume -Developing fatigue resistance  -The benefits of training in a group -Psychological aspects of being an endurance athlete SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts345/ 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 one of a kind swim bench for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve their swim technique, power and propulsion, and consistency of swim training. It is very affordable, about the price of a pair of running shoes, and Zen8 offer free shipping in the US and the UK. Best of all, you can try it risk-free. If you don't love it after two weeks, send it back and get a full refund. Get 20% off your order at zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Jacob's website, Twitter and Instagram Dan Bigham – aerodynamic testing, equipment, and making your bike fast | EP#229 Scientific Training for Endurance Athletes with Dr. Philip Skiba | EP#311 Intensity, volume, rest, nutrition, coaching and triathlon myth-busting with Dr. Philip Skiba | EP#173   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.

Jacob Tipper is a coach of athletes across the spectrum from track sprinters to triathletes, and he is also a great track and road cyclist himself. Jacob was the person tasked with putting together Alistair Brownlee's team for the Sub7/Sub8 project (Brownlee was replaced by Joe Skipper due to injury before the event), and in this episode we discuss that whole process and what we can all learn from it.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -The process of putting together a team for Sub7, as well as training and testing done leading up to it -What it took (power numbers and race power profile) to be a part of the team, and what Joe Skipper needed to do to hold on at the back of the paceline -Tactics used on the bike leg -The importance of training at a high speed (like moto pacing) due to pedalling kinematics -The battle between Team Skipper and Team Blummenfelt -What lessons can regular age-groupers take away from the Sub7/Sub8 project and how Jacob and his team approached it in particular SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts344/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free Fuel & Hydration planner on precisionfuelandhydration.com. 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@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.  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. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Jacob's website, Twitter and Instagram Dan Bigham – aerodynamic testing, equipment, and making your bike fast | EP#229 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.

Daniel Muniz, PhD, a senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, dives deep into aerobic decoupling and endurance performance. He explains how decoupling affects marathon runners and what it reveals about their fitness. The discussion includes measuring techniques for decoupling and how training strategies might reduce it. Muniz also analyzes critical speed based on data from Strava, providing valuable insights for both elite and recreational runners. The episode highlights the importance of understanding physiological metrics for improving endurance.

Reto Brändli is a Swiss triathlon and cycling coach working with professional (including e.g. Imogen Simmonds) and amateur athletes. He also runs a performance lab, so is very well versed in all sorts of testing, including classic gas exchange and lactate tests, DXA body composition measurements and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Reto's perspectives on training and coaching for professional and amateur athletes, respectively -How time-crunched amateurs should prepare for longer races like half and full distance triathlons -Main principles and specific tips for swim, bike and run development -What kind of lab testing to do (in an ideal world), how to apply the results in your training, and mistakes to avoid when it comes to lab testing SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts342/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free online Sweat Test and Quick Carb Calculator on precisionfuelandhydration.com. 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@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a one of a kind swim bench for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve their swim technique, power and propulsion, and consistency of swim training. It is very affordable, about the price of a pair of running shoes, and Zen8 offer free shipping in the US and the UK. Best of all, you can try it risk-free. If you don't love it after two weeks, send it back and get a full refund. Get 20% off your order at zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Training and Diagnostics (Reto's business) website and Instagram Blood Flow Restricted Training with Richard Ferguson, PhD | EP#270 Puissance et performance en cyclisme - Frédéric Grappe 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.

Louis Passfield, PhD, is an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary and also holds a professorship at the University of Kent. In addition to his academic work, Louis has been involved with British Cycling for several Olympic cycles, and worked with athletes and practitioners in high-performance sports. Much of his recent academic work has been centred around the quantification of training load, which is the topic of today's interview.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Training Load overview: what is it, why do we want to measure it, and a brief history of training load metrics -The limitations and validity concerns of currently available training load metrics -Redefining the gold standard for quantifying training load -Suggestions for future work on coming up with valid and useful training load metrics -Advice for athletes, coaches and practitioners on use of training load metrics today SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts341/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free online Sweat Test and Quick Carb Calculator on precisionfuelandhydration.com. 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@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.  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. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Louis profile on Twitter and Research Gate and his email (right click and select "Copy email address") Validity of the Training-Load Concept - Passfield et al. 2022  Prior exercise impairs subsequent performance in an intensity- and duration-dependent manner - Fullerton et al. 2021 Cycling Performance and Training Load: Effects of Intensity and Duration - Kesisoglou et al. 2020 Continuous Versus Intermittent Running: Acute Performance Decrement and Training Load - Kesisoglou et al. 2021 Metabolic and performance‐related consequences of exercising at and slightly above MLSS - Iannetta et al. 2018 Lactate threshold with Mark Burnley, PhD | EP#330 VLaMax, Polarised training, Fatigue and Complexity with Mark Burnley, PhD | EP#331 Critical Power and VO2 kinetics with Mark Burnley, PhD | EP#257 Nitrate loading, marathons, and endurance sports science with prof. Andy Jones | EP#187 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.

Filip Larsen, PhD, is Associate Professor at the Swedish School of Sports and Health Sciences as well as Chief Science Officer at Silicon Valley Exercise Analytics (SVEXA). In this interview, we discuss research conducted by Filip and his team on finding the line between enough and too much training using various physiological and cellular markers, and how to take these findings from the lab and apply them in the field.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -Effects of intensified training on performance and cardiovascular parameters -Effects on mitochondrial parameters, including impaired mitochondrial respiration -Effects on glucose tolerance and substrate utilisation -Effects on glycolytic pathway and muscle glycogen adaptations -Implications for training, including when and how to do high-intensity training, how often to plan in rest cycles among load cycles, and more SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts340/ SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/ SPONSORS: Precision Fuel & Hydration - Optimise and individualise your fueling and hydration strategy using the free online Sweat Test and Quick Carb Calculator on precisionfuelandhydration.com. 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@precicionhydration.com and they will be happy to help.  ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a one of a kind swim bench for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve their swim technique, power and propulsion, and consistency of swim training. It is very affordable, about the price of a pair of running shoes, and Zen8 offer free shipping in the US and the UK. Best of all, you can try it risk-free. If you don't love it after two weeks, send it back and get a full refund. Get 20% off your order at zen8swimtrainer.com/tts. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Filip's profile on Research Gate and his company website (SVEXA) Excessive exercise training causes mitochondrial functional impairment and decreases glucose tolerance in healthy volunteers - Flockhart et al. 2021 Short-term intensified training temporarily impairs mitochondrial respiratory capacity in elite endurance athletes - Cardinale et al. 2021 Repeated transient mRNA bursts precede increases in transcriptional and mitochondrial proteins during training in human skeletal muscle - Perry et al. 2010 Filip Larsen on Tyngre Träningssnack (ep319) 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.