Context is everything! Join Dr. Will and Dr. Matt in this episode of the Performance Advantage Podcast as they map out the future role of AI in sports. There is a pivotal difference between AI-generated training plans and AI coaching. While AI might consistently churn out generic training schedules, it cannot replicate the nuanced planning and adaptations a human coach can offer based on an athlete's ever-changing needs and circumstances. Athletes' reliance on AI's automated adjustments is a challenge, considering that there is currently no feature for in-depth discussion or contextual assessm ..read more

With a thrilling array of metrics at our disposal—heart rate, power meters, HRV, braking analysis, sleep patterns, and an arsenal of wearable tech like running watches—the consensus was clear: while the abundance of data might seem overwhelming, its value lies in contextualization. In our conversation, we unveiled the power of data as a guiding compass for performance optimization. Ultimately, we concluded that there's no such thing as an excess of data; rather, it's the interpretation and application that define its significance. Join us on this enlightening journey through the intersection o ..read more

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of interval training, uncovering the science and strategy behind the two most effective interval workouts for endurance athletes. Whether you're a runner, cyclist, triathlete, or mountain biker, these sessions are the secret sauce to elevating your performance. First, we'll explore the mechanics of interval training - how it works, why it's effective, and the physiological changes it triggers in your body. I'll break down complex scientific concepts into easy-to-understand nuggets, ensuring you know not just the 'how,' but the 'why' behind these wo ..read more

As an endurance athlete, it's easy to get caught up in the mentality that more is always better. However, there's a fine line between pushing yourself to your limits and overtraining. Burnout and overtraining can have similar symptoms, such as fatigue, decreased performance, and lack of motivation. The difference lies in the cause - burnout is often a result of psychological and emotional stress, while overtraining is caused by physical stress from excessive training. It's important to listen to your body and recognize the signs of burnout or overtraining to prevent long-term negative effects ..read more

Join us today as we delve into the essential elements of conquering the challenging bike course at the upcoming Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. We share some of the science, our personal insights, and practical tips on pacing, equipment choices, and various strategic considerations that can make all the difference on race day. Episode Highlights: Pacing for Success: One of the keys to triumphing on the bike leg is maintaining an efficient and sustainable pace. We discuss how we adapt our pacing strategies based on the course's undulating terrain and technical challenges, ensurin ..read more

There's so much going on in MTB - and plenty of bro science. With so many equipment and setup options, and multitude of factors affecting performance in races, how is it possible to figure out what's best for you? Think of it this way: you could have the perfect bike for the course and your best ever fitness, but over-pacing in the first 30s of your race could throw it all away! Are hardtails faster? Can you beat someone simply because you have different tires? Will your suspension setup make you brake differently? We've been doing some races and trying new things, and have found wildly differ ..read more

There's so much going on in MTB - and plenty of bro science. With so many equipment and setup options, and multitude of factors affecting performance in races, how is it possible to figure out what's best for you? Think of it this way: you could have the perfect bike for the course and your best ever fitness, but over-pacing in the first 30s of your race could throw it all away! Are hardtails faster? Can you beat someone simply because you have different tires? Will your suspension setup make you brake differently? We've been doing some races and trying new things, and have found wildly differ ..read more

We dive into the controversial world of doping in sports with guest Jack Kelly from How They Train. Together, we explore the science, ethics, and motivations behind performance-enhancing substances while discussing the challenges faced by anti-doping agencies. Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding doping, the physiological effects of performance-enhancing drugs, and the ethical dilemmas they pose. Jack Kelly shares exclusive stories and insights, making for a captivating and educational listening experience. Don't miss this compelling episode, where science, ethics, and ..read more

Discover the power of the run-walk marathon method in this exciting episode of The Performance Advantage Podcast, hosted by sports scientists Dr Will and Dr Matt. Learn how Dr Will achieved an incredible 2:37 marathon finish using this innovative technique and how it can transform your own performance. We break down the mechanics and benefits of the run-walk approach, discussing pacing, mental strategies, and individual adaptations. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or a first-time runner, tune in to unlock the secrets of the run-walk method and take your endurance to the next level. F ..read more

With race season fast approaching, we're slipping out of the base phase and into the build phase. Or are we? I mean, is base training even important these days? Or is it more important to do intervals? Some athlete do base training all year - but does that mean that's right for you? In this episode, we discuss who needs base training and wahy, and unlock some of the limiting factors and benefits of the base phase. Base training - or the popular Zone 2 training - isn't for everyone all the time, so dig into this episode to find out more! And as you transition out of base, watch out for these pi ..read more