Have you ever wondered how the heart rate can affect an athlete's performance? In our latest exchange, we team up with Dr. Phil Maffetone, a trailblazer in the field of endurance training and whole health, to shed light on this intriguing concept. Specifically, we dissect the foundational principles of the Maximum Aerobic Function (MAF) methodology, unpacking the complex relationship between heart rate, aerobic thresholds, and the delicate balance between aerobic and anaerobic training. 

As we navigate our conversation, we don't just limit ourselves to fitness. We unfold the significance of nutrition for athletes, debunk the long-standing myth of the calories in/calories out equation, and explore how overtraining can trigger an unhealthy accumulation of body fat. Dr. Phil Maffetone provides us with invaluable insights into the diet of our ancestors, the perils of junk food and refined sugars on performance, and the indispensable role of protein in strength training. We also delve into the surprising realm of music's influence on mental health and exercise.

As we round off our enlightening discourse, we pivot from sports to business, drawing parallels between endurance sports and life and work lessons. We venture into app development, derive insights from Paul Larson's book on HIT training, and emphasize the importance of personalizing diets and training routines. Our journey concludes with an invitation to join Tribe Talk, a valuable email newsletter teeming with resources designed to enhance your sport, life, and business. Don't miss out on an episode brimming with insights from the mind of a maestro!

philmaffetone.com

maffetonemusic.com

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Journey with us as we take a fascinating excursion into the world of running, injuries, and recovery with our guest, the seasoned athletics consultant and physiotherapy chain co-owner, Blaise Dubois. His expertise shines through as we probe into the psychological intricacies of injury and the monumental role nutrition plays, as well as the ongoing debate around barefoot running. Hold onto your headphones as we unravel the concept of training with pain, and the intriguing possibility of optimizing performance beyond its limits.

As we delve deeper into our conversation with Blaise, we expose the shortcomings of the widely accepted 10% rule of increasing weekly mileage and discuss the pivotal role of sleep in injury recovery. Shifting gears to elite athletes, Blaise enlightens us on the importance of training quality over quantity, leading us to question and redefine widely held beliefs. The mental game isn't forgotten, as we explore the empowering lens of positivity and the growth mindset, examining their impact on recovery and performance.

Moving away from the tracks, we delve into Blaise's entrepreneurial journey, navigating the challenges of running a physiotherapy chain of clinics. We explore the concept of collective decision-making and the importance of work-life balance, with Blaise's candid and insightful reflections leading us to question our own approaches. From the importance of vacations to managing distractions and over-indulgence, get ready to glean a wealth of knowledge from our enlightening exchange with Blaise Dubois. Buckle up and tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, insights, and quite a few surprises!

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Unleash the ultra runner within you in a fascinating conversation with James Poole, an iron man, and outdoor enthusiast. Embark on an enthralling journey as we delve into James' transformation from Ironman competitions to the thrilling world of ultra marathons. Be prepared to be inspired by James' riveting experiences racing in the Gobi Desert, engaging with the underground Speed Project, and tackling grueling self-supported ultra marathons. His tales of hallucinations and battling sleep deprivation shed light on the extreme mental and physical demands of ultra running.

Let's sprint forward as we explore James's unique approach to ultra-running, which surprisingly emphasizes the significance of walking for long-distance runners. Get an inside track on his energy conservation strategies, safety measures, and coping methods for sleep deprivation. For those ready to take the leap into endurance sports, get ready to be inspired by James' book recommendation, 'Always the Runner.' 

For our final sprint, we pace into the evolution of James' global running community, Advent Running, birthed from a 25 Days of Exercise challenge. Feel the exhilaration of leading weekly running groups, partnering with brands, and navigating the pressures of being self-employed. We cap off our conversation with a stimulating debate on adventure running, breaking norms, and crafting new experiences. Lace up your running shoes for this electrifying exploration into the mind of an ultra runner!

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Get ready to stretch your horizons! We've got an enlightening conversation with Evan Lynch, a noteworthy nutritionist and educator, who gives us a compelling look at the lesser-known topic of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) in men. Drawing from his unique journey from being an Irish race walker to a respected voice in nutritional science, Evan provides a refreshing perspective on this crucial topic. This episode is layered with practical insights and academic expertise, all aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the psychological aspects that underlie optimal nutrition.

Our journey begins with a fascinating exploration of the world of race walking, an Olympic sport that pushes the boundaries of physiology and requires the technical prowess of a hurdler. Evan gives us an unparalleled insider look at the significance of body composition for success in race walking and the biomechanics of the sport, making this a must-listen for any sports enthusiast. Our conversation then takes a turn into the world of RED-S, a form of malnutrition that's not often talked about, but can have serious implications on the hormonal balance, performance, and long-term health of athletes. Evan generously shares his personal experience with RED-S and offers strategies for athletes to increase their caloric intake and safeguard against this condition.

As we round off our discussion, we explore the exciting intersection of technology and sports nutrition, including the use of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) and AI in enhancing athletic performance. While we acknowledge the potential benefits of these technologies, we also delve into the potential pitfalls and anxiety that can arise from over-dependence on them. From understanding the context of glucose levels, to exploring the utility of apps like Nutritics, this episode is a comprehensive study on the evolving world of sports nutrition. Listen on as we challenge common misconceptions and provide practical advice to optimize athletic performance. You won't want to miss this deep dive into the world of sports nutrition.

evanlynchfitnut.com

LinkedIn: @evan-lynch-77b88b227
Instagram: @elynchfitnut

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

What does it take to go from a humble beginning to becoming a world's leading triathlete? Katie Zaferes, our guest for today, holds the answers. From her sunny family fun activity to her Olympic dream, Katie shares an inspiring journey filled with grit and determination. 

Brace yourself for a roller coaster ride as we discuss her crash in Tokyo and her amazing comeback to become a World Champion - all within two weeks! Her mental strategies including journalling, guided visualisations, and mantras play a pivotal role in her success. Get a firsthand account of her experience at the Tokyo Olympics and the anxiety she had to overcome. 

We also delve into how Katie balances motherhood with the challenges of a triathlon career. She shares her insights on goal setting, how she uses books like Mind Gym and Atomic Habits for mental preparation, and her tips for travel, including managing jet lag and making travel painless. Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Katie Zaferes and discover what it takes to be a leading triathlete!

www.triathlon.org/athletes/profile/katie_zaferes
Instagram: @kzaferes6

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Prepare for an exhilarating journey as we traverse the captivating world of adventure racing, obstacle course racing, and ninja competitions with none other than Ian Adamson, a Guinness World Record holder and the reigning Ninja World Record holder. We'll immerse ourselves in the adrenaline-filled tales of global competitions, and the triumphant victories of Team Nike. From the formats of endurance events, the world's top races, to Ian's incredible story of transformation - this conversation promises to be nothing short of riveting.

Next, we'll venture into the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand as we inspect one of the world's toughest adventure races, Godzone. Let's unravel its evolution and understand why this region has become a hotspot for such daring escapades. We'll also have an in-depth discussion about the critical role of sleep in endurance racing, taking cues from Ian's 2006 Adventure Race World Championship experience. The importance of safety guidelines, the necessity of an international governing body, and the onus on event producers for competitors' safety will also be addressed in this enlightening discussion.

Lastly, we'll demystify the complexities of fueling for endurance events. From the benefits of stored body fat, the limitations of carbohydrates, to the intriguing insights from Timothy Noakes' revolutionary book, 'The Big Fat Surprise' - we leave no stone unturned. And before we wrap up, we'll explore the health benefits of adventure racing, the importance of posture, and even touch upon the impact of daylight savings on mortality rates. Brace yourselves for an engaging, informative, and enlightening dialogue with Ian Adamson!

ianadamson.com
Facebook: @ian.a.adamson
Instagram: @ian.a.adamson

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Having been a former Canadian International Alpine ski racer, Raya Usher understands the intensities, pressures and physiological demands that are placed on athletes no matter what level they are competing at. Will Usher, her husband, is a full-time coach and has been coaching Triathlon for 21 years now and has guided over 200 athletes to GB Age Group success with numerous Top 10, podiums and champions across the whole range of ITU World, European, IRONMAN and Challenge Family races along the way. Together they have built Precision Coaching to become one of the UK's top triathlon coaching businesses, so I wanted to chat to them about how they are using AI to improve their coaching proposition, what Raya has brought from the world of international skiing into multi-sport, and how they are using a Pool School to improve swim times.

Precision Coaching.co.uk

Facebook: @precisiontriathloncoaching

Instagram: @precision_race_team

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline 

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

Iain Hamilton founded OSB Events as a college project and has built a business renowned for its brilliant and accessible races. A former Elite triathlete himself, he won a lifetime achievement award in 2015 for his work developing the sport in the UK.

As organiser of the award winning Outlaw Triathlon Series and the Cambridge Half Marathon (which Claire and I have raced in ourselves),  we wanted to chat to Iain about the positive changes that COVID brought to the sport, the highlights and challenges of running events that are both popular and profitable, and what it feels like to build a brand where people tattoo your logo onto their skin.

www.osbevents.com

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline 

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

In the world of triathlon, Karen Smyers is force to be reckoned with. In 1995, she etched her name in history as the first American woman to conquer the prestigious Ironman World Championship. Her triumphs continued as she secured titles like the ITU Triathlon World Championship and claimed the U.S. National Champion title three times. She is still the only woman to win the IM World Championship and the ITU World Championship in the same year.

Karen's journey, however, has not been without hurdles as she faced both accidents and serious illness, yet her fierce determination and unwavering spirit drove her to overcome this adversity and return to the sport she loved.

Beyond physical prowess, Karen embodies the power of mental fortitude and focus. Her ability to navigate setbacks and push through the most challenging moments has been an inspiration to athletes worldwide. Claire and I really wanted to chat to her about dealing with injuries, mental fortitude and her infamous 321 taper. 

www.karensmyers.com
Karen on Instagram: @karensmyers8926

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline 

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline

As we draw Season 4 of the TRIBEathlon podcast to a close, I am astonished by the quality of the guests we have had and the wealth of information and inspiration we have taken from them; Mark Allen, the top-rated endurance athlete of all time, Bob Babbitt, the godfather of triathlon, Sharron Davies the Olympic and broadcasting legend and Tom Evans, the breakthrough British ultra-runner to name just a few! 

To commemorate an incredible season, we’ve put together an episode of our key highlights. If you’ve not listened to all of this series, why not dive into this episode to see what you’ve missed, and if you have been an avid listener this makes for a great refresher. 

Finally, if you enjoy the podcast, the best thing you can do to help us is to follow/like the podcast on your chosen platform and spread the word. It really is appreciated. 

The TRIBEathlon Podcast will return with Season 5 soon!

This episode was sponsored by 33Fuel.com - click here for discount on your purchase.

This episode was sponsored by The Trusted Team and 4th Discipline