In this episode of Performance Strategies and Stumbles, I’m joined by Michael Gerhardy, a sports scientist specialising in neuromuscular fatigue and applied workload monitoring.

Michael holds a PhD in Applied Sport Science, where his research focused on neuromuscular fatigue and concurrent training. It was during this PhD work that a key idea emerged — the value of running-specific testing to better understand fatigue and workload, rather than relying on generic or non-specific measures.

Michael is also the creator of RunUp Performance, a fatigue monitoring tool that uses raw IMU and GPS data to assess changes in running strategy associated with neuromuscular fatigue. His work helps teams move beyond simple workload totals and towards monitoring approaches that are task-specific, individualised, and practically meaningful.

In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of workload monitoring in sport, why population norms can be misleading, and how metrics such as ground contact time can help inform smarter training decisions. We also explore how excessive neuromuscular demand or poorly managed high-speed running can interfere with training adaptations.

This episode is about moving from data collection to better decision-making, and designing monitoring strategies that actually reflect the demands of running-based sports.

Dont forget we have the webinar with Michael that you can join by registering HERE to join us on the 10th February.

I am also holding 2x free mentoring sessions for anyone who hasn't experienced that type of work before, you can join us using links below:

Thursday 29th January - register HERE

Tuesday 3rd February - register HERE

Hope to see you there

Dan Howells