In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, we are doing another SOLO podcast where I discuss my journey from chronic injuries to successfully completing two races after six months of consistent training. I emphasize the importance of understanding training volume (mileage and intensity) as a load marker, the role of key individuals in my recovery, and how blood work has been a game changer for performance. The episode includes a detailed recap of my recent race experiences and the adjustments I made to my training regimen to achieve success. In this conversation, I discuss my training journey leading up to my first race in two years. I share insights on physiological testing, performance assessment, nutrition, recovery strategies, and the importance of managing training volume and intensity. And I emphasize the significance of threshold work in race preparation.

TAKEAWAYS

Training volume is not just about mileage.

Blood work can reveal underlying health issues affecting performance.

Cross-training can help prevent overuse injuries.

Monitoring physiological markers can guide training intensity.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in race preparation.

Enjoy!Enjoying these podcasts, subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released. If you have a question or topic you want me to address, leave a comment!Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drphilbattersonCheck out Rythm Health - https://rythmhealth.com/?via=criticaloxygenInterested in being coached by me? Book a free consultation here - https://calendly.com/batterson-phil/critical-connectionCHAPTERS00:00 Intro

02:48 Overcoming Injuries and Building Consistency

06:04 Key Influencers in My Recovery

11:45 The Role of Blood Work in Performance

15:08 Race Recap: Tiger Claw Ascent

26:58 Training Adjustments for Success

29:27 Physiological Testing and Performance Assessment

32:39 Nutrition and Recovery Strategies

35:40 Training Volume and Intensity Management

39:55 Threshold Work and Race Preparation

49:15 Race Experience and Future Goals

KEYWORDSrunning, training volume, injuries, endurance, physiological testing, race recap, recovery, blood work, performance, consistency, physiological testing, performance assessment, nutrition, recovery strategies, training volume, intensity management, threshold work, race preparation, race experience, future goalsPhoto Credit: Mark Griffith https://markgriffith.smugmug.com/Tiger-Claw-2025