François Modave, PhD, is Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Health at Wake Forest University (North Carolina). He is also a triathlete with over 30 years in the sport. In this episode, François discusses key concepts of artificial intelligence and how it could be applied (and to what level of success) in a triathlon context.
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: 

• What is artificial intelligence?
• What are the different types of systems that fall under the broader umbrella of AI?
• How do you train AI systems?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of AI?
• Does François use AI-based tools in his triathlon training?
• How would François build an AI model for triathlon performance if he had unlimited resources?
• The importance of good data collection
• What is the potential of AI to support improved sports science?
• What is the potential of AI in a triathlon context to support improved training planning, strategic and long-term planning, race tactics and strategy, injury prevention, nutrition and hydration, mental strategies and psychology, and equipment choices and optimisation?
• What are the potential risks of using AI in a triathlon context?
• Are there ethical concerns or biases associated with AI?
• How AI could change the way humans work and the role of humans in professional settings
   

DETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: 

• We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. Naturally, as great as they are, they do not cover absolutely everything in as great detail as we can do in a 45-90 minute podcast episode.
• The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/tts455/

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

• François' LinkedIn, ResearchGate and Instagram
• Towards Data Science - "The world’s leading publication for data science, AI, and ML professionals."
• Crash Course AI - very simple explanations of AI for laymen without prerequisite knowledge

WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes: 

• Information, decision making, training and technology | EP#452(a key part of this episode is related to decision-making and evaluation of products and technologies, much of this would also be relevant for evaluating AI-based tools or even recommendations given by AI-based tools)

You can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.

You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: 

• The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we do
• Contact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)
• Subscribe to our Newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Learn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. 
   

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? 

I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. 

• Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.
• Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far!
• Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).
• Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. 
   

SPONSORS: 

• Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

Anna Kiesenhofer is the Olympic Champion from Tokyo 2021 in the cycling road race. She is a 9-time National Champion, and a mathematician. In this episode, Anna talks about her training in general, the specific training she did leading into her Olympic gold in Tokyo, being mostly a self-coached athlete for the last decade or so, and much more. 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: 

• Anna's entry into the professional cycling world, and the burnout that followed
• Training going into the Tokyo Olympics
• Anna's extremely hard block training protocols
• Combining training for the Olympics with full-time work as a mathematician
• Race planning and executing her plan on race day in Tokyo
• Anna's self-coaching process
• Thoughts on intensity, volume, training on the road vs. TT bike, testing and more...
• Tips for amateur cyclists, and cycling specific advice for amateur triathletes
   

DETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: 

• We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. Naturally, as great as they are, they do not cover absolutely everything in as great detail as we can do in a 45-90 minute podcast episode.  
• The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/tts454/
   

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

• Anna's Instagram and website
   

WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes: 

• Training Talk with Kolie Moore | EP#271(Anna mentioned Kolie's threshold blocks-training as something that she implemented in her training leading into the Olympics that had great results)
• Training talk and Tokyo 2020 with Nate Wilson | EP#303 (Nate is a coach at EF Pro Cycling, the coach of Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2024 Champion Katarzyna Niewiadoma, and coach of the triathlon Olympic Champion from Tokyo 2021 Flora Duffy)
• Dajo Sanders, PhD | EP#384 (Dajo is a coach at INEOS Grenadiers) 
• Training Talk with Ben Day (Team BikeExchange) | EP#289 (another World Tour cycling coach interview)
• Sophie Coldwell | EP#395 (for another world class athlete interview, but in triathlon) 
   

You can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.

You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. 
 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: 

• The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we do
• Contact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)
• Subscribe to our Newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Learn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. 
   

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? 

I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. 

• Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.
• Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! 
• Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).
• Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. 
   

SPONSORS: 

• Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

Lance Watson has one of the most extensive resumes in triathlon coaching. He was the coach of Simon Whitfield who won the first ever Olympic gold medal in triathlon in Sydney 2000, has coached at multiple Olympic Games, was the coach of Ironman World Champion Peter Reid, and Ironman World Championship podium finishers Lisa Bentley and Chris Lieto. In this episode, we dig deep into his coaching methodology, discussing training principles, tactical and mental preparation, and more.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY TOPICS: 

• Lance's coaching methodology, including a description of his task progression oriented approach
• His work with Simon Whitfield leading into the Sydney Olympics, including an example training week
• Considerations for Simon's "mixed phenotype" - Simon being a fantastic middle distance runner
• The tactical and mental preparation done that contributed to the Olympic success
• How Lance approaches training for long distance triathlon, exemplified by athletes like Lisa Bentley, Chris Lieto and Brent McMahon
• The different considerations for age-group athletes looking for their best performance within the constraints of family, work and life
• Tips for age-group athletes to improve their swimming, biking and running

DETAILED EPISODE SHOWNOTES: 

• We have detailed shownotes for all of our episodes. The shownotes are basically the podcast episode in written form, that you can read in 5-10 minutes. They are not transcriptions, but they are also not just surface-level overviews. They provide detailed insights and timestamps for each episode, and are great especially for later review, after you've already listened to an episode. Naturally, as great as they are, they do not cover absolutely everything in as great detail as we can do in a 45-90 minute podcast episode. 
• The shownotes for today's episode can be found at www.scientifictriathlon.com/tts453/

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

• LifeSport Coaching (Lance's coaching business): website and Instagram
• The day Simon Whitfield made Canadian Olympic history - 5-minute Youtube video by CBC Sports

WHAT SHOULD I LISTEN TO NEXT?

If you enjoyed this episode, I think you'll love the following episodes: 

• World Champions keep things simple: training masterclass with Joel Filliol | EP#172
• Dan Lorang – coach of Jan Frodeno, Anne Haug and Bora Hansgrohe pro cycling team | EP#175

You can find our full episode archives here, where you can filter for categories such as Training, Racing, Science & Physiology, Swimming, Cycling, Running etc.

You can also find separate archives for specific series of episodes I've done, specifically Q&A episodes, TTS Thursday episodes, and Beginner Tips episodes. 
 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON: 

• The Scientific Triathlon website is the home of That Triathlon Show and everything else that we do
• Contact us through our contact form or email me directly (note - email/contact form messages get responded to much more quickly than Instagram DMs)
• Subscribe to our Newsletter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Learn more about our coaching, training plans, and training camps. We have something to offer for everybody from beginners to professionals. 

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THAT TRIATHLON SHOW (FOR FREE)? 

I really appreciate you reading this and considering helping the show! If you love the show and want to support it to help ensure it sticks around, there are a few very simple things you can do, at no cost other than a minute of your time. 

• Subscribe to the podcast in your podcast app to automatically get all new episodes as they are released.
• Tell your friends, internet and social media friends, acquaintances and triathlon frenemies about the podcast. Word of mouth is the best way to grow the podcast by far! 
• Rate and review the podcast (ideally five stars of course!) in your podcast app of choice (Spotify and Apple Podcasts are the biggest and most important ones).
• Share episodes online and on social media. Share your favourite episodes in your Instagram stories, start a discussion about interesting episodes on forums, reference them in your blog or Substack. 

SPONSORS: 

• Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

In this interview, originally published on the Endurance Innovation podcast, Michael Liberzon interviews Mikael Eriksson on topics related to  acquiring and applying information and knowledge in an endurance sports context. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-The role of social media, short-form vs. long-form content, and red flags for misinformation

-Decision making and evaluation of potential training interventions as well as new products, technology, and metrics

-Understanding relevance, validity, accuracy and precision

-What data and which metrics should you focus on in your training process? 

-Data, information, knowledge and wisdom

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts452/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Endurance Innovation podcast

-Resources:  The Nature of Training, Antifragile, Peak Performance, Start at the End, Science of Running, Factfulness, Ultralearning, Think Like a Rocket Scientist, James Clear's newsletter, David Lipman's substack, Manuel Sola's substack,  The Physical Performance Show, The Training Science podcast, On Coaching, The Triathlon Hour,  @bradstulberg, @stevemagness, @knowledgeiswatt, @ylmsportscience, @gudiol

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

In this episode we discuss how you can move beyond basing workouts on arbitrary percentages of thresholds. You will learn how to individualise your intensity targets to your specific performance profile to get more out of your key workouts. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-The pros and cons of basing intensities on percentages of threshold (or percentages of any one fixed marker)

-Who can benefit from identifying and individualising target intensities beyond percentages of threshold?

-How to establish your performance profile 

-How to use your performance profile to set intensity targets for different types of workouts

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts451/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Separating evidence from hype in endurance sports (Mikael interviewed on the Endurance Innovation podcast)

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Sam Proctor is a triathlon coach based in Loughborough in the United Kingdom. He coaches athletes at both amateur and professional levels, including India Lee, who finished 8th in the T100 World Tour (with one win and one 3rd place along the way). Sam has a strong triathlon background himself, with a 7:55 Ironman PB. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Sam's coaching methodology 

-Swim, bike and run training principles

-India Lee's training, including changes made to achieve some breakout results this year

-A breakdown of India's training week the week before race week of the T100 Grand Final

-Tips for age-group athletes 

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts450/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Sam's Instagram and website profile

-Training Talk with coach Mark Pearce | EP#247

-Bradley Wiggins: My Time: An Autobiography

-Swim, Bike, Run: Our Triathlon Story - by Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Rob Cheetham is a South African triathlon coach based in Bath in the UK. He coaches professional and age-group athletes, including his wife Susie (who also coaches for Cheetham Coaching) and Leon Chevalier, who recently finished 4th in the Ironman World Championships in Kona. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Rob's coaching methodology and key principles

-Coaching as a team with his wife Susie

-A deep dive into swim training, and Rob's swim training and swim technique principles

-How to maximise return on time investment for age-group athletes

-Tips for improving in swimming, biking and running for age-group athletes

-Overrated and underrated things and concepts in triathlon

-Detailed insights into Leon Chevalier's preparation for Kona, including volume and intensity, key sessions, and more

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts449/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Kasper Pedersen – Training talk and Magnus Ditlev’s Kona preparation | EP#448

-Nikki Bartlett and Bex Milnes – 5th in the Ironman World Championships | EP#446

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Kasper Pedersen is a Danish triathlon coach working with professional athletes, junior and developing athletes, and age-groupers. He is an important part of the team around Magnus Ditlev, and usually the man on the ground to help with the day to day coaching and support during training camps and races. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Kasper's backstory in triathlon and coaching

-His coaching methodology and key principles

-Training principles for age-group athletes

-Tips for improving in swimming, biking and running for age-group athletes

-Detailed insights into Magnus Ditlev's preparation for Kona, including volume and intensity, altitude training, and heat preparation protocols

-Detailed breakdown of Magnus' final altitude week before travelling to Kona 

-The importance of the team around a world class professional athlete

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts448/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Nikki Bartlett and Bex Milnes – 5th in the Ironman World Championships | EP#446

-Torben Rokkedal Lausch | EP#412 

-Altitude training with prof. Grégoire Millet | EP#258

-Bent Rønnestad, PhD | EP#386 

-Ben Stephenson, PhD – Heat preparation, physiology, performance planning, and the Paralympics | EP#443

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Scientific Triathlon coaches Mikael Eriksson and Tobias Haumann answer listener questions. 

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Is there a "round number bias" in training prescription, and what are the potential drawbacks of that? 

-The cost-benefit ratio of high-intensity intervals - are they really worth it? 

-Maintaining or developing the capacity to suffer in races

-A discussion on running power metrics and devices 

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts447/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Garmin Running Power

-Stryd white paper on running power

-Are we ready to measure running power? Repeatability and concurrent validity of five commercial technologies - Espejo et al. 2020

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Nikki Bartlett is fresh off a fantastic 5th place finish in the Ironman World Championships in Nice. She joins us together with her wife and coach Bex Milnes to talk us through the race and the training leading up to the race.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:

-Nikki's race strategy, and how the race played out for her

-Preparing for the specific demands of the Nice course

-How Nikki overcame injury issues and built her run fitness up again after a long time with no running

-A detailed look at Nikki's training leading into Nice, including key swim, bike and run sessions

-Benchmark 400 m swim TT, bike hour-power, and 5 km run to put Nikki's result in context

-Nikki's and Bex's advice for age-groupers going to race in Nice in 2025 or 2026

SHOWNOTES:

https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts446/

SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:

www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/

SPONSORS:

Precision Fuel & Hydration help athletes personalise their hydration and fueling strategies for training and racing. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event. That Triathlon Show listeners get 15% off their first order of fuel and electrolyte products. Simply use this link and the discount will be auto-applied at the checkout.

ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer allows you to improve technique, power, and swim training consistency. You can target specific aspects of your stroke, like catch and pull-through, work on core activation and body position, and make sure you stay consistent in your swim training even when you don't have time to go to the pool. Try the Zen8 risk-free for 30 days, and get 20% off your first order on zen8swimtrainer.com/tts.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

-Bex Milnes | EP#429

-Training talk with Bex Milnes | EP#353

-Mallorca Training Camp 2025 

-Portugal Training Camp 2025

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 [email protected] or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.