Category: Training

Off-Season Wins: Strength Training for Endurance Athletes Explained

Post author By Jessica
Post date December 24, 2024

An opportunity exists in strength training for endurance athletes—from increasing injury prevention or correcting an imbalance to developing strength and power.

The off-season is a time of opportunity. It’s a chance to develop a key area of their performance, a specific skill they need to master, or even take their foot off the gas and get some well-needed rest.

Strength Training and Power for Better Athletic Performance

As we traverse the endurance sports landscape, we all share a common goal, to be better versions of our athletic selves. For most, this is likely to become stronger and/or more powerful. Whether pushing bigger watts on the bike, moving through the water with greater ease, or sprinting to the finish line, a little more power can make a far more successful athletic experience.

From a pure power output perspective, strength training for endurance athletes can play a pivotal role in your training. It’s about developing functional strength that translates into more power on the bike, in the pool, or on the road. Even moderate increases in power can lead to significant improvements in performance when the season comes around again.

5 Key Strength Exercises For Endurance Athletes

Squats: Squats are foundational for building strength in the legs, hips, and core. They mimic the functional movement patterns of running and cycling, helping to enhance power and efficiency in these sports.
Deadlifts: This exercise is excellent for developing the posterior chain muscles, which include the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Strengthening these muscles is crucial for improving overall endurance performance, providing better support for the spine, and aiding in forceful movements like sprinting and climbing.
Lunges: Lunges are another great leg workout that focuses on unilateral strength, helping to correct muscle imbalances. They also improve flexibility and stability in the hips, which are vital for effective running and cycling mechanics.
Plank variations: Core strength is vital for endurance athletes as it stabilizes the whole body and increases the transfer of power to the limbs. Plank variations (like side planks, plank with leg lift, and plank with arm lift) engage multiple core muscles, enhancing stability and endurance.
Pull-ups or rowing exercises: Upper body strength is often overlooked by endurance athletes but is essential for maintaining good form, especially in the late stages of races. Pull-ups strengthen the back, shoulders, and arms, which are crucial for swimmers, cyclists, and runners.

Injury Prevention With Strength Training

One of the biggest benefits of strength training for endurance athletes is its role in injury prevention. Endurance sports can place a lot of repetitive stress on the body, particularly in areas like the knees, hips, and lower back. Strength training strengthens the muscles and connective tissues surrounding these critical joints, reducing the risk of overuse injuries. Exercises that target core strength, balance, and stability are especially beneficial, as they improve overall alignment and help protect against common endurance training injuries.

5 Key Core and Stability Exercises

Plank holds: A staple for core strengthening, the basic plank activates the deep core muscles, including the transversus abdominis and lumbar muscles, which support the spine. Holding a plank position helps build endurance in these muscles, critical for maintaining good posture during long races.
Bird-dog: This exercise enhances core stability and coordination by extending opposite limbs simultaneously, challenging balance and activating the lower back and abdominal muscles. It’s excellent for preventing lower back pain, a common issue for endurance athletes.
Swiss ball exercises: Using a Swiss ball can increase the intensity of core workouts and improve balance and stability. Exercises like ball crunches, Swiss ball pikes, or stability ball leg curls engage multiple muscle groups, with a focus on the core and lower back.
Hip (pelvic) bridges: Strengthening the glutes and hamstrings is vital for protecting the lower back and knees. Hip bridges, particularly when performed with a single leg, can target these areas effectively, enhancing muscle balance and stability across the hip joint.
Cable rotations (woodchoppers): This exercise is excellent for engaging the obliques and improving rotational strength, which is crucial for sports involving twisting movements, like cycling and running. Strengthening the obliques helps support the spine, reducing the risk of side-to-side imbalances that can lead to injury.

Correcting Muscle Imbalances With Strength Training

Endurance training can often emphasize specific muscle groups, which might lead to imbalances and, subsequently, injuries. Strength training fore endurance athletes can provide a platform to correct these imbalances by strengthening underused muscles. For instance, cyclists and runners often have strong quadriceps but weaker hamstrings and glutes. Targeted strength exercises can balance muscle groups, leading to better overall performance and reduced injury risk.

5 Key Exercises To Correct Imbalances in Endurance Athletes

Single-leg Romanian deadlifts: This exercise is excellent for targeting the hamstrings and glutes on each side independently, which helps correct imbalances between the two sides of the body. It also improves balance and core stability, essential for both running and cycling.
Bulgarian split squats: By elevating the rear leg, this exercise places more emphasis on the front leg, intensifying the workout for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. It helps correct imbalances between legs, enhancing stability and strength uniformly.
Single-arm dumbbell row: This row variation helps correct imbalances in the upper body, particularly between the left and right sides of the back and shoulders. It’s beneficial for endurance athletes, especially those who engage in sports requiring upper body strength like swimming.
Side planks: Aiming to strengthen the oblique muscles on the sides of the trunk, side planks are crucial for maintaining lateral trunk stability, which is important for all endurance sports. Regularly performing side planks can help correct lateral imbalances in core strength.
Clamshells: This exercise focuses on strengthening the smaller hip muscles like the gluteus medius, which are crucial for knee stability. Clamshells help correct imbalances in the hips, which can prevent issues such as IT band syndrome or runner’s knee.

Implementing Strength Training In Your Off-Season

To get started, you should aim for 1-2 strength workouts per week. It’s crucial to prioritize form over speed or weight to maximize benefits and minimize the risk of injury. Feel free to go slower when following the demo videos in the Humango workout player. If you’re not working out with someone who can help, particularly if a qualified personal trainer is not an option, set up your phone to record you performing each move and then compare your form to that of the Humango Coach in the video.

As you improve, especially if you were taking it easier, start to bring this more in line with the tempo and reps that are prescribed in the workout, and consider adding another workout per week. Listen to your body as you start playing with your strength routine. It is important that your strength training doesn’t interfere with endurance training, so if you experience significant DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), you might want to reduce the amount you are doing.

Top Tips For Strength Training For Endurance Athletes

When starting a new strength training routine, start easy with just 1-2 workouts per week. Remember to consult your physician before starting any new training routine.
As you get started, focus on form. If a personal trainer isn’t an option, then look at capturing your movements on your phone camera so you can compare them to the demo videos in the Humango workout player.
Set a goal for what you want to achieve from strength training. Are you looking for performance gains, to protect against injury, to fix a muscular imbalance, or something else? With your goal set, find a way to baseline it (for example, amount of or form during single-legged squats, plank hold time, push-ups in a minute), then monitor as you progress.
As you follow the prescription, don’t be afraid to slow down and go at your own speed. Less can be a little more as your body adapts to the new routine. You will soon catch back up and be stronger for it.
Remember that, for most people, strength training is to complement endurance training, so if you get to a point where you struggle to complete your endurance-based workouts because of strength training, then consider backing off.

Tags strength training

Training Training Tips

Turn Insights Into Action: Master Your Next Triathlon Season Through Reflection, Data, and AI

Post author By Jessica
Post date December 17, 2024

The end of a triathlon season is the perfect time to unlock your full potential by learning from your past performances. By analyzing what went well, what could have been better, and identifying key lessons, you can set yourself up for an even stronger performance next year. This process involves general reflection, detailed data analysis, and a strategic approach to addressing your strengths and weaknesses.

General Observations From Your Triathlon Season

Start by journaling your overall thoughts about the season. What were your most memorable races? Did you feel confident and prepared heading into events, or were there moments of doubt? Reflect on your training consistency, nutrition strategies, and recovery practices. Identifying patterns in how you approached races and training blocks can reveal habits that either helped or hindered your progress.

Consider feedback from your coach, training partners, or even race-day observations. Did you handle pressure well during competitions? Were there recurring challenges, such as mental fatigue, transitions, or pacing? These insights provide a foundation for understanding how you can improve holistically as an athlete.

Analyzing Data From Your Training and Race Metrics

Data analysis provides objective insights into your performance and helps you identify patterns that might not be obvious through reflection alone. Begin by reviewing your training and race metrics, focusing on these areas:

Pacing Patterns: Examine your pacing across swim, bike, and run segments. Did you start too fast and fade, or were you able to maintain a consistent effort throughout?
Physiological Metrics: Analyze your heart rate, HRV (Heart Rate Variability), and power output on the bike. These metrics can show whether you were training in the right zones and adapting effectively.
Efficiency Metrics: Review swim stroke rates, cycling cadence, left-right power output balance, running strides per minute and vertical oscillation. Improvements or inefficiencies in these areas can significantly impact your overall performance.
Transition Times: Transitions are often overlooked but can make or break your race. Identify if there were delays and assess what caused them, such as gear organization or mental preparation.
Sleep Metrics and Fatigue Measurements: Monitor sleep duration, quality, and consistency throughout your training blocks. Tools like wearable devices can also track recovery metrics, such as resting heart rate and HRV, which indicate levels of fatigue and readiness to train. Chronic fatigue patterns may point to overtraining or insufficient recovery periods.
Environment-Specific Data: Compare performance across different conditions, such as hot versus cool climates, hilly versus flat courses, and sea level versus altitude. This can help you understand how external factors influenced your outcomes.

Leveraging AI-driven tools from Humango can simplify this process and provide actionable insights. Humango analyzes your training and race data, offering personalized recommendations and visualizing trends. AI can highlight areas where you consistently performed well, identify weaknesses, and suggest adjustments to optimize future training blocks.

Determining Strengths and Weaknesses Across Swim, Bike, and Run

To pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses across disciplines, look for trends in both training and racing data:

Swim: Were you consistently strong in open water or pool sessions? Analyze stroke rate, pace consistency, and performance in different water conditions.
Bike: Evaluate your ability to maintain power output over various terrains and distances. How did you perform on climbs, flats, and technical descents?
Run: Assess your pacing, stride efficiency, and ability to sustain speed during brick workouts and races. Did your run splits improve or decline relative to your training?

Environmental factors also play a significant role in performance. Variations in climate, altitude, and terrain can drastically impact your results. For example, racing in high heat often increases dehydration risk and raises heart rate, while cooler temperatures might enhance endurance for some athletes. Similarly, high-altitude races can challenge your oxygen efficiency, requiring specific acclimatization. Comparing performances across these conditions can help you identify trends, such as excelling in cooler climates or struggling in humid environments. Understanding these patterns enables you to tailor your preparation, such as training in simulated conditions or adjusting nutrition and hydration strategies to better handle environmental challenges.

Separately, consider how your training and physiology influence your performance across different race distances. Shorter distances often require a higher focus on anaerobic capacity and explosive power, while longer races demand sustained aerobic efficiency and mental resilience. Analyze your ability to pace and recover during sprints, Olympic distances, and full Ironman races. For example, did you excel in maintaining a high cadence on the bike during shorter events but struggle with endurance during full-distance runs? These insights can guide specific adaptations in your training plan to optimize your strengths and address gaps for various race formats.

7 Actionable Steps for Your Next Triathlon Season

Set Specific Goals: Use your insights to create measurable objectives for each discipline and type of environment. Break down these goals by race distances, focusing on metrics such as pace, power, or swim efficiency that align with your key events.
Train Your Weaknesses: Dedicate focused blocks of training to address areas where you are less proficient. For instance, if open-water swimming is a challenge, prioritize drills and open-water practice to build confidence and efficiency swimming in a group. Similarly, if running off the bike is a weakness, incorporate more brick workouts to improve your endurance and pacing transitions. Tailor your training to convert weaknesses into strengths by applying consistent effort and targeted strategies.
Train Your Strengths: Focus on building even greater proficiency in your strongest discipline. For example, if cycling is your forte, enhance your ability to sustain higher power outputs or master technical descents. Use training sessions to push the limits of your strengths while refining strategies to capitalize on them during races. Develop plans to optimize your energy use, ensuring that excelling in one segment doesn’t detract from overall performance.
Plan for Variability: Train in conditions that mimic potential race environments. If you expect high heat, practice hydration strategies and heat acclimatization. For altitude races, consider simulated altitude training or spending time at elevation to build tolerance.
Leverage AI Guidance: Use Humango’s AI platform to create a dynamic training plan that adapts to your progress and readiness. AI can help fine-tune periodization by balancing training loads and recovery based on real-time data from your previous performances.
Monitor Progress: Regularly evaluate metrics like HRV, fatigue levels, and sleep quality to ensure you are adapting positively. Adjust your plan as needed to maintain a balance between workload and recovery, preventing overtraining and ensuring peak readiness for key events.

By learning from your past season, you can approach next year with a clearer understanding of how to train smarter and race more effectively. Leveraging Humango, you can take your post-season analysis a step further by developing a tailored periodization plan for 2025. Based on the insights gathered from 2024, Humango can guide you in setting precise goals, optimizing training loads, and structuring recovery periods to ensure peak performance at key races. Continuous reflection, AI-driven adjustments, and a strategic approach will ensure that you keep improving as a triathlete.

Lance Watson is a world-renowned triathlon coach with over 30 years of experience, having guided athletes to Olympic Gold, Long Distance Triathlon victories, and World Championship titles. Watson is a holistic coach with a passion for training technology who guides both novice and professional athletes. Lance is the founder of LifeSport Coaching and is a coaching advisor with Humango, leveraging AI to enhance athlete training and performance.

Training Training Tips

How To Use Psychology To Improve Your Athletic Performance

Post author By Jessica
Post date December 5, 2024

Athletes, regardless of their discipline or level, are constantly looking for ways to maximize their performance. While physical training is paramount, mental strength often plays an equally important role in determining success. This is why understanding the psychology of pain tolerance, visualization, and mindfulness can be game-changing for athletes.

In a recent webinar hosted by Humango and featuring performance psychologist Scott Frey, Ph.D., Ed.M. and Humang Powered Health’s Performance Physiologist, Leo Hipp, M.S., these topics were explored in-depth, offering actionable insights for athletes seeking to push their limits.

Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the webinar, focusing on pain management, visualization, breathing techniques, meditation, and the power of mental resilience.

The Role Of Pain In Performance

One of the most fascinating discussions in the webinar centered on the psychology of pain and how it affects athletic performance. Scott Frey, who has spent decades researching pain and its influence on athletic behavior, explained that pain perception is deeply connected to our mental state.

For athletes and non-athletes alike, pain isn’t just a physical experience—it’s also a mental one.

Exercise-Induced Pain vs. Injury Pain

Frey emphasized the importance of differentiating between exercise-induced pain and pain that signals an injury. Exercise-induced pain is a natural part of training, and while it’s uncomfortable, it should subside once the activity is stopped or the intensity is reduced. This type of pain is typically due to muscle fatigue or lactic acid build-up.

On the other hand, pain from an injury is more persistent. If the pain continues after you stop exercising or worsens with movement, it could indicate tissue damage or another medical issue. Frey encouraged athletes to develop the skill of distinguishing between these types of pain, as misjudging this difference could lead to pushing through an injury and worsening the damage.

What Happens When You Don’t Listen to Pain Signals

For example, Frey himself faced the consequences of ignoring warning signs. Having been an avid runner for over 35 years, he continued to run despite experiencing knee pain, which ultimately led to a severely damaged meniscus. He said athletes need to be aware of their bodies and listen to the pain signals to avoid long-term damage.

Pain Tolerance And Its Impact On Performance

While pain tolerance is often seen as a personal attribute, Frey pointed out that it can be trained and improved. In fact, pain tolerance can have a direct impact on athletic performance. In elite athletes, the ability to push through discomfort and delay the perception of pain can lead to faster times and better outcomes. The mental training to increase pain tolerance involves conditioning the brain to not only handle but also embrace discomfort during training and competition.

Interestingly, research on this subject, such as studies on elite cyclists, shows that improving pain tolerance could potentially shave seconds or even minutes off race times. Pain management is, therefore, a skill that athletes can develop and use strategically during competitions.

Visualization: Rehearsing Success In Your Mind

Visualization is another critical tool in the mental toolkit of successful athletes. Frey discussed the importance of visualizing athletic performance and how it affects the brain’s circuits. When athletes mentally rehearse their performance, their brain activates the same neural circuits as if they were physically performing the task. This means that by visualizing specific movements or strategies, athletes can improve their actual performance.

Visualization is not only useful in preparing for competition but also in managing pain. By mentally rehearsing how to handle discomfort or challenging situations, athletes can improve their ability to stay focused and resilient when faced with physical strain.

Frey encouraged athletes to practice visualization regularly, as it helps strengthen the mental aspect of training, which is just as important as physical preparation. He also pointed out that this technique is valuable not just for athletes but for anyone facing stressful situations. For instance, world-class chefs likely visualize how they’ll prepare a dish before they begin, allowing them to execute it more effectively.

Try This Quick Visualization Technique To Overcome Pain In Training Or Competition

Find Your Focus
Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold for 3 seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. As you breathe, shift your focus inward, visualizing the area of discomfort.
Reframe the Pain
Picture the pain as energy—not a barrier, but a powerful signal that you’re pushing limits. Imagine it glowing with a vibrant color of your choice, representing strength and growth.
Create a Pathway
Visualize the glow moving through your body like a wave. See it flowing smoothly, dissolving tension as it travels. Each wave represents progress, carrying you closer to your goal.
Anchor to Your Why
Picture your end goal: crossing the finish line, setting a personal best, or achieving a milestone. Visualize yourself there, smiling, feeling proud. Remind yourself that this moment of discomfort is temporary, but the reward is lasting.
Repeat a Mantra
As you exhale, silently repeat a positive mantra, such as “I am strong, I am capable,” or “This is where I grow.” Pair the words with the image of your future success.
Return to Action
Open your eyes or bring your awareness back to the present, carrying the calm confidence of your visualization with you. Let the mental clarity fuel your next effort.

Practice this regularly, and it will become a reliable tool to push through challenges while staying mentally strong.

Breathing Techniques For Recovery And Performance

Breathing is a simple yet powerful tool athletes can use to enhance physical and mental performance. Frey recommended nose breathing for its numerous benefits, particularly in regulating the body’s stress response. When athletes focus on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, they can increase oxygen intake and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and recovery.

Frey explained that the breath plays a significant role in balancing the autonomic nervous system. By focusing on extending the exhalation, athletes can induce a calming effect that reduces anxiety and stress. This technique is not just for rest and recovery but can also be used during high-intensity periods to help athletes maintain composure and focus.

Interestingly, research also shows that breathing through the nose helps increase nitric oxide levels, which can improve oxygen delivery to muscles. While Frey admitted that he’s not a breathwork expert, he strongly recommended using controlled breathing exercises as part of an athlete’s regular training regimen.

Try This Simple Breathing Technique For Athletic Performance

1. Box Breathing:
This technique helps regulate your heart rate, improve focus, and boost endurance.

Inhale (4 seconds): Breathe deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely.
Hold (4 seconds): Hold the breath without straining.
Exhale (4 seconds): Slowly release the air through your mouth, emptying your lungs.
Hold (4 seconds): Pause with empty lungs before beginning the next inhale.

How to Use It:

Before Training/Competition: Do 5 rounds to calm nerves and center your mind.
During Recovery Intervals: Use this to regain control of your breathing.
Post-Workout: Practice for 3–5 minutes to reduce fatigue and promote recovery.

If you want to learn more abou breathing techniques, find an expert

Meditation And Mindfulness: Training The Mind

Meditation and mindfulness practices have become increasingly popular among athletes looking to improve their mental toughness. Frey advocates for incorporating these practices into an athlete’s routine, especially for their ability to help manage pain and stress.

The key takeaway from Frey’s discussion on meditation is that small, consistent doses are more effective than occasional long sessions. Even just 5 minutes of mindfulness practice every morning can significantly improve an athlete’s ability to stay calm, focused, and mentally resilient.

Frey explained the concept of the “default mode network” (DMN), which is activated when the brain is not engaged in an intentional task. This network is involved in internal thought loops, which often lead to negative self-talk and stress during competition. Meditation and mindfulness practices help athletes break free from these thought loops by creating a space between their thoughts and emotional reactions.

By training the mind to observe thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them, athletes can reduce the impact of negative thinking, especially during moments of intense pain or fatigue. Frey noted that with regular mindfulness practice, athletes could learn to recognize negative thoughts like “this pain is unbearable” and instead respond with something more productive, such as “I’ve trained for this, I can handle it.”

Here’s A Simple Meditation Exercise For Athletes

This meditation focuses on relaxation, mental clarity, and visualization to boost athletic performance.

Duration: 5–10 minutes

1. Find Your Space

Sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable spot.
Close your eyes and relax your body, releasing tension from your head to your toes.

2. Focus on Your Breath

Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold for 2 seconds.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.
Repeat for 5 cycles, noticing the rhythm of your breathing.

3. Set Your Intention

Choose a simple phrase or word, such as “strong,” “calm,” or “focused.”
Silently repeat this word with each exhale to anchor your mind.

4. Visualize Success

Imagine yourself performing at your best—crossing the finish line, executing a perfect move, or conquering a challenging workout.
Engage all your senses: the sound of cheering, the feel of your muscles moving powerfully, the emotions of triumph.

5. End with Gratitude

Shift your focus to gratitude for your body, your journey, and the opportunity to train or compete.
Take three deep breaths, then slowly open your eyes.

Meditation calms your mind, reduces stress, and helps you mentally rehearse peak performance. Over time, this practice strengthens focus and builds confidence for high-pressure moments.

Leveraging Memory Distortion To Enhance Performance

Memory plays a crucial role in shaping an athlete’s perception of pain and performance. Frey shared an interesting concept about memory distortion, particularly with how we recall pain. Long after a race or intense training session, our memory of pain tends to fade, and we may even remember the event more positively than it felt in the moment.

Frey discussed how athletes can use this natural tendency to their advantage. By intentionally recalling past experiences with a positive mindset, athletes can alter their memory of pain and reduce the psychological barriers to future performance. This strategy can help athletes approach challenges with greater confidence, knowing that their memory of previous struggles is likely distorted in a way that makes future efforts seem less daunting.

Try This Yourself:

After every challenging workout or competition, take a few minutes to reflect on the experience. Write down one or two positive takeaways, such as a moment when you pushed through adversity or felt a sense of accomplishment. Revisit these reflections before future events to reinforce a confident, resilient mindset.

Knowing When Pain Is A Warning Sign

While pushing through pain is a necessary skill for many athletes, there are moments when continuing through pain can lead to serious injury. Frey talked about knowing when pain signals a potential injury and when it’s just a part of the normal exercise process.

He recommended that athletes develop the skill of tuning in to their bodies and listening to their pain signals. If pain persists after stopping the exercise or if it’s accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or radiating pain, it’s time to stop and seek medical attention. Frey stressed that health and well-being should always come first, and no race or competition is worth risking long-term damage to the body.

Conclusion: Mental Resilience Is Key To Athletic Success

Scott Frey’s insights into the psychology of pain, visualization, breathing, meditation, and memory provide valuable tools for athletes who want to enhance their performance. By understanding how the brain and body interact during exercise, athletes can train their minds as rigorously as their bodies.

From improving pain tolerance to leveraging mindfulness practices, these mental strategies are essential for athletes who want to push their limits and achieve peak performance. With the right mental tools, athletes can improve their physical outcomes and enhance their overall experience of sport, making it a more enjoyable and sustainable part of their lives.

As Frey’s webinar concluded, it became clear that the most successful athletes are not just physically strong, but mentally resilient. By incorporating these psychological strategies into their training, athletes can set themselves up for long-term success, both in their athletic endeavors and their lives outside of training.

Watch the full webinar here:

Tags athletic performance, mental resilience, mental toughness

Training Training Tips

How To Improve Your Athletic Performance Through Mental Training

Post author By Jessica
Post date October 29, 2024

In endurance sports, physical preparation is often prioritized, overshadowing a crucial component of training: mental training. While strength and endurance are essential, the mind plays a pivotal role in athletic performance. We will explore how mental training can significantly impact endurance athletes, enhance their performance, and improve their overall training experience.

The Importance Of Mental Training

Mental training involves developing the psychological skills necessary to succeed in sports and competition. For endurance athletes, who often push their bodies to the limit, mental conditioning is not just an accessory; it’s a foundational aspect of their training regimen. Studies show that mental training can lead to improved focus, increased confidence, and enhanced emotional control, all contributing to better athletic performance.

When athletes face physical exhaustion during long races or intense training sessions, it’s typically their mental fortitude that determines their ability to push through. Athletes who engage in training themselves mentally can better handle stress, stay focused on their goals, and maintain a positive attitude even when faced with adversity.

Key Components Of Mental Training For Endurance Athletes

Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a powerful tool in mind mastery for endurance athletes. This technique involves mentally rehearsing the performance, or imagining each aspect of the race or training session in vivid detail. Athletes visualize themselves overcoming obstacles, maintaining a steady pace, and crossing the finish line.

By consistently practicing visualization, athletes can create a mental blueprint for their performance, reducing anxiety and enhancing confidence. Studies have shown that athletes who utilize visualization techniques often experience improved race times and overall performance.

Goal Setting
Setting clear, achievable goals is another essential component of mental training. Endurance athletes should establish short-term and long-term goals to provide direction and motivation. These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

For example, an athlete might set a goal to improve their 5K time by a specific time within a set number of weeks. Breaking down larger objectives into smaller milestones can help athletes track their progress and maintain motivation throughout their training journey.

Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can enhance an athlete’s focus and concentration, which are critical aspects of mental training. By incorporating mindfulness into their routine, endurance athletes can learn to stay present during races and training sessions, minimizing distractions and enhancing their ability to handle stress.

Research indicates that athletes who practice mindfulness experience reduced anxiety levels, improved emotional regulation, and greater resilience during competition. This mental clarity can drive improved performance, especially during long endurance events.

Positive Self-Talk
The words athletes say to themselves can profoundly impact their performance. Positive self-talk involves replacing negative thoughts with affirmations and constructive messages. This technique can boost confidence and help athletes overcome self-doubt during challenging moments.

For instance, instead of thinking, “I can’t keep up,” an athlete can remind themselves, “I am strong and I can push through.” By cultivating a habit of positive self-talk, endurance athletes can enhance their mental resilience and improve their athletic performance.

Emotional Regulation
Endurance events can evoke a wide range of emotions, from exhilaration to frustration. Learning how to regulate these emotions is crucial for optimal performance. Mental training gives athletes the tools to manage their feelings, helping them stay composed and focused during competition.

Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can help athletes regulate their emotions, reducing anxiety, and improve their overall performance. Athletes who can manage their emotions are often more adaptable, which helps them respond better to challenges that come up during competition.

Implementing Mental Training In Your Routine

Incorporating mental training into your routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can actually be a lot of fun. Here are some practical steps endurance athletes can take to integrate mindset development effectively:

Develop a Routine
Just as physical training requires consistency, so does training a strong mind. Dedicate specific times in your training schedule for mental skills development. Whether it’s visualization exercises or mindfulness practices, treat resilience builiding as a crucial part of your overall regimen.

Work with a Coach or Sports Psychologist
Collaborating with a coach or sports psychologist can provide valuable guidance in developing mental training strategies tailored to your needs. These professionals can offer insights and techniques that help athletes unlock their full potential.

Track Progress
Keep a journal to document your mental conditioning practices and their impact on your performance. Reflecting on your experiences can help you identify what techniques work best for you and refine your approach.

Be Patient
Mental training is an ongoing process that takes time and practice. Endurance athletes should be patient and persistent, understanding that improvements come gradually. The more you practice, the more natural these techniques will become, ultimately leading to enhanced performance.

Conclusion

Improving athletic performance through mental training is essential for endurance athletes looking to maximize their potential. By incorporating visualization techniques, goal setting, mindfulness practices, positive self-talk, and emotional regulation into their training regimens, athletes can enhance their mental resilience and performance.

As the competitive landscape of endurance sports continues to evolve, those who prioritize mental training alongside physical preparation will undoubtedly have a competitive edge. It’s important to embrace the power of your mind and unlock your full potential as an endurance athlete.

With the right strategies, you can elevate your performance, overcome challenges, and achieve your athletic goals.

This article was adapted from the insightful webinar, “Mind Over Muscle: Training The Brain To Push Your Physical Limits.” You can watch the full virtual chat below.

Tags mental training

Training Training Tips

Maximize Your Race Season Learnings to Excel in the Opportunity Season

Post author By Jessica
Post date October 28, 2024

Opportunity season, for a triathlete, is the conclusion of a race season. It’s not just a time to reflect, but to chart the course for future improvements. Each race is an invaluable source of data, providing insights into both strengths and weaknesses that can shape training priorities.

The “off-season,” or what we’ll call the Opportunity Season, is a critical time for transforming these learnings into actionable improvements that will elevate your performance for the following year.

Here’s how to evaluate your race season and maximize the Opportunity Season to refine your approach.

What to Learn From Your Race Season

Every race you complete offers important insights about your physical capabilities, race strategy, nutrition, and mental game. Here are some key areas to analyze when reviewing your race data:

Performance Consistency: Look for patterns in how you performed across different races. Were there noticeable declines in energy in the latter stages of your race? Did you struggle to maintain a pace in certain conditions, or on specific terrains? By evaluating the consistency of your performance, you can identify the energy systems and muscle groups that may require more focus during the Opportunity Season.
Pacing and Fatigue: Did you go out too hard and fade in the later stages of the race, or did you conserve too much energy early on? Analyzing your pacing strategy—using metrics such as pace or power output—can highlight areas where better pacing could have improved your performance.
Race Transitions: Triathletes often overlook the importance of transitions, but faster transitions can save significant time. Reflect on whether you struggled in T1 or T2 and if you lost valuable seconds due to lack of organization or focus. Improving your transitions can give you a competitive edge without demanding major physiological changes.
Swim, Bike, Run Splits: Identify whether one discipline consistently held you back. Did your swim lag behind your competitors, or did your bike split prevent you from having a strong run finish? Recognizing weaknesses in specific legs can inform how you shift your training focus during the Opportunity Season.
Nutrition and Hydration: Poor nutrition or hydration strategies can derail an otherwise strong race. Analyze your fueling and hydration habits across your races—did you experience bonking, cramps, or GI distress? These issues often signal that adjustments are needed, which can be worked on during lower-intensity Opportunity Season training.

Shaping Your Opportunity Season

Once you have a clear understanding of the key takeaways from your race season, the Opportunity Season becomes the time to work on those weak points. Here’s how to use this phase effectively:

Set Clear Priorities: Whether you need to improve your bike strength, refine your run form, or focus on swim technique, the Opportunity Season is your time to emphasize skill development and shift sport distribution. Adjust your training to focus on weaknesses while maintaining your strengths. This helps you become a more well-rounded triathlete for the next season.
Leverage AI for Personalization: Humango uses AI-driven algorithms to tailor your training. You can customize the sport distribution of training sessions, focusing on one sport more heavily if it needs improvement. AI can also guide you in achieving specific goals—whether that’s increasing your VO2 max through high-intensity interval training or refining endurance capacity with lower-intensity aerobic work.
Work on Energy Systems: Every race requires different energy systems, from anaerobic power in sprints to aerobic endurance in long-distance events. By analyzing your data, you can identify which energy systems require more emphasis. Humango’s training platform allows you to shift training towards the desired energy system to meet your specific needs, whether it’s building more power on the bike or developing greater endurance in the run.
Focus on Mental and Technical Skills: The Opportunity Season isn’t only about physical fitness. Mental toughness, race strategy, and technical skills are just as important. Spend time practicing race scenarios, refining your pacing, or enhancing your transition efficiency.
Recovery and Strength: Use this time to focus on strength training and recovery techniques. Injury prevention, mobility work, and developing core strength can significantly improve your performance while minimizing the risk of burnout or overtraining. Humango can shift program emphasis to focus more on building strength.

Conclusion

The Opportunity Season is a pivotal part of a triathlete’s annual training cycle. By critically analyzing race data and using Humango’s AI-driven platform to guide and personalize your training, you can address weaknesses and emerge stronger. Remember, next year’s success starts now—embrace this Opportunity Season to push your limits and refine your craft.

Tags opportunity season, race season

Training

Transform Your Endurance Training with Humango’s AI-Driven Approach

Post author By Jessica
Post date October 25, 2024

AI technology is revolutionizing how athletes train and excel—from empowering coaches to smart training adjustments for fatigue and injury. Among the innovations in AI for endurance training, Humango leads the way by seamlessly integrating AI with training and human coaching, offering athletes a comprehensive platform designed to optimize their performance.

Adapted from our webinar, “Unveiling the Power of Humango’s AI for Endurance Training,” we’re going to cover how Humango uses AI to create a personalized and adaptive training plan for athletes of all levels.

What Sets Humango Apart in AI-Driven Endurance Training?

Humango stands out by combining the strengths of AI technology with the insight and guidance of expert human coaches. This unique blend allows athletes to follow data-driven training plans with a personalized touch, essential for motivation and personal growth.

Continuous Improvement through Athlete Feedback

Humango is committed to improving based on athlete experiences, constantly incorporating feedback to refine its features. This iterative development ensures that Humango’s platform is adaptive and effective for all athletes, offering a flexible and constantly improving training experience.

The Power of AI in Endurance Training: Efficiency Meets Personalization

At the heart of Humango is a sophisticated AI engine (we call it, “Hugo”) that automates data collection, analyzes an athlete’s performance, and provides personalized recommendations and a structured training plan so athletes can progress at their pace while preventing overtraining, burnout, and injury.

By leveraging AI for endurance training, Humango handles routine tasks like tracking, analysis, and replanning, giving athletes extra time to focus on life outside of endurance training.

How Humango’s AI Empowers Coaches and Enhances Athlete Experience

While AI efficiently handles data and training adjustments, human coaches remain integral to Humango’s platform. Coaches are free to focus on building relationships and understanding each athlete’s unique challenges, providing invaluable encouragement and motivation that AI coaching can’t achieve alone.

With Humango’s AI, athletes not only stay on track but also stay engaged and driven to reach their training goals because they know their plan is built specifically for them.

Automated Training with a Personalized Touch

Humango’s AI-driven automation plays a key role in enhancing athlete engagement by delivering real-time suggestions and training plan adjustments when life gets in the way.

Just like working with a coach who can change an athlete’s plan when work, family, or injury takes priority, this dynamic approach keeps athletes focused, helping them progress and stay motivated as they work toward their training goals.

Fatigue Management and Injury Recovery: Smart Training Adjustments

Humango uses advanced fatigue detection which gives athletes insights to avoid overtraining and improve recovery. With automated alerts and personalized recovery plans, we help athletes stay healthy and reduce the risk of injury while maximizing their training benefits.

By using AI for training personalization, athletes receive an adaptive, hyper-personalized plan that aligns with their specific goals and availability. And as Humango continues to refine its automation, athletes can expect even more precise recommendations suited to their unique fitness journey.

Flexible Plans for All Types of Training Goals

Humango’s flexible training plans offer guidance for a variety of endurance goals, from completing a 5K to biking your first 100 miles to conquering ultra-endurance events. The platform’s adaptable recommendations provide athletes with the right training volume and intensity based on their experience level, current fitness, and goals, making it ideal for athletes of all backgrounds.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Endurance Training with Humango’s AI-Driven Coaching

By seamlessly integrating AI with sports science for endurance training, Humango offers a truly transformative training experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Humango’s platform provides the tools and support needed to reach your full potential.

As AI for training evolves, Humango remains dedicated to enhancing every aspect of endurance training through continuous innovation and athlete-focused improvements.

Watch the full webinar here:

Tags AI

Training

My Triathlon Journey: From Failure to Success

Post author By Jessica
Post date September 26, 2024

Triathlon training (and racing) can be intimidating for many of us. You have to be pretty decent at three different sports: Swimming, cycling, and running—and that takes up a lot of free time. And where do you start when you’re just beginning your triathlon journey?

Luckily, one of our awesome ambassadors, Gregor Runge, documented his first triathlon race and shared his experience with us.

Through Gregor’s story, we can learn that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Just take it one step at a time.

My First Sprint Triathlon Registration

About 10 years ago, I had already signed up for a sprint triathlon, but as race day approached, I got cold feet—especially swimming in the Alster River. Back then, I was well-trained in running and, as a daily bike commuter, I felt comfortable on the bike. But swimming was a major hurdle for me, and I ended up neglecting it.

A Fresh Start, A New Approach

I tend to look for the easiest and quickest route, often making big plans, but lacking the discipline to follow through. During the pandemic, I rediscovered running and competed in various races over the past three years. This time, I approached training differently.

A big part of my newfound discipline is thanks to the Humango training app. Traditional, linear training plans often left me feeling demotivated, especially when I had to take a break due to illness and then jump back into a rigid plan. But Humango adjusts dynamically, tailoring the plan to my current fitness based on my vital stats. Everything syncs automatically with Garmin Connect, so all I have to do is check what workout is scheduled, get dressed, and start. I love it!

Preparing for the Triathlon

This year, I already had a solid fitness base. Thanks to my bikepacking trips (150-210 km / 93-130 miles over several days), I felt confident on the bike. But swimming still remained a challenge.

The idea that I couldn’t swim 2 km (1.24 miles) continuously felt absurd.

Luckily, thanks to Urban Sports, I had access to all the pools in Hamburg, so I just had to show up and complete my Humango sessions. The clear instructions, like when to use a pull buoy, fins, board, etc. helped a lot and I felt like I was doing something right rather than just being in the water.

Mastering the Three Disciplines

With a strong cycling and running base, and my time in the pool, I eventually got all three disciplines under control—though not perfectly. I was still a beginner at swimming, but I was able to move forward without panicking while doing the front crawl.

After completing my first marathon, I signed up for a triathlon, using it as a test run for the Olympic distance in 2025.

The Final Weeks Before the Triathlon

After the marathon, I had six weeks to prepare for the triathlon, though I spent one of those weeks on a 900 km (559 miles) bike tour from Hamburg to Munich (the video will be up on my YouTube channel soon!). This left me with only four weeks of real training, one of which I spent on vacation.

Nevertheless, Humango helped me optimize my preparation, and by race day, I was in peak condition.

As the event approached, I found myself getting caught up in researching everything—transition zones, how to keep track of laps on the bike, and the importance of nutrition for a sprint distance. I overthought everything, typical for me.

Race Day Happened In A Flash

Race day arrived, and everything happened quickly: picking up my timing chip, putting on my trisuit, warming up in the water—and then suddenly, I heard the countdown. I had planned to make a YouTube video about my first triathlon and had put a lot of thought into a realistic target time.

My personal goal for the 500m swim was under 20 minutes, but Humango estimated 15:37. I finished the swim in 13:20—two minutes faster than I had expected. That gave me a big push! The first transition went well at 2:19, just 19 seconds slower than my and Humango’s estimate.

Next was the bike. My goal was under 40 minutes, and Humango predicted 34:22. I completed the 20 km (12.43 miles) ride in 34:46, and the second transition took 2:13, including a quick, unplanned drink break.

Finally, my strongest discipline: running. I aimed to finish the 5 km (3.1 miles) in 22 minutes, while Humango set a target of 24 minutes, maybe Humango already knows me better than myself. I crossed the finish line in 24:26—just 2 seconds off Humango’s prediction. Crazy!

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

When I crossed the finish line, adrenaline was pumping. I’m normally a reserved person, but I was grinning from ear to ear, talking at double my usual speed in my video.

My conclusion: the Olympic distance is definitely happening next year—my ambition has been ignited! With Humango by my side, I’ll keep pushing my body to its limits. The app makes training so easy that it fits perfectly into my everyday life. And I’m excited about how far I can push my body.

If you’ve made it this far and are considering doing a triathlon, I say go for it! Look at what’s feasible for your schedule and remove any obstacles. For me, the weather in Hamburg was always my excuse. My first step was buying proper rain gear and adopting the mindset, “Every step counts.” Get out there, and I promise you’ll love it!

Training

Will Artificial Intelligence Technology Revolutionize Triathlon Training

Post author By Gaelle Abecassis
Post date August 7, 2024

The integration of AI technology in triathlon is already happening. We see this with the devices we’re using to capture data and metrics and apps like Humango are creating hyper-personalized training plans for endurance athletes based on their availability, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and metrics they share with the platform.

Triathlon, a sport that demands unparalleled endurance, skill, and mental fortitude, thrives on community and innovation. In a recent virtual event hosted by Humango and Challenge Family, professional triathletes Matt Hanson and Frederic Funk shared their insights on training, recovery, the impact of virtual communities, and the integration of AI technology in triathlon.

This post captures the essence of their discussion, providing valuable takeaways for athletes at all levels.

The Importance of Community in Triathlon

Many of us start playing sports for the community and camaraderie that comes with being on a team. For triathlon, when it’s you against the timer, you’re your own team. But having the support from friends, family, and your triathlon community plays a big role in not just the physical challenge of triathlon, but the mental too.

Building Connections in Triathlon

In the world of triathlon, community plays a pivotal role in a triathlete’s journey. Both Matt and Freddy emphasized the significance of having a support system, whether it’s through in-person training groups or virtual communities on Humango.

These connections not only offer practical advice and training tips, but also emotional and social support. Athletes can share experiences, seek recommendations for races, and find camaraderie in their shared passion. You know you’ve found your people when they get you, they understand why you do triathlon, and they’re doing it alongside you. It’s something you can’t get anywhere else.

Virtual Communities and Their Impact

The pandemic forced many athletes to adapt to remote training, which led to the rise of virtual communities. Coaches and athletes created online spaces to stay connected, train together remotely, and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Many of these virtual interactions often led to real-life friendships and collaborations, such as training camps and meetups at races. This blend of digital and physical interaction has strengthened the triathlon community, making it more accessible and inclusive since before the pandemic.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Technology in Triathlon Training

The integration of AI technology in triathlon is a hot topic especially with ChatGPT coming into the fold recently and the heightened awareness of AI in general. What’s great is that AI isn’t here to replace coaches. It’s a tool to become a better coach by being able to explain to athletes what their data actually means for them.

AI Coaching: A New Frontier

Advancements in technology, particularly AI, have revolutionized the way triathletes train. Matt shared his experience with his AI coaching group, which provides personalized training plans and insights.

This technology-driven approach helps athletes understand their physiological responses better and assists coaches in tailoring their training to achieve specific goals. The integration of AI in coaching represents a significant step forward, offering precision and customization that traditional methods may lack.

For example, not having a ton of free time to sift through loads of data by an athlete to tailor their training. Humango’s AI lends itself to coaches who are as time-crunched as their athletes and need a quicker way to review data to plan their athletes’ training regimen.

The Future of AI Technology in Triathlon

While the benefits of AI are clear, there are still many questions about its inner workings. We hinted at a future session with the CEO of Humango to delve deeper into the integration of AI technology in triathlon training, which you can watch here.

This discussion sheds light on how AI, and in particular, Humango, curates and calculates training plans, providing athletes with a comprehensive understanding of this innovative tool.

Training Strategies and Philosophies

“”If the challenge of racing somebody new scares you and doesn’t motivate you, it’s time to hang up the shoes.”
Frederic Funk

It was interesting to hear Freddy and Matt’s training strategies and philosophies from a professional triathlete’s point of view. Every athlete has their own training strategy and philosophy and hearing from some of the greatest triathletes in the sport today solidifies the importance of concepts like consistency and balance.

The Role of Consistency

We’ve all heard how important consistency in training is. And both Matt and Freddy stressed the importance of maintaining a steady training regimen throughout the year.

By breaking the season into manageable blocks and incorporating regular rest periods, athletes can avoid burnout and sustain high performance. Their approach includes taking a traditional off-season after his last race of the year, followed by a gradual return to structured training.

Balancing Intensity and Recovery

Recovery is just as crucial as training intensity. Matt highlighted the importance of taking breaks even when his motivation is high because it helps him stay excited and on track for fitness gains.

He schedules a mid-season recovery week with no structure, allowing his body and mind to rejuvenate. His approach prevents overtraining and ensures he’ll peak at the right times. Freddy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that mental recovery is as important as physical rest.

Preparing for A and B Races

Athletes often face the challenge of balancing preparation for major (A) races and smaller (B) races (and even C races). Both Matt and Freddy manage their expectations by focusing on their race plans rather than outcomes. For B races, they approach them as intense training sessions without the pressure of peaking. This strategy allows them to gain valuable race experience while maintaining their overall training objectives.

Adapting to New Competitors

“The whole point of doing what I do is so I can find out how fast I can go or how deep I can push myself, and if it takes new blood coming into the sport to get a little bit more out of myself, great.”
Matt Hanson

Competition forces you to get better and go faster. Having a healthy attitude toward your competition and know they’re making you a better athlete will keep you in the game a lot longer than the alternative.

Welcoming the Next Generation

The triathlon landscape is constantly evolving, with new athletes emerging from different disciplines. When asked about the influx of Olympians into long-distance triathlon, Matt and Freddy welcomed the challenge. They see the arrival of new competitors as an opportunity to elevate their own performance. This mindset reflects the sport’s competitive yet supportive nature, where athletes push each other to new heights.

Learning from Training Partners

Both Matt and Freddy have been inspired by their training partners. Freddy spoke about his roommate, an Austrian short-distance triathlete, whose journey to Olympic qualification was both challenging and motivating. Similarly, Matt reflected on his training experiences with Tim O’Donnell, a seasoned triathlete whose strategic approach to training taught him the importance of balancing intensity throughout the season.

Personal Insights and Experiences

“Managing expectations is just going in with a race plan, and my expectation is that I execute the race plan and let the result sort itself out.”
Matt Hanson

Training with Olympians, or just someone faster than you, will help you grow as an athlete too. Freddy experienced this when he did altitude training in Switzerland, riding and running alongside athletes preparing for the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Matt learned a lot about managing your training load and peaking at the right time from one of his training buddies. It goes to show that keeping an open mind and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will improve your athletic performance.

Freddy’s Altitude Training in Switzerland

Freddy shared his experiences at an altitude training camp in Switzerland, where he trains alongside athletes preparing for the Olympics. This environment, filled with high-level competitors, fuels his motivation and pushes him to improve. He highlighted the stressful and demanding nature of Olympic qualification, noting the relentless travel and race schedules athletes endure to earn their spots.

Matt’s Learning from Seasoned Athletes

Matt reminisced about his time training with Tim O’Donnell, who recently retired. Tim’s ability to manage his training load and peak at the right times left a lasting impression on Matt. This mentorship helped Matt refine his approach to training, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and patience. The exchange of knowledge between experienced athletes and newcomers enriches the sport and fosters continuous improvement.

The Role of Recovery in Longevity

“It’s not just important for the body but especially mentally, it’s good to take some time off.”
Frederic Funk

Rest and recovery are just as important (if not more so) as training. When you give your body (and mind) downtime, that’s when it regenerates and grows stronger. A lot of amateur athletes assume that more is better and that’s not always the case.

You can only do so much until your body and mind force you into recovery, so be proactive before you get to that point.

Strategic Off-Season Planning

To ensure longevity in the sport, both Matt and Freddy prioritize their off-season recovery. After their last races, they take significant breaks to reset mentally and physically. This downtime includes complete rest and unstructured training focused on enjoyment rather than performance, what Freddy calls “Fit for fun.” A balanced approach like this helps them return to training refreshed and ready for the upcoming season.

Mid-Season Breaks

In addition to the off-season, mid-season breaks are vital. Matt and Freddy incorporate these breaks to prevent fatigue and overtraining. They use this time to assess their progress, adjust their training plans, and ensure they remain on track to achieve their long-term goals. By listening to their bodies and allowing for adequate recovery, they can sustain high performance throughout the year.

To Wrap Up

The insights shared by Matt and Freddy in the Humango and Challenge Family virtual event, “Will Artificial Intelligence Revolutionize Training for Endurance Athletes?”, highlight the importance of community, technology, and strategic planning in triathlon.

The rise of virtual communities has brought athletes closer, fostering a supportive environment that extends beyond physical training.

Triathlon AI technology integration offers new possibilities for personalized and effective training plans. Consistency, recovery, and the ability to adapt to new competitors are crucial for success in the sport.

By learning from experienced triathletes and embracing innovative tools, triathletes can continue to push their limits and achieve their goals. As the triathlon community evolves, these lessons will remain essential for athletes striving for excellence.

Training

Gain a Competitive Advantage on Race Day by Training Smarter

Post author By Gaelle Abecassis
Post date June 27, 2024

In the beginning, you and every other athlete start their endurance sports journey with the same step. But by tracking your day-to-day progress via a coach or coaching app such as Humango, you learn what type of endurance athlete you are and what training works most effectively.

For example, you may find that you have a diesel engine that allows you to go hard for hours throughout a marathon run or 100-mile gravel bike race, but you don’t have a gear that you can use to pull away from the pack at the finish line or on a hill climb. Or, you’ll discover that you have a race car engine with a gear that taps all-out power bursts repeatedly. Then again, your training might reveal that it’s easier to pull off hard workouts in the afternoon or early evening than in the morning or vice versa. No matter what you find, the right coach or coaching app will help you turn your athletic profile into a competitive advantage.

What Is a Competitive Advantage?

In short, anything that maximizes your strengths and optimizes your performance is an advantage. This is where coaches earn their pay. Their experience working with hundreds of athletes lets them tap a deep knowledge base that they apply to your training so you arrive at any race or event primed for peak performance. Consider them a shortcut that bypasses years of hit-or-miss learning you’d have to do on your own.

Humango’s AI coaching app will do the same, taking your training results and parsing the data daily to determine the right balance of hard intervals, long endurance work, and recovery. At its most granular, Humango helps you figure out the best warm-up protocol before a race. Do you need 10 minutes, or is 20 minutes necessary? You’ll figure out how much rest/sleep you need each night to perform your best the next day. From a mental standpoint, this guidance reduces stress and, more importantly, builds confidence. When you know you did the work to reach your peak form, it’s easier to trust your speed, fitness, and stamina on race day.

Tools To Gain an Advantage

First, get a coach to develop a personalized training plan for you. Next, make sure they can adapt it after every workout so no training session — or recovery period — is wasted. To do this, your coach will need you to track your performance via a coaching app like Humango that accepts data uploads from a GPS watch for running and a bike computer for cycling. At the very least, you should track speed, time, pace, distance, and heart rate. A watch that measures sleep cycles and HRV can help you and your coach determine how much rest you truly need. Cyclists can also add a power meter to their bike to measure the watts produced.

Analyze all these data points, and you’ll soon understand the what, when, and how of your best performance. This information lets you and your coach map out a race day strategy optimized for your physiology and psychology. Then, once you know precisely how to set yourself up for success, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the competitive advantage you have over everyone else.

Training

You Need Speed Training To Run Faster

Post author By Gaelle Abecassis
Post date June 20, 2024

It’s a fact of basic human biology: To run faster, you must run fast. Obvious, right? Yet so many runners don’t. Instead, you can see them running at a conversational or just above conversational pace around the park or along the greenbelt, happily logging their miles. And that’s great. They’re staying fit and getting outside. But for those runners who want to go faster, it takes hard, intentional effort — a lot of it.

There is a payoff, namely, faster one-mile split times that trickle down through all your running intensities. With speed development, your hard 10k race pace from six months ago can feel like your marathon race pace today. That isn’t to say running fast will ever feel easy. It probably won’t. But when you post a faster time than your previous race, you’ll know it was worth the work.

Sprint Training Workouts for Running

Speed interval training is how you build speed. Start with short sprints lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The number of intervals depends on your fitness and your goal (10k, marathon, or a sub-5-minute mile). An experienced coach or an intelligent AI-powered coaching app like Humango will prescribe a set of intervals based on these criteria. Expect to be pushed hard but not so hard that you risk injury or overwork. Even more importantly, a coach will carefully manage your speed training workouts, allowing you plenty of time to recover.

In these sessions, expect to run hard and fast. In doing so, you should start to run more efficiently and effectively by building your aerobic capacity and neuromuscular coordination. Instead of taking long, loping strides as you might during a run at a conversational pace, speed work forces you to focus on a more forceful push-off to propel you forward. This will, in turn, increase your turnover rate and have you running at a higher cadence. During sprints, your arm swing will also become better integrated with your stride as you consciously swing your arms faster to force your feet to turn over faster. Through practice, these positive adaptations will make you a faster runner.

Training for Speed in the Gym

Power is a critical component of speed, and power comes from muscle. Think about the optimal body type of a 100-meter dash competitor. She’s all muscle because she needs that power to a) turn over her feet as fast as possible and b) maximize the forward propulsion of every step. The same holds for an elite marathoner turning over 5-6 minute miles for 26.2 miles. It takes muscle power to keep that up mile after mile.

For many runners, time spent in the gym is an anathema. It shouldn’t be. Strength training can be a cheat code to build speed quickly, as resistance work can exhaust muscles in seconds versus several minutes or hours on a track or trail. Squats, broad jumps, hill sprints, and even sprinting in a pool are all practical power-building exercises for runners. Rather than dreading strength-focused workouts, embrace them. They will pay off on those long runs by allowing you to maintain higher paces longer.

A well-designed speed training program balanced with sprint intervals, strength training sessions, and longer recovery runs will literally kick your running into a higher gear. Do the hard work and see for yourself.