Rethinking Endurance Training: Insights from Peter Leo
Sport Science, durability, comparing training in cycling to triathlon, data sharing and collaboration
In this episode of The Real Coaching Podcast, Joel engages in an insightful discussion with Peter Leo, an endurance training scientist at Aus Cycling and coach for the world tour cycling team Jayco Alula. They delve into Peter's transition from a student to a researcher and coach, and explore his research interests, practical applications, and significant insights on durability, training evolution post-pandemic, and athlete development. They highlight the contrast between training approaches in cycling and triathlon, and discuss the importance of chronic load, individualized training, and the psychological aspects of competition. Peter shares his personal journey and offers valuable advice on balancing high-performance roles, self-care, and maintaining sustainable professional relationships. The episode also touches on the potential for AI in sports performance analysis and the need for greater collaboration in triathlon research.
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**A Transition in Endurance Training**
Peter Leo chronicles his journey from a student at a conference in 2015 to an acclaimed research scientist and coach, highlighting the enduring challenges and transformations he has experienced. His long-term study on U23 cycling teams has provided invaluable insights into training methodologies, especially the significance of training load and durability in young athletes.
One of the standout themes of this conversation was the notable shift in training approaches since the pandemic. Cyclists have transitioned to a model of rapidly increasing training volume to reach optimal performance levels sooner, a contrast to the previous gradual progression model. This shift raises questions about its applicability and adoption in triathlon, where a similar change has yet to be observed.
**Understanding Durability and Its Impact on Training**
Durability in endurance athletes, as discussed by Peter, hinges on the ability to sustain high-intensity outputs repeatedly. This factor, crucial for both cycling and potentially for triathlon, stems largely from carbohydrate intake and the athletes' chronic training loads. It highlights a training philosophy that emphasizes building strong aerobic bases before layering high-intensity efforts.
Joel and Peter further explored the multifaceted concept of durability, often referred to in various terms like "physiological resilience" or "high power output repeatability." This characteristic is essential for athletes to deliver consistent performance outputs despite fatigue.
**Challenges in Triathlon**
While cycling has embraced these new endurance paradigms aggressively, triathlon appears slower to adapt. Factors such as the cultural diversity of the sport, logistical issues, and the lack of cohesive research efforts contribute to this lag. Joel points out that triathlon's fragmented calendar and less rigorous bike leg demands may influence its current training and performance methodologies.
**The Role of Organizational Culture in Performance**
A segment of the discussion shifted towards organizational culture and its impact on strategic implementation within sports bodies. Citing Peter Drucker's adage, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast," Joel underscored how intrinsic culture shapes organizational success. The conversation also examined how strategic plans often lack actionable detail, rendering them less effective in practice.
**Balancing Roles and Preventing Burnout**
Peter shared his experience balancing roles between Australian Cycling and the Jaco Alula team, emphasizing the need for managing workloads to prevent burnout. He spoke candidly about setting boundaries, finding balance, and the importance of taking breaks to maintain long-term effectiveness in high-performance roles.
Podcast Show Notes
00:00 Introduction to the Real Coaching Podcast
00:02 Meet Peter Leo: From Student to Coach
00:57 Exploring Peter's Research and Coaching Insights
02:02 Leadership Interlude: Strategic Plans and Culture
06:03 Support the Podcast: Coaching and Camps
07:31 Discussion with Peter Leo Begins
09:41 Peter's Background and Career Journey
27:33 The Concept of Durability in Endurance Sports
39:53 Training Volume and Intensity: Pre and Post-Pandemic
49:02 The Role of Individualization in Coaching
57:08 Introduction to Triathlon Training Challenges
58:16 The State of Evidence-Based Training in Triathlon
01:00:32 The Impact of Course Demands on Triathlon
01:06:27 Data Sharing and Collaboration in Triathlon
01:30:26 The Role of National Federations vs. World Tour Teams
01:34:29 Balancing High Performance and Personal Well-being
01:37:41 Peter's Journey and Reflections
01:49:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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SHOW NOTES
Peter’s Research Gate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Leo
Power Profiling: Power profiling and the power-duration relationship in cycling: a narrative review
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-021-04833-y
Peter’s PHD - Longitudinal physiological and performance characteristics of U23 elite cyclists
Scientific Triathlon ep 319:
Power profiling, critical power, and U23 cycling research with Peter Leo | EP#319
https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts319/
Twitter: @peter__leo
https://interceptperformanceconsultancy.com
Episode 516 - Exploring the Science of Critical Power and Speed with Coach Peter Leo
Dr. Peter Leo - Advancements and best practice for power profiling cyclists - Part 1 of 2
Dr. Peter Leo - Advancements and best practice for power profiling cyclists - Part 2 of 2
The Compound Score in elite road cycling
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361643363_The_Compound_Score_in_elite_road_cycling
https://www.jsc-journal.com/index.php/JSC/article/view/733
A useful training intensity chart
https://www.wattkg.com/training-intensity-chart/
UAE's Performance Chief Unveils Pro Cyclists' Training Secrets
Joel Filliol’s talk at INSEP about Simon Whitfield in 2015
Jason Fried’ blog on Culture:
https://world.hey.com/jason/company-culture-is-the-last-50-days-dab19416
Coaching and more by Joel
Coaching - while I’ve made my focus elite coaching, particularly short course over the last 20 years, I also coach athletes focused on long course, T100, the Ironman Pro Series and Xterra, as well as select age group athletes who are highly motivated and looking to take the next step in their racing and training.
Consulting - another opportunity for those not ready or looking for full 1-1 coaching, is to have a consultation about programming, periodisation or other topics that will help you solve problems and perform better
Coach Mentorship - coaches can receive support, mentorship and guidance from Joel - coaches can benefit from coaching - a ‘second set of eyes’ on your coaching practice.
coaching@joelfilliol.com or my website at joelfilliol.com
Join me for a training camp in the Loire Valley in north west France 7-13th May 2025 or 7-13th June - my second year doing these camps, a great opportunity to spend time together, get in some solid training, good food and company, and opportunity for learning and discussions about all things high performance and triathlon:
https://joelfilliol.com/blog/camps to sign up and get 10% off for a limited time with the code JF2025
