Read, write, run. Repeat.

Since 2014, I’ve been studying endurance training under Scott Johnston from Uphill Athlete. In addition to his own philosophy, Scott introduced me to the thinking of Steve Magness, Renato Canova, Yuri Verkhoshansky, and Jan Olbrecht.

Comparing Data: Whoop vs. Garmin Fenix 2

This morning was my second workout with a Whoop on my wrist. In both cases, Whoop’s data is inaccurate and grossly overstates the intensity of the workouts. I recorded both sessions with the Whoop and a Garmin Fenix 2 with an HRM-Run chest strap. The workout was a recovery session with an average heart rate... More

Lactate Test #4: Stupid is as stupid does

Over a month ago, I did my fourth lactate capacity test of the season. I did both the aerobic and anaerobic portions on the same day, albeit with a break and some food between them. Since my last test in early July, I’ve been doing a lot of Local Muscular Endurance (LME) training. I was... More

Training on a treadmill: Accuracy versus precision

In early 2018, I bought a treadmill. Training on a treadmill sounds horrible to most–and for long, steady sessions it is–but for high-intensity training, it’s perfect. Yesterday, I wrote about the big impact that gradient has on climb rates. While writing, I looked online for an angle-to-gradient calculator. I also came across a description of... More

Gradient: Small changes in angle, big differences in climb rate

When using climb rates as benchmarks, make sure that the grade of the terrain during tests is consistent. Small variations in gradient will create big differences in climb rates and misleading results between tests. I often use a treadmill as part of my warm-up for strength sessions in the gym. At my usual gradient and... More

Slow & steady is boring. Is it really necessary?

Slow & steady is boring. Is it really necessary? I loved The Matrix. In my favorite scene, Neo straps himself to an archaic dentist’s chair. He’s learning martial arts by “downloading” them into his brain. Once installed, he can use them in the digital world. To make the downloads, Neo’s colleague plugs a thick cable... More