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Training Science Podcast

Paul Laursen & Martin Buchheit

Your hosts of the Training Science Podcast, Martin Buchheit and Paul Laursen, take a weekly deep dive into the real world application of training science in the trenches.

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  • 28 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 6 min
  • English

Episodes 28

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  • S1 · E233
    Friday · 1 hr 5 min

    Rethinking the Determinants of Endurance Performance With Yannick Sondermann, Dr Lars Schwalm and Prof Paul Laursen

    For decades, VO2 max, movement economy, and fractional utilization of VO2max have been widely presented as three key determinants of endurance performance. But how strong is the evidence for that third piece? Yannick Sondermann and Dr Lars Schwalm join us this week to challenge some long standing assumptions around fractional utilization and explore whether it truly deserves the weight it has been given in traditional endurance performance models. Drawing on their recently published work, they unpack what fractional utilization actually represents, whether it changes meaningfully with training, and why improvements in the metric may not always mean what we think they do. They also explore VO2max, movement economy, durability, strength training, and what coaches should actually focus on when trying to improve performance. The conversation ultimately comes back to a simple question: are we focusing on the variables we can actually change? Interested in learning more about the latest developments in endurance performance and sports science? Subscribe to the HIIT Science email list for updates on new research, courses, and educational opportunities. Today's Speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Yannick Sondermann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannick-sondermann/ Dr. Lars Schwalm: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lars-schwalm-223ab2420/ Resources: https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/aop/article-10.1123-ijspp.2026-0039/article-10.1123-ijspp.2026-0039.xml

  • S1 · E232
    September 25 · 1 hr 18 min

    From VHS Tapes to GPS, Metabolic and Mechanical Power With Dr Ted Polglaze and Dr Martin Buchheit

    We have more athlete tracking data than ever before. But are we actually measuring what matters? Dr Ted Polglaze joins the podcast to reflect on more than three decades in sports science, from manually tracking athletes on VHS tapes to the arrival of GPS and today's increasingly sophisticated approaches to measuring movement and load. His career has spanned multiple Olympic campaigns, elite field hockey, water polo, rowing, and other high performance environments. The conversation dives into metabolic and mechanical power, why speed and distance alone cannot capture the true demands of team sports, and the importance of acceleration, direction, movement orientation, and what Ted calls "erraticness." Ted and Martin also discuss one element that has increasingly disappeared from modern tracking analysis: time. From the limitations of current models to where athlete tracking could go next, this episode is a reminder that better technology does not automatically mean better understanding. Interested in learning more about the latest developments in endurance performance and sports science? Subscribe to the HIIT Science email list for updates on new research, courses, and educational opportunities. Today's Speakers: Dr Martin Buchheit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-buchheit-6a355828/?locale=fr Dr Ted Polglaze: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-polglaze-oly-23b6a81b3/

  • S1 · E231
    September 19 · 1 hr 7 min

    Top Episode Replay: The Science Behind the Norwegian Method: Insights with Brad Culp & Prof Paul Laursen

    Top Episode Replay: HEAT🔥 training is ESTABLISHED, EASY ✅ and FOR EVERYONE! Get on it NOW! Brad Culp wants you to understand that HEAT training is not a FAD, and that PREPARING for your ENVIRONMENT is ESSENTIAL to your performance. Norwegians can do it, so can you! Plus, training is cheap🤑! In the 139th episode of The Training Science Podcast, Paul and Brad discuss: 🔎 the FULL SCOPE of the “NORWEGIAN” method; 🥑 why FAT metabolism, volume AND intensity are all ESSENTIAL for endurance; 🇳🇴 how to BUILD a strong sense of “PURPOSE” around high-performance across all ages and sports - like in NORWAY! _____________________ Today’s speakers: Prof. Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Brad Culp https://twitter.com/bbculp _____________________ References: Brad’s Norwegian Methods book: https://www.amazon.com/Norwegian-Method-Groundbreaking-Endurance-Performance/dp/B0CTYHG1ZV?dplnkId=ab116467-05b9-4879-b431-50bdef7a5e20 _____________________

  • S1 · E230
    September 11 · 1 hr

    The Science of Cold Water and Extreme Endurance With Dr Jørgen Melau and Prof Paul Laursen

    What actually happens to the body when an athlete enters dangerously cold water? Dr Jørgen Melau brings more than 20 years of experience as Safety Director and Chief of the Medical and Safety Team at the Norseman Extreme Triathlon, alongside a background in helicopter search and rescue and research into cold water swimming. In this episode, Jørgen breaks down the physiology of cold water immersion, from the initial cold shock response to the loss of muscle function that can occur within minutes. He also explores hypothermia, swimming induced pulmonary edema, the surprising temperature drop athletes can experience after leaving the water, and why cold water can place significant stress on the heart. The conversation also looks at whether athletes can truly acclimatize to cold, how to prepare for extreme events like Norseman, and what more than a decade of research at one of the world's toughest triathlons is teaching us about making endurance sport safer. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr Jørgen Melau https://www.melau.no/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmelau/ https://jorgenmelau.substack.com/

  • S1 · E229
    September 4 · 1 hr 1 min

    AI, Wearables, and the Future of Athlete Data With Mollie Brewer and Prof Paul Laursen

    Athletes have access to more data than ever before. But more data does not automatically lead to better decisions. In this episode, Mollie Brewer explores the intersection of sports science, artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and human computer interaction. Drawing on her experience in professional cycling and her current research in computer science, Mollie explains why getting the fundamentals of athlete data right matters before we can unlock the potential of AI. The conversation explores data literacy, training load and intensity management, the risks of chasing metrics, and how interface design can influence athlete behaviour. Mollie also discusses how AI could help bring together previously siloed information while preserving the human expertise, judgement, and athlete feedback needed to interpret it effectively. Interested in learning more about the latest developments in endurance performance and sports science? Subscribe to the HIIT Science email list for updates on new research, courses, and educational opportunities. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Mollie Brewer https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollie-brewer-21a230aa/

  • S1 · E228
    August 28 · 1 hr

    What It Takes to Perform in HYROX With Dr Ludwig Rappelt and Prof Paul Laursen

    HYROX is exploding in popularity, but the science behind what actually drives performance is only beginning to catch up. Dr Ludwig Rappelt joins the podcast to unpack new research examining the demands of HYROX and how performance has evolved across its first seven seasons. With running accounting for nearly half of total race time, endurance provides the foundation, but the data suggests strength based stations can play an outsized role in separating stronger performances from weaker ones. The conversation explores the balance between strength and endurance, potential thresholds for VO2 max and maximal strength, where athletes may still have untapped performance gains, and how HYROX specific training could evolve as the sport and its research base continue to mature. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr Ludwig Rappelt https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwig-rappelt-b5239b18a/ Resources: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2026.1847569/full

  • S1 · E227
    August 21 · 1 hr 7 min

    From Silos to Performance Centred Practice With Katie Slattery, Jamie Stanley and Dr Martin Buchheit

    What happens when you stop looking at performance through the lens of individual disciplines and start putting performance itself at the centre? Katie Slattery and Jamie Stanley unpack their Performance Centred Practice framework, developed from years of experience across the Australian high performance system. They explore how coaches, sport scientists, practitioners, and athletes can build a shared understanding of what performance actually requires, then connect those demands directly to training and decision making. The conversation covers shared mental models, productive disagreement within interdisciplinary teams, improving performance meetings, defining training quality beyond simple physical metrics, and creating better feedback loops between what happens in training and what ultimately matters in competition. Today’s speakers: Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Katie Slattery https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Katie.Slattery Jamie Stanley https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-stanley-a5a7265b/ Athletica U https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7L8NU083obOOZnkl9qd1lxr5zfVKTkL&si=YkGXTSQsJcYBUPiD

  • S1 · E226
    August 14 · 1 hr 9 min

    How Ethiopia's Elite Runners Actually Train With Palo Galko and Prof Paul Laursen

    What can AI reveal about the training habits of the world's best distance runners? In this episode, we dive into groundbreaking new research that combines artificial intelligence with one of the most unique datasets ever collected from elite Ethiopian marathon and half marathon runners. From uncovering hidden training patterns to understanding why context matters more than raw data, this conversation explores how AI can enhance sports science without replacing human expertise. We also discuss the future of AI in endurance coaching, why large language models are powerful tools rather than true intelligence, and how practitioners can use these technologies to ask better questions and uncover better answers. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Palo Galko https://www.linkedin.com/in/palo-galko-6b06a96/

  • S1 · E225
    August 7 · 1 hr 4 min

    From Unpaid Intern to the Champions League With Daniel Caraça and Dr Martin Buchheit

    Breaking into elite football isn't always a straight path. For Daniel Caraça, it meant years of unpaid internships, balancing university with part time jobs, and never losing sight of the bigger goal. In this episode, Daniel shares his remarkable journey from studying sports science in the UK and volunteering across Scottish football to earning his first professional role with Pafos FC and helping the club compete in the UEFA Champions League. Along the way, he reflects on resilience, networking, continuous learning, and why attitude often opens more doors than experience alone. Whether you're an aspiring practitioner or already working in high performance sport, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons on building a career from the ground up. Want to hear about future courses, podcasts, and exclusive offers? Join our email list to stay up to date and receive access to subscriber only announcements and limited time discounts. Today’s speakers: Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Daniel Caraça https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcara%C3%A7a/ Athletica U https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7L8NU083obOOZnkl9qd1lxr5zfVKTkL&si=YkGXTSQsJcYBUPiD

  • S1 · E224
    July 31 · 1 hr 9 min

    How Belief Shapes Performance With Assoc Prof Vince Kelly and Prof Paul Laursen

    What if one of the most powerful performance tools isn't a supplement, a training method, or new technology, but belief itself? In this episode, S&C specialist Assoc Prof Vince Kelly explores the science behind the belief effect and how athlete expectations, coach communication, environment, and trust can meaningfully influence performance outcomes. From placebo and nocebo effects to coaching philosophy and practitioner credibility, this conversation unpacks why how an intervention is delivered can be just as important as the intervention itself. Whether you're a coach, sport scientist, clinician, or athlete, this episode offers practical insights into building stronger coach athlete relationships, improving communication, and creating environments that maximize performance. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399926003946 Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Assoc Prof Vince Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-kelly-6452a621/ Athletica U https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7L8NU083obOOZnkl9qd1lxr5zfVKTkL&si=YkGXTSQsJcYBUPiD

  • S1 · E223
    July 25 · 1 hr 3 min

    Supporting Female Athletes Through Puberty and Performance With Dr Julia Casadio and Prof Paul Laursen

    Supporting young female athletes requires more than great training programs. It starts with understanding the unique physiological, psychological, and developmental changes they experience throughout puberty. In this episode, Dr Julia Casadio shares her personal journey from aspiring Olympian to elite sport physiologist, and explains how those experiences inspired the creation of Her Strength. Together, we explore the challenges facing young female athletes, including body image, menstrual health, injury risk, nutrition, and the role coaches and parents play in creating positive sporting environments. The conversation also covers practical strategies for supporting female athletes through puberty, recognizing early warning signs of low energy availability, and helping more girls stay healthy, confident, and involved in sport for the long term. NEW COURSE with Dr Julia Casadio: Her Strength Coach Course https://hiit-science.thinkific.com/courses/herstrength-coachcourse Athletica U https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7L8NU083obOOZnkl9qd1lxr5zfVKTkL&si=YkGXTSQsJcYBUPiD

  • S1 · E222
    July 17 · 59 min

    Nano Dosing Strength in Elite Football With Nick Grantham and Dr Martin Buchheit

    How do you build stronger, more powerful footballers when there is barely enough time to recover between matches? In this episode, Nick Grantham shares how his approach to strength and conditioning has evolved after years working in elite Olympic sport and the English Premier League. The conversation explores why strength remains a cornerstone of elite football performance, how to individualize training across a congested season, and why chasing the "perfect" gym session may no longer be the answer. Nick also explains the concept of nano dosing, using small but meaningful strength exposures throughout the week, while discussing minimum effective dose, player monitoring, injury mitigation, and balancing long term athletic development with match readiness. Interested in learning more about the latest developments in endurance performance and sports science? Subscribe to the HIIT Science email list for updates on new research, courses, and educational opportunities. Today’s speakers: Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Nick Graham https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgranthamconsultancyltd/ Athletica U https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7L8NU083obOOZnkl9qd1lxr5zfVKTkL&si=YkGXTSQsJcYBUPiD

  • S1 · E221
    July 10 · 1 hr 8 min

    Top Episode Replay: The Sprint Training Evolution - With Jonas Dodoo & Dr Martin Buchheit

    ⚡ EVOLVING COACHING for MODERN ATHLETES: INSIGHTS with JONAS DODOO 🏃‍♂️🔥 From sprinting mechanics to AI-driven analysis, Jonas Dodoo is helping redefine what effective coaching looks like in today’s game ⚽💨 In this episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin sits down with Jonas to unpack how coaches can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape: 🧠 Balancing physical preparation with mental performance 🩺Context matters for injury history & subjective responses 🤖 How AI can enhance analysis and unlock new insights 🤝 Trust & buy-in: the cornerstones of effective coaching — #TrainingSciencePodcast #HIITScience #Coaching #AthletePerformance #Rehabilitation #SportsScience #SprintTraining #InjuryPrevention #Football #AthleteDevelopment #AIinSports #PerformanceAnalysis #Trust #CoachAthleteRelationship #TrainingMethods _____________________ Today’s speakers: Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Jonas Dodoo https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-tawiah-dodoo-14b38920/

  • S1 · E220
    July 4 · 1 hr 19 min

    The Physiology First Approach to Endurance Training With Dr Gabriele Gallo and Prof Paul Laursen

    Training isn't just about replicating race demands. It's about understanding the physiology that drives performance. In this episode, Dr Gabriele Gallo, founder of Knowledge is Watts, joins us to explore the concept of a physiology first approach to endurance training. Together, we discuss why successful coaching goes beyond chasing power numbers, how low and high intensity training work together over different timeframes, and why durability may be one of the most important frontiers in endurance performance. The conversation also explores fatigue resistance, carbohydrate availability, muscle damage, central fatigue, and how emerging technologies and AI may help coaches better understand the complex relationship between physiology and performance. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports scientist, this episode offers practical insights into building long term endurance through smarter training principles rather than simply copying race demands. Interested in learning more about the latest developments in endurance performance and sports science? Subscribe to the HIIT Science email list for updates on new research, courses, and educational opportunities. https://www.knowledgeiswatt.com/ https://knowledgeiswatt.substack.com/ Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Gabriele Gallo https://x.com/knowledgeiswatt Athletica U https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu7L8NU083obOOZnkl9qd1lxr5zfVKTkL&si=YkGXTSQsJcYBUPiD

  • S1 · E219
    June 19 · 1 hr 4 min

    Lactate Reimagined: From Fuel to Signal With Dr Aitor Viribay Morales and Prof Paul Laursen

    For decades, lactate was viewed as a waste product associated with fatigue and declining performance. Today, a growing body of research paints a very different picture. In this episode, sports scientist and researcher Aitor Viribay Morales explores the evolving science of lactate, from its role as a critical fuel source to its emerging importance as a signaling molecule that influences performance, recovery, and adaptation. The conversation dives into the lactate shuttle theory, the relationship between lactate and endurance performance, the interaction between lactate and the nervous system, and the growing interest in exogenous lactate as a potential tool for athletes. Aitor also shares insights from his work in exercise metabolism and sports nutrition, highlighting how our understanding of lactate continues to evolve beyond traditional models of fatigue. Whether you're a coach, athlete, researcher, or endurance enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the most misunderstood molecules in sports science. Interested in learning more about the latest developments in endurance performance and sports science? Subscribe to the HIIT Science email list for updates on new research, courses, and educational opportunities. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr Aitor Viribay Morales: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aitor-viribay-598336155 https://glut4science.com/

  • S1 · E218
    June 12 · 1 hr

    Can Running Marathons Help You Age Better? Insights from Multi Marathoners with Leo Lundy and Prof Paul Laursen

    What happens when you study people who have spent decades consistently running marathons? In this episode, we sit down with researcher and multi marathoner Leo Lundy to explore what endurance athletes can teach us about healthy aging, longevity, and lifelong performance. Drawing from his PhD research on multi marathoners around the world, Leo shares insights into cardiovascular fitness, VO₂ max, all cause mortality, cognitive performance, mental health, and the long term effects of sustained endurance training. The conversation examines why regular physical activity may help slow age-related decline, how motivation evolves across the lifespan, and what separates successful aging from simply getting older. Leo also discusses important vulnerabilities within endurance communities, including injury risk, painkiller use, mental health challenges, and the importance of ongoing health screening. Whether you're an athlete, coach, practitioner, or simply interested in extending your healthspan, this episode offers a fascinating look at what decades of consistent movement can teach us about living and aging well. Interested in learning more from leading experts in endurance performance and healthy aging? Join the HIIT Science email list for the latest research, podcast episodes, and educational opportunities. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Leo Lundy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-lundy-5509501a2/ https://multimarathon.research.st/

  • S1 · E217
    June 5 · 1 hr 13 min

    What Elite Football Teams Get Right About Speed, Power, and Performance with Christian Clarup and Dr Martin Buchheit

    What does it take to build a high performance culture inside elite European football? In this episode, Martin sits down with Christian Clarup to discuss his journey from academy football in Denmark to leadership roles at FC Midtjylland, Sparta Prague, the Danish National Team, and the Bundesliga. Christian shares lessons learned from working across different countries, cultures, and football environments, including title winning campaigns, Champions League football, and the realities of operating inside some of Europe's most demanding clubs. The conversation explores how speed, power, and intensity shape his performance philosophy, why efficient training matters more than longer sessions, and how strength training, monitoring, and athlete buy in can support performance without creating unnecessary fatigue. They also discuss leadership, staff stability, building performance departments, managing change within clubs, and the personal realities of working in elite football while balancing family life and long term career development. Whether you're a performance practitioner, coach, sports scientist, or simply interested in what happens behind the scenes at the highest levels of football, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of building successful performance environments. Today’s speakers: Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Christian Clarup https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-clarup-5891a685/

  • S1 · E216
    May 29 · 59 min

    Nutrition Myths, Fasted Training, and Individual Responses with Dr Jeff Rothschild and Prof Paul Laursen

    What should endurance athletes actually eat before training? Does fasted training improve adaptation? And why do some athletes thrive on high carbohydrate intake while others perform better with less? In this episode, Dr Jeff Rothschild joins the podcast to unpack the complexity behind endurance nutrition, recovery, and training adaptation. Drawing from his work as a sports dietitian, researcher, and performance analyst, Jeff shares insights from years of research exploring carbohydrate practices, fasted training, substrate utilization, and individual variability in athlete response. The conversation explores why high intensity sessions may not require fasted training to stimulate adaptation, how recovery responses differ dramatically between athletes, and why generalized nutrition guidelines often fail to capture individual needs. Jeff also discusses the growing role of data science, machine learning, and longitudinal athlete monitoring in understanding recovery and fueling strategies, along with the practical realities of applying nutrition science in elite sport. This episode offers a balanced and highly practical discussion on endurance nutrition, helping athletes and coaches better understand how to fuel training without getting lost in dogma or extremes. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr Jeff Rothschild https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rothschild-phd-016170146/ https://www.eatsleep.fit/

  • S1 · E215
    May 22 · 1 hr 25 min

    Top Episode Replay: Desolving the Fat Mystery – Are Carbs History? - With Dr Phil Maffetone, Prof Tim Noakes & Prof Paul Laursen

    🥑 RETHINKING NUTRITION in ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE 💥🧠 Tim Noakes & Phil Maffetone aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo — especially when it comes to CARBS, FAT, and FUELING the brain 🧬 In this thought-provoking episode of The Training Science Podcast, Paul, Tim & Phil dig into what REALLY fuels performance: 🔥 How FAT OXIDATION supports endurance when carbs run low 🧠 Why the BRAIN—not the body—often decides your limits 📉 The trouble with INSULIN and sugar addiction in modern diets — #TrainingSciencePodcast #HIITScience #TimNoakes #PhilMaffetone #SportsNutrition #LowCarbHighFat #FatAdaptation #EndurancePerformance #GlucosePools #CarbohydrateDebate #FuelingTheBrain #InsulinResistance #SugarAddiction #MetabolicHealth #AthletePerformance #BrainPower #NutritionRevolution #ChallengingBeliefs #PerformanceFueling #EnergySystems _____________________ Today’s speakers: Prof. Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr. Phil Maffetone https://philmaffetone.com/ Prof. Tim Noakes https://x.com/LoreofRunning1

  • S1 · E214
    May 15 · 58 min

    The Norwegian Method Applied: From Threshold Training to Muscular Status, with Dr Marius Bakken and Prof Paul Laursen

    What if endurance performance is not so much about VO2max, lactate threshold, or running economy… but more about the muscular system itself? In this episode, Dr Marius Bakken shares the thinking behind his latest book The Norwegian Method Applied and the decades of experimentation that shaped his approach to endurance training. From double threshold training and lactate controlled intensity to muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness, this conversation explores performance through a very different lens. The discussion unpacks why sub-threshold training became foundational within the Norwegian system, how muscular state may influence performance and fatigue more than most athletes realize, and why recovery is often misunderstood in modern endurance training. Marius also reflects on his experiences training in Kenya, his observations of elite African runners, and how balancing training load may matter more than any other factor. This episode challenges conventional thinking around endurance performance and opens up a broader discussion about what truly limits adaptation, recovery, and race day performance. Today’s speakers: Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr Marius Bakken https://www.mariusbakken.com/ The Norwegian Method Applied Book: http://geni.us/norwegianmethod

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