In this episode of the “All Things Endurance” podcast, host Rick Prince chats with Dr. Rebecca Johansson. Dr. Johansson holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in exercise science, and she’s a UESCA Ultrarunning Coach. Through her business, The Performance Project, she coaches running, ultrarunning and multisport athletes.
Rick and Rebecca chat about what training load is, how to effectively monitor it, signs that may precede injury, load adjustment and wearables. (This is the first of a three-part podcast series with Dr. Johansson.)
Below are the specific areas that Rick and Rebecca discuss during this episode:
1. Could you tell our listeners a bit more about yourself?
2. What does “training load” actually mean? As coaches, why should we monitor it for our athletes?
3. What did you find about endurance runners during your PhD — and what surprised you?
4. Internal vs. external load: What does a coach genuinely need, and what’s noise?
5. What’s the minimum viable monitoring system for a coach with 20 athletes and no lab?
6. What are the earliest signals that precede injury or nonfunctional overreaching, and how much warning do they really give you?
7. Once you see the signal, how do you adjust the load, and what does that conversation with the athlete look like?
8. Where do wearables and readiness scores earn their keep, and where do they mislead?
To learn more about Dr. Johansson and The Performance Project, visit: www.theperformanceprojectllc.com
Use code ATE75 to get $75 off any UESCA coach certification.
