Michelle and Mikki's Performance Playbook

What's Your Stress Score?

The conversation covers the challenges of ocean swimming, the concept of Training Stress Score (TSS) and Chronic Training Load (CTL), and the issues and limitations associated with TSS and CTL as metrics for quantifying training stress and performance. The conversation delves into the impact of training stress scores (TSS) and chronic training load (CTL) on athletes, highlighting the potential anxiety and stress induced by these metrics. It also explores the limitations of TSS and CTL, the factors affecting training stress, and the role of awareness in training and performance. The conversation delves into the use of Training Stress Score (TSS) as a metric for training, its limitations, and the importance of communication with a coach. It also explores the role of wearable devices in training and the need for effective communication between athletes and coaches. Takeaways * TSS and CTL are metrics used to quantify training stress and chronic training load * TSS and CTL may not accurately reflect the actual stress and performance of an athlete CTL and TSS can induce anxiety and stress in athletes * TSS is agnostic to the type of training and may not align with specific fitness goals TSS as a metric * Communication with coach Chapters * 00:00 Ocean Swimming Challenges * 19:01 Issues with TSS and CTL * 24:09 Factors Affecting Training Stress * 43:26 The Role of Awareness in Training * 49:12 The Importance of Communication with Coach * 01:03:41 Final Thoughts on Training and Communication

Should you train while sick?

Michelle and Mikki dive into the topic around training while sick- should you? And how to stay healthy through your training cycle or race build.

Race Day Magic

Coach Michelle and Mikki dive into the topic of race day magic and how to set yourself up so that you are more likely to experience it on race day!

Time vs. Distance

Coach Michelle and Mikki dive into the topic of training by time vs. distance, when to use which and the benefits of both.

The Art, Science, and Magic of Taper

The conversation delves into the concept of tapering, emphasizing the need for a reduction in volume and an increase in intensity. It explores the magic of tapering, personal breakthrough experiences, the importance of base phase training, and alternative tapering strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery in allowing the body to go into repair mode and maintain overall health. It also explores the mental approach to training and tapering, highlighting its impact on the immune system and overall well-being. Takeaways * Tapering requires a reduction in volume and an increase in intensity * Tapering effectiveness depends on the training block leading up to it Rest and recovery are essential for the body to go into repair mode. * Mental approach to training and tapering can impact immune system and overall health. Chapters * 00:00 Alternative Tapering Strategies