Training structure, periodisation and the science of winning with Jan Olbrecht, PhD | EP#198
That Triathlon Show
How often to test and mesocycle timing
Jan tests roughly every six weeks at mesocycle end (after recovery) to capture supercompensation rather than fatigue.
Jan Olbrecht is a former elite swimmer, holds a PhD in sports physiology and biomechanics, and has advised athletes who have won over 600 Olympic, World Championship, European Championship and Commonwealth Championship medals. His main drive is to translate science to the level where coaches can benefit from it, and one of the main outcomes of this drive is his excellent and highly influential book 'The Science of Winning' on periodisation, training structure, and using physiology to deliver peak performances.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:
-Endurance training periodisation from a year or multi-year level to the microcycle (weekly) level.
-A methodology for planning out your training structure
-How do perform lactate testing and use the results to inform training planning and workout prescriptions
-Aerobic and anaerobic capacity and power: what are they and how should they be developed?
-Case studies of Luc and Frederik van Lierde, both former Ironman World Champions
SHOWNOTES:
https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts198/
THAT TRIATHLON SHOW HOMEPAGE:
SPONSORS:
Precision Hydration - One-size doesn't fit all when it comes to hydration. Take Precision Hydration's FREE sweat test and learn how you should hydrate. Use the discount code THATTRIATHLONSHOW and get your first box for free!
ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Get 20% off your entire order with the discount code TTS.
LINKS AND RESOURCES:
- The Science of Winning: Planning, Periodizing and Optimizing Swim Training
- FTP, VO2max and VLaMax: what triathletes need to know with Sebastian Weber | EP#169
RATE AND REVIEW:
If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/
CONTACT:
Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
SPONSORS:
- Precision Fuel & Hydration produce our favourite gels, sports drinks, and electrolyte and carbohydrate products here at That Triathlon Show and Scientific Triathlon. Use the free Fuel & Hydration Planner to get a personalised plan for your carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake in your next event, and get 15% off your first 2026 order by using the code TTS2026 at checkout.
- Rouvy is hands down the most complete indoor cycling platform for triathletes. Among their thousands of beautiful bike courses from all around the world, all filmed in stunning quality, they have over 75 IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race courses plus 20+ Challenge Family courses, so you can pre-ride your race from home. Real gradients, real visuals, and real feel! Head to rouvy.com and use the code TTS to get your first month free on top of a 7-day free trial.
- Effortless Swimming produce the best swim goggles for triathletes and open water swimmers. Their NanoClear anti-fog lenses give you clear, fog-free vision that lasts and doesn't wear off. Don't let foggy or leaky goggles ruin another swim. Go to shop.effortlessswimming.com and use the code TTS15 to get 15% off your goggles, and get a free two-month Effortless Swimming course membership.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The AI-powered Podcast Player
