
Pieter Rijnders | EP#390
That Triathlon Show
How to Be a Better Athlete
I think it is the tendency or the habit to being systematic, being structured in thinking and working. I like to be a bit structured and methodological I think that helps to get the best out of yourself. And finally who is somebody that you look up to or the test inspired you?
Pieter Rijnders is a Belgian running, cycling and duathlon coach. He has worked with athletes at the highest level, including top duathletes Arnaud Dely and Maurine Ricour. In this interview we discuss Pieter's perspectives on training and coaching, and dive deep into specifics about duathlon training.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT:
-Pieter's approach to training and coaching
-Going into the weeds on duathlon training specifics (volume, intensity, key workouts etc)
-Specific examples of training weeks of world class duathletes Arnaud Dely and Maurine Ricour
-Transfer effects between run and bike training
-Training according to muscle fibre typology
-Top tips for amateur athletes and time-crunched athletes
SHOWNOTES:
https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts390/
SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE:
www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/
SPONSORS:
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LINKS AND RESOURCES:
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Pieter's Instagram (Toptimum Performance)
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Training structure, periodisation and the science of winning with Jan Olbrecht, PhD | EP#198
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The Science of Winning: Planning, Periodizing and Optimizing Swim Training - book by Jan Olbrecht
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The Science of Running: How to find your limit and train to maximize your performance - book by Steve Magness
RATE AND REVIEW:
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CONTACT:
Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
SPONSORS:
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