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The High Performance Human Podcast is where triathletes and endurance athletes learn how to train smarter, live healthier, and stay fit for life’s big adventures.
Hosted by coach Simon Ward, each episode dives into the pillars of performance — training, nutrition, sleep, mindset, and recovery — with a special focus on athletes in their 40s, 50s and beyond.
Whether you’re chasing PBs, lining up for your first Ironman, or simply determined to stay active and strong as you age, this show will help you stay Battle Ready, all year round.
Expect world-class coaches, athletes, scientists, and everyday high performers sharing practical tips, hard-earned wisdom, and inspiring stories to fuel your journey.
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Episodes
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this eye-opening first part of a two-part series, host Simon Ward sits down with world-renowned running coach Bobby McGee and strength specialist Matt Pendola to tackle a frustrating reality many over-50 athletes face: while swimming and cycling performance may hold steady, running seems to decline more sharply with age.
This isn't just anecdotal - it's a well-documented phenomenon that affects both male and female endurance athletes. The trio dive deep into the physiological, neurological, and cultural reasons behind this decline, setting the stage for practical solutions in part two.
Key Point 1: It's Neurological First, Physical Second
Your brain loses the ability to judge foot-to-ground distance, causing harder landings and longer ground contact times.
Key Point 2: Running is Biomechanically Unique Among the Three Sports
Unlike supported swimming and cycling with concentric contractions, running demands unsupported eccentric loading under massive forces.
Key Point 3: We Do What We're Good At (And Avoid What We Need)
Aging athletes gravitate toward endurance work while abandoning the sprinting, plyometrics, and strength training they desperately need.
Key Point 4: 70% of "Aging" is Actually Inactivity
Most performance decline attributed to age is actually due to lack of specific training - your greatest gains come from your greatest losses.
Connect with Bobby McGee
Website - bobbymcee.com
Instagram - bobbymcgeerunning
Bobby also recommends the following books
Endure - Alex Hutchinson
The Transformational Power of Pure Intelligence Cory Reich
Bobby is a consultant for STRYD power meters, He highly recommends the Duo if you want state of the art mechanical data to work on your run
Connect with Matt Pendola
Website - Pendola Project and check out his programs including a free movement improvement assessment and protocol
Instagram: @PendolaProject
Facebook: PendolaProject
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Email: Simon@thetriathloncoach.com
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