Thinking Differently About TSS and CTL (maybe use something else?)

Endurance athletes rely on metrics to understand training load, fatigue, and readiness. But tools like TSS and CTL are built on assumptions that do not always reflect the complexity of the body. In this episode, we’re joined by two product experts from Wahoo, Alia Shafi and Mac Cassin. They help explain how Wahoo’s Dimensional Training Load offers a more realistic way to understand training stress.We talk about why athletes crave simple scores, how to interpret training data across three sports, and how to use these tools without letting the numbers take over your training.The Out and Back. Weekly snacks for your next adventure.

Learn more about Derek and Working Triathlete at workingtriathlete.comEndurance sports are shifting toward more immersive and adventure-driven experiences. Coach Derek Owens from Working Triathlete joins host Miguel Mattox to explore why more athletes are trading traditional races for gravel tris, off-road multisport, point-to-point challenges and creative DIY routes.We discuss the benefits, the risks, and how this trend could reshape the sport. Derek also shares practical advice for athletes who want to find or build their own adventures and use fitness as a way to explore the world.The Out and Back. Weekly snacks for your next adventure.

In this episode we dive deep into the latest in triathlon bike tech with R&D engineer Mitch Child of Specialized. From integrated cockpit “sled” systems and innovative hydration placements behind the saddle to cutting-edge wheel designs and race-day tech trends seen at the IRONMAN World Championship, this conversation explores how the world’s best athletes squeeze every second out of their bikes just to keep up in today's modern racing. Whether you’re a pro chasing sub-eight or an age-group athlete looking for real gains, you’ll hear what’s working now, why it works, what to watch next, and how to translate high-end innovation into practical upgrades.Hosted by Miguel Mattox.The Out and Back – weekly snacks for your next adventure.

What if your biggest limiter isn’t your fitness, but your hidden stress load?In this episode, two-time Olympian and endurance coach Chris Hauth joins host Miguel Mattox to unpack allostatic load: the science of how chronic stress accumulates in the body and affects both performance and recovery.Drawing on years of coaching athletes and executives through his practice at AIMP Coaching, Chris explains how mental, emotional, and physical stress stack together, what “the simmering six” means, and how to recognize when your body’s redlining long before your metrics show it.They discuss the practical tools, from HRV tracking to mindful recovery habits, that can help you manage total stress, perform sustainably, and live in the green zone longer.Check out Chris's newsletter on Substack.The Out and Back – weekly snacks for your next adventure.

When cramps turn into a company—and that company becomes Ironman’s newest World Championship title sponsor.This week, Miguel Mattox sits down with Andy Blow, founder of Precision Fuel & Hydration, as the Ironman 70.3 World Championships take over Marbella, Spain. Andy shares how a personal struggle with cramping led to a global sports nutrition brand—and why becoming Ironman’s title sponsor is about passion, not just promotion.They talk legacy, relevance, and how small, athlete-driven companies can stand out in an industry dominated by giants like Gatorade and GoPro.To learn more about Andy and/or Precision Fuel & Hydration, head over to precisionhydration.com