#918 – C26 Coaches vs. AI - Listener Q&A

In episode 918 of the Crushing Iron Triathlon Podcast, hosts Mike and Robbie dive into a listener Q&A session exploring the evolving relationship between human coaches and AI in triathlon training. The episode begins with lighthearted banter about college football and podcast 'transfers,' setting a playful tone before transitioning into serious coaching insights. Key topics include training recovery after a 2-3 year break, with the hosts challenging AI’s generic 5-7 month recommendation by emphasizing individualized planning based on life changes, injury history, and current fitness. They stress the importance of starting with just four weeks of training to assess real-world capacity before committing to long timelines. The hosts also debate the value of stationary pool band swimming, with Mike expressing skepticism about its technique benefits despite acknowledging some aerobic value. A major focus is on double run days and back-to-back long runs, which both hosts passionately endorse as essential for building durability and race-specific resilience, particularly for ultra-marathons and Ironman events. They share personal anecdotes and athlete examples to illustrate how split runs build mental toughness and simulate race-day fatigue. The episode closes with a discussion on common newbie mistakes—like skipping carb-loading, not wearing socks, and overtraining to replicate race distance—and the wisdom of embracing the unknown. The hosts reflect on how experience teaches more than training ever could, and they end with admiration for athletes who complete both a 70.3 and full Ironman in the same year, calling it a testament to durability and smart pacing.