How to Effectively Apply Scientific Research to Your Training: Interview with Alex Hutchinson
Summary: As evidenced by many of our posts, we're big fans of examining the latest running researching and analyzing how we can apply the findings to our training methodologies. However, applying scientific data to training isn't simple and it's easy to get carried away with what studies are actually reporting. <br> <br> Consider the recent article in the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323330604578145462264024472.html?mod=WSJ_MostPopular_US">Wall Street Journal</a> that reported highly trained endurance athletes negated most of the health benefits from exercise and thus increased risk of death. After reading this article, you'd be quick to stop logging miles and start running a lot easier if you wanted to live. However, if you looked at the actual study closely (<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/health/too-much-running-myth-rises-again">which our guest this week did</a>), you'd realize that the data is misleading. <br> <br> So, how do you effectively apply all that scientific data and research without getting overwhelmed and questioning your training with the release of every new study? <br> <br> In this week’s Run to the Top podcast, we’re interviewing one of the foremost experts on analyzing running research and applying (or discrediting) the results to actual training, Alex Hutchinson. <br> <br> His book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006200753X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=006200753X&linkCode=as2&tag=runners0b3-20">Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights</a>, looks at 111 common fitness and running myths and uses scientific research to confirm or deny their truth. In my opinion, it’s the most interesting book I read in 2012. <br> <br> As such, I am excited to have him on the show today to talk more about the research he analyzed for the book and to dig deeper into the results he uncovered. In this show, we talk about: <br> <br> Alex’s two favorite topics in the book and which ones surprised him the most. More importantly, he discusses what the data actually means and how you can apply it to your training and racing. <br> <br> <br> How he balances wanting to apply the study results he examines with the need to listen to his body and not become obsessed with meaningless data. Alex talks about what he sees as useless metrics and outlines some of the critical numbers he does pay attention to. <br> <br> <br> The role the brain plays in fatigue management. If you’ve ever wondered why you slow down in the middle of a race, only to summon a ferocious kick the last 400 meters, Alex shares the research on why this happens. <br> <br> <br> How to decide what type of exercise (strength training or running) to do first to maximize benefits. <br> <br> This is a great interview if you love the scientific aspect of running and want to learn how, or how not to, apply the latest research findings to your training. <a href="http://runnersconnect.net/running-interviews/how-to-effectively-apply-scientific-research-to-your-training/">http://runnersconnect.net/running-interviews/how-to-effectively-apply-scientific-research-to-your-training/</a>
