The High Performance Human

How to avoid Achilles Tendon injuries The Achilles tendon is one of the most robust yet vulnerable parts of the athletic body. Sitting at the junction between the calf muscles and the heel, it plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. When it’s working well, we hardly notice it. But once injured, the Achilles can quickly sideline even the most seasoned athletes. Physiotherapist Alison Rose helped me to understand the complexity of Achilles issues and shared some practical advice...

The Blocked Path Becomes the Way It wasn’t supposed to be there. In fact, there should have been a path leading down to the gate about 100 metres in front of us. Instead, the way was completely blocked—fallen trees, thick shrubs, and what looked like half the hillside had collapsed onto the track. Where did the path go? We’d just descended a steep hill, about 1km from the last turn-off, so heading back wasn’t really an option. Climbing above or below the blockage wasn’t possible either. And...

Fit vs. Healthy: Are they the same? In an age where athletic performance and body image often take centre stage, it’s easy to mistake outward appearances for true health. But as Dr. Phil Maffetone explained in his conversation with Simon Ward, being fit doesn’t always equate to being healthy—and that misunderstanding can have serious consequences. The High-Performance Illusion It’s a familiar sight: the lean, fast cyclist devouring chocolate cake and whipped cream-topped hot chocolate at a...

Hi there, Reader! The 2025 season is almost upon us, and I want to make sure you're getting the most from your SWAT membership. As a valued member, you have access to several key benefits that can help you train smarter and race stronger: 1. Race-Specific PlansI’ve created a wide range of race-specific training plans, many of which were requested by fellow SWAT members. You’ll find these in the SWAT Library. If your A-race isn’t listed, just let me know—I’ll create a plan for you and add it...

Should You try to Lose Weight for Your Summer Triathlon events? With summer races on the horizon, many triathletes are thinking about their “race weight”—believing that shedding a few kilos might give them an edge. But is losing weight always the right move? In a recent conversation with sports dietitian Lexi Kelson, we explored the realities of weight loss for endurance athletes, how to do it safely, and why lighter isn’t always faster. 1. Start with Your ‘Why’ Before cutting calories, ask...