How to be an UnBreakable Runner with Brian MacKenzie

Simon Ward, The High Performance Human Triathlon Podcast

Regular listeners will know that I’m a big fan of mobility and strength work, to the point where I have regularly recommended to athletes that they reduce their swim, bike, and run volume and use that time to work out in the gym (or at home). Several years ago I came across a book written by this week's guest, Brian MacKenzie. The book was “Unbreakable Runner” and the principle was to replace a lot of running volume with CrossFit-style workouts. Brian used this approach to complete his first 50 mile ultra on a much lower volume of running than you might expect, and he uses this approach with athletes he coaches. In our chat we discuss:

• The Unbreakable Runner - less volume, more intervals, and a lot more strength work
• Breathing as a measure of exercise intensity - Brian introduces the 5 gear system (22:00)
• Skill development for endurance athletes to reduce injuries (40:50)
• The negative impacts of wearable technology (56:45)
• Why mood is the most valuable metric for athlete performance (1:00:10)
• Valuing your time, and aligning behaviours with goals (1:01)

To find out more about Brian please visit the following places

Websites HHP Foundation Brian MacKenzie

Instagram @shift_adapt

To purchase Brian’s books

PowerSpeedEndurance

UnBreakable Runner

UnPlugged

Brian also recommended the following book: Awareness by Anthony deMello

During the conversation Brian also mentioned the unique strength workouts created by the BEST BIG WAVE SURFER of all time,

Laird Hamilton. Please visit XPTLife and view a workout here: Laird Hamilton’s Revolutionary Pool Workout.

To contact Beth regarding Life Coaching, please email her at [e-mail].

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Visit Simon's website for more information about his coaching programmes. Links to all of Simon's social media channels can be found here. For any questions please email [e-mail].