In this week’s episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian dive into the chaos, excitement, and pressure of early-season ski and biathlon preparation. From crowded inboxes to snow-hunting missions and travel logistics, they share what this time of year really looks like for coaches balancing athlete needs, race schedules, and constantly shifting plans. The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the all-too-relatable “Master Blaster” workout trap: those unstructured, overly hard power-hour sessions that feel productive in the moment but derail long-term training goals.

The hosts then dig deep into early-season on-snow priorities, including technique transfer from roller skis, pacing workouts, and the value of practicing race-day routines before the season officially begins. They break down why drills like no-pole skiing, early-season pace projects, and controlled L4 efforts help athletes ski smooth, stay efficient, and avoid thrashing on snow. There’s also a great discussion on ski testing, ski-fleet strategy, grinds, and communication between athletes and coaches, especially ahead of their upcoming interview with ski-genius Zach Caldwell.

To wrap things up, Andy and Brian answer listener questions ranging from interval training at high altitude to the science behind VO₂ max, lactate thresholds, and how world-class endurance athletes push their limits. This section is packed with clear explanations, practical takeaways, and insights from recent physiology research. Whether you’re a racer gearing up for the season, a coach looking to refine your approach, or just a fan of ski-nerd deep dives, this episode is loaded with value from start to finish.

Link to Tom Cuddy's Substack

Ep. 31 VO₂ Max vs. Threshold: The 'Double Whammy' Explained.