1 % Better - Hidden Stories in Sport

1% Better Podcast

We often see the top layer or performance but its the lesser known stories, science and happenings where the real fascination and wonder lies. Join us as we discuss what is happening in sport, just that little bit deeper and differently to what you may expect. Hosted by Xylon van Eyck & Dr David Lipman

  1. 4D AGO

    Training Surfaces & The Worst Coaching Job in the World

    After a big surprise, we discuss a listener question about training surfaces. Following this we touch on Louis Hincliffe’s decision to return to college and NIL implications, Keely Hodgkinson and Johannes Klaebo. We then discuss Tokyo marathon, the mess at the USA half marathon champs and the new European Marathon Classics. Finally we touch on a poll from the Athletic talking about the hardest job in coaching.  (00:00) Introduction (00:42) Update (01:41) Xylon’s Update (14:00) David’s update (20:12) Community Shoutouts  (21:35) Listener Question - Training Surfaces (25:37) Louis Hincliffe Heads back to College  (28:00) Keely Hodgkinson (32:08) Johannes Klaebo going to Cycling  (35:48) Tokyo Marathon  (41:14) USA Half Marathon Championships Mess  (45:35) Molly Seidel’s Golden Ticket  (48:11) European Marathon Classics  (51:42) The Hardest Coaching Job in World Sport  (59:29) Doctor’s Office (1:08:00) Seen on Social  (1:09:28) What We’re Watching Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/1pb If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/1pb-planner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 13m
  2. Boston Marathon and Balancing Crosstraining - Petter Engdahl Professional Trailrunner

    FEB 27

    Boston Marathon and Balancing Crosstraining - Petter Engdahl Professional Trailrunner

    Petter Engdahl is a professional trailrunner and skier for the Team Adidas. Best known for his victory and course record at the CCC race at UTMB in 2022, Petter was 6th at the long trail world championships in 2025. Petter joins us on the back of the announcement he will be running the Boston Marathon.  (00:00) Introduction (00:15) Xylon Update (01:45) Dave Update  (03:27) Interview Starts (04:53) How Did Petter Get Into the Boston Field? (06:05) What Motivated Petter to Run Boston? (08:30) Tarawera 2026   (11:07) Has Petter Ever Run a Road Race?  (13:28) What Are Petter’s Aspirations for Boston?  (18:14) What Boston Specific Training Will Petter Do?  (23:55) How Much Running Does Petter do in a Week?  (24:24) How Much Does Petter Run in Winter Normally?  (27:10) Petter’s Coaching and Training Setup? (29:40) Does Petter Normally Run on Roads?  (32:31) Does Petter Do Any Crosstraining in Summer?  (35:51) Crosscountry Skiing as a Crosstraining Tool  (38:30) How Does Petter Think of Himself as an Athlete? (42:10) Trailrunning Archetypes  (45:07) What Has Petter Brought from Skiing to Trailrunning?  (47:42) Morning Intervals for an Afternoon Race (50:54) Petter’s Upcoming Race Plans (54:41) Petter’s Love for Representing Sweden  (59:34) Fueling Boston vs Trails Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Links to Petter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petter_engdahl  Strava: https://strava.app.link/vPKuz6uH40b  Website: https://www.petterengdahl.com/  David’s Newsletter Article Mentioned  https://open.substack.com/pub/healthperformancenexus/p/sulforaphane Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Photo by Nora Serres Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 4m
  3. Building a Performance Environment - Aitor Viribay

    FEB 20

    Building a Performance Environment - Aitor Viribay

    In the first of a series we are calling ‘The Energy Series’ Aitor Viribay joins us to discuss how he is crafting a performance environment for Salomon’s professional trailrunning team. The lessons and insights have broad applicability including to the every day athlete!  AItor Viribay is the Global sports performance director at Solomon, a consultant exercise physiologist at Girona football club, cofounder & chief scientific officer at Lab to field, cofounder & researcher at Methub and founder & director at Glut 4 science.     (00:00) Introduction (02:53) Interview Starts (05:23) Why Aitor was Brought to Salomon and his Remit (07:25) How Did Aitor Approach Implementation of Cycling Concepts to Trailrunning (11:21) Three Pillars of Impact for Trailrunning  (19:18) How did Aitor Develop the Three Pillars of Need (25:04) Talent Identification in Trailrunning (28:55) Talent Development for Future Success (35:24) What Does a Year for a Salomon Athlete Look Like?   (43:52) Logistics as a Performance Advantage   (53:45) Education as a Performance Strategy (55:00) What has Aitor Brought Across to Trailrunning from Cycling  Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Links to Aitor: Instagram: @aitorviribay  X: @MVAitor  Glut 4 Science Website: https://glut4science.com/  Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1 hr
  4. Developing Athletes in the UAE - Pete McKnight

    FEB 13

    Developing Athletes in the UAE - Pete McKnight

    After some updates and a quick bit of what’s been happening we are straight into the interview with Pete McKnight.  Pete McKnight is a performance consultant who advises a variety of professional teams and elite sporting organisations. In a career of over 25 years he has worked with organisations like Hiintsa Performance and Red Bull as well as having coached athletes for five Summer Olympics and two Winter Olympics. He is currently working in the UAE building pathways and systems to develop the next generation of Emirati athletes.   (00:00) Introduction (01:25) Xylon and Dave Updates  (04:35) Femke Bol’s 800m debut (06:00) Brigid Kosgei Changes Allegiances to Turkey  (06:43) Anta Sport Buys Largest Stake in Puma  (07:21) Grant Fisher to Run NYC Half Marathon  (08:21) Athletes Banned for Betting on T&F  (09:17) Interview Starts  (10:44) Pete’s Remit in the UAE  (14:14) Building Sports Performance Systems  (17:18) Success Timelines for New System Development (19:00) Role Modelling and Belief  (22:09) What are the Highest Potential Sports for Short Term Success?  (26:02) Talent Transfer  (27:47) Talent Development System Design  (32:15) Cultural Architecture   (36:20) Hiring Professionals  (37:20) What are the Biggest Challenges Pete has had to Navigate (46:07) The Biggest Surprise Working in the UAE (50:05) Surprising Cultural Nuances in the Culture of the UAE   (50:53) How Did Pete’s Role in the UAE Come About?  (56:50) How Did Pete Decide Taking the Role was a Good Idea?  (1:00:13) Why Did Pete Step Out of Working as a Practitioner and How did He Develop the Skillset Outside of it  Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Links to Pete  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petejmcknight   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petemcknight/  Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 6m
  5. Strength for Endurance, Planning a Training Week & Blood Flow Restriction

    FEB 6

    Strength for Endurance, Planning a Training Week & Blood Flow Restriction

    Jonah Rosner is an Elite Running scientist and founder of Athletes Built in Science where he helps runners and hybrid athletes achieve their best performances.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Boston and a Masters in Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas in Austin. He is known for efforts in educating the running community where he posts science based content on instagram and in his newsletter which is read by almost 30 thousand runners.    (00:00) Introduction (03:14) Interview Starts (05:20) Jonah’s Running (06:50) Jonah’s Running Coach and Why He Has a Coach (10:35) Why Gaining Mass and Endurance at the Same Time is Hard  (17:38) Planning a Training Week to Facilitate Strength Training and Endurance  (22:51) Gaining vs Maintaining Adaptations (27:50) Minimum Effective Dose of Strength Training in Runners (34:14) What Has Jonah Learned from Force Plate Testing Runners?   (36:58) Does Jonah Use Isometrics in Runners he Works with?  (38:53) What is Blood Flow Restriction Training? (43:08) Blood Flow Restriction Training for Recovery  (47:28) Blood Flow Restriction Training for Warmup (48:25) Blood Flow Restriction Training for Endurance Performance  (56:51) Gait Kinematics and Biomechanical Load Using Stryd  Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Links to Jonah: Instagram: @rosnerperformance Jonah’s Newsletter: https://marathonscience.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 5m
  6. JAN 30

    Implications for Strava's IPO, Road Runners Going to Trails & Vice Versa and the Kipchoge Effect

    We have lots of happenings to catch up on and to help with this Dave is joined by a previous guest host Dan Squires. The guys chat about Strava’s IPO and its implications, NN Running’s rebrand, the Houston marathon and thoughts on race frequency. They then touch on some track news, Winter Olympics via Quinn Simmons’ aspirations there, review the Valencia 10k and discuss Molly Seidel’s trail debut. Finally they look at the Boston marathon fields and discuss some lesser hyped runners there.  (00:00) Introduction (01:30) Medical Question  (04:00) Dan Update  (07:30) Disillusionment with UTMB Organisation  (09:35) Dave Update  (14:53) Community Shoutouts  (16:30) Reflecting on 100 Episodes and Podcast in General  (20:30) Strava Prepares for IPO  (27:28) Chat GPT and Claude Having Access to Apple Health & Health Connect (28:32) NN Running Becomes DSM-Firmenich (32:11) Houston Marathon  (35:14) US Olympic Trials Thoughts  (37:57) Gabby Thomas Running 400ms  (40:45) Noah Lyles v Vernon Norwood  (44:06) Quinn Simmons Wants to Medal in Summer & Winter Olympics  (50:17) Valencia 10k  (56:55) Molly Seidel Wins Bandera 50k and Sets CR  (1:00:55) Des Linden to Marathon des Sables  (1:02:12) Shelby Houlihan on the Trails  (1:05:38) Boston Marathon Fields  (1:13:43) Seen on Social/Dan’s Not a Fan  (1:20:18) Doctor’s Office - Xylon  (1:21:06) What We’re Watching  Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Links to Dan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dansonlyrans  Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thebackstraightpodcast  Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 24m
  7. Coaches on the Hot Seat

    JAN 23

    Coaches on the Hot Seat

    This week we discuss the absolute carnage that is the professional coaching realms at the moment. Coaches seem to be on the hot seat from the minute they’re hired and we seem to see a continuous merry-go-round of coaches and jobs. We are joined by Hein Kriek to discuss what has changed in the world and the factors that are driving the phenomenon.  Hein Kriek is a Professional rugby coach, currently working as head coach of the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport Rugby International Institute and the head coach of Hamilton RFC.   Hein’s coaching history includes; Director of Rugby Maritzburg College, Technical director of rugby Netherlands, assistant coach to Czech Republic rugby national team, Forwards Coach Mpumalanga Rugby Union (Pumas) and head coach of South African Schools.  (00:00) Introduction (04:38) Interview Starts  (07:20) Are We Actually Seeing More Coaches Fired?  (08:01) Where is the Impatience Coming From?  (09:08) The Role of Private Equity  (09:50) Societal Changes and The Changing of Fans  (12:30) Seasons vs Quadrennal Cycles  (13:30) Coaching in Different Environments  (17:08) Developing Depth in a Squad  (20:08) Changing Sporting Aspirations and Incentives   (22:10) Losing the Dressing Room  (29:15) The Role of the Coach and Organisational Alignment  (34:04) How Much Impact Does a Coach Have?  (39:23) Coaching Different Generations  (44:06) Evolving as a Coach (47:07) Focus Challenges in Athletes   (49:02) Player Empowerment  (54:50) Club vs Country Coaching  (56:30) Disconnects Between Coaches and Players  (59:30) Professional Coaches Getting Younger  (1:03:25) Staying Current with What’s Happening  Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. David’s Newsletter Article on Coaching https://open.substack.com/pub/healthperformancenexus/p/what-is-coaching  Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 6m
  8. What Endurance Sports Can Learn from Team Sports - Dr Peter Tierney

    JAN 16

    What Endurance Sports Can Learn from Team Sports - Dr Peter Tierney

    Dr Peter Tierney is a performance consultant who is currently consulting & advising a range of health & performance oriented individuals & companies. Peter has previously worked with Leinster rugby, the FA, Lululemon and Chelsea football club. He holds a BSc Health & Performance Science, MSc in Research and a PhD all completed from University College Dublin. In addition to this he holds a Professional Diploma in Data Analytics & Statistics. Peter joins us to discuss insights from tech and wearables as well as learnings for endurance athletes from team sports.  (00:00) Introduction (05:32) Interview Starts  (07:27) Olympic Weightlifting  (11:05) What Did Peter Learn from Team Sports Tech that He’s Bringing To Endurance Sports (15:08) Perception vs Data  (22:16) Recovery Points Systems  (27:32) Resource Constraints and Individualisation (30:49) Training Constraints  (31:55) Weekly Organisation of Training (38:35) Lessons for Endurance Sports Strength Training from Team Sports  (47:40) Force Plate Testing for Endurance Athletes  (1:02:36) 10-3-2-1 Sleep Formula  (1:04:30) S.H.I.T Recovery Framework  (1:07:43) What Wearables Does Peter Use and How Does he Use Them? (1:13:45) Wearable Advice for Users (1:19:37) What’s on the Horizon Thanks to Precision Fuel and Hydration for their sponsorship, use the link below to get 15% off your first order and support the podcast:  https://visit.pfandh.com/theonepercentbetterpodcast If you’re unsure how which products to use or how to plan your race nutrition check out Precision’s Fuel & Hydration Planner (if you follow this you will have your discount applied automatically on your first order too):  https://visit.pfandh.com/onepercentfuelplanner Thanks also to Stryd for their sponsorship, check out Stryd: Stryd helps you optimize your training and racing by measuring your running power, providing real-time data to improve efficiency, pace, and performance on any terrain. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with your favorite running watch for real time guidance! Go to https://stryd.live/opb to export Stryd’s cutting-edge technology and how it can empower your run. Article Mentioned Peter Wrote for PF&H  https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/nutrition/how-to-carry-your-fuel-for-an-ultramarathon/  Links to Peter  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpetertierney/  X: https://x.com/drpetertierney  Newsletter: https://peterytierney.substack.com/  Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-Tierney-2  Submit topics, feedback or questions to us on Instagram via DM or to the email address: podcast.1percentbetter@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepercentbetterpod?igsh=MW1tcGM4MHQ4bm5oaw==  Follow us on X: @PodOnepercent  Join the Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/onepercentbetterpod  Royalty Free Music from Tunetank.com Track: Trendy Style by PillowVibes https://tunetank.com/track/1027-trendy-style/

    1h 22m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

We often see the top layer or performance but its the lesser known stories, science and happenings where the real fascination and wonder lies. Join us as we discuss what is happening in sport, just that little bit deeper and differently to what you may expect. Hosted by Xylon van Eyck & Dr David Lipman

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