#68 Dirk Friel | Building Training Peaks, Optimizing Your Training & A Life Of Endurance

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In this episode of the MidPacker Pod, host Troy Meadows sits down with Dirk Friel, co-founder and Chief Evangelist of TrainingPeaks. Dirk's journey from professional cyclist to tech entrepreneur offers valuable insights for athletes and coaches aiming to elevate their training.

Dirk Friel's Journey:

• Professional Cycling Career: Dirk spent over a decade racing professionally, including five years in Europe, where he competed in prestigious events like Het Volk and the Tour de Langkawi.procyclingstats.com

• Founding TrainingPeaks: Recognizing the need for better tools to manage athlete training programs, Dirk co-founded TrainingPeaks in 1999. The platform has since become a cornerstone for endurance athletes and coaches worldwide, offering data-driven insights and unmatched coaching and training tools.trainingpeaks.com

• Ski Mountaineering Champion: Beyond cycling, Dirk is an accomplished ski mountaineer, clinching the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Masters Championship title in 2020.marnionthemove.com

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Technology: Utilizing platforms like TrainingPeaks can provide personalized training insights, helping athletes train smarter and achieve their goals.

• Diversify Your Training: Engaging in multiple endurance sports, such as cycling and ski mountaineering, can enhance overall athletic performance and keep training exciting.

• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest training methodologies and tools is crucial for both athletes and coaches aiming for sustained success.

Relevant Links:

• TrainingPeaks Official Website

• Dirk Friel's Profile on TrainingPeaks

• TrainingPeaks Metrics for Ultra Runners

• Dirk Friel on Instagram

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Keywords: Dirk Friel, TrainingPeaks, professional cycling, ski mountaineering, endurance training, ultramarathon, coaching, data-driven training, athlete performance, training plans