1/4 H Neuro #170 - Endurance with Nicolas Vandel

Introduction to Endurance with Nicolas Vandel

In this episode, we are pleased to welcome Nicolas Vandel, an endurance expert and physical trainer. Nicolas, 38 years old, has a rich background in the field, having worked for 10 years with the French ski team. Today, he supports amateur athletes in their endurance projects, ranging from 10 km races to ultra trails.

Journey and Passion for Endurance

Nicolas shares how he fell into the world of endurance from a young age. Hailing from a small mountain village, he started with cross-country skiing, and to train during the summer, he took up running. Although his athletic career was modest, he has always had a passion for endurance sports.

Personal Goals

Currently, Nicolas sets personal goals to continue progressing in his practice. He recently prepared for his first road marathon, after already participating in trails over 100 km. His experience allows him to apply what he advises his clients and experiment with new training methods.

Physical Preparation and Training

Nicolas emphasizes the importance of proper physical preparation for endurance athletes. He discusses his training phases, which include high-intensity sessions and long outings. He stresses the necessity of staying fresh for these sessions to maximize performance.

Importance of Experimentation

For Nicolas, experimentation is essential in his role as a coach. Testing different methods on himself before applying them to his clients allows him to better understand the effects and adjust the training accordingly. It also enables him to share more qualitative feedback with the athletes he coaches.

Balancing Training and Daily Life

Finding a balance between intensive training and daily life is crucial. Nicolas notes that, while being a coach, he also faces the same physical constraints as others. He shares his personal experience, explaining how he adapts his training based on his lifestyle and travel schedule.

The Role of Strength Training

Strength training plays a key role in the training of endurance athletes, both professional and amateur. Nicolas explains that, for beginners, it is important to validate certain steps before taking on races like a marathon. Strength training can help better withstand specific training and improve overall performance.

Conclusion and Resources

In conclusion, Nicolas encourages listeners to practice endurance with joy and take the time to progress. If you want to learn more about his work or purchase his book, you can follow him on Instagram at agile.training and visit his site www.prepa-endurance.com.

Thank you, Nicolas, for sharing your expertise with us and inspiring us to pursue our endurance goals!