Quants and play

Triathlete Jan 2009 carried an interesting article on how quantitative models may be used to optimize training. What caught my attention was the impulse response models used by Eric Banister at Simon Fraser University to mathematically model athletic performance.

Two models exist - RaceDay and Performance Management Chart (PMC). Two examples are given of how the PMC model was used to enhance performance for a 70.3 and a full ironman competitor.

The idea is to reach a target TSB (training stress balance), which is a measure of freshness. TSB is the difference between CTL (chronic training load, a measure of fitness) and ATL (acute training load, a measure of fatigue).

To quote:

Recent progress in the science of modeling training and performance, motivated largely by technological advances, is spurring a revolution in triathlon coaching and training planning.

Interesting stuff.

In contrast, Scott Tinley, a regular columnist for Triathlete, noted in the same issue how uplifting it is to watch children play. They don't worry about "correct" distances, aerobars, aerodynamism, etc. They simply have fun.

Well put indeed.