About this episode
In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian dive deep into summer racing strategy, the value of time trials, and how athletes can sharpen both their physical and mental tools during the offseason. They discuss the timing and purpose of summer race series like the Jericho roller ski nationals, emphasizing the importance of high-intensity efforts at low altitude, building speed endurance, and using races as opportunities to experiment with technique and warm-up routines. Both coaches highlight how summer testing helps athletes prepare for winter without the pressure of results, focusing instead on development. The conversation then shifts to race-day execution. Andy shares stories from sprint time trials in Bozeman, unpacking how to build a professional pre-race routine that starts hours before the gun goes off. The duo explore best practices for warm-ups—including why shorter races need longer warm-ups—and how to avoid the common mistakes athletes make, like rushing intervals or skipping proper cooldowns. Brian relates this to the biathlon scene, describing the unique demands of shooting under pressure and how junior athletes can use process-based goals to improve performance. They close the episode by diving into the mental side of racing: regulating nerves, using internal and external cues, and building routines that help athletes switch between intensity and levity. From detailed warm-up strategies to mental resilience, this episode is packed with practical insights for athletes at every level looking to level up their summer preparation and show up sharper in the winter.