The return to racing meant I needed a new approach to training. In January, Ben suggested an INSCYD test with Steve. The test provided insightful benchmarks that were initially discouraging, but actionable. These insights renewed our focus to training in ways that were unusual in their simplicity and effectiveness. After a few months, Ben and I ventured to Revelstoke for a full Metabolic test. The test was fun, which was not the word I used initially, but the in depth experience, with the data acquired, meant that the training going forward would be more focused and productive than ever. At 45, I don’t have time to spend on ineffective training. This new beginning, learning new methods, and using new sensors was frustrating. There’s a steep learning curve to the new equipment and software. Plus, letting go of old metrics and approaches, combined with many long and wet rides of spring 2022, was a tough time, but wildly productive. Then it all clicked, the growing pains were over, and the new focus produced my best results ever.
Working with Steve means you will have the opportunity to gain insight into your respiratory capacity. This is a quagmire of opinion, but respiratory development, like stretching and strength training, does work if your approach is consistent, intelligent, and you’re committed for life. While it is difficult to improve on your natural capacity, consider that if you’ve ever broken a rib, like I have, that your respiratory system has been damaged and is likely limiting your ability to breathe at high volumes and frequencies, as was my case. My initial work with the P100 had the added benefit of restoring capacity lost from this injury and during the first few weeks the 15 year old injury sight on my rib cage was brutally sore. It took some extra stretching and focus on T-spine mobility, but there came a day when I was able to breathe deeper, more forcefully, and at a higher frequency without any rib pain. Now consider that your respiratory muscles are also your core muscles and are responsible for stability, control, and transmitting power while also ensuring that you exhaust CO2 in sufficient quantity to maintain power to the pedals, skis, runners, etc…
In over 20 years of coaching in motorsports, strength, XC skiing, and cycling, Steve and Ben have been the most effective coaching team I’ve ever worked with.
Chris Perreault