My Thoughts after the Canadian Open

It's "Race Week" This series is different from our original videos. These videos will have guests on them frequently and some of Lionel's competitors. We plan to give you a more inside look at what goes on behind the scenes as well as build characters and help you meet other fellow pro athletes while getting you excited for this weekend's race.
Race Coverage will be on the PTO Website
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[@joepeters9607]

You gotta get better at having a bad day without letting it define you, Lionel. Look at Alistair, he'll have a disaster -- with a capital D, yet it doesn't define him. He reflects on his successes and moves on. This rumination is killing you dude! Reflect on your successes and let yourself have a bad day now and then. Strength & courage!

[@rogerc23]

This is a good point. Every triathlete I know has this weird dynamic where when they have a great race, they know have it all figured out and are going to win their AG at Kona. Then when they have a bad race it’s over, nothing works, the training is too hard and they dedicated their life to it and it’s failing etc. Best to keep that growth mindset and keep moving forward

[@douglaswashburn4503]

100%. Look at the long-term trends and don’t get caught up in short-term speed bumps. I also think he can sometimes try to outthink his coach.

[@adammacfarland6415]

This is a fair point and I was thinking the same thing. I also think that just days after a bad race is a tough time to get over it. I’ve beat myself up over a bad race, but then weeks later, I was totally fine with it. It just takes time to get past.

[@jjjensen9493]

I would wager Alistair is just as critical as Lionel, if not more. He just plays the poker game will. Also what you said is easy to say in hindsight. This is his job dude. Perfectly normal rationalize the way he did.

[@joepeters9607]

@@jjjensen9493 I respectfully disagree with you. It is not perfectly normal to rationalize it the way he does. In fact, it's demonstrably harmful. And the key distinction with the comparison to Alistair is "define." Yup, you bet, all top athletes are hard on themselves/ critical. The key is do they get so wound up it "defines" them for that moment? The answer is - champions don't get bogged down like that. With the 'engine' and talent that Lionel has, I'd venture his biggest problem is his ruthlessly self-destructive mindset. "I'm shit" et cetera... He loves being mad at himself more than he loves winning and that's a pathological problem. Agree to disagree.

[@steepspoon]

Don’t go nuts changing things. Sometimes you just have a rough day. Can’t wait for the next one.

[@eitanshushu]

dont over analyze, its quite simple,same like it over was for you. work on the swim, not being hard, feel the water. bike and run are world class.

[@alexnora8210]

Perfect!!

[@coztebebude696]

Lionel doesn't know a thing about science yet he is overanalyzing everything. He should just get subjective feedback to the coach/or team and keep a positive journal that has nothing to do with data interpretation.

[@bdbau8600]

Dude, no more negative self talk bro, time to change the mindset. You are one of the best and some days we aren't at our very best. Go get after it!

[@rainbowmonkMC]

honestly it takes quite some time for the body to respond to new training. i think its great you look into the data Lionel and are continuing to learn. but remember you are playing the long game to be at your absolute peak in 2 to 3 years. you will get there if u keep consistent with this training ❣

[@coztebebude696]

Lionel starts to self-coach again, the vibe I get from this video.

[@notredame233]

For real. These takes on altitude are asinine

[@intuitivewellnessnow]

@@notredame233 would you elaborate on what exactly is asinine about the takes on altitude? just genuinely curious.

[@notredame233]

@@intuitivewellnessnow Lionel has a tendency to throw out a litany of excuses every time he gets his shit kicked in. This time it’s a ridiculous opinion on altitude and some very unfounded claims on altitude density making it feel like he’s training at significantly higher altitude than he’s at. Fwiw, the Norwegians train at altitude as do a number of Boulder pros who don’t seem to experience the issue he’s claiming Instead of addressing the underlying problem that his race is over before it even starts. 100km is more swim heavy & it’s basically being raced like an extended ITU event where the front pack is still benefiting significantly from drafting. So he doesn’t make up ground on the bike because the front group is effectively working together. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Aussie exits on the swim also made him go hypoxic and burnt matches early You can’t give up 4’ in the swim and have the slowest T1 and expect to compete with these guys. The level of competition is too high. Maybe in an IM where you have more time to overcome that weakness

[@BillBrinkop]

@@notredame233 nailed it. That’s why he’s so good at 70.3, short swim with a wetsuit and he’s only 1-2 min back with lots of bike and run distance to make it up. Plus he just had a slightly bad day.

[@intuitivewellnessnow]

@@notredame233 yeah, i've lived and trained at 6k. the first couple months the training and performance took a major hit...it takes months to not only adapt but also to recover the endocrine, cardiac, and metabolic stressors. but i'm with you.

[@claudiabuitrago5276]

As an outsider, I believe and see progress in your performance, maybe did not showed for this particular race, but like you said its puzzle, one piece less to go. You always put everything on the line, is inspiring for us age group athletes, thanks for being open and transparent. Keep fighting that is warriors do.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

I still go back to the swim/T1. If you didn't start 4 minutes back on the bike, you would have been a contender for the win. I don't think being in the pack with Blu is out of the question for you. It just takes time with the right coach and work. There's a lot more to altitude and it's so personalized in terms of adaptation, I have to wonder if it didn't do more harm than good in your case. You tried, you learned from it, and you'll come back and work harder than pretty much anyone else out there. Don't lose patience, just keep doing the work. You're not so far out of reach that you can't contend. Keep learning to relax into that swim!!

[@markmyers1969]

I agree, I love Lionel and all the analysis but this could have been a 30 second video. If you are 3/4 minutes down after the swim you will NEVER compete with or beat the Norwegians in a mid distance Tri.

[@cristiansan]

@@markmyers1969 yeap. I agree, swiming is the key. Lionel is amazing biking and running, just need to improve his swimming.

[@julien7705]

@@cristiansan problem is that swimming good requires a lot of technique, it takes years with a good coach. I don’t know if in the past Lionel was winning races without it but since European s guys are coming in America he needs to improve it

[@larrylem3582]

Since swimming is the weak spot, I'd like to see details on what you and your coach are working on there in terms of analysis and technique.

[@s.jatighetchi9021]

Lionel, I’ve followed you for years & the one advice I would give you after watching your races and some disappointments is that you need improve your efficiency in all three disciplines I.e. swim, bike & run. Don’t force it, work on your technique rather than shear power. Gus, Christian & Jan all have amazing technique plus the endurance. If you can master your technique and work on your efficiency then I think you would be more competitive and winning races. Good luck man and it up 😃🇨🇦

[@wollazz12]

I admire the very rational and frank self assessment, performed with lots of modesty. No need to refer to yourself as a "shitty athlete" though. You don't deserve it.

[@fxd00mer]

I love how detailed Lionel is for the 24 minute video and then the last question is like "f**k no, period". You never stop being an inspiration for me Lionel. I will always cheer for you, racing, training, outside the sport. Keep going mate!

[@mikeyrosen5907]

I do believe the best is still to come! “The Lion never has self doubt “ Your built for that Big Island and October 14th is going to be special this year. Team Norway won’t be chest pounding that day! “Respect Everyone Fear No one!” Congratulations to to you and your family 👊

[@abhinabha]

Could the slump in Lionel's performance have to do with the timing of coming down from altitude? There is always a period after altitude training where you are in a funk and underperforming. After that initial funk is over the supercompensation kicks in and the benefits are there. That sweet spot after coming down from altitude is different for each athlete and figuring out your optimum is as much a part of altitude training then the actual workouts. Best of luck to Lionel in the future.

[@pakro7416]

Hey Lionel, thanks for the video. The altitude thing needs time. E.g. Frederik Funk a year ago came down from altitude, was always in the midfield in the end of races. A year later he wins races.. And he said that the hole altitude things needs time to get through and be an advantage for him.. you guys all know each other..maybe go for a short chat with him about it. He´s a nice one for sure..see your video at the freshii restaurant and his youtube channel etc. #NoLimits. BR. pacey.

[@scottholland2558]

You’ve got one of the best coaches in the world, phenomenal team behind you (Erin at the top of the list), and a huge love of the sport! Keep plugging!

[@nickolaskraus]

Blummenfeld was 10th at 70.3 Dubai after coming down from altitude. There has to be an optimal training strategy to maximize the benefits of altitude, but still have peak speed/power on race day. Mikal probably knows ;)

[@rosslacey8555]

He had a mechanical in Dubai

[@kiligonzalez]

At the time of mechanical, his race was already over.. too much gap to the front.

[@rosslacey8555]

@@kiligonzalez He was approx. 4 minutes down. I agree that there was no beating MVR that day but Blu finishes 2nd or 3rd all day long without the mechanical. Anyway, that's beside the point. I'm failing to see the point of the original post. Blu has been training at altitude for years. It wasn't the reason for his performance in Dubai. He has said the same himself.

[@colleenpakkianathan3151]

Such a respectable athlete. Incredibly modest and introspective. Truly lives to improve his sport. No show boating. And no excuses. You are an absolute beast of an athlete and are absolutely worthy to be in the competitive mix! Cannot wait to watch you race again, Lionel!

[@L.O.K.I]

ITU triathletes are selected to become pros based on their overall talent. As result they do not have weaknesses. If you lose time in one discipline they will not give you a chance to make the time back. Long course athletes are self-made pro triathletes and they could have a weakness in one discipline and still win but not against ITU best and not in mid distance races.

[@twobearstri4448]

Any chance you were dehydrated while training at altitude and in the heat, causing your lactate measurements to be artificially high?

[@curtisclarke1816]

I Think your being super hard on your self Lionel. Your a beast ✌🏻

[@robbo3132]

Super hard on yourself?

[@ironmantooltime]

You're

[@curtisclarke1816]

@@ironmantooltime grow up

[@phillip134]

You are a freaking beast and such an inspiration. Pls take into consideration that it was a none wetsuit swim. Keep believing in yourself. Coach Mikal and your swim coach will take you to the very top 🎉 #embraceandenjoytheprocess

[@sicbul]

If you have to learn something from Norwegian train is to have more fun on the race course and in training! I’m sure you’ll bounce back

[@firminodias4419]

Lionel… it’s a race! Only one can win and only three can be at the podium. You finish 7th among a bunch of other great athletes. You did a great job.

[@than9350]

You did amazing as usual & yes, keep working till you are toe to toe with team Norway. Good points on your analysis between Tuscon and Flagstaff & you are correct. Focus on speed work and I'm confident you will be toe to toe with Gustav and Kristian. Lionel, that course was totally against your skill set. (1) No wetsuit (2) You have to kind of dive in 3x and exit 3x (3) The bike was all about technical skills vs. your specialty, more power. Essentially you lost those 5 minutes all in the swim (4 min) and Bike (1 min) & Transition due to technical nature of that course. In Kona you will get more time on the bike, run and you have experience in Kona and it's very possible that Gustav and Kristian will have some cramping due to the heat and humidity. Your pressure might cause them to cramp. I think when you were a bit of an unknown you redlined Jan that one year in Kona.

[@danielhindley9374]

Congratulations Lionel. Don't be down. You can catch these guys for sure.

[@jeffwackett7290]

Good Job Lionel! It was great to watch you race again. Keep racing!! We love it:)

[@Tethysmeer]

I'm sure this is a rhetoric question: but have you ever analyzed your swimming technique by professionals with underwater footage and corrected every tiny bit of your stroke, balancing, footwork, breathing etc.? Do you have a mtb trail nearby? Bikehandling would benefit a lot.

[@hermatoma]

Lionel, I believe in you! I don't know if others analyze training and performances like you do, but you have incredible patience, determination and thinking! Race note: like Frank A. Clark said - "If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." It is a life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I really appreciate it. Best wishes to all of you and your family!

[@CleanDogz]

Curtis is right, your being too hard on yourself. And also reminding you that you are hugely inspirational to us age groupers. The course was just tough on your main skills, dont forget that. Thanks for all the great content!

[@jayalanlife5926]

True champions are hard on themselves because they know that they can do better, I'm with you LS you learned a little bit more and I'm sure that you will get the speed back. Love everything about you. Cheers Alan

[@michaelmastell6778]

One of the issues is the amount of time between when you came down and when you raced. You raced right in the dead zone. You can come directly down and race or do so two weeks later. But 5-9 days later is the no go zone.

[@rogerc23]

Do you have info on this? I don’t but my gut feel from what he is saying that is if the race was about 4 days later he would have been feeling much better

[@Uitspuw]

Exactly

[@RunForPeace-hk1cu]

kenyans fly out from Kenyan ~1wk before the WMM ... arrive in host city to do media ... and race on Sunday.

[@michaelmastell6778]

It’s different when you have a lifetime of adaptations versus your first altitude camp. There’s a lot of research evaluating the different parameters. I’m happy to discuss it but I can’t post up all the links here.

[@jenniferhamlet4838]

You did well!!… most of the guys that went out really hard were barely finishing and you kept passing people. Strong finish!

[@timw4369]

if you look at the numbers you were in the top 3 in 2 disciplines and then the swim you need to work on. If you were down 2 minutes instead of 4 minutes after the swim. I dont think you can beat them i know you can. Keep it going Lionel. Love the intensity but you need togive yourself some positive reinforcement.

[@SandyWhisker]

He wasn’t in the top three on the run.

[@TheDewaltBoy]

When I go out for my runs and it's really hard, to the point I want to bitch out and stop (or start crying). I always think to myself, "Lionel pushes through the pain, you can too, keep going, don't stop". You are literally my inspiration, and I guarantee you're other people's too. You raced great man, to come back and finish 7th was insane. Absolute clinic.

[@Natalie-rl7dq]

I was waiting all week for this video!! Love hearing all the analysis! Keep it up Lionel 💪💪

[@IliaRox]

Working on your technique will make a faster swimmer and a faster runner; it ain’t rocket science you just need to put the time in and you’ll win more races. Good luck with future races Lionel! Sincerely!

[@savburchinskiy899]

Keep your head up 🦁👑 Good things are coming to you very soon!💪

[@wilsonjones9594]

Love your videos. You are a great inspiration!

[@oliverbaseley3413]

Lionel, many of the TDF riders suck often when they immediately get down from altitude. Comin down on Monday is likely too late.

[@kenouderkirk5602]

Come in second at the world championships 2017, toss out all of the training that brought you success, and inconsistent results for the next 3 years. Come in second at the world championships 2022, toss out the training that brought you success, and the inconsistency returns.

[@joncarrol]

Lionel your a boss!! love the end of the video No Limits my friend No need to change anything with that mindset !! Let’s Go keep the inspiration coming you’re help millions! 💪💪💪

[@CautionBeforeCoffee]

The Norwegians are living rent free in his head. Needs to go all out in Kona and leave the respect at the start line.

[@juliesmith8644]

he's actually paying them to live there as one is his coach

[@Krilin84]

Love watching these. Thanks Lionel and talbot

[@derekholt2206]

It was awesome to see you race in person! Happy you enjoyed our city! Keep pushing for the top!!

[@nestorrodriguez5751]

You are a great athlete that had motivated thousand of triathles to keep going with your "No Limits " mantra. We the little guys are looking for inspiration on you please don't feel bad for one race. Through the years you had manage to reinvent yourself this is no different from your disappointment in Kona few years ago, yet you turned around. We are counting on you. Don't feel bad bro ! No Limits

[@MrYbeaudoin]

Those last words are exactly why you are an inspiration! LET’S FUC$*NG GO!

[@kendallross3724]

My new favorite thing is reading the comments of a bunch of people on KZbin telling professional athletes what they should be doing physically, emotionally, and mentally…. “KZbin: The Greatest Advice Platform of All Time.”

[@annac3514]

They must have graduated from Facebook University School of Medicine. It's refreshing to know they can "practice" across all the platforms. 🤷‍♀

[@toddcarbno966]

Lionel your worst day is a great day for most athletes. Your love of pushing to the limits in training may be hurting you on race day. If you come into race day more rested and fresh, I think you may be unbeatable. Love your videos.. amazing work ethic. Hope you figure it out, your fans will be cheering for you.

[@jimmorrison5520]

Lionel. Big fan here. I admire your self-reflection and honesty. Yet, do not question your ability as an athlete. Not you. If it fuels you go ahead, but do not let this be something to hold you down. Have faith in you and continue to get better, as you do. There are better and worse races out there. Also the body needs time to adapt to altitude training. You will learn and move forward! Believe in yourself.

[@darwinruns3039]

Keep going! You are a world class athlete! I am rooting for you! It was nice meeting you and seeing you in action at the PTO! #nolimits

[@tribyemtribyem4607]

You are a great athlete, give your body time to adjust, don’t change training or coaches, Mikal knows how to do it, have faith and confidence in the process, try to stop analyzing, concentrate on the training plan, follow instructions, that’s your part of the deal, Mikal’s is to make you better, and he will, don’t worry ‘bout his part. You’ll see improvement and the results you want soon. Be patient! You are always an inspiration and it is always a lesson watching you race!

[@endurancejunky7474]

Don’t beat yourself up too bad. You’re an inspiration. If this was indeed one of your worst pro race performances, personally I’d analyze what changed. For example, maybe it’s that you’re using the same coach and brother of the race winner? Key word: brother. One would think that all the things you’re speculating on would’ve been discussed and straightened out before the race. Not after! That’s the coaches job. Get answers, or move on. Keep up the hard work. Rooting for you!

[@andrewfehrsen]

Adaptation to different training bus. Keep at it. Results will come

[@thebrownmansjourney2364]

That’s fine Champ! Embrace the L and get ready for the future races. Most things in life are caught not taught. Im glad you caught some important lessons in that race. Learn from it, forget it and grow. #LSnoLimit

[@willishuang3660]

I don't think you can beat yourself up over the altitude training. You're turning over every unturned stone, no matter how difficult, and some of them (a lot of them) are invariably not going to work the way you hoped. Keep the faith that we are all admiring your hard work and sharing of your results, good or bad. Just because you're not the world champion doesn't mean your work isn't good or not important to us. Go Lionel!

[@highcarbchris7931]

Lionel do you ever do any strength training like weightlifting? Not to bulk up but just to strengthen the muscles or do you just push the limits with the swim,bike,run. ????

[@1mikeydiaz]

You had a bad day . You are a champ don’t over think it ! You are a champ ! Keep at it !

[@facediaper09]

I've been experimenting on different altitude strategies. As of last 2 months I've spent 75% of my time at or above 8000ft. Training as high as 10.5k on the bike and 13.5k hiking plus sleeping between 8 and 10. It takes me a good 48 hours coming down to 5k ish before I start feeling super powers. I use the first day for recovery and then take my time firing up the motor. IMHO, the gains aren't immediately available, pending each one's adaptability.

[@lisaratz5574]

Don’t question yourself … you are amazing and you just have a weak spot which is your swim ! Work on this and all be good ! Seriously why do you question. ??? You have the mental power !

[@danielappelhans3489]

You need to give it time. As you said you are doing metabolically the right training. The adaption takes time though. Especially when you train quite a lot at altitude.

[@bikeknightAT]

Dear lionel and whoever reads this, the performance after altitude training expectedly drops 2 to 4 weeks after coming down. Before that you benefit from the new haemoglobin, then the body renews your blood and gets rid of the now not needed additional red blood cells (you are here now, in the sucky time slot), and then starts producing again on a higher than normal level and you benefit again. Time altitude training accordingly.

[@Paul-M21]

You came 7th in a stacked field and to many others you still had a great race. I know you want the best from yourself but stop being so hard on your performance and over analyzing every single thing! Your an inspiration and I'm sure you'll put it all together very soon.

[@christophs5070]

Lionel your are an awesome athlete giving always everything. Maybe a better tapering to be more fresh and hungry on the event 🤔?

[@cursedrr8647]

Sanders is ignoring the age gap factor. Blu can recover mid race thanks to that.

[@sebastianpedersen7233]

It would be interesting to see the percentage of sessions and time Lionel follows coach Mikal and how much he changes and does himself. Always motivating, but the theme of changing training and mindset every training cycle continues. As long as you enjoy what you are doing that is the most important thing

[@darkwanderer1504]

Don't sweat it Lionel..keep up the good fight!

[@Kalenjinstf]

Edmonton is at 650m altitude, it is no sea level. And temperature was hot on race day. So, if you consider that concept of density... Maybe the performance was similar to the training numbers because the racing conditions were not that far from the training ones.

[@polski1986]

Lionel is the biggest ambassador for the sports.. hes a legend.. doesn't realize he's value

[@niklaswijkander497]

Agree that altitude had something to do with the result. Others have pointed out altitude has very different impacts on different individuals so you might want to experiment there. I live at sea level and notice significant improvement from training at only 1000m while suffering too much to train properly at high altitudes. Another idea is to live high and train low so you get both benefits from altitude while still not sacrificing speed

[@carter83419]

Keep holding that head up high. 👊🏻

[@drewmaxwell3532]

From a lousy age group athlete, it's always refreshing to hear you - one of the best in the world - speak openly. I am surprised you thought your altitude bounce would get you to the front when others were doing the same. Are you upset you weren't third, or did you think you could win? Its a tough nut trying to find that last 4-5 minutes in a 100k race against all the best in the world. This spotting your biggest rivals 2-3 minutes on the swim is lunacy unless you consistently can develop a bike or run offset advantage, which you don't have on your top rivals. Your bike was #1, but the swim and run gaps were far larger. You talk about building the bike, but isn't it already where it needs to be? You win the race on the run, but you can only make up so much time. Isn't the swim the key discipline to improve? If you are within a few minutes when the run starts, that is a scenario that plays to your strengths. I like your odds against anyone in that scenario. I will watch with intent on your next race.

[@anac5656]

Lionel, have you ever looked at your running videos and noticed that when you run you over pronate especially on your down stroke? I am not an expert or a coach so I’m sorry if this comes across wrong in any way, I just discovered this myself and I think it might be helpful. If you look at the videos of both you and Blu side by side in the same shoe (I believe, both the ASICS metaspeed) when his ankle hits the pavement it is stable versus your ankle which bends in. As I’ve been getting in to the sport more and more I actually had a whole conversation with ASICS because they do not make race shoes for overpronation and even with insoles the shoes are not stable enough. I’ve had to use the gel kayano lite versus the metaspeed sky + which I wanted, there was no other option - I even have to get new shoes for my tt bike (I am a cyclist and I’m trying different disciplines to see where my potential is) because my S-Phyres are fit for speed and don’t have the arch support I need to carry max power transfer through an endurance effort versus something like a crit. I know you’ll bounce back, please don’t quit because you’re very inspirational!! Keep on pushing!

[@ddan1139]

Blu has a forefoot impact in his running, quite unique, can't compare the two but its okay analysis

[@njsportsmed]

You drag your right foot in swing phase of running.

[@matesomogyi4675]

Your reflections are still the most engaging and entertaining ones! How do you plan to be competitive with someone who smashed the best wts runners, Yee and Wilde? On the bike or on the run?

[@legbfreeski]

Look at your return from altitude protocol. Some people are good in first week some people better 2-3 weeks later. Did you take iron at altitude?

[@marcypitt1]

Felicitaciones 🤗 👍 🇨🇦 #nolimits

[@custombikefit466]

Does anyone know the brand of high hand extensions Lionel is using on his Canyon in this video?

[@jakehudgins6938]

Perhaps you're simply a non-responder to altitude training. And maybe its not a useful traning strategy in your case..... but it also sounds like you've gotten plenty of data, a good coach, and good intuition to get it sorted! Keep crushing it guy!

[@BenjaminBriu]

Lov the attitude!! Let’s get it!!

[@MrAaaKMA]

Man, i am just Amateur, but my First thought to this: „dont start NASA calculations again!“ maybe you just had some bad weeks or season is too long. You are still an animal

[@wilsonjones9594]

Thanks!

[@pal_lokomotivet2679]

Are you sure you hit the right window after altitude? The big effect comes in a window

[@robertmilner855]

Lionel needs to host a talk show after retirement, he is brilliant !!!

[@rgierut]

Training at altitude is an art as much as it a science. Some benefit, some don't. Was your hematocrit higher post altitude?

[@TheDomLouis]

Progress to success is NOT linear. There will be plateaus and regressions. But overall it sounds like you're heading in an Upwards trajectory. Surely the bigger picture is what is important at this point, as you head towards your Kona A race??

[@Bicyclechris]

In the beginning of this video, Lionel definitely reminds me of Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. :)

[@joshspencer6240]

Your dedication to replicating the Norwegian approach is admirable... These guys are the best in the world, period. They have raised the bar in this sport, and you seem to be the only guy putting in the work to attempt their winning formula. You may never beat them, but at least you are willing to admit that what worked in the past isn't good enough to win in the future.

[@jthunderstrength]

I google this... How long does it take to benefit from high altitude training? Most mature athletes will get a boost in performance from a week to 10 days of altitude exposure, and some team sport athletes will respond similarly. If you are an elite athlete, two to three weeks is usually long enough to trigger changes that can be seen in the lab, but they are minimal. I think training in altitude gives you amazing results after doing it for a lot of years, you are just starting, stay put!

[@xXMc1ovinXx]

i believe if alistar didnt go all out on the bike, then perhaps they create a line of no one wanting to push power like some other races and lionel claws his way back

[@scottholland2558]

What does coach say about the race and what does he say about moving forward!?!

[@christianemeiners9224]

Come on LS, you are on a multi-year path. So give it a rest and just put in the work the coming years and reap the fruits later 🙂No need to be so critical on yourself.

[@sandyhazeltine862]

Maybe look at the altitude the marathoners use? Just a thought. Something you already know: no matter how prepared you are there's always "that day".

[@unclelee743]

Where is the bears swim master ? You were progressing so well

[@MichaelAKheps]

maybe need some time settling to race venue coming from altitude? Gustav and the rest come few days earlier than you

[@darcyrt]

You lived and trained at altitude. I believe that's where you went wrong. Outputs at altitude are lower than outputs at sea level so when you competed at sea level your body could only deliver the speed/watts it was used to producing at altitude. If you had slept at altitude but trained at sea level you would have trained your body at the higher sea level outputs and gained the additional benefits of increased blood plasma from sleeping at altitude. Just a thought. BTW I ride occasionally with Sean Bechtel. He says hi.

[@intuitivewellnessnow]

I'd 2nd this opinion. Live high, train low would be the ideal approach based upon what he has said. At the end of the video he alluded to 'taking a break when he's competitive with norway' and IF he continues to train high (especially if he injects speed work into his training in the next 17 days as he alluded to) he's going to cook his CNS. This has nothing to do with his athletic abilities, it has to do with the trial and error approach he's taking with his training, though i'm happy to see he has a coach now. I am just perplexed whose idea it was to train high, live high. I have a ton of respect for LS as he's continued to humble himself, or have the course do it for him, and be open to change. This is such a tough thing, and on top of that, he makes it public! much respect LS, i do wish you the best, I want to see you smash it soon and compete with the norwegians!

[@psd9850]

I can confirm this. Many cyclists live on altitude but train at sea-level.

[@aj8580]

Isn’t living and training at altitude what Gustav and Blu do in Sierra Nevada, Spain? Also, all of the athletes in Boulder. I’ve only ever heard of reaping the benefits of training at altitude so you can perform better at sea level. Interesting…

[@intuitivewellnessnow]

@@aj8580 yeah, most if not all of the Tour de France riders live at altitude or go to an altitude camp, sleep at altitude, and then drop down the mountains into the valley for their high end efforts. Ideally, it’s beneficial to live high and do your metabolic zone 2 work at altitude too, especially if your going to be racing at altitude like the major cycling tour do, but specific to what LS was talking about in his video, he couldn’t do any high end work in flag because of the altitude, and so his LT would be too high and outside of the metabolic window to improve it.

[@aj8580]

@@intuitivewellnessnow yeah, that makes sense. It’s specific to Lionel. Every athlete is different and it’s all about finding what works. I can certainly understand Lionel’s frustration being a pro for as long as he has and still not having a solution, in his mind at least.

[@jjjensen9493]

I been watching Lionel since 2013, imo he looked leaner/skinnier in this race vs other races from the past. Just an observation. In my experience I can only maintain peak low weight for 2-3 weeks until I start to breakdown with power on the bike. Again Just an observation if this comment is seen. I could be wrong.

[@quengmingmeow]

Lionel: I’m still waiting for you to make good on your stated goal to swim Lake Erie from Point Pelee down to Cedar Point. Turn it into some type of event to raise money for CAF…..we all would live to see the spectacle!

[@cecesuede718]

What is on your right wrist? I see a watch on your left wrist!

[@user-rl3ef4ju9k]

Swim looked bad to be honest. Left hand was like a log barely getting above surface at return. You lost it somewhere during the summer, time to get it back!