In this episode of the Athletes Compass Podcast, Mollie Brewer—sports scientist and PhD researcher—explores the fine line between using training technology as a helpful tool and becoming overly dependent on it. Drawing from research across collegiate and endurance sports, Mollie explains how GPS watches, power meters, HRV, and AI platforms can either reduce cognitive burden...

In this holiday-themed episode, hosts Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai shift the focus away from hustle and mileage to explore the restorative power of seasonal slowing down. Drawing on Nordic traditions and endurance science, the trio discusses how embracing the darkness, cold, and stillness of winter can lead to better recovery, mental...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Compass, co-hosts Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai unpack the often-overlooked reality of race day anxiety for everyday endurance athletes. They explore how physiological responses like elevated heart rate and the “monkey mind” can feel overwhelming, yet serve a functional purpose. The team discusses personal stories, evidence-based...

In this episode, the Athletes Compass team talks with Ashley Eckermann, a seasoned sports psychologist and Ironman athlete, about how athletes can shift from chasing motivation to building mental skills that actually work under pressure. Ashley debunks common myths about mindset, explains how to reframe fear and discomfort, and shares science-backed strategies to push through...

In this episode of The Athletes Compass, the team—Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai—dives into the world of heart rate. They break down what heart rate data really tells us, why your measurement device matters, and how to avoid common training mistakes. The hosts explore how heart rate interacts with stress, sleep, heat,...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Compass, the hosts explore the often-underestimated power of Zone 2 training—effort levels that allow for relaxed, conversational pacing. They break down the physiology behind this aerobic zone, why elite endurance athletes rely on it, and how it promotes mitochondrial growth, fat metabolism, and long-term durability. With personal anecdotes and...

Every athlete—beginner, elite, or aging—eventually hits a frustrating plateau where progress stalls despite hard work. In this insightful episode, the team unpacks what a training plateau really is, how to distinguish it from overtraining or undertraining, and what physiological, psychological, and lifestyle factors may be contributing. From VO2 max goals to recovery metrics, the discussion...

In this episode of The Athletes Compass, performance coach and speaker Jared Markiewicz shares how the disciplines of motivation, consistency, and self-reflection form the core of sustainable athletic—and personal—growth. Drawing from his journey from one-on-one coaching to leading hundreds through Functional Integrated Training and Fit Legacy, Jared dives deep into how everyday athletes can shift...

In this episode of The Athlete’s Compass, hosts Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai explore the evolving role of the coach in an age where AI platforms like Athletica are redefining personalized training. They discuss what human coaches bring to the table that software can’t—empathy, accountability, real-time adaptation, and the power of meaningful...

In this insightful episode, hosts Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai break down the crucial topic of insulin sensitivity and resistance—a metabolic issue that affects not just people with diabetes but endurance athletes too. They explore how insulin works in the body, how chronic exposure to sugar can lead to insulin resistance, and...