72: Is Stress Wrecking Your Training? What the Data Says and What to Do About It

Stress is higher. Life feels heavier. And if your training, recovery, nutrition, or patience feels different lately…you’re probably not imagining it.In this episode of the Endurance Eats Podcast, I’m sitting down in person with returning guest Erin Ayala of Skadi Sport Psychology to talk about what increased stress actually does to us as athletes and why trying to simply “push through” isn’t always the answer.Erin and I recorded this one during a mini work-and-riding retreat in Cuyuna, Minnesota, after putting in plenty of miles on the bike (and after I got a very unexpected new max heart rate on some beginner singletrack 😅).But the real reason I wanted to have this conversation is something I’ve been noticing in my own work: this year feels different.I’ve seen more athletes dealing with stress, uncertainty, disrupted routines, and situations that make nutrition and training harder than usual. Erin has been seeing it too.So we’re digging into what happens when life stress piles on top of training stress and, more importantly, what you can actually do about it.We talk about adjusting expectations during high-stress seasons, why self-compassion isn’t the same as “going soft,” and how social connection can play a major role in resilience.Then we nerd out on heart rate variability (HRV): what it actually measures, why you shouldn’t compare your HRV to someone else’s, and how Erin is using HRV biofeedback and breathing techniques to help athletes train their nervous systems.If you love data, endurance training, recovery, or understanding why your body is doing what it’s doing, you’re going to love this conversation.What You'll LearnWhy increased life stress can change how you show up in training, nutrition, work, and relationshipsThe connection between stress, loneliness, and recoveryWhy your usual training load might suddenly feel harder even when the workouts haven’t changedHow to recalibrate your expectations instead of assuming you need more discipline or willpowerThe three pieces of self-compassion Erin wants athletes to understandWhy social support can be a powerful tool for managing stressHow coaches and providers can better support athletes during high-stress seasonsWhat heart rate variability (HRV) actually tells you about your nervous systemWhy your personal HRV trends matter more than comparing your number to someone else’sHow sleep, alcohol, training, illness, nutrition, and life stress can influence HRVRESOURCES:Skadi Sport Psychology: https://skadisportpsychology.comAmerican Psychological Association Stress in America survey Follow Skadi Sport Psychology on Instagram Connect with Me:Follow along for more practical sports nutrition and fueling support: Instagram: @alexlarsonnutritionWebsite: alexlarsonnutrition.comWork with Alex Larson Nutrition: https://alexlarsonnutrition.com/Check out our endurance nutrition tools and resources Don’t Forget to Subscribe!Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes. Leave a quick review to help more endurance athletes find the showHave Questions or Suggestions?Send me a message, and I might cover it in a future episode!This episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com. This Episode is Brought to You By