Hello Reader,

I wanted to share a quick story and a new release I’m really proud of.

Years ago, when Kyle Buckingham crossed the line first at Ironman South Africa, he reflected later and said to me:

It made me smile. Andi Boecherer once told me almost exactly the same thing after winning Ironman Lanzarote. It took me back to my early days at the Australian Institute of Sport with my mentor Dr David T Martin, who taught me the truth that underpins every race-week plan I’ve written since:

That theme came up again when I spoke with Prof John Kiely on the Training Science Podcast. No matter how sophisticated our periodisation or taper numbers, in the end, the athlete’s mindset is what brings it all to life. And that is what our coaching process needs to deliver.

So—how do we bottle that?

This month, I’m excited to announce that Athletica’s AI-Coach now offers a fully personalized Race Week Countdown Plan—a daily, calm check-in that reminds you:

• You’ve done the work
• You are ready
• Your only job now is to trust the process, believe in the numbers we've established with training, and let it happen

Every day, a short mindset prompt lands right when you need it most—mirroring what I’d say if I was there with you in person at the start line.

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Let’s hear from you

I know it’s Northern Hemisphere summer—and many of you are in the thick of race season (and even race week) right now. I’d love for you to have a read of your AI-Coach’s race week messages, put them into practice, and let us know in the Forum thread how it worked for you.

I’m all ears—and our team is always listening to help us make it better for the next time you're standing on the start line.

Yours in training and racing,

Paul Laursen, PhD

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