EP 387: Surf Life Saving & Ironman Racing: Performance, Recovery & Top Athlete Habits (Part 2)

In episode 387 of The Physical Performance Show, host Tim Studley picks up part two of his conversation with fellow Pogo Physio physiotherapist Lewis Craig, continuing last week's deep dive into surf life saving and Ironman racing. This episode shifts focus from injury patterns to managing niggles, optimising performance, and the habits that separate top-tier surf ironman athletes from the rest.

Tim and Lewis discuss the collaborative decision-making involved in managing a recurring niggle, the key training and screening recommendations every surf life saving athlete should have in place, the lessons Lewis has learned working with elite athletes in the sport, and his top tips for improving performance — from sand-specific training to fuelling properly for a demanding training load.

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IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR:

A recap: this episode picks up where Part 1 (episode 386) left off, continuing the discussion on surf life saving and Ironman racing

Managing recurring niggles: why the decision to rest or continue training should be a collaborative one between physio, athlete and coach

How timing within the season affects the risk-benefit of resting versus maintaining training load

Why a first-time niggle warrants a more cautious, rest-forward approach compared to a chronic, familiar issue

Practical ways to modify training around a niggle — for example, adjusting swim technique (removing paddles, adding kick, more dry-land warm-up) rather than stopping entirely