E11: Stop Digging: Why More Training Isn't Always Better
Episode 11 of the Eat Half, Walk Double podcast, hosted by Chris J. Dunn, titled "E11: Stop Digging: Why More Training Isn't Always Better" was published on March 9, 2026 and runs 10 minutes.
March 9, 2026 ·10m · Eat Half, Walk Double
Summary
Have you ever hit a training plateau despite showing up consistently and doing the work? You’re not alone—and the solution isn’t always pushing harder. In this episode, we dig into why endurance athletes often stall and how most plateaus are caused not by a lack of effort, but by poorly timed stress and recovery.We break down the concept of supercompensation—the process where your body adapts to training stress and gets stronger—and explain the difference between functional overreaching and non-functional overreaching. Learn how to use tools like Training Stress Balance (TSB) to track readiness, avoid overtraining, and optimize performance gains.By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:Why plateaus happen even when you’re consistentThe critical role of recovery in turning stress into fitnessHow to recognize purposeful fatigue versus performance-sapping fatigueThe timing strategies that make supercompensation work in your favorStop guessing. Stop digging deeper holes. Start building higher ground—and earn the performance gains you’re working so hard for.Key Takeaways:Progress is about timing, not just effort.Every workout creates a temporary “hole” of depletion—recovery fills it and builds fitness.Functional overreaching feels like manageable fatigue; non-functional overreaching feels like something is quietly wrong.Tools like TSB, HRV, and sleep tracking can help you measure readiness and avoid unnecessary setbacks.Recommended For:Endurance athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to understand how to train smarter, not just harder.Interest in learning more about us? Visit www.ascendhumanperformancecoaching.com today.
Episode Description
Have you ever hit a training plateau despite showing up consistently and doing the work? You’re not alone—and the solution isn’t always pushing harder. In this episode, we dig into why endurance athletes often stall and how most plateaus are caused not by a lack of effort, but by poorly timed stress and recovery.
We break down the concept of supercompensation—the process where your body adapts to training stress and gets stronger—and explain the difference between functional overreaching and non-functional overreaching. Learn how to use tools like Training Stress Balance (TSB) to track readiness, avoid overtraining, and optimize performance gains.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:
Why plateaus happen even when you’re consistent
The critical role of recovery in turning stress into fitness
How to recognize purposeful fatigue versus performance-sapping fatigue
The timing strategies that make supercompensation work in your favor
Stop guessing. Stop digging deeper holes. Start building higher ground—and earn the performance gains you’re working so hard for.
Key Takeaways:
Progress is about timing, not just effort.
Every workout creates a temporary “hole” of depletion—recovery fills it and builds fitness.
Functional overreaching feels like manageable fatigue; non-functional overreaching feels like something is quietly wrong.
Tools like TSB, HRV, and sleep tracking can help you measure readiness and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Recommended For:Endurance athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to understand how to train smarter, not just harder.
Interest in learning more about us? Visit www.ascendhumanperformancecoaching.com today.