Episode #87 Peak Performance for CIM: Dr. Peter Tierney on Recovery, Readiness, and Race-Day Execution

Do you know the difference between a high HRV and a low Resting Heart Rate? More importantly, do you know how to change your training based on that data?

Today, Ross is joined by Peter Tierney, a veteran Sports Scientist and Performance Coach who has worked with elite organizations ranging from Leinster Rugby to Lululemon. Peter specializes in "connecting the dots"—taking complex physiological data and turning it into actionable coaching advice.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Wearable Trap: Why obsessing over your Whoop or Garmin sleep score might be hurting your performance, and which metrics (like temperature and morning HRV) actually predict illness.
• The "SHIT" Framework: A simple 4-step checklist (Stiff, Heavy, Irritable, Tired) to decide if you should push hard or pull back on training.
• Marathon Science: Why your taper feels wrong (but is right), and the specific math for effective carb-loading (liquid vs. solid carbs).
• Recovery Myths: Why "feeling" recovered is often more accurate than your data, and how to use naps as a stress "circuit breaker."

Mentioned in this episode:

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
• The "SHIT" Recovery Framework
• Carbohydrate Loading strategies (6-10g per kg)
• Supplements: Creatine Monohydrate, Omega 3s, Beetroot shots (Nitrates)

Quote of the episode:

"A recovery strategy if you feel tired shouldn't be the same as if you feel stiff or heavy. That doesn't make physiological sense." — Peter Tierney

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