Watts Doc #63: Confronting Uncertainty In Training And Data

Watts Doc #63: Confronting Uncertainty In Training And Data

From Empirical Cycling Podcast by Empirical Cycling

April 29, 2026 · 1h 48m

About this episode

The episode discusses how to confront uncertainty in training and data through scientific methods and personal experience.

We reveal our process for dealing with the uncertainty inherent in training and racing by keeping the FO in the scientific method of FAFO. After addressing whether or not probabilities are even real and the role of subjective experience, we look at some examples of uncertainty and predictions in testing, training, and racing, how reliable and accurate that data and performance models may be, and the process of improving our confidence in their ability to guide a training program. We also discuss incorporating peer-reviewed literature as well as anecdata, and the ultimate value of coaching or self-coaching experience.

People in this episode

Host: Empirical Cycling

Topics covered

  • training uncertainty
  • data reliability
  • performance models
  • coaching experience
  • scientific method

Keywords

  • training
  • data
  • uncertainty
  • performance
  • coaching
  • scientific method
  • predictions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FAFO, peer-reviewed literature, anecdata

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