Zone 1 is where the magic happens

Slowing Down to Go Faster: In this episode of The Real Coaching Podcast, Joel Filliol, an international triathlon coach, delves into the significance of Zone 1 training. Contrasting the popular high-intensity training methods, Joel argues that consistent, low-intensity work over time is crucial for long-term athletic performance and talent development. He discusses the common training errors, particularly the tendency to perform low-intensity work too fast, and emphasizes the importance of managing intensity to allow for a greater accumulation of volume. Joel also explores the misconceptions surrounding Zone 2 training and provides insights into appropriate training intensities using a five or six-zone model. This podcast serves as an extended version of an article on the Real Coaching Substack, offering valuable advice for athletes and coaches alike. 00:00 Introduction to the Real Coaching Podcast 00:08 The Importance of Zone One Training 02:11 Common Training Errors 02:42 Understanding Zone Two Training 03:24 Intensity Management for Long-Term Success 06:02 The Role of RPE in Training 07:47 The Impact of Popular Athletes on Training Trends 0:17 The Debate on Training Intensities 12:18 The Importance of Slowing Down 28:45 Personal Insights and Experiences 34:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Joel on youtube , X , Instagram , facebook , LinkedIn , and now substack where there is written version of this podcast. Substack article: Zone 1 is where the magic happens Substack article: Progression: A powerful training heuristic Substack article: Don't be a January Champion

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Zone 1 is where the magic happens is an episode from Real Coaching by Joel Filliol.

This episode is 36:09 long.

This episode was published on Feb 10, 2026.

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