Performance Strategies & Stumbles

In this episode of Performance Strategies and Stumbles, I’m joined by Michael Gerhardy, a sports scientist specialising in neuromuscular fatigue and applied workload monitoring.

Michael holds a PhD in Applied Sport Science, where his research focused on neuromuscular fatigue and concurrent training. It was during this PhD work that a key idea emerged — the value of running-specific testing to better understand fatigue and workload, rather than relying on generic or non-specific measures.

Michael is also the creator of RunUp Performance, a fatigue monitoring tool that uses raw IMU and GPS data to assess changes in running strategy associated with neuromuscular fatigue. His work helps teams move beyond simple workload totals and towards monitoring approaches that are task-specific, individualised, and practically meaningful.

In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of workload monitoring in sport, why population norms can be misleading, and how metrics such as ground contact time can help inform smarter training decisions. We also explore how excessive neuromuscular demand or poorly managed high-speed running can interfere with training adaptations.

This episode is about moving from data collection to better decision-making, and designing monitoring strategies that actually reflect the demands of running-based sports.

Dont forget we have the webinar with Michael that you can join by registering HERE to join us on the 10th February.

I am also holding 2x free mentoring sessions for anyone who hasn't experienced that type of work before, you can join us using links below:

Thursday 29th January - register HERE

Tuesday 3rd February - register HERE

Hope to see you there

Dan Howells

In this Stumbles episode of Performance Strategies and Stumbles, I’m joined by Warren Bradley, founder of Hytro, to explore the mistakes and lessons that shaped his journey from working in professional sport to becoming an entrepreneur.

Warren reflects on his early career as a performance nutritionist, where not fully understanding hierarchy and environment led to avoidable challenges. He shares how saying yes too often, consulting across multiple teams, and constant travel resulted in overextension and burnout.

We then move into Warren’s transition into entrepreneurship — discussing early failures, the importance of market research, and how solving real problems in sport led to the creation of Hytro. Warren also speaks candidly about the role of self-care, delegation, and building a supportive team to create a sustainable working environment.

This is an honest conversation about ambition, resilience, and learning from mistakes — offering valuable insight for practitioners in sport and anyone considering a move into entrepreneurship.

Don't forget this is your last chance to apply for 6months of free mentorship. Submit your name HERE

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In this strategy-focused episode of Performance Strategies and Stumbles, I am joined by Dr Warren Bradley, founder of Hytro and a leading specialist in Blood Flow Restriction (BFR).

Warren has worked across professional sport, including roles with England teams, Munster Rugby, and football clubs such as Hull City and Derby County, and now combines applied practice with research and innovation through the company he founded, called Hytro.

Together, we explore BFR as a performance strategy. The conversation breaks down how BFR can be used across preparation, training, and recovery, and why it remains an underutilised method in many high-performance environments.

We dive into the physiological mechanisms underpinning BFR, including hypoxia and reactive hyperaemia, and discuss how wearable BFR technology has improved accessibility, safety, and real-world application. Warren also shares practical insights on progressive overload through pressure, effective protocols for performance and rehab, and how practitioners can apply BFR with greater intent.

This episode is ideal for coaches, sport scientists, and practitioners looking to better understand what’s under the hood of BFR and how to use it responsibly and effectively.

We also have a huge giveaway right now where you can win 6months mentorship on one of our Performance Group Mentorship programmes. Apply HERE if that is something you are interested in!

Dan

In this Stumbles episode of Performance Strategies and Stumbles, Dan sits down once again with Pete McKnight, one of the most respected performance consultants and strategists in elite sport.

This time, the conversation shifts from strategy to the mistakes that have shaped Pete’s leadership journey — the moments that taught him the most about people, communication, and team culture.

Dan and Pete explore the often-overlooked topic of leadership stumbles, particularly around onboarding new staff and managing relationships with key stakeholders. Pete shares honest reflections on early-career missteps, including how power dynamics can unintentionally undermine new hires, why young practitioners can remain “the newbie” far too long, and the consequences of assuming alignment rather than building it.

Together they break down why leaders must empower new staff from day one, communicate more deliberately, and create team environments where expectations, roles, and responsibilities are clear and shared.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership is often learned through mistakes, and that reflective practice is essential for long-term growth.

Don't forget if you're an emerging coach looking for career support, or know coaches who could benefit from our employability mentorship support. then do look to see what we offer HERE where you can apply for sponsored support from TeamBuildr (apply HERE)

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In this strategy-focused episode of Performance Strategies and Stumbles, Dan sits down with Pete McKnight - one of the most respected performance consultants and strategists in elite sport. With nearly 25 years of experience across Olympic programmes, football, rugby, and motorsport, Pete is known for transforming how organisations structure their performance systems.

Together, Dan and Pete explore the strategy behind developing sport science and medical teams, especially in emerging or developing club environments. They break down the auditing process, how to prioritise what’s essential versus what’s merely desirable, and how to build integrated systems that connect people, processes, and facilities.

Pete introduces the principles behind his Performance Interplay framework and discusses the pivotal moments where strategic decisions shape long-term success - including cultural transitions, new ownership, major investment, and infrastructure upgrades.

The conversation also touches on the realities of consultancy: understanding budgets, interviewing key staff, identifying gaps, and creating alignment across stakeholders.

This episode is packed with practical insight for anyone working in performance systems, leadership, or sport science.

Don't forget to apply for employability mentorship HERE if that is something you could benefit from, and our emails go out weekly offering performance advice that you are free to sign up for too, HERE!