Episode 23: Coaching Masters Athletes with Nicole Armbrust

All Things Endurance

In this episode, host Rick Prince chats with coach and physical therapist, Nicole Armbrust – owner of Jump Start Running, based out of Boulder, Colorado. Nicole specialized in working with female masters athletes and as such, this podcast discusses her decision to focus on working with masters athletes, as well as various aspects that are pertinent to masters athletes.

1. Tell us about your background

2. Your current focus is working with female masters runners. Why?

3. As a PT, are there any common issues that you see amongst master runners versus younger runners?

4. As a generalization, with respect to endurance sports, aging is often associated with increased – or at least not diminishing endurance, while youth, is often associated with speed and quickness… and quick recovery. Do you find this generalization to be true?

5. What are some of the most important considerations when working with masters runners?

6. I think a lot of masters athletes are concerned about becoming slower. How do you tackle this subject with your athletes and moreover, are there any main things to focus on?

7. As a masters athlete myself, I often reflect back on how I was faster when I was younger and I find myself comparing myself to that person – which inevitably leads to frustration. How do you deal with athletes like myself in this regard?

Do you find that masters athletes are more susceptible to injuries?