#125 Joseph Mestrallet: Data-Driven Race Pacing Strategies

Join Coach Scott Johnston for a conversation with Joseph Mestrallet, who works alongside Scott on the team of 2025 UTMB 1st-place finishers Tom Evans and Ruth Croft as a data analyst for running performance metrics. In this discussion, they explore the pacing strategies and analytical tools used for Tom and Ruth, and how Joseph’s experience both as a runner and a mathematician provide a unique skill set to approach the pacing challenges of ultra-distance races. See episode guide for topics covered. 

Joseph’s company, Enduraw Performance Science: https://enduraw-data.com/

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Episode Guide

00:00:00 Introduction

00:00:49 Joseph’s background

00:03:58 About Enduraw

00:08:57 Emergence of data-driven performance

00:14:34 Applying data analysis

00:22:45 “Digital Twin” data modeling

00:30:19 Ruth Croft’s 2024 UTMB pacing

00:38:03 Using grade-adjusted pace

00:49:34 Tools for amateur and elite runners alike

01:01:42 Data + training builds confidence

01:09:19 Final thoughts

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 0:49 Joseph’s background
• 3:58 About Enduraw
• 8:57 Emergence of data-driven performance
• 14:34 Applying data analysis
• 22:45 “Digital Twin” data modeling
• 30:19 Ruth Croft’s 2024 UTMB pacing
• 38:03 Using grade-adjusted pace
• 49:34 Tools for amateur and elite runners alike
• 1:01:42 Data + training builds confidence
• 1:09:19 Final thoughts