How Ethiopia’s Elite Runners Actually Train With Paulo Galko and Prof Paul Laursen

How Ethiopia's Elite Runners Actually Train With Paulo Galko and Prof Paul Laursen

August 15, 2026

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Show Notes

  1. Inside the training of Ethiopia’s elite runners
    A behind the scenes look at one of the most comprehensive datasets ever collected from world class Ethiopian marathon and half marathon athletes, and what it reveals about how they really train. 
  2. Using AI to uncover patterns hidden in massive datasets
    How more than 22,000 training sessions were cleaned, analysed, and transformed into meaningful insights using AI alongside expert human interpretation. 
  3. Why context matters more than the data itself
    From flexible training groups to varied terrain and cultural practices, discover why understanding the environment is just as important as analysing the numbers. 
  4. What elite endurance training actually looks like
    The discussion explores training distribution, altitude, terrain, group dynamics, and the multidimensional nature of how the world’s best runners prepare. 
  5. AI as a tool, not a replacement for human expertise
    A thoughtful conversation on where AI excels, where human judgement remains essential, and how sports scientists can use these technologies more effectively in research and practice.



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