Ep. 38 What Elite Athletes Do Between Sprint Heats with USSS PT Ned Dowling

In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy Newell and Brian Halligan sit down with Ned Dowling, physical therapist at the University of Utah Orthopedic Center and one of the leading biomechanical minds working in endurance sport today. With experience spanning pro cycling, World Cup cross-country skiing, and ski mountaineering, Ned brings a unique, systems-level perspective to performance, injury prevention, and recovery at the highest level of the sport. The conversation kicks off in the middle of U.S. Nationals, setting the stage for a deep dive into what it really takes to stay healthy and fast through dense racing blocks.

Ned breaks down recovery in a way that cuts through the noise—explaining why sleep, nutrition, hydration, and intelligent active recovery matter far more than most “gimmicky” recovery tools. He unpacks what’s actually happening in the body after hard efforts, separating biomechanical, metabolic, neural, and psychological load, and explains how athletes should think about recovery between sprint heats, back-to-back races, and long competition periods. From spin bikes and massage tables to caffeine timing and nervous-system regulation, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven insight for athletes at every level.

The discussion then shifts into injury patterns specific to cross-country skiing, including low back pain, knee issues, and chronic exertional compartment syndrome—a condition that disproportionately affects skiers. Ned shares his evolving theory on why this happens, why traditional treatments often fall short, and how improving single-leg stability and hip-driven movement can make a real difference. The episode closes with a must-listen breakdown of neutral spine poling, explaining why “crunching” into the poles is inefficient, risky, and ultimately limiting for long-term performance. If you’re a skier, coach, or endurance athlete who wants to train smarter and stay healthy longer, this episode is essential listening.