Decoding Excellence

In this “Cardio Talk” edition of the Decoding Excellence Show, I’m diving into pre-season basketball conditioning tests—and why different coaches lean on very different approaches.Some favor more aerobic-based tests like the mile run or 3-minute baseline touches, while others prefer anaerobic measures like side-line touches or the 300-yard shuttle. Both approaches have their place, but which one actually prepares athletes best?In this episode, I break down:The pros and cons of aerobic vs. anaerobic conditioning testsWhat we’re using here at Colorado this pre-seasonWhy building a strong aerobic base is critical for October’s 20-hour practice weeksHow these tests tie into bigger decisions on readiness, recovery, and performanceWhether you’re a coach, athlete, or sport scientist, this Walk & Talk pulls back the curtain on how we evaluate and prepare our teams for the grind ahead.If you’re serious about training design, athlete monitoring, or building durable and explosive players, this one’s loaded with prac