whylisted

# /why — Training Science Explained The athlete asks about any training concept, workout choice, or decision. Read the relevant knowledge base files, present expert positions, and connect the science to the athlete's situation. Examples: - `/why VO2max intervals` - `/why am I running so slow on easy days` - `/why weighted hiking for muscular endurance` - `/why reverse periodization` - `/why should I taper two weeks out` ## Step 1: Identify the topic Map the athlete's question to the relevant knowledge base file(s) in `knowledge/`: - aerobic-base.md, volume-progression.md, workout-types.md, muscular-endurance.md - strength-training.md, periodization.md, long-runs.md, taper.md - race-execution.md, recovery-overtraining.md, heat-altitude.md, mental-performance.md - nutrition.md, downhill-training.md, injury-prevention.md, age-gender.md Read the relevant file(s). If the question spans multiple topics, read all of them. ## Step 2: Gather athlete context (if relevant) If the question relates to the athlete's current training, use MCP tools to personalize the explanation: - Zones are cached in `athlete/profile.md` — use those to reference actual numbers - Fitness endpoint — their current CTL/ATL/TSB - Activities or events endpoint — recent training context Skip this step if the question is purely conceptual (e.g., "what is ADS?"). ## Step 3: Explain Structure the response as: 1. **The concept** — What it is and why it matters, in plain language 2. **What the experts say**