The Power of Going Slow: Smarter Training for a Better Life

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with endurance coach Floris Gierman to talk about the surprising power of slowing down to get faster, building consistency, and creating a healthier, more intentional life.

 

From heart rate-based training and journaling habits to sleep, movement, and mindset shifts, this episode is full of simple, practical takeaways that can help anyone—athlete or not—feel better, live longer, and perform at their best.

 

Floris shares lessons from world-class athletes and everyday runners alike, showing how long-term change is built through patience, self-awareness, and small daily wins. If you're tired of burnout, overwhelmed by fitness advice, or just looking for a smarter way to train and live - don’t miss this conversation.

 

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:43 Meet Floris Gierman from Extramilest

01:39 Finishing hard things rewires the brain

03:50 Slowing down to get faster

05:13 Science behind the 80/20 training rule 

07:05 Focusing on heart rate zones

07:39 Lessons from elite Swedish racers 

09:15 Journaling and pattern recognition 

11:50 Track sleep, stress & screen time

12:12 Three life optimization tips

14:43 Where to find Floris online

15:05 Low heart rate training explained