Endurance Unlimited

From Couch Potato to World Champion: April Zilg on Coaching and What Makes a Great Paddle Athlete — Season 7 Ep 8

Endurance Unlimited

Show Notes

The evolution of paddle sport racing is pushing the limits of endurance competition, where training technology and data-driven coaching play a significant role.

April Zilg, world champion paddle athlete, joins the show to share her journey from "couch potato" to the top of the stand up paddle board (SUP) world—all powered by smart training, dedication and data. In this episode, April reveals how technique-focused coaching, a science-based approach to training and leveraging TrainingPeaks shapes her work with athletes of all levels.

Get a crash course in the many flavors of paddle sports—from lightning-fast sprints to epic 1,000-mile adventures—and how race type, equipment and environment shape effective training strategies. April stresses the importance of tracking progress, balancing intensity and recovery, and being open to new technology, including heart rate and (soon) power meters on the water.

Whether you're curious about SUP racing, endurance coaching, or just want a peek behind the paddle, this episode is full of valuable coaching and training tips.

More from Endurance Unlimited

Oct 7, 2026

Go inside the high-performance partnership of Hannah and Ben as they unpack the science and soul of world-class Kona prep. This episode isn’t just a talk—it’s a tactical roadmap from turning setbacks into strategy, optimizing recovery, and making every workout count. Hear how their trust, clear communication, and sharp use of TrainingPeaks help transform raw data into racing brilliance.

Sep 30, 2026

Trevor Foley's rise in long-course triathlon hasn't followed a typical playbook. A former college runner with almost no cycling background, he found his way into the sport with what he calls “blind confidence" — and quickly discovered a talent for producing serious power on the bike.

Sep 17, 2026

Dive into the next evolution of indoor cycling as we sit down with George Gilbert, the brains behind TrainingPeaks Virtual.

Aug 19, 2026

Ultra running and mountain athlete coaching redefined: discover Scott Johnston’s trusted training secrets for building champions at UTMB, Hardrock, and Western States.

Aug 7, 2026

Join pro cyclist Ruth Edwards and host Joe Lewis as they pull back the curtain on the 2026 Tour de France Femmes—every dramatic stage, gritty comeback, and the crucial behind-the-scenes support that’s powering a new wave of champions. You’ll get the inside scoop on game-changing workouts, the impact of investment and equality, and the data-driven tools elevating the women’s peloton to its fastest, deepest level ever.

See all episodes →