The Neuroscience of Performance: Dr. Paige Roberts on Mental and Physical Trauma | Fireside Chat

Welcome to the 123rd episode of the Run Tri Bike Fireside Chat podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Jason Bahamundi sits down with Dr. Paige Roberts of Roberts Neurotraining, a performance neuro trainer whose work is revolutionizing the way athletes approach both mental and physical challenges.

Dr. Roberts shares her journey from being a Colorado native and sports competitor to becoming a trailblazer in performance neuro training. She opens up about her personal experiences with sports injuries and the traumatic events that ignited her passion for understanding the impacts of trauma on athletes. Whether it’s mental or physical, Dr. Roberts explains how trauma is stored in the body similarly and emphasizes the necessity of processing these experiences to unlock an athlete’s full potential.

This conversation dives deep into the science of stress, revealing how the body’s response to stress—such as the production of cortisol—can create trauma memory networks that hold athletes back. Dr. Roberts outlines the critical importance of recovery and balanced training, offering a critique of outdated coaching practices that promote overtraining. Instead, she advocates for a science-based approach that prioritizes mental health and effective recovery strategies.

But this episode isn't just about the serious side of sports; Dr. Roberts also touches on the lighter aspects of athletic life. She highlights how fun, social interactions, and even something as simple as a smile can significantly enhance athletic performance. The discussion then shifts to a lighthearted "rapid fire" segment where Dr. Roberts answers a series of food-related questions, revealing her love for plant-based meals, a hint of cheese indulgence, and her preference for black coffee brewed in a French press.

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Roberts encourages listeners to keep an eye out for her upcoming articles on RunTriMag.com, where she’ll be sharing more insights into the science of neurotraining. She also invites endurance athletes to explore the neurotraining sessions available through her practice, complete with downloadable sound therapy tools designed to aid in recovery and performance.

This episode is a must-watch for any endurance athlete looking to deepen their understanding of how the mind and body interact and to gain practical tips for optimizing both. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, feeling the weight of stress, or simply want to find more joy in your training, Dr. Roberts’ insights will motivate you to take your athletic journey to the next level.

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