Sprinter, national team level

We spoke with Alex Tran about early signs of fatigue, self-awareness in training, and what she’s learned the hard way.

What’s something you wish you noticed earlier in your career?
Honestly, when my right hamstring started tightening after sessions — I told myself it was just the volume. But looking back, it was compensation. My left side was under-recovering, and my stride had shifted.

What do early signs feel like for you?
For me it’s not pain — it’s sharpness. When I start losing pop out of the blocks, I know something’s up. Also, when I need way longer between reps to feel ready, that’s a red flag.

Do you track anything outside the usual data?
Yeah. I started keeping a little post-session log — not numbers, just notes like “felt rushed,” or “shoulders did more work than legs today.” It sounds small, but after a few weeks, you can see patterns.

What’s your go-to adjustment when you catch something early?
I usually ask for tempo instead of max effort. Same mechanics, lower risk. And I double down on sleep — one bad night and I spiral.

Final advice to other athletes?
Don’t wait until something hurts. If you think about it more than twice during a session, it’s probably worth bringing up. Your body usually knows first.