The Performance Podcast

The Performance Podcast

Each episode explores evidence-based training, running, strength, mindset, recovery, and real-life experiences. You’ll hear raw solo episodes and inspiring conversations with experts, athletes, and everyday people pushing limits. Whether you're chasing a marathon PR, building strength, or just trying to live and train with more intention—this podcast brings you the tools, stories, and motivation to show up stronger in sport and life. Discover how to improve your fitness and continue doing what you love, and running well into your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Episodes

July 4, 2025 13 mins

Today we discuss the difference between in-season and off-season weight training when training for a half or full marathon. Whether you’re gearing up for race season or just wrapped up a big goal race, knowing how to adjust your strength work can improve your performance, recovery, and longevity. And what's cool is - it's not that complicated!

www.trainmk.com

@melissa_kendter


Sources:

Balsalobre-Fernández et al., 2018

NSCA E...

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Today we're joined by Marathon Nutritionist: Kristy Baumann, Registered Dietician and 13 time marathoner. Whether you're training for your first half marathon or trying to hit a PR in the marathon, or just want longevity in the sport of running what and how you eat can make or break your performance.

Today we talk about how to fuel properly through all phases of training, biggest mistakes endurance athletes can make and what...

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Whether you're training for a fall marathon, trying to maintain your base, or chasing some summer speed, this episode is all about training smarter, not just harder, in the heat. Today we dive into the physiology of heat training, hydration strategies, mental and physical adaptations, and how to leverage heat as a performance enhancer instead of a performance killer.


www.trainmk.com

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June 6, 2025 16 mins

Hybrid training is a fitness approach that combines endurance training (like running, cycling, swimming) with strength training. The goal is to develop cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, power, and overall athleticism. In this episode, we discuss hybrid training basics, how to maximize both as a beginner and experienced, some examples of weekly setups, and what to know.


🏋🏽‍♀️ Need help with your training?

🔗 www.trainmk....

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Today we'll be exploring strategic advantages of focusing on shorter races and developing a strong aerobic base and how those are crucial steps toward marathon success.

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One of the most powerful tools in a runner's toolkit: running by feel. Running by feel means pacing and adjusting your effort based on internal cues: breath, heart rate, muscle fatigue, mental focus, instead of external metrics like GPS pace or heart rate data. According to a 2016 study in Frontiers in Physiology, perceived exertion is closely linked to physiological markers like lactate levels and heart rate, making it a relia...

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Today we're diving into a topic that every athlete, recreational or competitive, has faced at some point: what should you do when you approach a workout in a fatigued state?

Maybe you didn’t sleep well or maybe yesterday’s session is still lingering, or maybe you’re just returning to training and everything feels like a grind. So the question becomes: Do you push through? Scale back? Skip it entirely? Let’s unpack it.


www.t...

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In this episode, I’m sharing my Boston Marathon experience from Hopkinton to Boston. Then we’re diving into the science of fueling and hydration — specifically, electrolyte depletion: what it is, why it matters for performance, and how you can stay ahead of it. Whether you’re training for your first marathon or refining your race-day strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel strong, stay balanced, and go...

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Today’s episode is part of the “Ask Your Coach” series!
We kicked things off with a quick life update as I move closer to race day in Boston, then jumped into some rapid-fire questions from the community, including:

  • How to maintain pace late in a race

  • Are energy drinks helpful before long runs or races?

  • The key ingredients to successful coaching

Whether you're training for your first 5K, your next half marathon, or aimi...

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Do colder temps affect running performance? Throughout this podcast, we'll answer the question of do you run slower in the cold, and offer some tips on how to mitigate that effect during winter training. 


Train with me on Moves

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Research


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Today we start with an ask your coach question: is heel striking bad? Then we get into how to increase running mileage safely (specifically for distance running). You've probably heard conflicting responses, so today we take a dive into each!


• heel striking , over-striding

• how to increase running mileage safely


🎙️Rate, review, and subscribe on your podcast app of choice!

📲 trainmk.com

➡️ @melissa_kendter


https://pub...

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Today we explore more than 10 effective tips for running without getting fatigued. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for endless energy on your runs, there are proven strategies that can greatly boost your endurance. Tune in as we dive deep into these helpful techniques. Check out the links below if you need guidance with your hybrid training!


👉 Train with me!

📲 @melissa_kendter

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Ask your coach series: How to make a running comeback? And are warm-ups really necessary?


Whether it was an injury, a major life change or an unplanned extended break that kept you sidelined, now is the time to focus on moving forward with your running! We cover 3 tips for runners making a comeback, AND, why warm-ups are necessary.

www.trainmk.com/links

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Welcome back to an ask your coaches series! I chose the first 3 topics that were given to me, and boy did they pack a punch!

Fitness is not black and white, we're all unique individuals, so we broadly tackle one at a time using science-backed information and studies, as well as personal experience from myself and athletes I work with. Let's dive in!


1- getting a defined body, build a well-rounded body

2- getting back into a routine /...

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November 27, 2024 17 mins

Have you ever ran a half marathon or full marathon and burned out the last few miles? Today we're going to take a deep dive into four ways to improve your fatigue resistance.

There are four main variables when it comes to running performance: running economy, lactate threshold, VO2Max, and fatigue resistance. Today we are focusing on that fatigue resistance to better our chances at endurance events, like the marathon.

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...
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November 6, 2024 36 mins

Each person's long run will vary depending on your experience level, what you are training for, your goals, or maybe you want to get out there log some miles and build to your running fitness. Either way, there are a few key areas to consider when getting long run ready: mindset, nutrition, and running gear.  Today we take a bigger dive into getting your mind ready to cover the distance and build appropriately. Whether you'...

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How fitness goals are accomplished relates to the daily behaviors and choices a person makes. Getting moving and continuing to move, like behavior change, is a goal-driven process. The choices we make will either support or detract from the journey. And changing health behaviors becomes a complex and progressive experience influenced by a number of factors that will take effort, but the reward is always great.

www.trainmk.com

@meli...

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September 24, 2024 37 mins

Why should runners strength train? Today we cover some science-backed topics as to why strength training is a vital part of the piece of the puzzle. If you want to because a stronger, faster, and more an ache-free runner, you need to start picking up some weights. But, understanding the why and how is key to sticking with it.

www.trainmk.com

melissa_kendter

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September 20, 2024 24 mins

Running 26.2 miles, or 42 kilometers, is a big athletic feat that requires preparation, strategic planning, and a well thought out plan tailored to you, so that you have a successful marathon build and remain injury free.

We delve into the ins and outs of marathon training, then dive into 8 tips on how to prep, both mentally and physically, to have a successful training cycle.


@melissa_kendter

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In today's episode we open up with an athlete's question in regards to shin splits and then take a deep dive into navigating the three pillars of the health triangle to help you unlock your potential with performance and general well-being: physical, mental, and social.

www.trainmk.com/links

@melissa_kendter

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