Some Work, All Play

We sat in a stew of uncertainty before recording this awesome (and healing) episode! The main training topic was a pair of studies looking at longevity outcomes in serious athletes. Extra-hard training seems to have longevity benefits compared to general population lifestyles, contrary to some warnings you might hear! Let's all plan on doing uphill treadmill runs in the nursing home.

The big conversation was in the spirit of sh...

We celebrated a week with minimal life drama (YAY) before recording this great episode! The main training topic was a new study monitoring response v. non-response. Imagine two similar athletes who are given the the same training program. One could have breakthroughs, and one could face physical disaster. Why? We use the study to talk about how we have seen athletes respond differently, and ways you might be able to understand your...

We got the surprise of our lives before recording this dazed-and-excited episode! The main topic was the Canyons 100k. It was Megan's dream race, and you may have seen... she did not start. We had some incredibly surprising news right before we boarded our flight to California for the race, and we process it in real-time on the episode. Hopefully the discussion and Megan's openness helps you deal with whatever big surprises...

We sipped on some of the finest, chalkiest electrolyte drink for this great episode! The main topic was gearing up for big events, spurred by Megan's upcoming adventure at the Canyons 100k. After the health issues, we were unsure whether we'd ever be able to have this sort of discussion on the podcast, and listeners have been there every step of the way. If there is any test, it's in training. Racing is a celebration. T...

We got extremely hyped watching the Boston Marathon before recording this amazing episode! The main training topic was a new study connecting carb intake during exercise to reduced central fatigue, leading to the researchers theorizing a link between "excess" carbs and improved neuromuscular function. The study protocol was weird and wild! Does this mean we should consume mid-podcast gels to improve joke performance? We p...

We enjoyed an all-expenses-paid ambulance trip before this amazing episode! The main topic was David's harrowing bike crash. The incredible paramedics said that the impact launched him 100 feet through the air. Somehow, the concussion, a broken wrist, and lacerations seem to be the worst of it. The legs are 100%! And as all runners know, wrists and brains just get in the way.

We are so happy to be alive! Life is so uncertain, a...

It's the 200th episode, and we brought so much gratitude to the party! The main topic was reflecting on 5 ways our approach to endurance training/coaching has changed, based on new research and real-world experience. The topics buffet is packed with goodness: extreme-carb fueling during hard efforts, heavier strength work (in moderation), less need for high mileage (but more cross-training), increased steady running, and more d...

We rode the inspiration wave from witnessing history for this great episode! The main topic was on the mind-boggling finish from Jasmin Paris at the Barkley Marathons. She is the first woman to finish the race, and we think it will go down as one of the most impressive endurance achievements ever. We break down why that is, and we proceed to eat some crow based on past statements about the race that she proved wrong. Jasmin dares u...

We vibed with a new playlist (Taylor's version) before this great episode! The main training topic was a new study on fatigue resistance, which used a novel protocol for testing durability involving different levels of intensity. "Durability" research may be the most exciting part of modern performance science, and we broaden it out with real-world examples. We finish with our 4 big tips!

You already know tip one. Yes...

We made questionable playlist decisions (arf arf) to get hyped for this amazing episode! The big topic was Lululemon's FURTHER event, a 6-day ultra in the California desert, full of intrigue and world records. Megan was on the ground as coach and science advisor, and she returns with a report that will blow your minds. What happens when a company invests millions of dollars in supporting athletes of all levels, along with groun...

We ate some business PB+Js to fuel up for this great episode! The main training topic was on fueling like your athletic life depends on it. Erase all of your preconceived notions and ask this question: When you're already tired and you're still a couple hours away from home, what do you do? If you're anything like many of the best endurance athletes in the world, you learn to stuff down as many calories as you reasonabl...

We put on some see-through pants for this great episode! The main training topic was on double workouts, involving two moderate sessions in a single day. Norwegian athletes are notorious for their double threshold days, and over the last few years, we have been using an adapted approach with the treadmill or cross-training that can be implemented for trail runners, non-pros, and aging athletes. There's no "secret"... ...

We glugged some sugar with coffee and cream for this awesome episode! The main training topic was a new study breaking down the training of the 24-hour world-record holder. It gave us an excuse to talk about the trajectory of ultra training, and how we're in the midst of a fundamental shift in the sport at all levels.

We also talked about a cool study on sports bra tightness and breathing patterns. The results were pretty stunn...

We just got back from a joyful and intense weekend at the Black Canyon 100k, arguably the most competitive ultra on US soil! Endurance sports are in the midst of a fundamental shift in what's possible, from the winners to the final finishers. This year's Black Canyon was a mind-blowing demonstration of how the game is changing, with tons of lessons that apply to all goals!

Topics we discussed: why the sport has taken such ...

It was the ultimate celebration episode, on a high from watching the Olympic Marathon Trials! We talked about some of our favorite storylines from the most exciting race on US soil: training partners finishing together (and our conspiracy theory), the next big star is born for female marathoners, an Olympian who walked onto her D2 college team, and so much more.

Then we had some of the coolest data ever: internal stats on race day...

We rolled up our shorts to their full upright and locked positions for this spicy episode! A big topic was the final installment in our trilogy of updates on tensions surrounding UTMB. The letter sent by Kilian Jornet and Zach Miller to fellow pros added fuel to a fire that started at the grassroots level, finally leading to a response from UTMB. We provide some context that will be fascinating whether you're interested in trai...

We chugged some chocolate whole milk to fuel this amazing episode! The main training topic was on why testosterone levels are relevant for all endurance athletes. While individuals have different genetic set-points for testosterone, studies on men and women show that training and fueling interventions can change baseline levels. Those changes can be positive, leading to more energy and better performance... or negative, possibly co...

We had fire (and iron) flowing through our veins for this awesome episode! There is a big development in the UTMB controversy: reports that legends Kilian Jornet and Zach Miller sent a letter to some of the best athletes in the world considering a boycott of this year's races. We talk about what we think it means through the lens of negotiation theory. This shift in leverage could be a turning point in the UTMB drama!

We also ...

We ate the world's largest lunches to get ready for this awesome episode! The main training discussion was on tempo running. What even is a tempo? Coaches and physiologists all disagree, leaving athletes in an uncertain spot. We cut through the noise with the help of a 2019 study looking at what training elements most strongly correlate with long-term growth.

We also answered some amazing listener questions! Should men and wom...