Some Work, All Play

We traveled halfway around the world to bring you this very special episode from Chamonix, France, the site of the UTMB races later this week! Our sleep is low, but our spirits are high. The main topic was on initial reflections on European racing and UTMB later this week. Our biggest prediction is that North American runners are going to have some major success over here in the coming decade, and...

We had a blast on this episode talking about some of our favorite topics! The main discussion was on takeaways from a magical Leadville 100 Miler. Jacquie Mannhard's breakthrough win came from shockingly low training volume (often under 45 miles per week) and we break down some lessons from her journey. At the finish, she popped a champagne bottle like it was her destiny! New life goal: train...

This episode was a total joy talking about food, brains, and training! The main discussion was on a term sent in by a listener: "food doping." Endurance sports are being revolutionized by a focus on high fueling levels during activity. Some cyclists consume up to 600 calories per hour in hard races! In the process, performances and fatigue resistance are accelerating at rates that haven&...

We brought full hearts and clear nasal passages to this awesome episode! The main training topic was on the gargantuan Strava files of athletes preparing for the UTMB races. We zoom out to talk about multi-year growth, a study on speed and ultra performance, and the balance between long-term health and short-term performance. Health and ultra performance can go together like ketchup and everything...

The theme of this episode: we are all powerful dump trucks! The main training discussion was on a new study looking at how strength work may help (or hurt) mitochondria adaptations. This study had wildly unexpected results, just like we like them! We also talked about our experience with sweat testing and some of the research on hyperhydration. We expect the science of hydration (personalized base...

We came into this episode with so much excitement to talk about some of our favorite topics! This week's main discussion was on a new study examining the cellular-level effects of chronic stress. We zoom out from the biology of stress to talk about what it may mean for training. If you play your cards right, maybe rest days will make you live forever! We also had a joyous time talking about th...

We brought hearts full of love and legs full of toxic waste to this episode! Our main discussion was a big breakdown of science-driven lessons that we try to put into practice with racing. Megan is BACK, winning and crashing the overall podium at a tough mountain 25k! We talk about the science of pre-race carb intake, and how we screwed it up. Pro tip: make sure your pasta is not made of beans. Ot...

This episode was one of our favorites ever! The main discussion was on stories from the US Track Championships, and lessons that can apply to all athletes. Even if you don't follow track, we think you'll come away from this discussion ready to shoot the scariest shots. Believe! We also talked about some of the science of the Tour de France, where training and fueling theories are put to th...

We put on our party super-shoes on for this joyful episode! The main discussion was on a new study on the evolution of world-class endurance training. We dig into researcher predictions before providing a bunch of predictions of our own. How will new tools and wearables change the game? What about artificial intelligence? Can AI do what we do as coaches? It probably can. As soon as AI learns to gi...

WOW, we just witnessed a Western States 100 that may change how ultras are run forever! We recorded this episode right after spending all day and night coaching and cheering at the race, so our voices are wavering, but our excitement is UNSTOPPABLE. We couldn't wait to tell you everything about the event, focusing on stories and lessons that will be helpful even if you don't race ultras. T...

We had a party on this episode with so many fun topics! Training discussions were mixed in throughout, like chocolate chips in a BIG cookie. That included how to mix intensity-controlled intervals with harder VO2 work, uphill running form (lean forward!), the importance of threshold and critical speed in all events, and what happens when your private parts go lactic. Things got a bit wild! But our...

We brought a heaping helping of excitement to this episode to celebrate the most wonderful time of the running year! The main discussion was on the 2023 World Championships for trail and ultra-running. We break down the storylines, including an analysis of race tactics and training for WORLD CHAMPION Grayson Murphy. The courses were absolutely wild, and there are lessons for all athletes. Some of...

This episode was the most fun ever, perfect timing for the 3-YEAR PODCAST ANNIVERSARY! The main training topic was on what it means to dream big, and why it matters for physiology as much as it does for the brain. Our exploration of the dream-big topic navigated through our own journeys (including our plans with the podcast), the science of coaching, and how small nudges can fundamentally change o...

We filled our wine glasses with protein powder for our favorite day of the week: PODCAST TUESDAY! The main training topic was on how athletes can think about strength work. It's an area where our coaching approach has evolved over time based on how we have seen the research interact with real-world performance! Should you use lighter weight or heavier weight? One set or multiple sets? Should y...

We woke up before sunrise like it was Christmas morning for our favorite day of the week: PODCAST TUESDAY! The main training topic was on simple tips to improve technical running, and how the principles of thinking about form on difficult terrain can also improve health and performance on roads. After this episode, you'll believe in the ultimate power of THE CHOP. We also talked about a wonder...

It's getting hot in here, so we took off most of our clothes for PODCAST TUESDAY! The main training topic was on a new review study looking at all of the research on long-term training approaches. What works? What doesn't? On a scale of 0 to infinity, how much ice cream should you be eating? We have 3 takeaways for all levels of athletes about training volume, deemphasizing VO2 max, and cr...

We are so excited for this episode where we got to party with one of our favorite people: Grayson Murphy. She was fresh off a double national championship, winning the U.S. Uphill Champs on one day, followed by the U.S. Mountain Champs the next day, both in dominant fashion. In a few short years, she has established herself as one of the best trail runners in world history. How did she do it? Gray...

We did a happy dance for the most wonderful day of the week: Podcast Tuesday! The main discussion was on fun takeaways from racing the Canyons 100k. David stepped up into the unknown and was 5th place! But what made the day really special was hitting a low point when it seemed impossible, and finding out that there was more to give. Our suggestion is to try something really big and really scary, w...

We put our party hats on for the ultimate celebration: Podcast Tuesday! The main training topic was on lactate shuttles in the body, and the connection between lactate and fatigue at all intensity levels. It's so fascinating how this molecule connects what we all feel during training, from a professional athlete to someone who is going on their first hike! But the main discussion was on Megan&...

We turned our happiness meters to 100 for our favorite day: Podcast Tuesday! The main training topic was on the science of gut training. The stomach needs to be trained in a methodical way just like the aerobic system, but people rarely talk about how much this part of training theory plays a role in endurance. We discuss the mechanisms, studies, and considerations, ending with 4 tips to improve y...

The most exciting time of our week is here: podcast Tuesday! The main training topic was on the trend of increasing carbohydrate intake during activity, sometimes to extreme levels around 120 grams per hour (480 calories!). We review some of the science of how glycogen levels relate to fatigue processes, along with GI considerations and our own personal experiences. Is it the next frontier of fuel...

The most fun time of our week is here: podcast Tuesday! The main training topic was on Zone 2, focusing on what it is and how to find it for yourself. If you're anything like us, understanding the metabolic and aerobic physiology will explain so much about training theory, and you'll get way faster in the process. Zone 2 is like Hansel, it's so hot right now. We also talked about some...

We brought a jubilant energy to this episode, countering a lack of sleep with a surplus of caffeinated gels! The main training topic was on overload training blocks, which consist consist of volume and/or intensity increases that last anywhere from a couple days to multiple weeks. We review some fascinating studies indicating that overloads may spur breakthroughs, but can also lead to disaster. Ho...

This episode was full of Spring joy! The main training topic was on 4 key principles as athletes transition from winter training, which apply anytime an athlete is pursuing peak performance. The primary physiological discussions: how increased climbing affects adaptation and fatigue, heat acclimation and fitness benefits, sustainable strength work, and dialing into effort instead of metrics. Lots...

It was such a joy to talk to one of our heroes, Joe Gray! Over his legendary career, Joe has won 22 US National Championships across mountain running, trail running, and cross country. Plus 9 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! He is one of the best mountain runners of all time, with a legacy of sustained dominance that might never be matched. We have gotten to know Joe over the years at races, and he always tak...