s5/e27 (RE-RUN) Your Hybrid Training Crash Course with Dr. Alyssa Olenick, PhD

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Aug 14, 2025

Join Dr. Alyssa Olenick, a lively exercise physiologist and ultra runner, as she unveils the secrets of hybrid training. She explains the interference effect and the importance of blending strength with endurance for optimal performance. Discover how strength training enhances running while preventing injuries, and why curiosity, not perfection, should guide your fitness journey. Learn about seasonal training, effective recovery strategies, and the supportive role of community in achieving your athletic goals.

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INSIGHT

Hybrid Training Is A Spectrum

Hybrid (concurrent) training sits on a spectrum between pure endurance and pure strength, not as a single label.
You can shift along the spectrum by season and goals rather than lock into one identity.

INSIGHT

Interference Is Real — But Manageable

Molecular interference (AMPK vs mTOR) exists but is often overemphasized for most recreational athletes.
Managing fatigue, programming, and nutrition usually eliminates the practical problem.

ADVICE

Prioritize Recovery And Session Order

Prioritize recovery, session spacing, and fueling to reduce acute CNS fatigue between runs and lifts.
Schedule sessions so you can perform what matters most without excessive residual fatigue.

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We’re back with another fantastic re-run featuring the powerhouse herself, exercise physiologist and hybrid athlete Dr. Alyssa Olenick (@doclyssfitness)!

Hybrid training isn't just about picking between strength or endurance – it's about embracing BOTH for both health and performance goals. Dr. Olenick breaks down the interference effect, explains the shifting application of training intensity, and goes through hybrid training in the off-season all the way through your pre-race taper PLUS many more insights and educational tidbits along the way!

What You'll Learn:

What hybrid (or concurrent) training is and how it blends strength and endurance for optimal fitness.

How to manage the "interference effect" and fatigue when training for multiple goals.

Why strength training is essential for runners for both performance and injury prevention.

How to approach fitness with curiosity, NOT perfection.

The importance of seasonal training and post-race recovery for long-term health and performance.

Why group fitness classes can support your goals but shouldn’t replace focused strength or endurance work.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Hybrid Training

(03:48) Defining Hybrid Training

(11:35) Understanding the Interference Effect

(20:30) Training Tolerance and Goal Setting

(23:54) Benefits of Hybrid Training

(29:59) The Importance of Strength Training for Runners

(35:42) Overcoming the Fear of Lifting

(44:23) Building Confidence in Strength Training

(45:14) Embracing Imperfection in Training

(46:47) The Role of Group Fitness Classes

(51:30) Understanding Hybrid Training

(55:25) Balancing Running and Lifting

(01:00:06) The Importance of Recovery

(01:04:58) Long-Term Fitness Perspectives

(01:09:42) The Process Over Perfection

(01:16:11) Finding Joy in the Journey

Meet Alyssa

Dr. Alyssa Olenick is an Exercise Physiologist, sports nutritionist, weight lifter, and ultra runner. She is known for her high energy and sassy approach to bringing science to your training in a no-nonsense way. Alyssa has helped thousands of women crush big lifting goals, cross race finish lines, or even do both.

www.doclyssfitness.com

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