261. Kilian's Western States Training Video, Jim Walmsley Isn't Racing (!), Weird Broccoli Sprouts Science, and A New Bicarb Gel!

42 snips

Jun 3, 2025

Exciting news unfolds as Jim Walmsley withdraws from Western States, altering the landscape of ultrarunning. Meanwhile, Kilian Jornet shares training insights through a captivating video, reinforcing his status as the ultimate GOAT. Fascinating discussions on the health benefits of broccoli sprouts and a revolutionary bicarb gel add scientific flavor. A humorous dive into dark chocolate's impact on performance and the vital role of breathing techniques keeps the conversation lively. Tune in for insights on training challenges, nutrition innovations, and the unique dynamics of elite athletes.

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INSIGHT

Impact of Walmsley's Withdrawal

Jim Walmsley dropping out of Western States shifted winner predictions dramatically.
Kilian Jornet's odds rose to 50-60%, and other contenders like Adam Peterman gained chances.

INSIGHT

Cross Training Benefits Mountain Runners

Cross training (skiing, cycling) is a major unifying factor among top mountain racers.
Shifting some zone two work to other modalities may benefit performance and reduce impact.

ANECDOTE

Simon Yates' Epic Comeback

Simon Yates redeemed a crushing cycling loss in 2018 by winning the Giro d'Italia in 2025.
This comeback was marked by perseverance and updated training fueled by high-carb strategies.

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We gulped down some pungent juice before recording this amazing episode! The main topics were the two big pieces of news: Jim Walsmley won't be racing Western States, and Kilian Jornet is making training videos now. Jim is the GOAT and we gave him an 85% chance of winning just last week. He's the supermassive black hole at the center of the Western States galaxy. Without Jim at the start line, how does it change the race?

Kilian is the GOAT too (yes, we have a GOAT herd), and he just released a training video! He abides by the "no secrets" approach, and we analyzed every frame of that video to try to find clues about whether he might be beatable. Answer: no. Bonus answer: Kilian is the best and it's fascinating that he started his own video series by talking about his heat training.

And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: our magical coaching day at the US Mountain Championships, thoughts on training for mountain races, Unbreakable 2 cancellation, the wild triumph of Simon Yates, a new bicarb gel that could upend the bicarb market, the wild science of broccoli sprouts and a new juice supplement from Nomio, anti-histamines and athletic performance, why we're eating dark chocolate (it tastes good), lung training via breathing devices, the relationship between speed work and form in ultras, a hypothetical about Conner Mantz racing Leadville or Western States, an article in the New York Times on unethical mountaineering, training with a newborn, dealing with life transitions, fitting the Naked Belt, the cost of running, cheaper suphershoes, and an incredible poem on failing and flying.

Everyone forgets that Icarus also flew. Also, if Icarus had broccoli sprouts and Kilian's training video, maybe he would have flown a bit longer.

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