180. Strength Work and Muscle Fibers, UTMB Controversy Updates, Creatine, and Speed in Ultras!
Nov 14, 2023
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This podcast covers a range of interesting topics including strength training reversing the aging process, the controversy surrounding the UTMB race, a new American record at 50 miles, retirement from running, and the benefits of creatine supplementation for vegetarian and vegan athletes. The hosts also discuss income disparity, the impact of inspiring stories in sport, and the power of runners to spread love and light. The conversation ends with lighthearted topics like Christmas music and spreading positivity in a negative world.
Strength training can reverse the aging process and maintain muscle quality in older individuals.
Tailoring strength training to individual factors is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing imbalances or injuries.
Runners have the power to shape the sport and support races that promote diversity and stakeholder involvement.
Deep dives
The Importance of Strength Training for Older Adults
A recent study on older men found that lifelong strength training can have a significant impact on muscle type morphology and phenotype composition. The study compared over 70 individuals who did strength training throughout their lives with an over 70 endurance group and control groups of under 30 individuals. The findings demonstrated that the strength group had similar type 2 muscle fiber distribution, strength, and force development as the younger controls. On the other hand, the endurance group had fewer type 2 fibers and more atrophic fibers. These findings highlight the importance of strength training, particularly as individuals age, as it can help maintain muscle quality and prevent atrophy.
Nuances of Strength Training
The study's results also emphasize the need for a nuanced approach to strength training. While strength training is beneficial, it's crucial to consider individual factors such as muscle fiber typology and performance goals. Some individuals may be naturally more type 2 dominant and benefit from moderate strength training, while others may have a high-endurance focus. As coaches, it's important to tailor strength training recommendations based on these factors and strike a balance that supports overall performance and prevents muscle imbalances or injury risks.
The Power of Participants in Running
Running, unlike spectator-driven sports, empowers participants to influence the sport actively. As demonstrated by this study, individuals can shape their training routines to optimize muscle quality and adapt to age-related changes. Moreover, participants have the power to support races and initiatives that align with their values, such as those promoting diversity and stakeholder involvement. By actively engaging and supporting races that prioritize these values, runners contribute to a more inclusive and ethical running community.
The Emergence of World Trail Majors
In response to recent controversies involving UTMB and the need for alternative options, the World Trail Majors has been established as an independent ultra-trail world tour consisting of nine races worldwide that have not partnered with UTMB. Featuring races such as Black Canyon, Hong Kong 100K, and Quebec Mega Trail, World Trail Majors provides an alternative platform for trail runners and seeks to promote diversity in the sport. This development highlights the significance of competition, choice, and stakeholder involvement in shaping the future of ultra-trail running.
The Power of Everyday Runners
Everyday runners are the foundation of the sport, driving the revenue through purchases of shoes and gear. While the focus often goes to professional athletes and media coverage, it is the millions of trail runners who make it all happen. The participation and passion of everyday runners keep the sport alive, and without them, the entire running community would collapse. Running is a participation sport, and it's important to remember the impact that everyday runners have in making the sport vibrant and joyful.
We were extra carb-loaded for this awesome episode! The main training topic was on a new study looking at how strength work changes muscle fiber properties over time. Strength training seemed to reverse the aging clock! We dig into the nuances of what it means and how to apply the findings for endurance athletes of all ages. Invest in a big kettlebell now.
The juiciest topic was the upheaval in trail running after UTMB's Whistler fiasco. It's a story as old as time, with the big power player throwing their weight around and responding to push-back with weak apologies. Now, a new World Trail Majors series is stepping up to go head-to-head with the juggernaut. What comes next? We have some ideas. Get ready to swirl around in a controversy that could determine the future of trail running, with implications that apply across participant sports.
And that was just the start of the fun! Other topics: getting up from the couch after periods of forced rest, improving recovery rates during hard training, a new American Record at 50 miles, a wild (true?) story from swimming featuring Diana Nyad, an update on the drama surrounding the USATF Marathon Trials, retirement in trail running, cut-off times, e-bikes, creatine supplementation, and hot takes.
Somehow, we discuss the plot of the 1995 movie Casper. We hadn't seen it in 18 years, so get ready for a whimsical game of telephone with the deranged movies we showed kids in the 90s.
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