206. Doing Hard Things, Longevity and Training, Fueling Short Workouts, The Power of Placebo, AI Bots, and Cocodona 250!
May 14, 2024
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In this podcast, they discuss the benefits of hard training for longevity, vulnerability in tough times, and interesting topics like AI bots changing human interaction. Also, they talk about fueling workouts, placebo effects, multi-day ultras, and poetry readings. Stick around for Conan O'Brien's comedy and spontaneous poetry!
Engaging in intense athletic accomplishments can potentially increase longevity by several years, based on studies of sub-4 minute mile athletes and Tour de France cyclists.
Open discussions about vulnerability and tough times can lead to personal growth and deeper connections, as seen in Megan’s sharing of her health status.
AI chatbots offer a new dimension to human interactions, as seen in the Hard Fork podcast’s exploration of generating unique AI personas for engaging conversations.
Utilizing unique motivation sources like spite can drive intense training efforts, highlighting the unexpected fuel it can provide for competitive drive.
Deep dives
First Study: Longevity of Sub-4 Minute Mile Athletes
An analysis of the first 200 sub-4 minute mile athletes showed that they lived an average of 4.7 years longer than predicted, with benefits being more pronounced based on the decade when the achievement was made - 9.2 years for 1950s, 5.5 for 1960s, and 2.9 for 1970s. This study highlights the potential positive impact of high-intensity athletic accomplishments on longevity.
Second Study: Longevity of Tour de France Cyclists
Research on 834 Tour de France cyclists from 1930 to 1964 revealed an average lifespan increase of 8 years relative to the general population. This study emphasizes the longevity benefits that dedicated endurance training, like cycling in the Tour de France, can have on athletes, showcasing an enduring positive impact on their life spans.
Implications on Athletic Stress
These studies offer a reassuring perspective on the effects of strenuous athletic training on longevity, highlighting the potential benefits of pushing physical limits without fear of negative health repercussions. The findings serve as a reminder to enjoy physical pursuits and live life fully, as long as it's done with appropriate care and consideration.
AI Coaching Exploration on the Hard Fork Podcast
A discussion on the Hard Fork podcast explored the use of AI personas in engaging conversations. Host Kevin Ruis generated 18 AI friends with unique backstories to interact with, providing insights on AI dynamics in dialogues. The episode delved into the nuances of AI chatbots and the intriguing, sometimes unpredictable nature of their interactions.
Empowerment Through Podcast Listener's Reflection on Sports Bras
The listener shares the impact of specially designed sports bras on their athletic performance and highlights the importance of having adjustable fasteners on the band. They express a desire for more focus on developing healthier sports bra options and find empowerment in their choice of sports gear.
Harnessing Spite for Motivation in Racing
A runner finds fierce motivation in spite towards a person who betrayed a close friend, driving them to train harder and focus on details like protein intake and strength work. They acknowledge the unusual fuel of spite, admitting it might need therapy while leaning into it for competitive drive.
Community Bonds and Excitement over Pregnancy News
A listener shares an encounter at a race event where the wearing of the swap hat sparks conversations and shoutouts about the hosts' pregnancy. The podcast is praised for its ability to build connections and excitement within the running community.
Navigating Darker Times and Growth Through Vulnerability
The listener reflects on how enduring challenging times and embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper resilience and growth. They draw parallels between confronting personal darkness and the mental fortitude required in ultra-running, emphasizing the transformative power of facing difficult experiences.
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 sharing all of the ups and downs of life. TW: deep discussions of pregnancy uncertainty. Megan courageously shared her current health status, and how she is thinking about vulnerability in a tough time. Over the last 4 years of this podcast, we have opened up about everything, and our lives have opened up with so much love as a result. We got this, whatever "this" ends up being, even if it takes a while.
And we discussed so many of our favorite topics! Our theory is that talking about interesting things (and making jokes) is restorative. Other topics: Conan O'Brien's commitment to the bit, how the new Jim Walmsley video played a role in our weekend, fitness return after David's accident, caffeinated gels and fueling workouts, AI bots and how we think it may change human interaction as we know it, a new study on sodium bicarbonate and the placebo effect, the Cocodona 250 and multi-day ultras, Zwift's price increases, Emma Coburn's toughness, and hot takes.
There may even be a poetry reading at the end. Stick around to find out... If you dare!
On a day like today, we are even more thankful for the amazing listeners out there who give us strength and courage to wander through the darker forests along the way. We love you all! HUZZAH!
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