253. New Science on Protein Needs, Unbreakable 2, VO2 Max Estimates, Carb Loads, Torpedo Bats, and Cross Training Intensity!
Apr 8, 2025
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This week, the hosts dive into groundbreaking research showing that endurance athletes may need more protein than previously thought. They also discuss the upcoming Unbreakable 2 documentary, reflecting on the evolution of sports and personal resilience. Discover the benefits of new fueling strategies like Tailwind High Carb, while also exploring how technology, such as Torpedo Bats, is transforming baseball. The conversation touches on overcoming the 'yips' in running, balancing intense training with life challenges, and innovative heat training strategies.
Endurance athletes may need higher protein intake than previously recommended, highlighting the importance of nutrition in performance and recovery.
The upcoming Unbreakable 2 documentary promises new insights into ultra-running and the evolution of innovative training methods, particularly through Killian Jornet's example.
The discussion on the impact of new technologies, like torpedo bats, underscores how advancements can significantly influence athletic performance across various sports.
Emphasizing authenticity, the hosts encourage vulnerability in addressing mental challenges in athletics, such as the 'running yips' and overcoming performance anxieties.
Deep dives
The Anticipation of Unbreakable 2
The podcast discusses the upcoming release of Unbreakable 2, a highly anticipated sequel to the documentary focused on the Western States race. The original film featured legendary athletes such as Killian Jornet, Anton Krupicka, and others, showcasing their remarkable journey through ultra-running. The excitement stems from the nostalgic connection that fans have to the first film, as well as the promise of new insights into the evolving world of ultra-running. There's also a humorous speculation about the iconic fashion choices in the film, particularly referencing white spandex shorts and the potential emergence of new styles.
Reflection on Longevity in Sport
The conversation transitions to the concept of longevity in sports, using Killian Jornet as a prime example. His continued success over the years is attributed to his openness to new training methods, nutrition, and sports science advancements. This highlights how modern athletes can achieve sustained excellence through innovative practices rather than relying solely on traditional approaches. It serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes to prioritize their health and improvement over time.
The Hit-and-Run Anniversary
The podcast reflects on the one-year anniversary of a serious bike accident experienced by one of the hosts, emphasizing themes of recovery, gratitude, and resilience. A heartfelt visit to the accident site included a symbolic gesture of placing a painted heart rock to commemorate the journey. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the durability of the human spirit. It resonates well with listeners who appreciate authentic discussions about overcoming adversity.
Nutrition Insights for Athletes
The hosts share their findings on protein recommendations for endurance athletes, revealing that the optimal intake may be higher than traditionally prescribed. Emerging research suggests that athletes, especially during intense training regimens, should aim for a protein intake of 1.8 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. This shift in understanding aims to support recovery and training adaptations, opening up discussions for diet modifications among competitive athletes. This newfound understanding emphasizes the importance of nutrition as a key component in athletic performance.
Technology in Sports: Baseball's New Era
The discussion shifts to the intersection of sports and technology, highlighting how innovations like the torpedo bat in baseball are changing the game. This new bat design alters the weight distribution to enhance performance, sparking debates about its impact on the sport. Comparisons are made to endurance running, discussing how advancements in fueling and equipment can significantly influence athletic success. This exploration of technology serves to illustrate the evolving landscape of competitive sports and its implications for athletes.
Coping with the Emotional Weight of Competition
Listeners are reminded that experiencing emotional turmoil after a disappointing performance, such as a DNF, is a shared human experience. The hosts emphasize that vulnerability and honesty in discussing failures can lead to stronger connections with their audience. By openly reflecting on their struggles, they provide a relatable perspective that encourages others to embrace their own setbacks as learning opportunities. This conversation underscores the importance of authenticity in sports and personal growth.
Combating Mental Blocks in Running
One segment focuses on the phenomenon of the 'running yips,' which can manifest as mental blocks hindering performance. The hosts discuss ways to overcome these challenges, drawing parallels to the experiences of athletes in various sports. Encouragement is given to embrace vulnerability, illustrating that addressing fears directly can help repeat success. This portion of the episode seeks to normalize conversations around mental challenges in athletics and provide strategies for coping.
Navigating Major Life Changes
The podcast delves into the anxieties associated with making significant life transitions, such as quitting a steady job to pursue a passion. The hosts offer their insights, advocating for courage in pursuing one's true passions despite societal pressures. Emphasis is placed on the importance of experience and personal happiness over the allure of external validation. This segment encourages listeners to trust their instincts and embrace the uncertainty that comes with change.
We put on our finest white spandex for this amazing episode! The main topic was a new review study on protein needs for endurance athletes. The authors used a cool method of isotope labeling to argue that endurance athletes need more protein than traditional recommendations. The nutrition revolution is not just about carbs!
And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: the announcement of an Unbreakable 2 documentary heading into Western States, Kilian Jornet's sustained dominance since the first Unbreakable was filmed, the 1-year anniversary of the bike crash, Tailwind High-Carb, our questions about protein recommendations, increased power and weight in professional cycling, torpedo bats dominating the conversation in baseball, mile times of the Houston basketball team, VO2 max estimates from your watch across different sports, nutrition on race week, the "yips" in running, balancing intensity with cross training, maintaining confidence when changing jobs, overdressed walking for heat training, and balancing training with studying for the bar exam.
Thank you so much for being here in the year since the accident. Showing up each week has been a backbone of our lives, and we appreciate you so much. Florence and the Machine can play us out:
"Is this how it is?
Is this how it's always been?
To exist in the face of suffering and death
And somehow, still keep singing."
We love you all! Huzzah!
-David and Megan
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