224. Post-Run Carbs Science, Vincent's Training to Win UTMB, Supershoes Power Ranking, Biking for Runners, and The Fastest US Race Ever!
Sep 17, 2024
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Vincent Bouillard, a competitive athlete training for UTMB, shares his insights on evolving training methodologies. Their chat uncovers the critical role of post-exercise carbohydrate intake for optimal performance and recovery. Vincent highlights the shift towards cross-training, particularly biking, which enhances running efficiency. They delve into the fastest US races and new advancements in trail running shoes, along with a fun exploration of how AI might change coaching. A dose of laughter and inspiring anecdotes make for a lively and engaging conversation!
Recent research indicates that overall carbohydrate intake is more crucial than timing for post-exercise recovery and performance.
Vincent Bouillard's UTMB training showcases the evolving trend of cross-training among elite athletes, impacting overall training strategies.
The Headlands 30k might be the fastest US race to date, highlighting astonishing speeds in both male and female competitors and race depth.
AI is becoming part of coaching, supporting but not replacing the essential human element in athlete training and guidance.
Deep dives
Strava Apocalypse and Race Highlights
The episode discusses a phenomenon dubbed the 'Strava apocalypse' that occurred during the Headlands 27K race, part of the Golden Trail series, with notable performances from both men and women. The discussion highlights how both races showcased astonishing speeds, with the men achieving four-minute mile paces on downhills and the women climbing at an adjusted five-minute mile pace. The hosts express excitement about the race's depth and speed, emphasizing its significance as potentially the fastest race on US soil. There's also a mention of the visual media captured during the race, particularly the thrilling sprint finish juxtaposed against the scenic California trails.
Impact of Coaching on Performance
The conversation delves into the positive outcomes of effective coaching, noting that a significant number of top US athletes in the races were coached by one of the hosts. This prompted reflections on the interconnectedness between speed and trail running, suggesting that running economy is crucial for excelling in various terrains, including steep and technical races. The hosts highlight a breakthrough performance from various athletes in an environment that allowed their capabilities to shine, thus making an argument for the benefits of structured training. The conversations then touch upon individual performance improvements fueled by the strategic blend of different training elements, emphasizing that breadth in training can enhance overall race outcomes.
Running Trials as a Reflection of Training Success
The episode emphasizes that elite-level performances are now being validated through less technical but speed-focused races, indicating a shift in what is considered effective training. The hosts discuss how athletes who traditionally favored steep and tech-filled terrains are also finding success on flatter, faster courses, signifying that adaptability in training strategies leads to broader competitive success. As an example, they note an athlete's remarkable run through a segment known for its technical challenges, indicating the evolution of trail racing. This reflects the growing recognition that preparation for diverse race conditions can elevate competitive results.
Insights from Child Development and Parenting
The discussion touches on the insights gained from the hosts’ parenting experience, particularly how their child is starting to acquire communication skills, including saying 'yes' frequently. They explore the notion of nurturing a positive mindset, contrasting it with the typical no-phase children often exhibit. This comparison extends metaphorically to their attitudes toward running and performance, suggesting a philosophy of affirmation rather than limitation. They relay an overarching theme of positivity within personal development, both for their child and in their own running journeys, showing how encouragement translates into broader life skills and achievements.
Exploring Recent Scientific Findings
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to scientific updates that offer actionable insights for runners and athletes. It covers recent research regarding carbohydrate consumption and performance recovery, revealing that timing in ingesting carbs may not be as critical as once thought, reaffirming the need for athletes to focus on overall carbohydrate intake. They discuss implications for post-exercise recovery strategies while emphasizing the necessity for adequate nutrition to fuel training adaptations. The conversation builds on the idea that gaining a nuanced understanding of nutritional timing can empower athletes irrespective of their level.
The Intersection of Science and Personal Experience
The hosts share their experiences with scientific research in their respective fields, illustrating the often lengthy and complex processes behind scientific publishing. They reflect on how their personal journeys through research and training inform their understanding of athletic performance and recovery. This analysis reinforces the inherent bond between practical experience in the field and scientific inquiry, suggesting that one enhances the understanding of the other. The episode captures the blend of empirical evidence and anecdotal experiences that ultimately shapes coaching approaches.
The Role of AI in Coaching
A segment of the episode discusses the emerging role of AI within coaching, raising questions about how technology can enhance authorship and decision-making without replacing the personal touch inherent in coaching. The hosts discuss various ways that AI could serve as a partner to coaches by facilitating information processing while emphasizing the importance of human creativity and adaptive thinking. They convey that while AI tools can offer significant insights, the art of coaching must remain distinctly human to resonate genuinely with athletes. Thus, the discussion importantly frames AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for established coaching methodologies.
Listener Empowerment Through Political Engagement
The episode concludes with an inspiring listener feedback segment where one runner recounts their journey from training tips to running for political office, prompted by the message of empowerment they received from the podcast. This listener reflects on addressing issues within public schools and taking concrete actions to drive change, highlighting the practical impact of the podcast’s themes on personal lives. The hosts express their surprise and pride over the listener's achievements, emphasizing the importance of community action and individual initiative in addressing local societal challenges. This segment encapsulates the powerful ripple effect of inspirational messaging and encourages listeners to pursue their ambitions, no matter how daunting.
We slurped down a truly inspiring amount of carbohydrates before recording this great episode! The main topic was a new study with a fascinating design, equalizing carb intake across a day, but modulating the quantity consumed in the post-exercise window. There were major changes in next-day performance! Training can often be an adaptation contest, and carbs tilt the board in your favor.
We also talked about Vincent Bouillard's training to win UTMB. Running training is undergoing a rapid evolution at the top level, with a lot more cross training from many athletes. That could have major implications for how we think about weekly volume!
And this one was just so much fun from start to finish! Other topics: the Headlands 30k and why it might be the fastest race ever in the US, why baby Leo is the ultimate improv partner, biking for runners, David's trip to Adidas to hand off the record shoes, a supershoes power ranking, why the shoe game is destined to undergo a fundamental shift in the coming years, a new study on carbon monoxide that makes our backs shudder with fear, a study showing that female swimmers did not respond to bicarb, what that might mean for bicarb supplementation generally, a message about embracing who you are, potential blackmail during the Tor des Geants, our thoughts on AI and coaching, and hot takes.
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