David Roche on Joy, Mortality, and the Science of Going All In

David Roche might be known as the apostle of carbs, but there’s much more to him than mid-race fueling math. In this conversation with Buzz Burrell, David opens up about the deeper forces that shape his running, coaching, and outlook on life. From nearly dying in a bike accident to experiencing depression and ultimately a powerful shift in perspective, David shares how mortality, vulnerability, and joy have become his most important performance tools. He talks candidly about the power of radical empathy—why he responds with love even to internet trolls—and how that mindset connects to his approach to coaching and competition.

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They also get into the science of what’s working right now in endurance sports: high-carb fueling, extreme hydration strategies, and heat training. David breaks down how the peloton revolutionized fueling practices, why hydration needs are more individual than most athletes realize, and what he's doing to push the envelope at Western States. He explains how these marginal gains stack up, why they matter (and why they sometimes don’t), and why transparency—not secrecy—is the path forward for the sport.