The Endurance Drive Podcast

This episode features a big life update and even more insights for the podcast! We dive into Katie’s A race for the foreseeable future: pregnancy! Topics include: why relatively limited research on endurance training during pregnancy makes individual anecdotes so powerful; how Katie thought about “planning” pregnancy in the context of training and racing (and why pregnancy is ultimately harder to plan than your race calendar); first trimester symptoms—including nausea, fatigue, and food aversions—and how they impacted her training; how she collaborated with coaches, doctors, and other members of her support team to train safely; the decision to “race” a 5K at 8 weeks pregnant and how it went; how Katie’s mindset and mental strategies have shifted so far in the context of pregnancy; goals and intentions for the remainder of pregnancy and postpartum; and some favorite academic papers on exercise during pregnancy. Conversations around fertility, pregnancy and postpartum journeys can be hard, so please know that wherever you are in this journey, you are enough. And even if you aren’t pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this episode has some general insights that may be relevant to you. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week's insights-focused episode, we're powering through a bunch of relevant training and coaching tidbits on topics including: why "time on feet" is a useful mindset shift for workouts on tough or hot days, a case study on building open water swimming confidence, why triathlons (and most other races) aren't apples-to-apples comparisons, how you can build your "endurance bucket" and improve capacity over time, how to improve your speed in an open water swimming context, how to effectively climb hills on the bike, how to approach training in the week(s) between big races, and why your training plan is a map and not the territory. Check it out!View extended show notes for this episode at http://theendurancedrive.com/podcast.To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

As race day nears at Lake Placid, listeners get practical tips to transition from training to execution mode. From gear checks to fueling strategies, discover key dos and don’ts to arrive fresh and race smart. Hear about Jim's grueling '200 on 100' ride, where humor and honesty shine through tough lessons on nutrition and endurance. The importance of mental resilience, pacing, and managing expectations is highlighted alongside fun anecdotes about gear and community spirit in endurance sports.

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into our top three endurance principles—how we train, how we fuel, and how we keep our minds in it. We start with some quick insights from recent training: why race simulations can sometimes feel even harder than race day, and how preparing mentally (not just physically) can make all the difference. We also touch on a mix of things ranging from building confidence when it’s not coming naturally to ChatGPT for training support to thoughts on iron supplementation. In our main section, we break down the core principles that have guided us and our athletes over the long term: how to structure training with intention (including the importance of strength and speed work), how to fuel with purpose (with practical tips on carbs, hydration, and REDs awareness), and how to build mental resilience and joy in the process.This episode is an attempt to summarize all of the key tidbits and actionable advice that supports the overall endurance athlete journey–basically a crash course in coaching. We hope you enjoy!View extended show notes for this episode here.To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

As the countdown to Ironman Lake Placid begins, discover essential strategies to enhance your fitness just before race day. Learn about effective fueling and hydration tactics, pacing strategies, and the funny side of bathroom breaks during events. The discussion dives into the importance of consistency in training, celebrating small victories, and finding joy in the journey. Plus, gain insights on navigating hills and optimizing swimming techniques. Get ready to tackle your challenges with a lighthearted spirit!

In this episode, Alex Larson, a Registered Dietitian specializing in endurance sports nutrition, shares her expertise on fueling and hydration for athletes. She highlights common fueling mistakes, proper hydration techniques, and the importance of meal timing. Alex discusses body composition and the significance of health over rapid weight loss, particularly for female athletes. She also offers practical tips on managing gastrointestinal issues and effectively carb-loading for events, ensuring listeners can enhance their performance and overall well-being.

Dive into race day wisdom with practical tips on attire and gear for changing temperatures. Unpack strategies for overcoming pre-race jitters and the balance between pacing and personal intuition. Explore the vital role of carbohydrate fueling in endurance sports, paired with mindset shifts that turn negative thoughts into positive energy. Hear a candid account of battling through a DNF, the mental hurdles faced, and the lessons learned. Get inspired to channel your inner strength, whether racing or adventuring outdoors!

Discover essential race week tips to ensure peak performance without trying anything new on race day. Learn how to manage anxiety and panic in open water swimming. The importance of proper fueling strategies for athletes is highlighted, alongside insights on tackling injuries like ankle sprains. Dive into the significance of mindful movement and pacing in training, and why slow progress can lead to faster results. Don't overlook the swim-to-bike transition and hydration strategies as you gear up for competitive success!

Discover the essential strategies for athletic recovery, including the 'feel and stare test' for tracking progress. Learn how effective nutrition and sleep can trump gadgets in optimizing performance. Delve into the dynamic blend of strength and endurance training, especially as athletes age. Explore the perks of heat training and how it can amplify your performance in various events. Plus, find out why adventurous workouts are key to feeling your best as an athlete!

This week’s episode covers insights across lots of topics including: how you can level up your long-distance performance quicker with high-carb fueling, how you can use hydration biosensors to optimize your fluid intake, open water swim safety tips, how visualizing the transition area can save you time on race day, why you should consider “going all in” for your next race, and how to think about recovery in the context of travel. We also answer some great listener questions on how to plan out your hydration strategy with aid stations and limited bottle cage capacity on race day, how to approach racing in bad weather conditions, whether to buy a swim skin or not, and considerations for traveling with a bike. Check it out!View extended show notes for this episode here. To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.