Science Of Ultra

Dr. Julien Louis takes us through the training, pacing, and physiology of the father-son duo who set a new world record for combined time in the marathon. In 2019, Tommy (59 yrs) and Eoin Hughes (34 yrs) ran the Frankfurt Marathon in times of 2:31:30 and 2:27:52, respectively. Their combined marathon time was 4:59:22. Dr. Louis studied Tommy in a previous year and then studied the pair as they took on, and ultimately succeeded, in setting the new record. We discuss the father-son team and extract additional take-away messages for your training.

Mapping your training and then seeing what events (races, or adventures) fit on your map, without bending it, keeps the focus on what’s most important…you. This method tells you which events you could run because it’s the method that fits events to your body rather than bending your body to fit events. It’s the only approach that will provide a lifetime of healthy and sustainable running progress.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. James Morton, an expert in exercise metabolism and nutrition, shares insights from his work with elite athletes. He emphasizes carbohydrate periodization and its impact on performance, highlighting the principle of fueling for the work required. Key topics include training with low glycogen levels, the critical role of nutrition in recovery, and how age and sex affect dietary needs for athletes. The conversation is a treasure trove of strategies for optimizing endurance, particularly for ultra marathon runners.

In this intriguing podcast, Dr. Ron Maughan, a prominent figure in sports nutrition, discusses unconventional training methods for ultramarathon runners, nutrition strategies for improved performance, and the complexities of hydration in endurance events. The conversation also delves into the efficacy of dietary supplements for ultra endurance athletes and the importance of maintaining detailed training diaries. Explore the brain's role in performance and training, and be inspired by insights shared by this renowned scientist.

Our goal is never to get good at suffering. Our goal is to suffer less under the same conditions, not to make running easier but to run with greater ease.

Today’s conversation is with John Kiely and Craig Pickering. John was on episode 52; we talked the lack of evidence supporting periodized training programs. We begin with the current state of evidence in genetic testing for athletic potential and planning training. We move on to more useful ways of viewing your training program. It really is simple yet multitudes are derailed by chasing placebo effects for marginal gains on an inconsistent program. Oh, and we talk about placebo effects as well.

Cramping isn't well understood. But here's what we know right now.

Rest days are a staple of most running programs. But are they needed. In this episode we reframe our view of exercise, rest, and recovery time to help you make clearer decisions about when you exercise.

A T/F from each of our four coaches posed to the group to wrap up 2019. Does level running speed translate to uphill abilities, is training for a 200 miler fundamentally different from training for shorter distances, should you run through tweaks or injuries, is more running volume going to help you run 100-milers better...these are our main topics of conversation.

Coaches David Roche, Ian Sharman, Krissy Moehl, and Shawn Bearden discuss the benefits of taking an off-season in running. They explore the importance of recovery for mental and physical health, incorporating cross-training exercises, and the potential benefits of foam rolling, massage, and yoga. They also discuss the impact of the placebo effect on athletes' performance and the significance of an off-season for longevity and overall health in the sport.