Some Work, All Play

The most exciting time of our week is here: podcast Tuesday! The main training topic was on the trend of increasing carbohydrate intake during activity, sometimes to extreme levels around 120 grams per hour (480 calories!). We review some of the science of how glycogen levels relate to fatigue processes, along with GI considerations and our own personal experiences. Is it the next frontier of fueling, or a passing fad that will cause more DNFs than breakthroughs? The jury is out, but the carbs are in. We also talked about the principles of strides: what they are, how they work, and why they can lead to astronomical progress. There is a speed beast within all of us! And that speed beast may be farting a lot from all those carbs. Plus, we did something extra special with this episode and answered lots of listener questions! Our podcast audience is so smart, so kind, so awesome. Topics: pre-race nerves, the Lake Sonoma 50 Miler, the physiology of celebrating yourself, the Paris Roubaix bike race, on-course nutrition, cross training doubles, how to approach injuries during training, and considerations for hormonal tracking. There were tons of deep dives into the coolest concepts! And as usual, there were some extra shallow dives as well. Remember: Overnight success stories are years in the making. Let's make those years full of celebration! And sweet dance moves! But you gotta keep the glycogen high in the hips to avoid booty cramps. For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. We love you all! WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

The most fun time of our week is here: podcast Tuesday! The main training topic was on Zone 2, focusing on what it is and how to find it for yourself. If you're anything like us, understanding the metabolic and aerobic physiology will explain so much about training theory, and you'll get way faster in the process. Zone 2 is like Hansel, it's so hot right now. We also talked about some nuances of iron intake, and how appropriate supplementation can CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Did we give a multivitamin containing iron to our baby Leo as a case study? Yes! Is he is ready to take on the baby Tour de France? You betcha! Get the padded baby shorts ready. And you better believe that was just the beginning! Other topics: 3 TV show recommendations, how to encourage adaptation through fatigue, what comes after overload training, a bunch of thoughts on the Gorge trail races, why philosopher Eckhart Tolle is our favorite running coach, some thoughts on artificial intelligence (it makes a great DJ!), the importance of celebrating yourself, and so much more. The episode finishes with a beautiful listener email, so make sure you stick around for that inspiration! As Coach Eckhart says: "On a deeper level you are already complete, and when you realize that, there is a playful, joyous energy behind what you do." Do you think he likes hill strides and pizza? We bet he does! Does he coach babies for bike races? He does now! YOU ALL COMPLETE US. For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. We love you all! WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

We brought a jubilant energy to this episode, countering a lack of sleep with a surplus of caffeinated gels! The main training topic was on overload training blocks, which consist consist of volume and/or intensity increases that last anywhere from a couple days to multiple weeks. We review some fascinating studies indicating that overloads may spur breakthroughs, but can also lead to disaster. How do you thread that needle? That's where the science meets art, and where things get REALLY FUN. Rules are meant to be broken! We also discussed how endurance limitations are often just fueling limitations, and why experimenting with higher carbohydrate intakes during activity could change how you think about your physiology. Carbs make champions! And that was just the start of the excitement! Other topics: a new study on caffeine and health, the relationship between running cadence and endurance, the importance of inclusion, how to think about cross-training, the 48-hour world record, bloodwork and the relation with intensity distribution, why you need to dial in your Zone 2 effort, a question on shoe cushioning for long races, a book recommendation, and much more! We also discuss the very real, very scientific evidence for why we are entering the GREATEST TIMELINE in the multiverse. It involves kung fu... and something else we probably shouldn't type in an episode description. You'll see, and we think you'll agree. For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

This episode was full of Spring joy! The main training topic was on 4 key principles as athletes transition from winter training, which apply anytime an athlete is pursuing peak performance. The primary physiological discussions: how increased climbing affects adaptation and fatigue, heat acclimation and fitness benefits, sustainable strength work, and dialing into effort instead of metrics. Lots of fun studies in that discussion, plus plenty of semi-related digressions. You know, the usual! We also broke down the 2023 Barkley Marathons, one of the most bonkers races on the planet! It was a remarkable year, and the takeaways can apply to everyone. And there was so much more fun! Other topics: Kara Goucher's incredible book "The Longest Race," the power of unplanned rest days, balancing rest with putting in the work, shoe reviews from podcast hosts who barely understand shoes, Vitamin D intake, wrong turn calculus, a new study on hopping (we're skeptical), and dealing with trauma and grief. This week's Listener Corner is so touchingly beautiful, and we hope it feels like a warm hug in a complex world. Also, we have a VERY SPECIAL RACE ANNOUNCEMENT. It's like LeBron James and "The Decision," except almost no one cares. Are we also taking our talents to South Beach? Listen and find out. For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

It was such a joy to talk to one of our heroes, Joe Gray! Over his legendary career, Joe has won 22 US National Championships across mountain running, trail running, and cross country. Plus 9 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! He is one of the best mountain runners of all time, with a legacy of sustained dominance that might never be matched. We have gotten to know Joe over the years at races, and he always takes his time to uplift young athletes, including us when we started out. He is an inspiration on and off the trails!  We talked about what drives him after all of these years and his thoughts about the future of the sport. Joe also talked about the challenges of being a Black athlete in America, starting with a terrible experience when he was a young runner, and how racism affected his journey as a professional athlete. Now, he mentors Black athletes on and off the trails. We discuss how things have changed, and the problems that remain. You may also learn a thing or two about his favorite food, Oreos. He said he "only" likes 7 of the varieties of Oreos, which implies there are more varieties than 7. We learn something new every day! Joe is a running and life BEAST, and we can't wait for you to hear his story!  For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. We love you all! WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

This episode got down and dirty with the most fun topics! The main training topic was on a new narrative review study describing the evolution of training theory, and why different approaches have converged on the benefits of lower-intensity training with relatively high doses of moderate threshold running, plus VO2-style speed in small doses. Figure 3 from that study is our love language, and we can't wait to tell you about it! We next discuss the implications of that approach for athletes who run uphills in training, which could change intensity distributions and present a MASSIVE opportunity for fitness improvements. Hills pay the bills. That's a STONE COLD SCIENCE FACT, and we explain how to use the principles in less structured training. And we were just getting started! Other topics, in loose chronological order: follow-ups on relationships and jealousy, reviewing our microbiome testing experience, a wrist-based heart rate discussion, the hydration/fueling option that is BLOWING OUR MINDS, Megan's trip to a sports performance conference, studies on supershoes, a cool analysis of how perception of "talent" changes outcomes independent of actual genetics, and a new study on artificial sweetners. That last topic is Megan's opportunity to roast the heck out of David and his love of gum.  Plus lots more! The vibes are strong in this one. We love you all!  For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

We had SO MUCH FUN talking to Lauren Fleshman! Her book "Good For A Girl" just debuted as a New York Times Bestseller, and we think it's one of the best books ever written. The book is part-memoir, part-manifesto, fearlessly confronting cultural problems in running and beyond, while also being a beautiful and funny reflection on her life journey. In this interview, we talked about how we can change the incentive structures in athletics to put health (and longer-term performance) at the forefront. Topics included youth sports, college and professional coaching, fueling and body image, jealousy and comparison, and so much more! Then we left the pages of the book to talk about her personal journey with mental health and identity. We simultaneously had life-affirming chills run down our spines as Lauren described how she has explored her true self, and how athletics and fueling played a role in that process.  Lauren is a superstar. We think you'll finish this interview feeling inspired to step up to the start line of something big and scary. LET'S DO THIS! For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. We love you all! WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

This week's episode is jam-packed with happiness and fun! The main training topic was on 2 workouts that could have outsized benefits for lactate clearance and performance at every distance. The first workout is SO HOT right now: double thresholds, popularized by Norwegian training systems. The second is not quite as hot, but no less fun: post-interval moderate running. These sessions are on the cutting-edge of training theory, mixing a little bit of science with a solid serving of magic! We also talked about the importance of understanding your blood work. Yes, David finally got a blood test, and he deserves at least 3 to 5 lollipops. The results were fascinating and weird, demonstrating why it's so key to take a peek under the hood to understand your physiology.  And that's just the start! Other topics: the Black Canyon 100k and shooting your shots, the universal relevance of heat adaptation and hydration, informed supplementation, mental health and loving your ghosts, a business case study on Strava's handling of a recent crisis, a follow-up to the relationship episode, and much more. We also talked about our new favorite book "Good For A Girl," and how it can transform your approach to athletics. Like Lauren Fleshman, let's value GUTS more than the win. For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

This week's VERY SPECIAL episode was a pure celebration! We didn't want to stop recording, so there are a few more minutes of fun. The main training topic was an exploration of why athletes are getting faster at every distance. Our theories involve converging training approaches, feedback processes from shoe technology, and an emphasis on adequate fueling. What does the future hold? It's incredibly exciting! We also talked about practical recommendations for eating before running, starting in the science and extending to what athletes actually do in practice. Get your oatmeal packets ready. Plus we review a new study on running economy and performance, along with the training implications! But what makes this episode so special is the final 35 minutes, where we answer questions on relationships and love from podcast listeners! The questions touch on everything from intimacy to break-ups. We are not experts, but we think it'll be so much fun. Prepare yourselves for some sound effects too! For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. We love you all! WOOHOO! Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap

We had such a life-affirming interview with one of our all-time heroes, Kara Goucher! Kara became famous as one of the best runners in the world, winning 3 national championships in college, a silver medal in the 10k at the World Championships, and making 2 Olympic teams. But the running accolades are just the start of her journey. Kara embraces the whole community, persevering through her own adversity to uplift and inspire others. She co-hosts the "Nobody Asked Us" podcast with Des Linden, which debuted as the most successful running podcast on the planet. She does live announcing for distance running on ESPN and NBC. And in March, her book "The Longest Race" is coming out, and it's already getting rave reviews! On the episode, she describes her journey from being a kid in Minnesota to an international superstar. Our admiration for her is not about the running achievements. It's about all of the moments during that journey when she faced adversity, felt the emotions, and came back swinging! Kara proved doubters wrong (including the doubter in her own head). She courageously spoke her truth and confronted abusive practices at the Nike Oregon Project. And now, she's telling her story to model vulnerability and strength for everyone else that might have doubts in their own lives.  We absolutely love Kara, and we can't wait for you to hear this interview!  For a weekly bonus episode (and bi-weekly newsletter), make sure you're subscribed to our Patreon. We love you all! WOOHOO! Pre-order Kara's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Longest-Race-Inside-Deception-Running/dp/1982179147 Support the podcast: patreon.com/swap Try Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/swap