

Some Work, All Play
David Roche and Megan Roche
Five to ten topics, sometimes about running, with lots of love and enthusiasm and science. We dig deep into training, races, studies, pop culture, and much more! With Megan Roche, M.D. and David Roche!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2022 • 1h 17min
83. Endurance Performance and the Wild Science of Fatigue Resistance
SEXY SCIENCE CORNER! What differentiates athletes late in endurance events like marathons and ultras? Why can some athletes train the same, pace the same, fuel the same--yet have different results? The answer may be found in the emerging study of "fatigue resistance." Fatigue resistance does not have a set definition, but is generally classified as the extent of performance deterioration late in events, often unexplained by normal physiological profiling while fresh. This episode takes a deep dive into some of the sexiest science and training theory of how the brain and nervous system influence late-race fatigue. We take you on a thrilling ride featuring neurotransmitters, genetics, metabolic variables, and much more, with the goal of highlighting what contributes to physiological breakthroughs over time. It concludes with 10 training theories you can put into practice to accomplish some big, scary goals.
Thank you all for being THE BEST! WOOHOO!
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Jan 4, 2022 • 1h 22min
82. Winter Training Fundamentals, Microbiome Science, and Motivation
We PLUCKED our way into 2022 before talking about 6 winter training fundamentals (that apply anytime outside of specific training), the difficulty of motivation (including for us), the tragic Boulder fires, hope in an uncertain world, evolutionary principles of alcohol consumption and dependence, and the wildly exciting science of the microbiome. There will be a new sexy science corner episode this Friday, subscribe now! Thank you all for everything! Wooohooooo 2022, let's do this!
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Dec 28, 2021 • 1h 18min
81. Interval Training, Sexy Statistics, and Woohoo Reflections
We yelled "HUZZAH!" at the top of all the hills before talking about the nuances of interval recovery approaches, our differing approaches to BUSINESS, offseason yoga, what athletes need to know about the omicron variant, the difficulties of observational studies, and a new study on the menstrual cycle and performance. What a year! We appreciate you all so much, thank you for being on this journey with us. HAPPY NEW YEAR! WOOHOO! Huzzah!
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Figure 2 referenced in episode: https://tinyurl.com/figure2menstrualcycle

Dec 21, 2021 • 1h 22min
80. 2022 Training Guidelines and Holiday Celebration Episode
We got bib numbers to the 2021 Tour De No Pants before talking about the physiological importance of practicing playfulness in training, an update on the journey with family planning (we are at the fun part!), why walking is trail running, and key principles for thinking about training heading into 2022 (particularly with the distribution of intensity). Science is sometimes sexy metaphorically, and on this episode it's also sexy literally. Happy holidays everyone, we appreciate you all so much! WOOHOO!
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Dec 14, 2021 • 1h 21min
79. Long Run Distance and Living Boldly
We got our GRUMP SUITS on before talking about long run distances, heart-friendly fun activities (you too can be the naked person in the gym locker room), death anxiety and the power of living boldly, passion, and a hopeful health update. HEART SWAG ACTIVATE. We have gotten so much joy and strength from your messages and support! THANK YOU! WOOHOO!
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Dec 7, 2021 • 1h 22min
78. Supplement Science and Health Journey Update
We had some life-affirming hospital chicken tenders before talking about the new Olympic Trials standards, sports supplements guidelines and science, and Megan's health journey and diagnosis (WE GOT THIS! Eventually!). We love this community so much, thank you for everything. The biggest heart love going your way! WOOHOO!
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Dec 3, 2021 • 1h 7min
77. The Science and Theory of Uphill and Downhill Running
Sexy Science Corner! We dig deep on the studies and training theory of uphill and downhill running to draw some conclusions for how athletes can support long-term growth on all terrain. The big question: what is the best training approach to improve all-around running ability, including on steeps? We call it "the climbing paradox"--focus excessively on steep ups and downs at the expense of well-rounded training, and eventually an athlete may get a bit slower at everything. The rationale gets at some fascinating questions about physiology and what contributes to long-term growth for all runners.
As you'll hear, it has been a VISION QUEST of a week. Thank you so much for your love and support in this time, and always. We appreciate you all! WOOHOO!
Subscribe to Trail Runner Magazine here: trailrunnermag.com/outsideplus
3-Minute Mountain Legs: https://www.trailrunnermag.com/training/strength-training-training/3-minute-mountain-legs
8-Minute Speed Legs: https://www.trailrunnermag.com/training/strength-training-training/8-minute-speed-legs
Weekly Strength Work Cheat Sheet: https://www.trailrunnermag.com/training/strength-training-training/all-in-one-strength-work-cheat-sheet
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Nov 23, 2021 • 1h 13min
76. Training Cycle Design, Supershoes, and Gratitude
We got ACTIVATED by matcha lattes before talking about the cool science of periodization of training cycles, the IOC's new framework for inclusion, the science of supershoes (and which ones are best), competition blinders, understanding pain/discomfort, and supporting confidence in kids and adults. We appreciate you all so much! THANK YOU! WOOHOO!
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Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 23min
75. Big Training Blocks and Building Confidence
We practiced our OOPS-AND-RALLY before talking about weekly training structure, stacking up itty bitty bricks in a really big wall, side pees, the great science of massage tools, fart buoyancy, the best shoes we have ever worn (and getting scammed trying to buy them), and building confidence by embracing vulnerability. We appreciate you all so much! THANK YOU! WOOHOO!
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Nov 12, 2021 • 57min
The Connections Between Overtraining and Underfueling
Explore the intriguing link between overtraining and underfueling in athletes, shedding light on the impact of proper fueling for optimal training adaptation. Delve into the complexities of diagnosing overtraining and RED-S, while emphasizing the importance of balancing energy availability for peak athletic performance and overall well-being.