Some Work, All Play

We had one of the most fun sports-watching weekends of our lives before this great episode! The main science topic was a new study on Kilian Jornet at Western States, breaking down his fueling, the metabolic demand, and lots more. Kilian is also the 2nd author on the paper! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: In a world of external monitors, be the rectal thermometer. We also talked about the amazing saga of USA Skimo’s Olympic qualification, featuring trail runners Anna Gibson and Cam Smith. This story needs to be a movie! In the meantime, a podcast will have to do. And this episode was full of amazing topics! Other topics: David’s bad experience at the track, when data and belief conflict, Courtney Dauwalter’s blazing fast marathon time, a shoe review rant, what it means to improve VO2 max, why effort is cool, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, training through colds, and the perils of NCAA running and short-term incentive structures. This episode finishes with the most joyous time of all: A PERIOD PARTY. We love you all! HUZZAH! -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP") The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”) For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

On Saturday, Megan broke a 15-year-old course record at Quad Dipsea! This episode shares everything about the journey in a “no secrets” style. The record was set by Caren Spore in 2010, back when Megan was playing field hockey and her biggest runs were wind-sprints. Years later, when Megan was in medical school in the Bay Area, the Quad became a bucket list event. But it never happened—a 28 mile race with 9000 feet of vertical gain and approximately three billion steps was just too much at that stage of her life. Then came the heart issues and 2 kids. This weekend, she got back on the brutal, stair-filled trails and WENT PRIMAL. We break it all down, featuring listener questions and hot takes on training, strength work, nutrition, heart rate, stairs, and so much more! Thank you all for being here for the wild ride. Come for the story about how we almost Home Alone’d the bicarb. Stay for the reminder to watch where you sit on Southwest. We love you all! HUZZAH! -Megan and David Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP") The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”) For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We got way too invested in dog food models before this amazing episode! The main topic was a new study on passive heat training (like the hot tub or sauna) that acts as a missing link between theory and real-world proof. The study found that 5 weeks of hot tub training increases hemoglobin mass and VO2 max, which coincides with improved running economy. WOW! We break it all down. And this one was full of incredible topics! Topics: a date night game that should have stayed in date night, Hans Troyer and Jade Belzberg’s wins at the JFK 50 Mile, hard hill strides to break through neuromuscular lulls, questions on heat training, unexpected events and prosocial behavior (including a study involving Batman), a 47-year study on athletic aging, persistence hunting science (and how that relates to human responses to heat), influencers, traveling with gels, stacking training plans, pre-wedding advice, and lots more! If there’s one takeaway from the science in this episode, it’s this: BATMAN. It will make sense soon. We love you all! Huzzah! -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Find all of the amazing Black Friday deals here: https://thefeed.com/collections/bfcm 30% off Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") 25% off the Wahoo KICKR Run: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”) For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We thought deeply about the societal implications of Paw Patrol before this amazing episode! The main science discussion involved a pair of strange, counter-intuitive wrinkles of physiology. The first was the sometimes paradoxical finding of higher hemoglobin A1c in many elite athletes. The second involved a new paper addressing a connection between suppressed thyroid hormones and low energy availability. Both phenomena demonstrate how physiology is a complex system. Also, it’s possible that concerning bloodwork means one thing... or the polar opposite. We have fun breaking it all down! And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: Megan’s Just Say No To Rhabdo training run, David’s first treadmill workout on the comeback trail, a follow-up on bowls and buckets, the winter training plan, findings jobs in running, the pardon of Michelino Sunseri, running form 101, altitude tents, structuring training weeks, prepping for Survivor, fueling winter races, what to do about elevated heart rate, and lots more. This one is full of nuance. And after you listen, you’ll realize that “full of Nuance” should be in the back room and cost extra. We love you all! HUZZAH! -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Find all of the amazing Black Friday deals here: https://thefeed.com/collections/bfcm 30% off Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") 25% off the Wahoo KICKR Run: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”) Subscribe to the Work in Running newsletter: workinrunning.com For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We chocolatized our life before this amazing episode! The main topic was a new study on elite marathoners measuring responses to different carb intakes, finding a 2.6% lower oxygen cost at 120 grams per hour compared to 60 grams per hour. It showed massive carb oxidation rates at high outputs. In 10 years, we might look back on this study as a game-changing moment in the science of endurance performance. And this one had so many cool topics! Other topics: Megan’s biggest uphill treadmill threshold workout, David’s Zwift racing, the strange connection between energy intake and iron deficiency, how hydration could influence stress responses, the predictive power of smiling in pre-race photos, Anne Flower’s 50 mile world record, other records at Tunnel Hill, whether to walk onto the track team, offseason layoffs, race week nutrition, and AI messaging. Stick around for a beautiful affirming Listener Corner message! Or you can stick around to learn what we do with the Tupperware. Your choice! We love you all! HUZZAH! -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We stretched the ketones-as-robot-butt metaphor to its limits for this awesome episode! The main topic was a new study measuring fatigue resistance in marathons. Athletes completed lab tests prior to a marathon, with final results correlating with different attributes. Unfortunately, the athletes weren’t fueling during the protocol. What is this, 2005?! We broaden it out for conclusions that apply to everyone. Fatigue resistance without carbs is a stupid human trick, and there’s no need to play that game. And this one was full of our favorite topics! Other topics: Megan’s return to the site of her heart issues 4 years ago, David’s scooter debut on the path to going pro, SiS Beta Recovery, the weird science of CurraNZ, how the New York City marathon was influenced by high carb approaches, high carb taking over the roads, the UCI’s strange declaration on ketones, mileage ranges in training plans, how training philosophy changes for outliers, dealing with unintentional underfueling, introducing the uphill treadmill, Megan’s field hockey and track history, and doubles. We love you all! Huzzah! -Megan and David Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy CurraNZ: https://thefeed.com/collections/curranz Buy SiS Beta Recovery: https://thefeed.com/products/sis-beta-recovery?variant=41380068720703 Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

This weekend, we stepped into the fire at the Javelina 100 Mile to chase a golden ticket back to the Western States 100. This episode is the full story of the race, which ended with a golden ticket in 2nd place (behind Will Murray’s astounding course record), 27 minutes faster than last year’s win. The main discussion is about why the golden ticket presentation ended with a twist. David handed the golden ticket to Canyon Woodward, who finished less than 2 minutes back in 3rd place. Canyon deserves it. Passing it to him was more special than any race. We break it all down while it’s all fresh in our sleep-deprived minds. The 2025 Javelina 100 Mile might change ultrarunning forever. The times for men and women obliterated the old records, showing that the same trends we’re seeing at shorter races (mostly involving high carb allowing athletes to push hard from mile 1) apply at 100 miles too. This sport ain’t seen nothing yet. The new goal is to go for another golden ticket in early 2026. If I'm lucky enough to do it again and have Willy Wonka ask me if I accept, I'll say yes without hesitating... Or at least that's the current plan. If this year has taught us anything, it's that life has a way of laughing at big plans in the most beautiful and life-affirming ways. We love you all! HUZZAH! -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We loved recording this episode! The main topic was the article that rocked the athletic world last week, which asserted that many protein powders had unsafe amounts of lead contamination. We broke down the numbers to reach a much more nuanced conclusion that should help you feel better about it all. And that led to a broader discussion on the perils of advocacy being presented as science. We also talked about a shocking study on 45 asymptomatic people, which found labrum defects in 69% of hips! MRIs are complicated, unveiling mysteries of the human body and the strange line between structural and inflammatory issues. We discuss what it all means! And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: recovery cake, Megan’s beastly bike workout, our attempt to program AI with 22 sexy concepts in athletics, a study on actual v. planned carb intake in races, Courtney Dauwalter doing another marathon, a hypothetical about Cole Hocker in ultras, breaking up moderate running with sub-threshold intervals, how grief impacts training, energy deficits in multi-day events, preparing for heat, period parties, and when to FAFO. We love you all! HUZZAH! Prepare for some shockingly high-grade fish, -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Get First Endurance Multi-V: https://thefeed.com/products/first-endurance-multiv-90ct Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We had so much fun with this episode (probably because it was a break from potty training)! The main topic was a study that found a correlation between energy availability and performance across a season in collegiate runners. It was a powerful, objective look about what happens when the body is underfueled. You know it’s a good study when it makes us add 2 more eggs to the post-podcast frying pan (10 eggs total). And this was truly one of our most joyous episodes ever! Other topics: how potty training and coaching are similar, a follow-up on uphill treadmill workouts, the theory of “just say no to rhabdo” runs, training plans, a study on the kindness v. rudeness of AI prompts, drama at the Kona Women’s Ironman Champs, poles and microspikes at Western States, the Chicago Marathon and fueling, Suunto sues Garmin, how to think about long-term growth, taking in gels, taper theory, psychology of fast finishes, and a question on business growth. What happens when our nutrition is largely based on eggs and Leo’s chicken nuggets? THEY BE CLUCKINnnnn. May we all be cringe until the day we die, -David and Megan Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Get Protein Vafels: https://thefeed.com/products/vafels-with-protein?variant=41648267067455 Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Article on Z2 Uphill Treadmill training theory: https://www.patreon.com/posts/z2-uphill-theory-129560209

We studied up on some beefs (Strava v. Garmin, Taylor v. Charli, pastrami v. sirloin) before this awesome episode! The main science topic was a new study evaluating low carb and high carb approaches, with and without caffeine. It’s another brick in the wall supporting higher carb for adaptation. We also talked about the Strava lawsuit! Last week, we defended Strava like the big fans we are, only for them to file suit against Garmin over decade-old patents a day later. It doesn’t seem to make sense from the outside. But as last week shows, what do we know? We talk about the details and speculate on some theories. And this one was full of so many great topics! Other topics: Megan’s hungry girl era, uphill treadmill threshold training, our hot (lukewarm) takes on Taylor Swift’s new album, Kilian’s mind-bending States of Elevation project, the new beta fuel gel with electrolytes, a study evaluating advanced foams in trail shoes, and an AI study on sleep and jet lag recommendations, plus a Q+A on forgetting to eat, carbs in team sports, balancing cycling and running, carbs per hour, training in supershoes, doing adventures while following a training plan, why max heart rate isn’t a good metric to track over time (or base HR zones on), calculating hill gradients, and post-exercise ketones. Taylor Swift’s song “Wood” says “I don’t need to catch a bouquet, to know a hard rock is on the way.” We assume she is talking about the Hardrock 100 mile race and she has a way to get around the lottery. You really can have it all. We love you all! HUZZAH! -Megan and David Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Article on uphill treadmill threshold: https://www.patreon.com/posts/magic-of-uphill-112637894

Our watches gave us some harsh (but necessary) feedback before this amazing episode! The main science topics were quick hitter studies on massive one-time Vitamin D intake, short-term heat acclimation protocols, and sodium bicarb. If you combine all of the protocols at once, that’s what we call a PARTY. We also talked about the World Trail Champs, which saw the highest-scored performances of all time. Our discussion included a hot take on course choices that is probably wrong and please don’t tell anyone we said it. And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: the total domination of the sleepwithmegan25 code, training readiness scores in a time of teething, our reactions to comments on the documentary “Nothing to Lose,” why Nomio is the supplement sweeping Europe, the improbable win at the women’s cycling World Champs, and Strava’s IPO announcement, plus a Q+A on the high-carb life, the mountain legs strength routine, long-term heat training, time equivalents for cross training, training principles for less fast runners, and self-talk. Yes, David brutally mangled a 50 Cent reference, proceeding to call back the mistaken reference multiple times. To be fair, David has never been in da club in his whole life. But he has been in da candy shop. We love you all! HUZZAH! Click "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap TheFeedLab Whey Protein: https://thefeed.com/products/the-feed-lab-whey-protein Nomio: https://thefeed.com/products/nomio Code for 25% off Dream Shot for better sleep: sleepwithmegan25 OR sleepwithdavid25 Use the Dream Shot code here: https://thefeed.com/products/formulas-dream-shot Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

The documentary “Nothing To Lose” is out today, telling the behind-the-scenes story of the 2025 Leadville 100! And we thought it was a great time to try something new. In this episode, we do a rewatch, providing commentary and hot takes throughout. You can listen to this episode as a standalone good-vibes celebration. OR, you can watch the documentary for a second time with this episode playing through your headphones like an old-school DVD commentary. It’s a celebration, and who are we to tell you how to party? Director Cody Bare created such a cool work of art. We are so proud of him and wanted to fully uplift his work. That ended up including a lot of talk about butts and other private parts. Cody would appreciate it. And trust us, he has seen it all. Thank you all so much for being here for the journey. “Nothing To Lose” tells the story of hitting rock bottom as an athlete, and what might be waiting on the other side. It’s an hour of lows and highs, humor and tears, and some of the most beautiful trail shots we have ever seen. None of it would have been possible without you. We love you all! The rewatch starts at 3:22. The butt appears at 20:27. Watch the Documentary and click “subscribe” while you’re there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRxgSZrfruo Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, articles, and more! patreon.com/swap

We had such a blast recording this great episode! The main science topic was a new study on improving fatigue resistance, which performance-matched athletes with different training approaches to see what led to better outcomes. The conclusion is a direct prescription for athletes looking to have better endurance. Being who we are, we throw some scientific turds in the study’s punch bowl. We also talked about the new Leadville documentary “Nothing to Lose,” which is coming out on Thursday. Yes, there was a butt shot at mile 23. But most importantly, Director Cody Bare created a beautiful film about what happens after an athlete hits rock bottom. In other words: yes, there is emotional butt too. And this one was full of the best topics! Other topics: Megan’s recovery lessons after the 50 miler, blood volume responses, why we love the new product “Dream Shot” so much (plus a 25% discount code), why we are so horrified by champion sprinter Fred Kerley joining the Enhanced Games, Harry Styles running an amazing sub-3 hour marathon, plus questions on post-race blues, headlamps, cross training, relationships, ethical dilemmas with bicarb responders v. non-responders, timing of strides, overcoming plateaus, rest days, and mid-run carbs for low volume training. May all of the ways you are weird be uplifted, even when they involve sneezing and toilets for some reason (that will make sense after you listen...maybe). We love you all! HUZZAH! Use David’s discount code, -Megan and David Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Code for 25% off Dream Shot for better sleep: sleepwithmegan25 OR sleepwithdavid25 Use the Dream Shot code here: https://thefeed.com/products/formulas-dream-shot For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap For Highpoint Direct Care, Dr. Teddy’s new primary care practice for athletes: highpointdirectcare.com

Megan ran 8:21:51 to win the Run Rabbit Run 50 Mile, in one of the fastest times ever! This episode is a celebration of a wild and unexpected journey. She had only done one 50-mile race before, back in 2017. Then there was a heart issue, a hamstring surgery, pregnancy with Leo and Ollie, and so much more that the world will never see. She kept showing up though, even when her workout was walking 1 mph uphill. On Saturday, she showed up again, stepping into the unknown of a high-altitude mountain ultra with a “growth and grace” mindset! We break down the whole day and why she first considered this race back in January, 1 week after giving birth to Ollie. Topics include: questions on the build-up, lower-mileage training, tapering, high-carb nutrition, and mindset, plus deep thoughts on the athletic journey, parenting, and life. Near the end of the episode, we have a tone shift and talk about the sad news from last week that Joyline Chepngeno tested positive before her history-making win at OCC. As always, we urge compassion for the individual while being skeptical of the system, and we try to end on a hopeful note for the future. Out on the course, Megan got so many “woohoo” and “huzzah” cheers. We love you all so much. Podcast listeners get 5 stars. Stick around to the end of the episode to hear what gets the rare 13/10 rating. HUZZAH! -Megan and David Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We had a shocking change of feelings about shockingly ugly shoes before this amazing episode! The main topic was a pair of studies on energy expenditure and replenishment. The first was a case study that found massive energy needs beyond base metabolic rate for a full week after an ultra. We zoom out to discuss what that could mean for energy needs during hard training. The second study examined muscle v. liver glycogen replenishment, highlighting how difficult it can be to stay on top of energy needs. It also featured cod. Cod is a big theme in this episode. And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: treadmill workouts, an update on the ugly shoe debate from last week, our favorite probiotic and multivitamin, road supershoes for ultras, Tom Evans’ fueling strategy at UTMB, how the use of pacing statistics may change the game, high-dose creatine to counter sleep deprivation, timing of big training weeks before races, heart rate zones v. feel, overcoming injury cycles, our theories for altitude performance, speed v. freshness in workouts, whether the pain cave exists in shorter events, using stairs in training, and lots more. This one was full of love, laughs, and cod. So much cod. May we all avoid being in the control group, -David and Megan Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We loaded up on sympathy baguettes for UTMB racers before recording this great episode! The main topic was digesting everything from UTMB week, including Jim Walmsley reinforcing his GOAT status, Courtney Dauwalter reinforcing hers, the coolest coaching story ever from Scott Johnston (who coached Ruth Croft and Tom Evans to UTMB wins), training takeaways, and so much more! The science breakdown looked at a new study that is being used to argue that low carb doesn’t hurt high-intensity performance. We dive into the study design and statistics to show why that’s the wrong conclusion. And this one had so many great topics! Other topics: going dark on the trails, Megan’s new fast shoe, our trail supershoe rundown, the new Champion Plan for 100k to 100 miles, the minimum dose of passive heat training, using weight vests, what makes a good coach, a relationship question, relying on liquid carbs, engaging the glutes, drinking from streams, and climbing form. What’s for dinner? We’ll take the European Aid Station--baguettes, sausage, cheese, sparkling water, techno music, and being unable to drop out due to the language barrier. We love you all! HUZZAH! -Megan and David Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

This was one of the most fun episodes ever, answering all the questions on the science and vibes of the Leadville CR! As always, we didn’t hold back with any secrets... sometimes to a fault. Before that, we reviewed a new study abstract on colon cancer risk in runners, which could have implications for routine screening recommendations. We will keep you updated as the science evolves! Then it was onto the joy carousel with listener questions! Topics: pro runner status, sleep after ultras, our evolving view of active heat training interventions, taper theory and carb ox changes, Megan’s race plans, whether the DNF was necessary for the breakthrough, the absurd inaccuracy of some watch metrics, how to be a good pacer, the non-linear postpartum journey, what it means to obliterate yourself (with love), running packs, going stealth mode, sleep before races, training changes between races, childcare, the Pain Cave, what hurts when it’s hard, processing failure, chafing, bathroom breaks, mid-race bicarb, and so much more! We love you all! HUZZAH! Never not staying soft, -David and Megan Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

New course record at the Leadville 100 Miler in 15:12:30, 14 minutes ahead of last year. What just happened?! We are still processing it all, and this episode shares every detail while it’s all fresh in our sleep-deprived minds. 2 weeks ago, David said there was zero chance that he was going to race Leadville. He was still processing the very public failure at Western States. He felt like he just wasn’t ready. Megan had other ideas. This episode tells the story of a surreal day that still seems a bit like an impossible dream that came to life, including sharing the final 23 miles together. David would have estimated the chances of this day at 1 in 10,000. But maybe love changes the odds in ways that science can’t always account for. Also, Megan predicted the exact time down to the minute. Because of course she did. We love you all so much. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there for the full journey. And remember: failure is cool. Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We conquered the WOOHOO yips before this amazing episode! The main science topic was on a new study that examined the causes of injuries in a 5205-athlete sample. The headline finding was relatively intuitive, but the sub-finding was so shocking that we are still picking our jaws up off the floor. We break it down and discuss how it may clarify training theory! And this one was full of our favorite topics! Other topics: the yips in athletes (and podcasters), Megan’s Aspen Mountain breakthrough, the interaction of high carb and bicarb to make endurance sports faster, the best protein supplement we have tried, one of our heroes Kate Courtney wins the Leadville 100 mountain bike, Kilian’s next project in the USA, Steph Curry doing weight-vest trail running, and the tricky conversation around bodyweight and health happening in women’s cycling. Plus there was a Q+A on the mechanics of podcast recording, nutrition considerations for vegan athletes, the complications of rhabdo in ultra athletes, “purposeful flow” in training plans and how that relates to a new study on overload blocks, overcoming fear in racing, daily carb intake, and high carb in the birth process. It finished with a quote that we’ll be living by. Let’s feel what there is to feel while we are here. We love you all! HUZZAH! Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Find TheFeedLab whey protein: https://thefeed.com/products/the-feed-lab-whey-protein For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We luxuriated in vending machine cookies before this great episode! We started by talking about Megan's first race in 1.5 years. She HAD A DAY, and we share a celebration of the winding road to get here. We also talked about the USA Track Championships, which might have been the most surprising (and drama-filled) track meet we have ever seen. There was a near-fight in the 200m, Shelby Houlihan winning the 5k, a 16-year old running a 1:42 800m, and so much more! David was there, coaching and asking questions. He reports back! And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: sodium bicarbonate uses and risks, David's travel nightmare to make it back in time for Megan's race, the cooling revolution in endurance sports, stories from the Tour de France Femmes, how to think about pre-race sleep, the origins of the dinosaur logo, post-race supercompensation windows, supplement timing, treadmill grade, a hypothetical on which runner we'd most like to be for a day, bloodwork after heat training, dealing with shin pain, and lots more! Thank you all so much for being here for the whole journey! HUZZAH! -Megan and David Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We gathered up some spicy questions for this amazing episode! It's in the "no secrets" style, where we leave nothing behind the curtain. Prepare for some fun! Topics this week: post-race fitness bumps, the central governor, creatine supplementation, adapting the 12-week pro marathon plan, what fueling options to buy with $100, the intensity distribution principle that unites real-world elite athlete training, overcoming relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), an embarrassing "letter to my future self" that David wrote as a kid, whether to pick up and move, how to incorporate cross training, our special talents in a Hunger Games scenario, a controversial article on electrolytes, the perils of making excessively large conclusions from sports science studies, doping in endurance sports, creating in a world with AI, unintentional underfueling, and lots more! We like our deodorant drawer to be the opposite of our podcasts: full of little travel-sized Secrets. We love you all! HUZZAH! -David and Megan Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We went face-first into a quart of ice cream before this amazing episode! The main science topic was a new study on microintervals, finding that 4-10 second high-power bursts led to no more metabolic stress than very easy training, but with way more muscular work. That could lay the groundwork for revolutionary studies and theories in the future! We also addressed the doping controversy that rocked the running world. Last year, Ruth Chepng'etich ran a shocking 2:09 marathon to reset everything that seemed possible. In April, she tested positive for a banned masking agent, and her suspension was just announced last week. We provide our initial reactions, including how to balance being compassionate and forgiving to individuals while being skeptical and critical of corrupt systems. And this one was full of our favorite topics! Other topics: Megan's pacing experience at the Ouray 100 Mile as Dr. Teddy Bross set a new course record, building strength to use poles, the "Breakable" documentary, Tadej Pogacar's Tour de France domination, other Tour stories, middle distance running's stunning improvement, why we think that may be attributable to sodium bicarb, a tribute to one of our favorite poets, plus a Q+A on building small businesses in endurance sports, dog supplements, training and motivation, and the afterlife. I'll take the usual: A running podcast that talks about the afterlife and even deeper thoughts about miniature horses. We love you all! HUZZAH! -Megan and David Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We sat down gingerly on bruised glutes before this awesome episode! The main topic was on fueling data coming out of the Tour de France. High carb is ubiquitous in the cycling peloton. We use some of that information as a jumping-off-point to think about fueling for all athletes! This one also came with stories from our first (and possibly last) gravel bike race. These aren’t your normal racing stories. You really have to listen to understand. And the episode was full of great topics! Other topics: the blood panels we recommend for athletes (and how to get them), an incredible deal on our favorite gels, game theory in cycling, a new study on mixing protein and carbs for recovery, history is made at the Hardrock 100, what 49-year old Ludovic Pommeret’s win tells us about aging curves, the Kickr Run treadmill, plus a Q+A on speed endurance workouts, the importance of burping for athletes, timing strides in training, threshold training, easy paces for slower athletes, and competitive outlets outside of sports. This one ends with the best burn in podcast history. Get your fire extinguishers ready. We love you all! Huzzah! -David and Megan Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap Buy the Kickr Run treadmill (code "SWAP"): https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

We buzzed over our favorite study tables of all time before this great episode! The main science topic was a review of "speed endurance" studies showing rapid progress across all populations and protocols. That replicability is almost unheard of in sports science, and it's something that every athlete should harness in their training. Spoiler alert: do your strides! And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: how to use bloodwork (and why everyone should know what's going on under the hood), our initial review of On's trail supershoe, the expanding use of computational models in shoe development, a wild study on how birth ratio changes for endurance athletes, plus a Q+A on what we're looking for in the Tour de France, hypotheticals about cyclists becoming runners, heart rate and stress, strength training for aging athletes, pregnancy warnings on gels and other nutritional supplements, car saunas, and how to think about long-term building. May the study tables, bloodwork, and book club choices be ever in your favor. We love you all! -David and Megan Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

Western States 100 ended in a DNF at mile 62. It’s partially the normal story of a race that didn’t go to plan due to simple errors with hydration leading to a cascade of physical issues. But it’s also a lot more complex than that, like life is always more complex than the simple narratives. This episode tries to share the complex story while it’s still raw. We talk about anxiety, fear, shame, and embarrassment. We also talk about love, perseverance, and moving through the crap. It’s just running. But it’s also so much more. Thank you for being here for all of it! We experienced so much love in a tough week. We also talked about the magic of the race, breakthrough performances by Abby Hall and Caleb Olson, and even getting to share miles with Kilian Jornet! Your story matters. Your goals matter. You don’t need to be a champion. You just need to be you. -David and Megan Click "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP") For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap