257. "No Secrets" Q+A on Extreme Carb Totals (200 g/hr!), Minimum Dose Heat Training, Sodium Intake, Speed for Ultras, and Hydration Sensors!

Our favorite episodes are these Q+As where we answer listener questions on all of the hottest topics! It's called a "No Secrets" Q+A because we try to take you behind the curtain, speculating about ideas that might not be talked about in public very often. Let's get spicy!The main topic was Cam Wurf's reported 200 grams of carbs per hour at Ironman Texas to set a bike split record. These extreme carb totals are starting to become more prevalent in triathlon. Do we think they're here to stay? Surprisingly, we have doubts. Forgive us, carb daddy, for we have sinned.And there were so many great topics! Other topics: heat suit long runs, race week thoughts, our new favorite recovery product, our initial thoughts on the Nix hydration biosensor, high carb and GI concerns, minimum dose heat training, AI titles, sodium intake during training and racing, kids and hydration, track and speed training for ultras, 2nd opinions in medical settings, working through low motivation and mental health struggles, structuring training camps, and more.May your quails be peaceful and your critics get a minor case of plantar fasciitis. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "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

We put on our space cowboy outfits for this great episode! The main topic centered on the almost-ubiquitous use of higher carb intakes in recent races, from the Canyons 100k to the Boston Marathon to the cycling classics. What once seemed optional is now mandatory. Where do the next breakthroughs come from? We outline some ideas to try to catch the waves before they become obvious.There was also some fascinating science on warm-weather and metabolic processes, showing reduced carb oxidation rates in heat. That could have big implications for how fueling and GI training changes with harder efforts.And this one was full of the best topics! Other topics: Megan’s heat suit debut, our current thinking on heat suit guidelines, David’s 50k race, what he is learning approaching Western States, fluid intake, a study on intense PM exercise and sleep, the wild Canyons 100k, Kilian’s fascinating training approach for Western States, a follow-up on the shoes dominating the road scene, the Breaking 4 Project, and putting power in your stride, plus a Q+A on steep vert, Jess McClain’s Boston Marathon training, and fueling from gas stations!You are all heat champions to us. May you be blessed with the stickiest treadmills.We love you all! Huzzah!-Megan and DavidClick "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

Our minds were blown by the Boston Marathon right before recording this great episode! The main topic was a new study on the Puma R3 super-shoe, conducted by a top researcher. It showed a shocking 3% improvement in running economy relative to the previous generation of super-shoes, with a universally positive response among study participants. We discuss the evolution of the tech, how it was made with the help of optimization algorithms, and what might come next. Running may never be the same, and we don't think people have realized it yet. We also had some instant reactions to the Boston Marathon! That included Jess McClain running a 2:22 for top American while working a busy job and training with lower volume. We break down some of her training!And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: Boston Marathon thoughts, how carbs are changing the dynamics of road marathons, nose strips, the awesome Coffee Club podcast, an incredible article in Outside Mag by Devin Kelly, Strava's acquisition of AI coaching app Runna, a hilarious post-exercise cooling study, a quick-hitter news rundown, fatigue resistance efforts, how time on feet in your job may change training, resting heart rate variation among people, downhill form, and creatine for endurance athletes.This one was so fun! Thank you so much for being here.Let's go girls,-Megan and DavidClick "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Get a "Women Can" tank: https://womencanshop.myshopify.com/Read Devin Kelly's Outside Mag article: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/run/david-roche/Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We put sensors in all the right places before this HOT episode! The main discussion was on the emerging science of heat training, centered around a 2025 study that showed 3 x weekly sessions could sustain hematological adaptations from an altitude camp. Heat training is no longer just about being ready for hot weather. It's about helping our blood be full of oxygen, powering performance in all conditions. We try to take a "no secrets" approach to bring you onto the front lines of The Heat Revolution.And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: Megan's review of a harness that helps with running form, David's review of the Core 2 heat sensor, heat training guidelines that the sensor illuminated, a follow-up on mitochondria protein, protein needs for different workouts, protein powders we like, heat suit training and what it tells us about physiology, whether it's beneficial to know VO2 max numbers, what hardship teaches us, how we try to hold onto those lessons, the best distance to race in a partner v. partner showdown, bathroom breaks in races, and lots more!Thank you so much for being here! HUZZAH!May your thermometers be warm and lubricated,-David and MeganClick "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

We put on our finest white spandex for this amazing episode! The main topic was a new review study on protein needs for endurance athletes. The authors used a cool method of isotope labeling to argue that endurance athletes need more protein than traditional recommendations. The nutrition revolution is not just about carbs! And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: the announcement of an Unbreakable 2 documentary heading into Western States, Kilian Jornet's sustained dominance since the first Unbreakable was filmed, the 1-year anniversary of the bike crash, Tailwind High-Carb, our questions about protein recommendations, increased power and weight in professional cycling, torpedo bats dominating the conversation in baseball, mile times of the Houston basketball team, VO2 max estimates from your watch across different sports, nutrition on race week, the "yips" in running, balancing intensity with cross training, maintaining confidence when changing jobs, overdressed walking for heat training, and balancing training with studying for the bar exam.Thank you so much for being here in the year since the accident. Showing up each week has been a backbone of our lives, and we appreciate you so much. Florence and the Machine can play us out:"Is this how it is?Is this how it's always been?To exist in the face of suffering and deathAnd somehow, still keep singing."We love you all! Huzzah!-David and MeganClick "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

We pondered the genetics of smelling ants before this great episode! The main topic was a new study that found the brain may use myelin lipids for fuel during low glucose conditions like marathons. This could have massive implications for how we think about fueling and fatigue resistance, including for cognitive function. Our big theory: fueling is just as much about nourishing and protecting the brain as it is the legs.And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: the resurrection of the green shorts, “tension” training via uphill biking and running, heat suit training, genetic data, why post-exercise ketones may be most beneficial after longer efforts, the wild connections between heat response and evolution, body image and clothing choices, heart rate after layoffs, racing athletes we coach, dealing with break-ups, the art of sweat testing, and our frustration with nose-breathing recommendations.May your shorts be green and long,-Megan and DavidClick "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

We took off our armor for this incredible episode! The main discussion might have been one of our most important (and fun) ever: the Big Alta 50k DNF, failure, and what it truly means to go for it. David raced Big Alta because it was somewhere that he couldn't hide. We needed to gather data about what happened at the very edge of human capabilities. And when you F around...sometimes you find out. We hope that you feel a connection to your big scary dreams. Thank you for giving us the courage to dream bigger!And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: racing lessons from Big Alta, why ankles are annoying, guys v. dudes, running your own race, Jim Walmsley dominates at Chianti, Kilian is going to Western States, sauna v. hot tub, going from 0 to 1 to 2 kids, running groups, bike v. treadmill, core work, life "balance" for people with big goals, long-term training builds, and lots more.This episode gives you a raw window into the true story that athletes rarely tell. We all fail. Life really unfolds in what happens next. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Reward" for free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Use code "SWAP" for a free gift with a Kickr Run Treadmill: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buyBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swapCheck out the SWAP video series: https://youtu.be/9JoQJIq5fpw?si=xc7hCZJ65vNxUwrD

We celebrated the 250th recording for this great episode! The main topic was a new study on fatigue resistance. How do you actually improve performance after multiple hours of work? It’s the greatest mystery of endurance, and whoever solves it will have a big advantage. We think that we have some answers for training, fueling, and the nervous system.And this episode was jam-packed with tons of amazing topics and questions! Other topics: race week reflections before the Big Alta 50k, confidence, showing up authentically for a serious episode 250 discussion, positivity and love in a complex world, fatigue resistance training, OnlyFans sponsors Sabrina Stanley, Nike sponsors Riley Brady, Outside Mag’s revolt, and more.This one got deep and personal, like we also get with our treadmill.Thank you so much for your support over 250 episodes. Let’s do another 250! We love you all. HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Reward" for $80 at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Use code "SWAP" for a free gift with a Kickr Run Treadmill: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buyBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swapCheck out the SWAP video series: https://youtu.be/9JoQJIq5fpw?si=xc7hCZJ65vNxUwrD

We lifted some styrofoam plates painted like metal before this great episode! The main topic was a new study showing improved fatigue resistance for athletes doing heavy lifting twice per week. Yes... we regret to inform you that we think you should probably have a squat rack nearby. Prepare your butts.We also answered a question on carb intake after exercise, framed around a pro triathlete recently announcing that they had high hemoglobin A1C. We talk about some of the complications of that particular story, and also how high-carb fueling during training may change fueling approaches overall. This episode is not sponsored by Country Time Lemonade, but the Country Time people need to call our people.And there were so many other great topics! Other topics: our first date run in 6 months, Jim Walmsley's dominant 50k, an offer code for the Wahoo Run Treadmill, grunting during training, timing nutrition intake, creating supportive environments, why health is the missing link in many training approaches, fitness and speed offsets, watch data, cadence, and the main thing to look for if you suffer from cramps.This episode is a Public Service Announcement for medicated creams. Medicated Creams: be careful about what you put in your mouth. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Reward" for $80 at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Use code "SWAP" for a free gift with a Kickr Run Treadmill: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buyBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos (plus hat purchases): patreon.com/swapCheck out the SWAP video series: https://youtu.be/G_o4ZR1vwXQ?si=VRdyfQtzh-K4LpMV

We brought some very sore legs into this great episode! The main topic was a new study on "Zone 2 Training," which gathered a panel of experts to review what Zone 2 means and why it matters. Our theory is that Zone 2 training is interacting with high-carb fueling to drive some of the performance revolution!We also talked about a new study on heat training. It shows that heat-induced adaptations and fitness improvements seem to mimic one another, but may come from different sources. Thus, stacking them could lead to outsized benefits!And get a big plate because there was a buffet of great topics! Other topics: leg soreness from downhill running, a follow-up study on trail supershoes, whether athletes without supershoes will be at a disadvantage on trails, weird heart rate zones, weird blood lactate curves, how athletes can vary from population averages, how we try to embrace pressure, pre-workout carbs, going for it at Western States, uphill treadmill workouts, feel v. metrics in harder workouts, joy in dark forests, and peeing in races.The hottest soundtrack in the club is going to be made up of the whale songs on this episode. Drop it like it's waaoaoooooooooooaoaoo.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Reward" for $80 at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")For weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos (plus hat purchases): patreon.com/swapCheck out the SWAP video series: https://youtu.be/G_o4ZR1vwXQ?si=VRdyfQtzh-K4LpMV