The Hardest MTB Race in the World: John Withrow Gets It Done

Is it time to rethink your off-season training strategy? Discover how our Outseason Training Program defies the conventional approach of low-intensity, high-volume workouts by focusing on high-intensity sessions that build critical fitness and mental toughness. Led by Coach Patrick, we explore the transformative power of shorter, more intense workouts and the crucial role of rest days, specifically taking Mondays and Fridays off to ensure optimal recovery. Learn how to make the most of structured bike workouts available on popular platforms like Zwift and Trainer Road, backed by scientific principles designed to maximize your training efficiency and investment. Step into Watopia's virtual realm and prepare for your best winter season yet with our Winter Zwift Training Program. Embrace the mantra "fast before far" as we aim for excellence in your 2025 season. By setting high personal standards and engaging in rigorous training, you can unlock your full potential. Coach Patrick will be with you every step of the way, supporting your journey from online races to significant performance enhancements. This episode is your gateway to transforming your winter training, avoiding excess volume pitfalls, and setting the stage for an extraordinary year ahead. Ready for the full OutSeason experience? Join the 2025 program today: https://www.endurancenation.us/outseason-group-training-2025-edition/

Join me as I sit down with Kami Banks, endurance athlete, nutrition coach, and founder of The Fueled Life, to explore effective strategies for mastering off-season nutrition. Kami shares her insights on how athletes can make small, smart changes that fuel performance and maintain optimal body composition year-round. Learn to enjoy seasonal treats, tackle cravings, and set yourself up for success next season. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:15 Why Off-Season Nutrition Matters 10:40 Planning vs. Reacting: Taking Control of Food Choices 18:20 Hydration Habits for Winter Workouts 22:45 Body Composition Goals: A Gradual Approach 31:00 Embracing Plant Diversity for Better Gut Health Key Takeaways: Why Start Now? Winter is the ideal time for athletes to build lasting nutrition habits without the pressure of race season. Small steps taken now can pay off big in spring! Strategic Hydration and Fueling Even short workouts require hydration and fuel to avoid energy crashes. Stay ahead of your needs for better workout quality and overall health. Whole Foods and Plant Diversity = Performance Gains Choosing a variety of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins feeds your gut microbiome, which supports immunity, energy, and recovery. The colors on your plate matter! Consistency is Key, Not Perfection Kami emphasizes realistic planning for the week ahead, including ready-to-go snacks, simple meal choices, and small ways to stick to your nutrition goals despite cravings. Want to Learn More? Work with Kami at The Fueled Life for customized nutrition plans, tips, and support. Listen to Kami’s podcast, Fueled Conversations in the Kitchen: Kami’s Podcast Explore our 14-week OutSeason program to transform your training and nutrition this winter: OutSeason FIND EN ON SOCIAL Instagram: @teamendurancenation Facebook: @endurancenation FIND KAMI ON SOCIAL Instagram: @kamibankscoaching Facebook: @kamibankscoaching Website: KamiBanks.com

In this episode, Coach Patrick welcomes Greg Palmer, a seasoned triathlete and frequent guest, to discuss his incredible journey back from a double pelvic fracture. From the painful setbacks of a snapped pelvis and a crash that left him with stitches and road rash, to reclaiming his form and finishing the season on a high, Greg shares the raw truths about perseverance, mental toughness, and how he redefined success on his own terms. Listen in for lessons on the grit it takes to rise after hitting rock bottom and how smarter strategies, not just harder work, led Greg to one of his best seasons yet. This is a comeback story you don't want to miss! 👊🔥

What if your off-season could be the most transformative season of your training year? Join me, Coach Patrick at Endurance Nation, as we unravel the groundbreaking "fast before far" training methodology tailored for endurance athletes gearing up for the 2025 season. Embrace the winter months as a golden opportunity to break free from old habits and leap beyond performance plateaus with targeted interval training. By maintaining a consistent schedule focused on speed, athletes can make noticeable progress without the typical fatigue of in-season training. Our approach not only boosts physical capacity but also allows for maximized recovery, setting the stage for an exceptional upcoming season. Ready to elevate your training and be part of a supportive community? I'm extending an invitation to join us at Endurance Station, where you can engage with fellow athletes and take on winter challenges that enhance fitness and fun. Discover how to access our resources, sign up for our newsletter, and interact with others committed to pushing their limits. Our community thrives on support and engagement, and I'm eager to collaborate with you to enhance your fitness journey. Don’t miss this chance to transform your off-season training into an enjoyable and productive experience. Ready for the full OutSeason experience? Join the 2025 program today: https://www.endurancenation.us/outseason-group-training-2025-edition/

What if the quiet winter months could be your secret weapon for endurance success? Welcome to Dirt Station with Coach Patrick, where we uncover the transformative power of the Endurance Nation's out-season program. This episode takes you behind the scenes of our game-changing 14-week program, launching November 4th, designed to turn the often overlooked winter season into your most crucial training period. Say goodbye to the old misconceptions about piling on the miles and discover why a well-structured approach can lead to consistent performance gains. Join us as we explore the common pitfalls that hold endurance athletes back and how our unique strategy addresses them. Through a detailed examination of what sets successful athletes apart, we reveal the importance of a steady training regimen spanning nine to ten months. Hear how we've turned the traditional off-season into an opportunity, with over 10,000 athletes reaping the benefits since 2009. Tune in to learn how to make the winter months your winning months and why this program is the ultimate game-changer in your endurance journey. Ready for the full OutSeason experience? Join the 2025 program today: https://www.endurancenation.us/outseason-group-training-2025-edition/

Ever thought winter training could be your secret weapon for endurance sports? Coach Patrick is here to prove it! This episode transforms the mundane into the magical by uncovering why the colder months are the perfect time to solidify your fitness foundation. Coach Patrick breaks down the logistical and seasonal challenges that athletes face, and how a structured winter training regimen can turn these hurdles into stepping stones. From triathlons to gravel racing, learn how consistent indoor sessions can help you bypass the typical chaos of the race season and why hitting the ground running with enhanced fitness is within your reach. Forget the notion that winter training is just dreary, monotonous busyness. Coach Patrick shares the keys to unlocking a productive off-season, emphasizing the importance of structure and high-quality workouts. Discover how a well-planned winter training schedule can eliminate weather woes and simplify your routine, allowing you to focus on building fitness rather than juggling commitments. Whether you’re a newcomer to endurance sports or a seasoned competitor, this episode offers valuable insights to ensure you kick off the race season stronger than ever. Join us, and find out how to wield winter training as your ultimate cheat code for success. Discover the OutSeason Protocol and kickstart your training journey here: https://theoutseasonprotocol.carrd.co/.  Ready for the full OutSeason experience? Join the 2025 program today: https://www.endurancenation.us/outseason-group-training-2025-edition/

Transform your athletic training with insights that prioritize simplicity and consistency over the overwhelming noise of data. Experience firsthand the journey of an Ironman competitor who, guided by a high-profile coach, achieved personal bests through a straightforward training approach. This episode shares valuable lessons on how thoughtful coaching can cut through the clutter of wearable technology, offering a clear path to athletic success. Listeners are promised a deeper understanding of creating a structured seasonal roadmap that fuels progress and maintains focus. Discover the essential phases of endurance training, where each structured block from the foundational "out season" to race-specific preparation plays a crucial role in an athlete's development. We discuss the importance of benchmarking, adapting to fitness levels, and the often-overlooked benefits of recovery. Explore how maintaining control in training and competition distinguishes great performances from the average. Whether you're an aspiring athlete or an experienced competitor, this episode provides the strategies and insights needed to build a successful athletic journey. For more resources and to enhance your training strategies, be sure to check out Endurance Nation for free courses and newsletters. Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys

Special guest John Withrow returns to recount his grueling adventure at the Margie Gessick race—a notorious 110-mile mountain biking marathon with a staggering 70% Did Not Finish rate. Known for its rocky and root-filled trails in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this race demanded intense physical and mental endurance. John opens up about the unique challenges he encountered this year compared to past races like the Leadville Trail 100, and how family dynamics influenced his decision to take on such a monumental challenge. We explore the mindset necessary to push through the exhaustion and obstacles, highlighting the personal sacrifices and strategic planning that went into this endeavor. Our conversation shifts to the critical topic of fueling and pacing strategies during these extreme endurance events. I discuss my own experiences, revealing my decision to sometimes walk instead of run to conserve energy and the complexities of maintaining proper nutrition on a technical course. An oversight led to a challenging four-hour stretch with minimal intake, underscoring the importance of listening to the advice of supporters like Joe Wilcox. Discover the small but impactful adjustments, such as taking quick snack breaks, that can significantly enhance performance and endurance. Finally, we reflect on the mix of unexpected challenges and triumphs that make these races unforgettable. From brake issues that turned pit stops into high-stakes moments reminiscent of NASCAR to the satisfaction of overtaking fellow racers, the episode captures the spirit of resilience. We share thoughts on the importance of preparation, the exhilaration of maintaining momentum, and lessons learned for future races. Amidst playful banter and recovery plans, we also touch on the potential for more ordinary events next year, bringing the conversation to a light-hearted conclusion filled with camaraderie and anticipation for future adventures.

Consistency and simplicity changed my life in 2008, when a high-dollar coach’s straightforward advice led me to personal bests in Ironman competitions. This revelation shaped the foundation of Endurance Nation, where we prioritize long-term evolution over daily tweaks. Modern data can often distract athletes, but great coaches focus on meaningful, lasting improvements. Join me, Coach Patrick, as I share how this philosophy differentiates good coaching from exceptional guidance. We break down the essentials of a comprehensive 14-week out-season training program, exploring its distinct phases from benchmarking progress to tailored race goals. Learn why the 12-week race prep block is crucial for mental and strategic readiness, and why recovery phases are indispensable for building strength. Understand the power of block methodology in providing clear objectives and fostering community support. Finally, discover how maintaining control over your training prepares you to make smart decisions on race day. For more insights, be sure to check out our free courses or newsletter at Endurance Nation US. Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys

Ever wondered why simply copying your early-season training plan for a late-season race can sabotage your performance? In this episode, we tackle the critical mistakes athletes make and unveil essential strategies to reach peak performance in your late-season races. We begin by exploring why attempting to replicate your early-season regimen can lead to burnout and diminished results. Through a detailed analysis of past training data and accumulated fatigue, we guide you on how to adjust your approach to balance training and recovery effectively. This ensures that you can enter your next event in optimal condition without overtaxing your body. As we transition into optimizing late-season racing performance, particularly for athletes moving from high-volume training to marathon preparation in a limited timeframe, we stress the importance of prioritizing recovery. Learn how to use a scaled-back training plan, focusing on race strategy, execution, and nutrition to prevent injury and overtraining. By making smarter decisions and leveraging your existing fitness, you'll discover how to finish your season strong and set the stage for future success. Join us as we share insights and tips to maintain peak performance and end your season on a high note. Learn more and take our free email course here: https://mailchi.mp/endurancenation.us/freefourkeys