Endurance Nation Podcast

What if you could boost your strength without ever touching a weight? We're tearing down the walls of traditional strength training for masters athletes and weaving it into your cardio routine. This episode is all about redefining how athletes over 40 can strengthen their bodies during the winter months by blending strength exercises with aerobic activities. It's about precision, recovery, and using the cold season to lay a robust foundation that will sustain your fitness and endurance when the heat of summer training kicks in. We're talking long-term gains without the burden of a gym-bound schedule, making the best of winter's challenges and turning them into opportunities for success. Our discussion advances to the strategic incorporation of interval training for cyclists and other endurance athletes. We provide insights into how this method can prevent the staleness that often stems from traditional aerobic workouts. Through a structured 14-week "out-season" program, you'll learn how to chart your progress with metrics like power and heart rate, ultimately enhancing both your physical capabilities and mental resilience. This flexible approach isn't just about workouts; it's a strategy that balances sport and life, allowing for a more holistic and sustainable fitness journey. Embrace the winter with us and unlock the secrets to maintaining peak performance year-round.

Ever wondered if high-volume training is the key to unlocking peak endurance performance? Join us as we unravel the 1% rule for endurance athletes with Patrick McCann, the mastermind behind Endurance Nation. Patrick shares his personal journey and sheds light on the often-misunderstood concept of training volume, highlighting why only a select few can truly commit to such intense regimens. For most age-group athletes juggling careers and personal lives, adopting this approach could be impractical and stressful. Through self-awareness, fatigue management, and realistic goal-setting, we explore crafting a training schedule that respects your limitations while pushing toward personal breakthroughs. Get ready to transform your training approach with insights into balancing volume and intensity to avoid burnout while maximizing performance. Discover the potential of strategic training camps and focused big weeks, allowing athletes to step away from everyday distractions and achieve significant fitness gains. Patrick emphasizes the importance of active recovery for building mental and physical resilience. We also discuss how Endurance Nation is reshaping endurance coaching with innovative resources like their free winter training blueprint. Learn how to conquer winter training with a comprehensive guide tailored for age-group athletes aiming for success without unnecessary burdens.

95% of athletes waste the winter and start spring already behind. If you're one of the select few who train smart, winter is the season that defines the year.   Don't get us started about Masters athletes. Miss this window and it can take months - that you don't have - to rebuild your fitness.   That's why we've created the Masters OutSeason — a 14-week program built to maximize your winter training.  Structured workouts + Zwift files  Testing protocols to track progress  Masters Upgrade: 90-seminar on how to adapt and excel in the winter.  Weekly live checkins with Coach Patrick   Register now to lock in the presale price ($299 until Oct 10th).   Every registration is automatically entered to WIN the entire OutSeason free.   Plus: qualify for the Benchmark Challenge — hit your targets and earn back part of your entry fee as store credit.    One registration. Three big wins. Your opportunity.    Program Launches Date: November 2nd   Secure your spot here: www.endurancenation.us/outseason 

As we hit our 40s and beyond, the game changes, and it's no longer about chasing ego but about channeling energy smartly. After working with countless athletes, I've seen the same cycle repeat: pushing like you're still in your 20s, sidelining recovery, neglecting nutrition, and sidelining strength training as if it's an unwanted homework assignment. And the result? Injuries, burnout, and identity crises. But here's the transformative truth: energy is your greatest asset, not your ego. As we age, we gain something invaluable—self-knowledge and wisdom. This episode invites you to harness the power of experience, turning past lessons into a roadmap for maximizing performance and sustaining a fulfilling athletic journey. Join us as we dismantle the myth that age equals decline and explore how to optimize performance in the master's category. We offer a fresh perspective on understanding human limitations and adapting strategies that empower rather than deter. Insights from the Endurance Station highlight the mantra "energy over ego," guiding us through the four pillars of mastering endurance. Whether you're competing against others or striving for personal bests, this episode provides a strategic advantage to redefine athletic goals. Tune in to rediscover the joy in competition and the art of using energy wisely to achieve lasting results.

Ever wondered what it takes to conquer some of the most grueling gravel cycling events? Join us as we uncover the secrets of going epic with Coach Patrick, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Unbound 200 and his preparations for the D2R2 event in Western Massachusetts. The D2R2 is not just any ride—it's a celebration of grit, community, and the breathtaking landscapes of New England. Patrick is especially pumped about the new 200K mystery ride, promising some serious adventure through Jeep trails and hike-a-bike sections. With stories of challenging climbs and scenic pit stops, Patrick paints a vivid picture of what makes these events truly special and why they matter beyond just racing. But preparation is key to tackling such epic adventures, and that's where innovation meets cycling. Learn how I harness the power of a customized GPT bot to streamline every detail of my training and logistics, from equipment checks to nutrition planning. This tool is a game-changer, eliminating last-minute chaos and helping riders stay focused on the ride rather than the rush. We also dive into the broader impact of participating in organized events like the D2R2, which supports vital land and trail conservation efforts. Whether you're a competitive racer or someone seeking personal fulfillment through gravel rides, this episode offers insights and resources to elevate your preparation game. Don't forget, for those eager to enhance their riding experience, you can access the Epic Ride GPT tool through the link provided.

Picture this: rugged summer days, a sun-kissed outdoor office, and a trusty cup of afternoon coffee by your side. That's where you'll find me, Coach Patrick, as we embark on a journey through the thrilling and sometimes tumultuous world of summer endurance sports. While Ironman Lake Placid unfolds with fervor, I'm here to share the pulse of the race from afar, offering my insights and guidance to friends and athletes navigating the final stretch of the season. With August on the horizon, we're gearing up for everything from half Ironmans to iconic gravel races like Leadville and Steamboat, keeping the spirit of camaraderie and strategy-sharing alive. As summer becomes the "Bermuda Triangle" of racing—where heat, rest, and life's commitments converge—it's crucial to adapt and thrive. Allow me to guide you through this dynamic period, offering strategies to balance your training and optimize your race plans. Whether you're a seasoned racer or new to the scene, I'll share unconventional approaches to building fitness and staying on course. So, pull up a chair, and let's explore how to maneuver through the summer racing season with flexibility, strategy, and a touch of innovation. Trust me, the journey is just as rewarding as the finish line.

Unlock the secrets to conquering challenging race conditions with our expert guide to mastering half Ironman events in hot weather. Join Coach Patrick from Endurance Nation as he reveals tried-and-true strategies for thriving when the heat is on. You'll gain insights into effective heat acclimation techniques, from arriving early at the race location to implementing sauna protocols and heat training. By learning how to adjust your pace smartly, you will maintain speed and outshine your competitors even as temperatures skyrocket. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you proactively manage heat, ensuring you remain resilient and composed while others may struggle. But that's not all—we also emphasize the power of choosing the right apparel for those sizzling race days. Discover how selecting wicking materials and sun-protective garments can make all the difference in your performance, along with the game-changing benefits of hats that hold ice and sunglasses to combat glare. Testing your gear in advance will ensure you're prepared for any eventuality. Plus, we highlight the crucial role of recovery, specifically focusing on hydration practices like consuming cold beverages, utilizing hydration packets with sodium, and steering clear of alcohol. Tune in to gain the edge you need to tackle the heat and emerge victorious.

Ever thought that training in sweltering heat could actually be your secret weapon as an endurance athlete? Coach Patrick shares his journey from the scorching Ironman races in Hawaii to uncover how heat training can lead to significant performance boosts. Having spent nearly two decades working with athletes, he reveals the powerful benefits of heat training, from enhancing blood volume to improving oxygen capacity. Coach Patrick also delivers a personal story about how arriving early for a race in Kona, to acclimate properly, made a huge difference in his performance—despite not being at his peak fitness. Join us for a lively discussion on turning the summer heat into a training partner instead of an obstacle. Coach Patrick offers practical strategies for maintaining fitness during the busiest months of the year, suggesting shorter, heat-focused workouts as an effective way to prepare for races. Forget about long, draining sessions under the sun—Coach Patrick's insights are all about working smarter, not harder, by using the heat to your advantage. Whether you're an elite athlete or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips to transform your summer training regimen.

In this episode, Coach Patrick pulls back the curtain on one of Endurance Nation's most epic annual events — our SOLD OUT Tuscany cycling camp. Daily gravel rides through jaw-dropping Italian countryside   Farm-to-table (more like farm-to-face) meals that fuel the soul   5 days of riding — from casual spins to conquering the brutal 120-mile Strada Bianchi   Sun-soaked climbs, epic descents, and quiet olive groves   Lifelong friendships made one ride (and espresso) at a time More than just a camp, it's a fitness accelerator disguised as a vacation. Coach Patrick shares the philosophy behind why these "big scary events" are essential for motivation, growth, and fun. Whether you're looking to shake up your race calendar or just dreaming of an Italian cycling adventure, this episode will have you ready to book your own spot.    Spoiler Alert: This camp is already sold out... but stick around for insider info on how YOU can be part of future Endurance Nation experiences.

What if you could master the art of race strategy and transform your endurance racing experience? Join us on the Dude Guy podcast as we team up with logistics guru Matt to uncover the secrets behind planning and executing the Unbound 200 2025. With Matt's expert insights, we navigate the complexities of the race course, delving into wind patterns, elevation changes, and the critical importance of race positioning. Our conversation reveals how starting strong and riding in a group can give you that extra edge before hitting the first aid station. We also dive into the meticulous planning required to manage fluid and food supplies, ensuring you're prepared to tackle the rising temperatures and unforeseen challenges of race day. Experience the adrenaline and preparation that define race day, where strategic decisions can make or break your performance. We explore the advantages of positioning yourself at the front to dodge congestion and potential crashes, capturing the chaotic energy that marks the early stages of the race. The episode highlights the role of a well-equipped support crew at the aid station, vital for seamless transitions and quick identification through smart communication strategies like sending location details to the rider's Garmin. From the racer's and support team's perspectives, discover the planning and dynamic energy that drive a successful race day. Reflecting on the mental and physical endurance required, we share tales of camaraderie and support that make these events unforgettable. As we recount personal milestones like a top 10 age group finish and overcoming hydration challenges, the conversation underscores the importance of pacing, nutrition, and strategic alliances with fellow riders. We also analyze performance data, revealing lessons learned and satisfaction gained from conquering harsh conditions. Finally, we express gratitude for the friendships formed and the mutual encouragement that fuels our passion for future racing adventures.