It’s the best time of the year, and we brought that energy into this great episode! We started by bringing out our big predictions and hot takes for the Western States 100. The hottest take: everything about our understanding of endurance physiology is going to change on Saturday. We tell you why.

We also talked about a new study asking a fascinating question: does the intensity of easy training matter for adaptations? The answer: not really, if overall stress is equalized. Our main conclusion is that no pace is too slow for aerobic development.

And this one was full of awesome topics! Other topics: switching heart rate monitors with a training partner, our complex thoughts on AI coaching, AI body scans, new data on trail supershoes crowning a possible champion, the perils of optimization based on studies, a cool study on human-wildlife conflict, competitiveness v. ego, burping in races, and a beautiful Listener Corner message.

Whenever you’re having a bad day, remember: there might be a thicc zebra waiting for you on the carousel of life.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

Click "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap

Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")

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We developed the ultimate AM wake-up hack (which we tell you about in the intro) before this great episode! A main science topic was a new paper on how the temperature in an athlete’s training location influences race performance. It tells a story about heat training generally that everyone needs to pay attention to.

And guess what? A new journal article makes yet another argument against higher carb approaches. David brings big rant energy and we talk about how the scope of conclusions from exercise science can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Plus, there were so many fun discussions! Other topics: Megan’s new documentary coming out on Thursday, what we’re seeing with bicarb use, overload training weeks, some cool science on Omega-3 supplementation, and questions on carbs in cycling, the backwards treadmill, big races, and more!

To paraphrase our muse Jesse McCartney: we don’t want this episode to go to waste, we want you and your beautiful listens.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

Click "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap

Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")

Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)

For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, heart rate zones, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap

We removed all the cutlery from our house before this great episode! The main science discussion was on a new study looking at reproducibility of adaptations in individual athletes. The relatively surprising finding is that there was no significant correlation in how the same athlete responds to the same intervention across time. We discuss what that means for training science. The word “holistic” is coming in hot.

We also talked about a new study on post-exercise ketones, finding a 15% increase in natural EPO levels. Even knowing that, we aren’t recommending ketones to many athletes we coach. What’s going on? The disclaimers will blot out the sun.

And this one was full of fun topics! Other topics: when good butter knives go bad, Tom Evans doing the coolest downhill training on the treadmill, new trail supershoe data, a study on carb intake and bone health, and how collagen may impact bone health for female athletes. Plus questions on breathing, uphill treadmill miles, breakups, programming workouts, coaching communication, and more.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

-David and Megan

Click "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap

Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")

20% flash deal for the Wahoo Kickr Run treadmill on Wednesday: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)

For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, heart rate zones, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap