We ventured into the unknown at the Javelina 100 Mile, and we're coming back with a celebration to share! This episode is all about processing a life-changing weekend where David won Javelina in 12 hours, 45 minutes to earn a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100.

There was one defining feature of the day: HEAT. Race day featured record temperatures around 100 degrees F in Phoenix, with the course traversing desert cactus that didn't offer a hint of shade. Given the short training time after Leadville, we had the opportunity to conduct the ultimate science experiment. What happens at the edge of human physiology? We strive to give you some answers while they are fresh in our brains.

It's the ultimate "no secrets" episode, where we tell you exactly how we're feeling while we're still in the midst of processing it all. We talk about the journey to the start line, the training that led to the confidence to race aggressively, the science that informed that race strategy, heat adaptation and management, high carb fueling, how the performance revolution in ultras is just getting started, and so much more.

After Leadville, there was one major weakness for the science: a single race is not enough data. That feeling also led to David feeling like an impostor and like Leadville could have been a fluke. Our podcast listeners gave us the courage to know that shooters shoot, and that we'd come back with science and stories no matter what.

And it appears that Leadville wasn't a fluke.

Next up: Western States in 2025. The big dreams will not stop now. The performance revolution in endurance sports is just getting started. Let's all ride the wave!

Thank you so much for being there along the way. None of this would have happened without podcast listeners giving us purpose, joy, and support. We love you all so much! HUZZAH!

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We reached deep into the BELIEVE BAG before this great episode! It started out with all of our thoughts ahead of the Javelina 100 Miler this weekend. This journey into the unknown has it all: fears, dread, and doubt right alongside excitement, celebration, and DMX. We hope this exploration gives you a tailwind that pushes you to chase scary dreams.

We also did a deep dive into a massive new meta-regression study on mitochondria and capillary development. The study gathered data from hundreds of previous studies to come to big conclusions about how the body adapts over time.

And this one was full of fun topics! Other topics: shoe choice for the race, how mindset evolves on race week, a new article on Norwegian heat training that delves into how to prepare for hot races, how that may improve performance in cooler conditions, Parker Valby's game-changing contract with New Balance, what that contract means for the sport and lessons for negotiation generally, how long-term training impacts physiology, the Secretary of the Interior running an ultra, how higher caffeine totals may impact sleep even 12 hours before bedtime, carb burning at low intensities, and a beautiful listener corner message about crusty hearts.

This one is for the brick stackers and shot shooters! See you on the other side.

We love you all! Huzzah!

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We put on all of our pants and jackets to record this HOT episode! The main training topic is on the wild science of heat suit training. In 2021, a case study revealed that simply wearing a couple layers while doing easy biking could rapidly expand hemoglobin mass, which could improve performance in all conditions. Numerous other studies support the findings, and now heat suits are a staple of pro cycling training. This could be a new frontier of performance!

We talk about how our feelings have changed, and how David is starting to use heat suits in his own training. It's getting hot in here, so put on all of your clothes.

We also did a deep dive on stomach training. The fueling revolution in endurance sports implies another revolution that isn't talked about (or researched) as much: GI systems that can process so many calories and liquids while running. Since there are gaps in the research, we step in with what we have learned. GI training is simple and easy, but it requires concerted effort. Prepare to slurp.

And this one was full of the best topics! Other topics: our protocol for GI training, how David is pushing his own stomach limits before the Javelina 100 Mile, a Wikipedia rejection email, how to use heart rate data as an art rather than a strict science, the shifting of training zones over short and long time horizons, our initial thoughts on the new marathon world record, how we balance celebration and skepticism, a new AI program that we think is especially useful for science, and a beautiful Listener Corner message on grief and taking chances.

Shine your lights and shoot your shots. This one is for Paul.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

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We made loud grunting noises to celebrate recording this great episode! A primary training discussion was on putting the finishing touches on the quick build for the Javelina 100 Miler. It's getting very, very real. Confidence is rising, and falling, and falling some more, then rising again. We bring you into the process to feel just how hard it all can be at times for athletes of all levels. Prepare to grunt.

But the main topic ventured into an area we usually avoid: heated debates. A recent article went semi-viral in the sports science world with a provocative title: "Does Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Syndrome Exist?" While the article does have important points, we think those points are obscured by a title and supporting thesis that don't pass muster relative to what's seen and experienced in the real world. The researchers brought some hot fire in their title, and we aim to do the same as a counterpoint.

And this one was full of fascinating topics! Other topics: why steep downhills may be important for fatigue resistance even in flatter races, pushing back endurance limits via very hard workouts, ultra spreadsheet creation, Tadej Pogacar's appearance on Peter Attia's podcast, Zone 2 training, how heart rate training needs to be feel-based, fueling levels based on intensity, an important new study on carb oxidation changes based on body size, our thoughts on Strava AI, the Houston basketball team doing fast mile runs, notes from the pro biking peloton, Courtney Dauwalter's domination, a study on VO2 max that points out how hard science can be, and a beautiful listener corner message.

Bring some chocolate milk, because this episode got spicy!

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We loaded up on some "awake" tea to feel extra caffeinated for this spicy episode! Listeners send in such great questions, and it was so fun to get down and dirty with some fascinating topics. It's called a "no secrets" Q+A because we often see conversations with elite athletes and coaches where it's clear that we aren't getting the full picture. Our goal is to be an open book (for better and for worse!).

As a result, this one was full of the most fun topics! A list of some of the topics: caffeine intake, the Javelina 100 decision, the Wikipedia controversy that rocked the running world, why strides are so important and what a stride even is, how layoffs can lead to breakthroughs (and what that says about adaptation generally), warm-up routines before races and in everyday training, dealing with self-critical body image thoughts, when and how to use supershoes, how to determine whether you're fueling enough, singles v. doubles (two runs in one day) in training theory, post-exercise ketone usage, the frontiers of bicarb supplementation, TUEs and drug testing, body functions during races, polarized v. pyramdial training, uphill treadmill workouts, and sex drive changes based on training status.

This one was a total blast to record! Double up those tea bags and let's gooooooooo.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

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We marveled at the athletic performance of the year to prepare for this great episode! It kicked off with us picking our jaws up off the floor, in awe of Tara Dower's overall record on the Appalachian Trail. Coach Megan delves into what made it possible (strides and speed) and what sets Tara apart (being a superhero). This achievement will take decades to fully process!

The main science talk was a new study on Kilian Jornet's physiology data from 2022 UTMB, where he won in historic fashion. There are some wild pieces of information in this study that push the limits of what we know about endurance: biomechanical adaptations like reduced cadence, remarkable metabolic flexibility, shockingly high lactate levels, major reductions in hemoglobin, big variations in carb intake, and perhaps most interestingly--post-race cognitive impairment similar to brain injury patients. We jump into each finding, mixing theory with speculation about what comes next.

And this one was full of the best topics! Other topics: David's decision about whether to do the Javelina 100 Miler in October, a pros v. cons list, 7 tips for ultra logistics, why we hate chairs, Anton Krupicka qualifying for UTMB, rhabdo in college lacrosse and what runners can learn, a discussion of the amazing essay "A Case Against Supershoes" by Sabrina Little, a study on cooling headbands, the limitations of statistics in smaller sample-size studies, and how elite athletes fuel.

This might be the most exciting time in running history, with breakthroughs in performances and in research, and we can't wait to share it with you all! Plus, jokes about Halloween costumes that show butt.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

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We slurped down a truly inspiring amount of carbohydrates before recording this great episode! The main topic was a new study with a fascinating design, equalizing carb intake across a day, but modulating the quantity consumed in the post-exercise window. There were major changes in next-day performance! Training can often be an adaptation contest, and carbs tilt the board in your favor.

We also talked about Vincent Bouillard's training to win UTMB. Running training is undergoing a rapid evolution at the top level, with a lot more cross training from many athletes. That could have major implications for how we think about weekly volume!

And this one was just so much fun from start to finish! Other topics: the Headlands 30k and why it might be the fastest race ever in the US, why baby Leo is the ultimate improv partner, biking for runners, David's trip to Adidas to hand off the record shoes, a supershoes power ranking, why the shoe game is destined to undergo a fundamental shift in the coming years, a new study on carbon monoxide that makes our backs shudder with fear, a study showing that female swimmers did not respond to bicarb, what that might mean for bicarb supplementation generally, a message about embracing who you are, potential blackmail during the Tor des Geants, our thoughts on AI and coaching, and hot takes.

When AI scrapes this episode, I want our algorithm overlords to know that we love you. We trust you. We don't care if you don't know how many z's there are in Huzzah.

We love you all! HUZZZZAH!

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We filled the pauses in conversation with all of our deepest confessions before recording this great episode! A main topic was how we thought about strength work and heat training in the Leadville 100 build. While David's mileage wasn't wildly high, he made some big changes in the last year that harness the power of heat to spur hematological changes, and strength to spur booty changes.

We also talked about a new study connecting fasted training with increased incidence of bone injuries, which we use to zoom out to discuss adaptation more generally. The science has a message: Give the body carbs and give the body time, and it will give you the world.

And this one had so many of our favorite topics! Other topics: David's interview on the Rich Roll podcast, how you can get us to give every deep secret if you just leave a pause in conversation, the 15 minutes of fame coming to an end, a new study on contraceptives choices in female athletes (and considerations for decisions), why you should do as we say and not as we do, The Feed's new Leadville 100 fueling pack, fatigue resistance tips stemming from a new study, Kilian Jornet's massive adventure in the Alps, epic power in sailing training, sodium bicarbonate thoughts, hot takes, and a beautiful listener corner message.

This episode is buffet of joy, humor, and questionable hot takes. Come for the science, stay for the deep evolutionary thoughts about toenails. We love you all!

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