The Endurance Drive Podcast

Episode 138: Race Execution, Heat Strategy & Nutrition Lessons from Our Athletes 02.07.2026 58分

In this week's episode, we share the biggest lessons from recent races across the Endurance Drive community. Drawing from race reports submitted by our athletes, we dive into the common themes that separated strong performances from frustrating ones, including race-day preparation, pacing the bike to protect the run, nutrition and hydration strategies, heat management, mental resilience, race execution, open water confidence, and why racing by feel often beats chasing the numbers. We also rapid-fire five additional lessons on course reconnaissance, transitions, swim navigation, using data wisely, and how fitness transfers across disciplines. Whether you're racing a sprint triathlon, marathon, Ironman, or anything in between, there's something here to help you race smarter this season. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 137: Lessons on Mindset, Pacing, and Goal-Setting from the B.A.A. 10K 25.06.2026 59分

In this week's episode, we recap Katie's postpartum 10K race and the lessons that came from a tough but rewarding day on the course, including where and how her pacing strategy didn’t go exactly according to plan, the mental strategies that helped her stay in the fight, and why she's actually more proud of this race than others that went "better" on paper. We also discuss race-day mindset, building goals that truly resonate, why every race is a rich learning environment, and how to think about racing as simply an expression of your fitness on that particular day. We wrap with reflections on Western States, evolving training philosophies in ultrarunning, and why your "normal" in training should evolve with different seasons of life. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 136: Training and Racing in the Heat, Finding Your Race Pace, and Handling Uncontrollables 18.06.2026 52分

In this week’s episode, we dive deep into one topic that’s affecting nearly every endurance athlete right now: heat. We discuss how hot and humid conditions change pacing, power, heart rate, fueling, hydration, and overall expectations for both training and racing. We share practical strategies for modifying workouts, recognizing when heat is becoming a safety issue, and adapting your mindset when fitness doesn’t show up the way you expected on race day. We also explore race-day unpredictability, why learning to embrace chaos can make you a better competitor, how to estimate realistic swim, bike, and run pacing, and why practicing adaptability may be one of the most valuable race skills you can develop. Plus, we share hydration recommendations, electrolyte strategies, and a few gear picks for surviving summer training. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 135: Energy Availability, Training with Constraints, and Avoiding Burnout 11.06.2026 54分

In this episode, we explore what it means to train within the constraints of real life. Drawing from Katie’s postpartum return to sport, we discuss how recovery, energy availability, sleep, work, parenting, and life stress can become limiting factors just as much as fitness itself. We unpack the difference between training volume and overall life load, how expectations quietly shift over time, and why more training is not always the answer when performance starts to feel harder. We also dive into identifying your biggest constraints, focusing on the highest-return workouts, embracing the minimum effective dose, and finding ways to stay connected to joy and purpose in training. Whether you're balancing a demanding career, family responsibilities, injury recovery, or simply a busy season of life, this episode offers practical strategies for adapting your goals, managing expectations, and continuing to make meaningful progress without burning out. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 134: What To Do During Race Week, Triathlon Tips for First Timers, and Avoiding “Zombie Training” 04.06.2026 1時間

In this week’s episode, we share practical race-week strategies for endurance athletes, including how to prepare your bike, dial in transitions, visualize race day, and avoid common mistakes before the starting gun. We also break down our top 10 tips for first-time triathletes, from fueling and open-water swimming to pacing, bike handling, cooling strategies, and mindset preparation. Katie reflects on her experience pacing a fifth grader at a Girls on the Run 5K and the surprising lessons that apply to athletes of every level. Finally, we explore Gordo Byrn’s concept of “zombie training,” discuss the importance of recovery, consistency, and avoiding chronic fatigue, and share resources on the Norwegian Method, open-water swimming, and race-day gear. Whether you’re preparing for your first sprint triathlon or your next Ironman, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you train and race smarter. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 133: Strength Training for Endurance Athletes with Maggie Mullins, DPT 28.05.2026 52分

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Maggie Mullins, an accomplished physical therapist, strength coach, run coach, and athlete, for a deep dive into how endurance athletes should actually approach strength training. We talk about why strength matters for performance, injury prevention, running economy, and long-term durability, plus how to structure strength work around endurance training, what exercises give the biggest return on investment, and why endurance athletes often underload in the gym. We also cover plyometrics, calf strength, mobility vs. stretching, youth vs. masters and male vs. female athletes, and how to build a simple but effective home setup. We wrap with Maggie’s perspective on activation routines, toe spacers, stroller running, and practical ways to make strength training actually fit into busy endurance lives. Check it out!To work with Maggie, visit: https://run.therxmovement.com/To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 132: First Time Ironman Tips, Racing with a Stroller, and Flexible Goal Setting 21.05.2026 1時間 1分

In this week’s episode, we dive into lessons from first-time Ironman racing, including fueling, pacing, run-walk strategies, race execution, and staying present to get the most out of your race experience. We also answer listener questions on supporting a partner through Ironman training and navigating race morning logistics. Katie shares insights from a chaotic but fun local 5K with the jogging stroller during the four-month sleep regression trenches of postpartum life, including thoughts on racing under high life stress, backup plans and “goal trees,” heat adaptation, and why your B and C goals should still genuinely excite you. We also unpack what to do after swinging for a big goal and missing, how to decide whether to swing again, and why it’s important to hold your big goals loosely and stay connected to the process. Check it out!Check out our form on racing accessibility for moms here: ⁠https://forms.gle/kLAVS6NtzJwYA7z27⁠To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 131: Racing Accessibility for New Moms, Triaging Persistent Fatigue, and the “Why Not You?” Mantra 14.05.2026 57分

In this week’s episode, we start by diving into one of the biggest endurance stories of the year: Rachel Entrekin’s historic overall win and course record at Cocodona 250, using it as a springboard to discuss confidence, self-belief, fueling, and the evolving landscape of women’s sport. We unpack the mental strategies behind big performances, including Rachel’s “why not you” mantra, and reflect on how visibility in sport can inspire the next generation. Katie also shares the realities of returning to racing postpartum, the barriers new moms still face in endurance sport, and how she’s pushing for better accessibility and support at races. Finally, we close with a practical deep dive on fatigue in endurance athletes: low energy availability, RED-S, bloodwork, cortisol, ferritin, fueling mistakes, and how to actually troubleshoot persistent fatigue when something feels off. Check it out!Check out our form on racing accessibility for moms here: ⁠https://forms.gle/kLAVS6NtzJwYA7z27⁠To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 130: Short-Course Triathlon Racing and Multi-Day Training Camp Insights 07.05.2026 58分

In this week’s episode, Katie recaps her first race back postpartum at the Polar Bear Sprint Triathlon, sharing lessons on goal setting, transition practice, racing without data, TT bike handling, and what it felt like to truly “feel like herself” again in competition. We also dive into why sprint racing is such a powerful learning environment, how to think about race goals beyond outcomes, and practical tips for preparing for short course triathlon. Jim then reflects on a massive Mallorca training camp, including lessons on pacing, fueling, acclimation, group riding, and why fitness alone is never the full picture on big training days. We also talk cadence work, breathing, outdoor specificity, race prep, and the value of practicing the exact setup you’ll use on race day. Check it out!Check out our form on racing accessibility for moms here: https://forms.gle/kLAVS6NtzJwYA7z27To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 129: Mental Prep and Performance for the Boston Marathon 30.04.2026 56分

In this week’s episode, Elena shares key takeaways from her incredible day at the 2026 Boston Marathon, specifically focusing on the mental prep that went into the race and the mental strategies that helped her run a personal best on a day when her body wasn’t feeling great. We cover her mindset going into the race, what was going on in her head when she started to feel strain in her legs much sooner than expected, how she stayed in the game mentally through challenging middle miles and over Heartbreak Hill, how she willed herself out of some intense cramping at mile 25, and how she balanced feel vs. pace vs. heart rate data throughout the race. We also hit practical insights on her training strategy, what she learned for next time, menstrual cycle effects on performance, and general takeaways from other racers in Boston. This is a useful episode for anyone looking to improve their mental game going into big races and/or to keep soaking in the Boston Marathon energy! Check it out.To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 128: Transitioning to Outdoor Training, Strategically Using Doubles, and Heart Rate Nuance 23.04.2026 1時間 4分

In this week’s episode, we start with a timely reminder that sometimes it’s not your fitness -- it’s the elements (heat, humidity, wind) making everything feel harder. From there, we dive into practical strategies for building outdoor durability, staying safe on the roads, and knowing when to take things inside. We break down fueling through the lens of habit-building, why doubles can be a powerful (and realistic) way to build volume, and how to approach training by feel over data. We also touch on mountain biking as a sneaky performance tool, priority shifts in the specific prep phase, Ironman swim strategies, and a more nuanced take on heart rate zones. We wrap with a mindset shift from “or” to “and,” unpacking why your best and worst days almost never come down to just one thing. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 127: Peak Fitness vs. Peak Shape, Intentionality in Training, and Self-Compassion 16.04.2026 56分

Race week energy is here! We kick things off with Boston Marathon excitement, hitting race-day mindset, pacing, and spectator tips, before diving into a favorite recent insight: the difference between peak fitness vs. peak shape, and what you can do to give yourself the best possible opportunity to feel good on race day. From there, we riff on training with full intention, how to balance pushing vs. pulling back, and why flexibility is the key to long-term progress. We also talk self-compassion, celebrating small wins, and avoiding the trap of tying your worth to performance. Plus: Strava segment fun and practical fueling/hydration strategies heading into race day. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 126: Toolkit for Hard Intervals, Ironman Bike Volume, and Race Readiness 09.04.2026 55分

In this week’s episode, we reflect on what it means when the hay is in the barn, highlighting practical approaches to shedding fatigue and showing up at the starting line of your race both happy and healthy. We then dive into a bunch of great athlete questions on pickups, recovery, warming up, bike purchases, and fueling. Our main content features a deep dive on Katie’s toolkit for hard intervals inspired by a recent sweet spot bike workout, as well as a conversation on why bike volume is essential for successful Ironman experiences. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 125: Postpartum Return-to-Run, Training Through Stress, and Letting Go of Data 02.04.2026 58分

In this episode, we start by diving into the often-overlooked role of stress in training, explore how high stress shows up physically, why tuning into your nervous system matters, and how to adjust training when things feel off. From there, we discuss the benefits of stepping away from data-driven training and using trails or unstructured sessions to reconnect with effort and flow. We also touch on practical reminders about hydration as the seasons shift and the importance of training for experience, not just fitness—whether that’s dialing in pacing, fueling, or race-day logistics. Finally, Katie shares an in-depth look at her postpartum return-to-run journey, breaking down how approached training with patience, intentionality, and support. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 124: Fueling Reminders, The “Eras” of Training, and Long Workout Execution 26.03.2026 57分

In this episode, we kick things off with some reminders on fueling as training ramps up. We break down why you can’t “fake it” with fueling in longer sessions, how underfueling impacts both performance and recovery, and why even the last 10 minutes of a workout without adequate fueling can shape your entire experience. From there, we dive into how to execute big rides and runs: covering pacing, layering, planning, and how to think ahead to the second half of your workout. We also explore the idea of training “eras” (recovery, maintenance, and building), and how understanding where you are can guide better decisions day-to-day and across a full season. Finally, we touch on creating routines to improve recovery, clarifying Zone 1 vs. easy training, making the most of limited swim time, and using tools like sim shorts or carbon-plated shoes to reduce friction and stay consistent. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 123: Flow State, Intrinsic Motivation, and the Power of Storytelling with Writer and Ultrarunner Katie Arnold 19.03.2026 1時間 4分

In this week’s episode, we start with a conversation on race-day disappointment: how to separate race outcomes from alignment with your race plan, reframe uncontrollable conditions (like heat), and stay grounded in what you can control. We then transition into a powerful conversation with writer and ultrarunner Katie Arnold on flow state, intrinsic motivation, and the connection between movement, creativity, and mental resilience. Katie shares how running can be both a creative practice and a tool for healing, how to shift from outcome-focused thinking to “receive mode” on race day, and why the stories we tell ourselves shape what’s possible in both sport and life. We also explore balancing ambition with non-attachment, using simple practices like journaling to build self-trust, and how endurance sport teaches us to sit with uncertainty and discomfort. We loved this conversation and we think you will too - check it out!To learn more about Katie Arnold and her writing and flow camps, visit: https://katiearnold.net/ To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 122: Marathon Race Prep, The Power of Easy Training, and Gratitude Mindset 12.03.2026 1時間

In this week’s episode, we start with a quick reflection on strength for sport and for everyday life, including Katie’s insights on how new parenthood has turned daily routines into real-world strength training. We then do a deep dive on common marathon race-week questions: from sleep and fueling to pacing strategies and how to think about heart rate and pacing in the moment. Finally, we discuss research showing that consistent easy mileage is one of the strongest predictors of marathon success, why Zone 1 training is often where the biggest gains happen, and how shifting from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” can change your mindset for both racing and life. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 121: Efficiency and Economy, Athlete Health, and Building Consistency 05.03.2026 52分

In this week’s episode, we talk about training efficiency and economy, troubleshooting fatigue, and how to stay consistent when life gets complicated. We start with a discussion on volume and intensity in training, digging into why some athletes with years of aerobic base may benefit from periods of higher intensity and slightly lower volume, how LT1 vs. LT2 adaptations play into that shift, and why recovery and fueling context often determine whether intensity becomes productive or overwhelming. From there, we dig into a listener question about persistent fatigue and motivation swings, covering potential physiological causes like nutrient deficiencies as well as practical steps such as strategic rest, fueling adjustments, reducing life stress, and adding community or joy back into training. We also discuss Elena’s exciting new project aimed at helping athletes navigate training, fueling, bloodwork, and healthcare more seamlessly. Finally, Katie shares postpartum reflections on building systems for consistency, focusing on daily movement, flexible scheduling, “exercise snacks,” and staying anchored to the intention of the workout. Check it out!Link to Elena's Female Athlete Health Experiences and Feedback form: forms.gle/skmLuB4Kfm3SwfoH9To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 120: Competing with Joy, Nervous System Training, and Mid-Season Check-Ins 26.02.2026 58分

In this week’s episode, we start with some great listener questions on swim data, VO2 max testing, maintaining speed as a Masters athlete, and avoiding injury. We then dive into mid-season check-ins as a way to avoid later season burnout and outline key questions you should be asking yourself and discussing with your coach as we progress through the base period. Next, we hit takeaways from Olympic figure skating, exploring what happens when you choke versus find flow, how identity can amplify pressure, and what it looks like to compete with joy, freedom, and process-driven focus. We also zoom out to discuss why racing feels so different from training, how competition shifts the nervous system, and practical ways to introduce controlled chaos during base season to train your nervous system to handle race day more effectively. Finally, we hit Katie’s reflections on Peloton vs. Zwift in the postpartum era, covering when it’s a great aerobic and mental health tool, where it falls short for specificity, and how to align any platform with your goals and intentions. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Episode 119: Winter Olympics Takeaways, Building Systems for Flexibility, and Leading with Intentionality 19.02.2026 54分

In this week’s episode, we reflect on Olympic moments, flexibility in training, and navigating new seasons with intention. We start with thoughts on the Olympics—from the power of confidence and sportsmanship to the external validation trap and what high-level achievement really represents. Elena shares her “3 Gs” framework for flexibility (grounding, goals, gauge), how she’s embracing cross-country skiing this winter, and why focusing on process over outcome is essential. We then dive into systems for modifying workouts, including practical red/yellow/green light frameworks to reduce decision fatigue and adapt to life stress. Katie expands on intentionality in training—especially postpartum—where the purpose of workouts has shifted toward mental health, recovery, and sustainability rather than performance. We close with honest reflections on early postpartum realities as an athlete, fueling demands, sleep deprivation, and building support systems to navigate this phase. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use ⁠this form⁠ or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.