Some Work, All Play

Episod

• 313. Marathons v. Ultras, Fatigue Resistance Debates, Gene Editing Breakthrough, and Posture Impact on Blood Volume! 02.06.2026 1j 33min

  We put some cinder blocks under the head of our bed (for science!) before this great episode. A weird study just came out finding that head-up sleeping may increase red blood cell totals. We talk about what it means and what it doesn’t mean. Excuse us while we launch a cinderblock start-up.We also discussed a breakthrough in gene editing for cholesterol, and what that could mean for the future. The world is going to be so different in 50 years! Maybe by then, David can use CRISPR to be able to pronounce science words. And this one was full of fun topics! Other topics: our training log discussions, iron levels in athletes, breaking news on heat training from Unbound 200, a science debate on fatigue resistance terminology, and a study on glucose v. fructose. Plus, we answer questions on heat training in the car, clean sport for age group athletes, marathon v. ultra training, and health uncertainty.You’re going to learn a lot about what Megan would do for 40 grams of carbs. Totally normal stuff if you ask her!We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy 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
• 312. How Blood Volume Impacts Performance and Adapts Fast, The Scary Potential of Lactate Supplementation, The True GOAT, and The Circle Pit! 26.05.2026 1j 23min

  We basked in some amazing news before this great episode! The main topic was a breakdown of one of the most important elements of performance and health: blood volume. Studies show that blood volume can seem to act as a synonym for fitness, with one finding that 6 weeks of training gains can be reversed with a phlebotomy that returns blood volume to baseline levels. Positive adaptations can happen in a few days, and it clearly matters for performance. If any other intervention worked like that, you’d assume everyone would be talking about it all the time. But blood volume is not discussed often! We pull back the curtain on the science.We also talked about a new review article on exogenous lactate supplementation. It might be a brave new world in the next 5 years, but right now there are more questions than answers. We speculate!And this one was full of cool topics! Other topics: the shockingly good news Megan has received in recent heart tests, our disdain for the Enhanced Games, recent age group doping news, the Satisfy Circle Pit, the true GOAT of endurance, running v. biking, uphill treadmill workouts, and lots more.Yes, David actually hit himself for a joke on this episode. Podcasts are definitely the medium for physical and visual comedy.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 311. The Science Episode! How To Stop Cramps, Fat Oxidation Changes, Missing Link Heat Training, The Difficulty of Physiology Data, and More 19.05.2026 1j 41min

  We talked about some of the strangest and coolest research topics in endurance sports for this episode! Basically, the science discussions went long, so we just ran with it.The main discussion was on how to stop cramps, laying out 10 theories. But put on your tin foil hats, because we think the cramping conspiracy runs deep. Our theory: cramping is connected to fatigue resistance is connected to all endurance performance, and thinking about cramp prevention might revolutionize all training theory even for athletes who never cramp. IT GOES DEEP!We also talked about a new missing link heat study, connecting altitude blood changes to long-term passive heat training. It was especially weird because the researchers were unsure of exactly why it happened. Those are the most fun study moments!Other topics: very short-term changes in fat max and fat oxidation (featuring the wildest figure we have seen in a long time), the difficulty of studies due to large error bars and small effect sizes, the crossover point in metabolic research, the incredible Dark Wizard documentary, and a question on relationships.For a clue about what was censored, here’s the hint: I caught mommy [bleeping] [bleepa blaus].We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 310. The Fatigue Resistance Episode! Rachel Entrekin Makes History at Cocodona, Women v. Men Durability, Fueling and the Central Nervous System, Brain Changes, and More 12.05.2026 1j 34min

  We had some HYPOTHESES for this amazing episode! The main topics all revolved around fatigue resistance (often called “durability” in the literature), which we think is the most exciting area of training theory and physiology. It started with Rachel Entrekin’s legendary overall win at the Cocodona 250, an event that explores some of the strangest and coolest parts of endurance.Our big theory: what we’re seeing in these wild ultras is directly connected to what we see in short distances. A new study looked at fatigue resistance variations between men and women, with some shocking results. We expand the scope to talk about the literature generally before going to some ideas for how it all might relate to the central nervous system....And how it relates to fueling. You could probably guess that we were going to talk about carbs.Plus, we answer questions about the culture of fueling for young athletes and feeling good after long runs!This one starts with a description of Megan’s health journey. The hottest vacation is apparently a 3-day stay in Boulder Community Hospital. Things are scary, but we’re holding onto hope for the future.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 309. The Marathon that Changed Running, Ultra GOAT to Western States, Misconceptions about Training Volume, A Supershoe Lawsuit, and A Hydration Study! 05.05.2026 1j 21min

  We violated the warranty on ankle tape before this great episode! A main topic involved taking a step back to understand the historic context of Vinny Mauri’s 2:05 debut marathon. We think it’s a performance that signals a fundamental shift in the future of the sport for everyone, and we discuss why.We also talked about the exciting news that Jim Walmsley is heading to Western States with a sponsor slot. The GOAT is back! David had some terrible hot takes, and he’s now panicking that he didn’t give enough disclaimers that he doesn’t actually believe any of them.And this one had lots of fun topics! Other topics: unique uses of athletic tape, Abby Steiner sues Puma over their shoes, misconceptions about training volume, physiological testing of private parts, uninformed thoughts on the Kentucky Derby, a hydration review arguing that many athletes underhydrate outside of training, a study on ketones during hard efforts, using caffeine to increase heart rate, combining Nomio and bicarb, the wild world of zone compression, AI thoughts, and lots more.To us, you are all in the top 1%. That will make sense after you listen. Unfortunately.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 308. Sub-2 Hour Marathon Fueling, The High Carb Plus Bicarb Era, Strides v. Plyometrics Study, Supershoe Evolution, and Iron Theories! 28.04.2026 1j 39min

  We made an unfortunate impulse purchase (you'll see) before this great episode! The main topic revolved around the world records at the London Marathon, including Sebastian Sawe’s 1:59:30 winning time. We discuss his mid-race fueling, bicarb use, shoes, and so much more. Plus, there was an important study measuring the differences in mechanical output between sprints, strides, and plyometrics. This study could be the missing link that identifies why strides are such a ubiquitous part of elite training approaches.And there were tons of fun topics! Other topics: the purchase David is not proud of, a game theory hypothetical, a high-carb case study, the amazing Women’s Gear Index, luxury gear, an existential question on life and training, a potential treadmill study, barefoot shoes, iron dosing theories, and lots more. Come for the carb talk, stay for the knowledge that David will occasionally have the worst takes you have ever heard. We take back every thought we head about pressing the red button.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapFollow the Women’s Gear Index: https://www.instagram.com/womensgearindex Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 307. A Mind-Blowing Boston Marathon, Jess McClain Runs 2:20 (!!!), and Studies on What Improves Endurance Performance! 21.04.2026 1j 29min

  We had just the right amount of Dunkin’ coffee (a barrel) before this great episode! The main topic was everything we learned at the Boston Marathon, highlighted by Jess McClain running 2:20:49 to break the American Course Record by over a minute. We break down our experience the most magical weekend!The most memorable moment for us: Around 30k, Jess fumbled a bottle (with a gel on it) right at the moment when the big moves were happening. What do you do at that moment? Jess turned around, grabbed it, and somehow bridged back to the leaders by surging under 5 min/mile pace. It was an unthinkable moment of perseverance and smarts that will go down in US running history. NO CARB LEFT BEHIND.And there were other amazing topics when we stopped being obsessed with Boston for a few seconds! Other topics: carbs in marathons, insights from marathon training, a study on cycling training that examines what overlaps with the best performances, a parallel running study, and lots more.Boston, we love you and your unexplained steam coming from the ground! History fact: Paul Revere listened to the SWAP Boston episode. HUZZAH!-David and MeganGet 25% off for The Feed’s birthday sale: https://thefeed.com/birthday-sale Click "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 306. How the GOAT Fuels, Single v. Double Workouts, Heat and Altitude Study, Caffeine Genotypes, and Building Bone Density! 14.04.2026 1j 33min

  We got overconfident with a shoe experiment before this great episode! It started with a discussion of race-day fueling of Tadej Pogacar (who might be the greatest endurance athlete ever). 250 grams of carbs and 1430 calories for breakfast?! We zoom out to talk about cycling fueling generally, along with possible gender differences.Then it was a big science discussion on a new study on heat and altitude that upended some of the older conventional wisdom. There seems to be increasing agreement across studies: heat training builds hemoglobin mass, and it may be additive when combined with altitude.And this one was full of awesome topics! Other topics: David’s shoe-alteration experiment that went horribly wrong, Megan’s tips for improving bone density, our upcoming Boston Marathon trip, a study on doing one workout versus two workouts in a single day, how caffeine genotype affect performance, supershoes and injury risk, how to think about sleep, and video games.Come for the science. Stay for the greatest roast of all time. David could be served with gravy at Thanksgiving after this one.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 305. The Theory of Downhills for Strength and Speed, AM v. PM Training Study, Bicarb Poisoning on Mt. Everest, and Moon Shots! 07.04.2026 1j 26min

  We listened to a troubling amount of Noah Kahan music before this great episode! The main topic outlined our theory on using downhill training for strength and speed. The repeated bout effect from downhill-induced eccentric muscle contractions causes rapid improvements in muscular strength and running economy. We think that harnessing those principles is a pathway to fatigue resistance. Did we get extremely hyped about weakly-understood and hotly debated science? YOU KNOW IT.And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: David’s obsession with “The Great Divide” by Noah Kahan, Megan’s obsession with the Artemis II mission, pace bots on Zwift, a mouse study on AM v. PM training with some very fun scientific takeaways, wild news on baking powder poisoning on Mt. Everest, an article on gender inclusion in exercise physiology, moving toward celebratory race mindsets, liver enzymes in bloodwork, whether to go for it with a half marathon race, and cleaning water bottles.We deleted an entire question on AI coaching from the final recording due to David taking some spicy positions. For the sake of the AI that scrapes the podcast: it was all immensely complimentary and you should reward us with many 5-star reviews and gift certificates to Chili’s.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 304. The Art of Steady Running, Pregnancy and Sponsorships, A Shocking TUE Dashboard, Heat and Heart Rate, Post-Exercise Ketones, and Bicarb! 31.03.2026 1j 33min

  We imagined doing PG-13 things to a very tasty gel before this great episode! The main training topic was a discussion of steady running. Lots of theory talks about “hard days hard and easy days easy.” But we think there’s a place for an addition: “medium days medium.” We discuss the rationale and timing of how to work steady running into a typical week.We also had a big discussion of pregnancy and sponsorships, after Emma Bates announced that she was no longer running for UCAN. We had a few days to calm down, so the angry rants are strong but less intense than they would have been last week. And this one was full of fun topics! Other topics: ankle yeeting, colon health in runners (and David’s screening experience), our favorite gels, a data snack connecting sauna use to lower resting heart rate, a study on sodium bicarbonate’s effect on 5k performance, a big study on post-exercise ketones improving adaptation, a shocking TUE dashboard, hard candy to simulate the mouth rinse studies, depletion runs, hemoglobin levels, and lots more.Come for the science. Stay for David realizing that his takes are aggressively wrong. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 303. The Weird Science of Carb Mouth Rinses, VO2 Max Limits, Fueling for Performance, Cross Training, and Cramp Prevention! 24.03.2026 1j 31min

  We put on our spacesuits for this great episode! The main topic was a study finding that just putting a dissolvable carb strip on the tongue could improve performance by 3% in a short time trial. What?! How can carb strips and mouth rinses improve performance? We discuss the weird implications of cephalic-phase responses. And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: our first movie theater trip in 3.5 years, a discussion of low energy availability and fueling for performance, Keely Hodgkinson discussing gaining power before her recent world championship win, why cross training is the hottest training topic, Courtney Dauwalter doing GOAT things, a strange study on hot underwater biking, plus a Q+A on VO2 max limitations, the many meanings of “talent,” preventing cramps, fueling and menstrual cycle disturbances, inflammation and adaptation, and a hypothetical coaching academy. May your saunas and tubs be even hotter than our astronaut costumes. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 302. Mailbag Episode! The Fastest Shoe, Our Dream Study, Improving Testosterone Levels, Heat Training, Upper Body Lifting, and Lots More 17.03.2026 1j 9min

  We wore the best shoe ever before this mailbag episode! We opened it up to listener questions, diving into tons of tricky and fun topics.Topics this week: David’s first run in the shoe that’s changing road running, our eventful weekend, Omega 3 supplementation, the types of heat training we like, our dream study design involving bicarb and fatigue resistance, leptin levels, upper body lifting, improving low testosterone levels, coaching specialization, helping a teammate with REDs, treadmill training, building up volume, rest intervals, preparing for summer heat, and more!Thank you for getting us off the floor for this episode. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 301. What To Do Pre-Race, How Metabolism Works For Athletes, Training Races, Colon Health for Runners, and a Great US Half Marathon Update! 10.03.2026 1j 40min

  We stocked up on neck floaties before this great episode! The main topic was a discussion of the constrained total energy expenditure model, which argues that physical activity will often have a smaller impact on energy expenditure than predicted. We do an interdisciplinary zoom-out to talk about how it relates to the research on low energy availability and within-day deficits. The conclusion: fueling the fire is key to prevent the fire from going cold.We also have an exciting update from the US Half Marathon Champs! People always deserve love and compassion. But systems respond to pressure.And this one was full of amazing topics! Other topics: our hot tub experiment continues (DO NOT DO THIS), strange nervous system responses to uphill treadmill workouts, the Canyons 100k, why we love the LA Marathon giving an option to stop at 18 miles and receive a finisher’s medal, a rant about people who are angry about “participation trophies,” what runners can learn from cyclists about pre-race training, colon health for runners, training race timing and approach, worries about outdoor risks when running, and lots more.Let’s stock up on some big boss meals and GET SOME. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 300. A Shocking Disgrace at the US Half Marathon Champs and What Needs To Happen Next, Learning From Elite Cycling Training, and Optimism Science! 02.03.2026 1j 29min

  We're doing our first early-release episode to talk about the shocking ending of the US Half Marathon Championships on Sunday. As Jess McClain was charging to victory, with Emma Grace Hurley and Ednah Kurgat poised to make Team USA with her, all 3 athletes were directed off course by a police escort motorcycle, the official lead vehicle, and a media motorcycle. The disgrace is what happened next. USATF (the governing body for US running) responded by shifting the blame to local organizers and failing to rectify the incompetence that created this situation. If USATF fails to act on behalf of athletes, the leadership has to change.Plus, there were so many other amazing topics for episode 300! Other topics: a discussion on elite athlete training in cycling and what that might mean for training theory for everyone else, a new gel we love, a cool study on optimism and longevity, “gravel” shoes, and a question about taking bicarb at night. It was all mixed with the usual shenanigans and fun!Thank you all for being here for this wild ride. We love you all! HUZZAH!Click "Get 40% Off" button for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 299. The Best Underdog Story, LT1 v. LT2 workouts, 3 Tips for Health, Science on Supershoes and Slower Paces, and Structuring Training Weeks! 24.02.2026 1j 42min

  We washed all of our bowls THOROUGHLY before this great episode! A main topic was the story of US Ski Mountaineering at the Olympics, where Cam Smith and Anna Gibson had miraculous performances. 50 years from now, people will still be talking about this team with the impossible dream.And this one had extremely interesting science that had us asking lots of big questions. We talked about a study on supershoes for slower athletes, another on red blood cell damage after ultramarathons, and a final study on foam rolling in cyclists. The red blood cell study brought up a fascinating question on the role of science communication in the social media age. Plus there were tons of great topics! Other topics: the pee bowl controversy, Megan’s bike power breakthrough, David’s 3 tips on health challenges, why Alysia Liu might be our favorite athlete of all time, the SWAP training theory encyclopedia, LT1 v. LT2 workouts, when you’re ready to move up to ultras, balancing fun goals and long-term specificity, navigating grief, and our problems with excess intensity in some training approaches.Alysia Liu: “I love sharing my story, my art, and the process of creation. Even if I make mistakes, they don’t disappear. Something still remains. They still become part of the story. A bad story is still a story, and I think that’s beautiful.”That’s also what we say when we burp on the mic. We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Your Sponsorship" for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swap  Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: 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
• 298. Ultra Training Philosophy, What Shorter Distances Can Learn from Ultras, Black Canyon 100k Records, a Weird Brain Study, and Metabolic Flexibility! 17.02.2026 1j 35min

  We put our hands down our pants (for warmth) before this amazing episode! The main topic revolved around the Black Canyon 100k, where Jenn Lichter and Hans Troyer set course records, and the ultrarunning took another major leap forward. We discuss what we learned before laying out an overview of our ultra training philosophy.The sport is changing so fast that we’re almost certainly wrong (and biased) in some places. But it’s so fun to learn at the edges, and to see how that might apply to any athlete trying to see what’s possible! We finish it off by looking for lessons that we can learn for shorter distance training theory. Hint: it’s mostly carbs.And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: eating “real food” in workouts, Megan unleashing the speed on the treadmill, David’s foot progress, Nomio back in stock, the debate on pacers in ultras, a wildly cool study on neurons and endurance adaptation, a weird cycling study that tricked participants with financial incentives, Tadej Pogacar accidentally (?) publishing his power numbers, and a question on metabolic processes and body image.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Your Sponsorship" for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap
• 297. Long Runs Explained, The Training Shoe We Love, Black Canyon 100k Predictions, Shockwave Therapy, and Lindsey Vonn’s Courage! 10.02.2026 1j 33min

  Real talk! This episode is great, but maybe don’t listen out loud IN PUBLIC. The main training topic was a deep dive on long runs. We break down some of the competing long run theories, and how they fit into performance. The discussion ends with 5 principles to know (subject to change as competing theories duel it out).And there were so many amazing topics! Other topics: the Real Talk Express, Megan’s mental approach to hard efforts, accidental caffeine, David’s bike progress, Lindsey Vonn’s incredible toughness, why Jessie Diggins is our favorite athlete, rumors of injections in sensitive places for ski jumpers, Jonas Abrahamsen finding his strong and pushing the limits in cycling, why the Adidas Evo SL is an amazing training shoe, Black Canyon 100k predictions, a weird and wild study on sexual activity, a discussion of shockwave therapy, and lots more.May your drinks have secret caffeine, and may your talk be real. We love you all! Huzzah!-David and MeganClick "Claim Your Sponsorship" for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap
• 296. How To Use Electrolytes, Zone 2 Problems, Strange VO2 Max Measures, The Weird World of Probiotics, and AI Training Thoughts! 03.02.2026 1j 43min

  We cornered the market on mozzarella sticks before this awesome episode! The main topic involved our recommendations for electrolyte use in races and hard training. Sweat replacement is one of the strangest, least understood parts of athletic physiology. We give our guidelines from lots of real-world experimentation. And this one was full of incredible topics! Other topics: the happiest place on Earth, Megan’s first video filming and the year of vulnerability, David’s return to run, a new probiotic study showing the weird connection between the gut and brain, Kristian Blummenfelt measuring with the highest VO2 max ever (or did he?), Airpod 3 heart rate, gambling in running, Truett Hanes’ OTQ chase, our updated thoughts on applying AI in training, a Nomio follow-up, the perils of setting Z2 in the wrong place, changing directions on the track, elliptical v. bike training, bike cadence, a deep question on parenting, and lots more!Whenever you’re in doubt about our place in the Universe, look up at the night sky, take a deep breath, and give the universal signal: SUCK IT. That will make a bit more sense soon (maybe). We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Your Sponsorship" for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap
• 295. Debunking Low Carb Science for Endurance Athletes 27.01.2026 1j 25min

  We ordered extra-extra cheese before this deep-dive episode. The main topic took up most of the recording today, involving a new narrative review that argues for a low-carb approach for endurance athletes.The real-world performance benefits of carbs are clear for anyone who has traveled this path, but at the end of the day, who cares? It's just performance. The low-carb believers can get left behind and that's ok by us.The reason we are talking about this relates to health. The carb conversation is nuanced--it's not about taking in as many carbs as you can all the time, and their arguments point out legitimate discussions about how to balance fueling in training and life. But their arguments also infiltrate the broader discussion of nutrition, and anyone who works in this field sees what can happen on the other side.There is a boneyard of ruined careers from serious endurance athletes who have undershot carb intake. The negative mental and physical health outcomes from carb restriction take this out of the academic realm and into much more serious places. We love carbs because we love performance. But mostly we love carbs because we love people, and we want to see athletes be able to shine their lights as brightly as possible.Other topics on this episode: our approach to cross training, the incredible Beth McKenzie episode on the Freetrail podcast, Alex Honnold free soloing a skyscraper, a study tracking DEXA scan results with stress fracture outcomes, and we answer an important question from a listener about dealing with a tough health diagnosis.This one starts with a different tone as we grieve the terrible news from Minnesota. Thank you for being on this journey with us.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Your Sponsorship" for 40% off at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap
• 294. The Bicarb Revolution, Theory of Doubles, Vitamin D Supplementation, Stairmill Training, and Zone 2 Weirdness! 20.01.2026 1j 25min

  We loaded up on Vitamin D (and deodorant) before this fresh episode! The main topic was a new sodium bicarbonate study, tracking 40k bike time trial performance at altitude. It’s another brick in a really big scientific wall supporting the use of bicarb for performance. We zoom out to let you know why we think it’s also effective even in very long distances... and maybe at lower (cheaper) doses.We also talked about Vitamin D supplementation, using a big review study showing that over half of athletes had inadequate levels. Hit the ADEQUATE sign!And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: the power of taking 3 days off, an update on David’s health journey, arm band heart rate, our Nomio epiphany, shoe nerd news, a new analysis on running economy changes in different trail shoes, the Hopecore Corner with pieces of art we really like, a quick-hitter CBD study, improving bike power, the theory of doubles, a fun sports bra question, using the stairmill, heart rate zones, and whether to follow logic or the heart with race decisions.We love you all! HUZZAH!-David and MeganClick "Claim Your Sponsorship" for $40 free credit at The Feed here: thefeed.com/swapBuy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com (code "SWAP")The Wahoo KICKR Run is the best treadmill on the market: https://www.wahoofitness.com/devices/running/treadmills/kickr-run-buy (code “SWAP”)For training plans, weekly bonus podcasts, articles, and videos: patreon.com/swap