Science Of Ultra

Today’s episode is a special compilation of advice from some of the brightest and most insightful minds in the world of sports physiology. I ask many of my guests for their insight and wisdom into the biggest mistakes and the most grounded advice from their years of experience in respective fields. This special episode of Science Of Ultra is a curation of the practical wisdom in those answers from the first 25 episodes.

Answers to listener questions!

Backpacking legend, Andrew Skurka, is also an outstanding ultra runner. Today, we learn about the psychology, mindset, and perspectives it takes to become one of the most accomplished adventurers in the world.

So, you've been running for 4...6...10...18...24...hours. Yes, your legs are tired. But, what about your respiratory muscles? Are they suited to breathing heavily for that long? Do they fatigue? Does greater effort to breath in a long ultra translate into higher ratings of perceived exertion? Check out my interview with Darlene Reid, PhD to learn the answers to those questions and how you can train your respiratory muscle to become your ultra best!

Guillaume Millet is the world's leading expert on neuromuscular fatigue in ultramarathons. We explore the many facets of fatigue and bring his years of field research to you in practical and applied terms that you can use to help become your ultra best.

Dr. Roger Enoka is the world’s leading expert on the neuromuscular determinants of movement in health and disease. Today we talk about the physiology of controlling muscle force, new paradigms for viewing fatigue, muscle cramps, and aging. He also answers the question, “why is running fast downhill beneficial for a runners development?”. 

The structures that transmit force from muscle cells to bone are critical components of your running health and economy in addition to a common site of injury. Today we learn all about tendons and sinews from the world's leading expert on this topic.

Answers to listener questions. Critical power, critical speed, nutrition, hydration, cramping, endorphins, vegan and ketogenic diets, heat acclimatization, gear efficiency, and much more.

Today we cover questions on heat acclimatization for altitude performance, veganism, building hiking into training even if you live in a flat area, respiratory discomfort after endurance exercise, foam rolling, weight lifting, mental fogginess after endurance events, body weight, and taking time off for niggling injuries.

A deep scientific discussion of the concept of critical power/critical speed as the 'fatigue threshold' with an emphasis on how it may apply to ultra-endurance training and performance.

Today we touch on a variety of topics in biomechanics, from shoe cushioning to children's shoes to pool running...and more...

Introduction of a new episode category: SOUP Bites. You have specific questions. In SOUP Bites, you'll get specific answers!

A thought-provoking analysis of training dogma, practices, and approaches from one of the world's leading experts on program development.

One of the highest profile and most sought after coaches in ultra marathon running, David Roche delivers novel approaches to training athletes that may help you as much as they've helped his runners.

An overview of the best predictors of ultra endurance performance from the world's leading expert. The data may surprise you...