1 % Better - Hidden Stories in Sport
1% Better - Hidden Stories in Sport digs beneath the headlines to explore the lesser-known stories, science and small details that shape athletic performance. Hosts Xylon van Eyck and Dr David Lipman look at what is really happening in sport, going a little deeper and differently than the usual coverage. Each episode blends storytelling with insight from sports science and behind-the-scenes happenings. The aim is to find fascination and wonder in the margins of elite performance rather than only the top layer of results.
Episodes
Cycling to running conversions, volume helps
After answering a few great listener questions we quickly touch on the half marathon world record ratification and some marketing happenings in the world of footwear. We then discuss the NFL in Australia and the different travel plans from the teams and influencers behaving badly at the US Open. Following this we cover some take aways from the Diamond League finals before a quick visit to the doct
Unexpected UTMB takeaways & Improving Running Threshold
With some great listener questions to start us off we then get into some gripes around gravel running and finishers shirts. We then touch on the new half marathon world record, Sydney marathon and the happenings at UTMB. We also discuss some insights and highlights from the Diamond League. Finally, we have a busy doctor’s office and some seen on social. (00:00) Introduction(00:18) Medical Questio
Is Treadmill Running the Same as Road Running?
Aside from debuting a new segment, we get an update on the showdown in the women’s 800m at the moment before discussing 2 interesting happenings in the running world; a lawsuit against On running and the Edmonton marathon course measuring long. We then discuss Antoine Dupont’s historic signature rugby boot and the NYC marathon fields before looking at a few research papers. The first is on the rol
Superstars, Super Racing and Super Beef
In a broad episode we cover everything from NFL athletes going back to college to play, Canicross - a sport where you run towed by a dog, runners dystonia and some of the happenings from the European championships. We also discuss the Josh Kerr v Jacob Ingebrigtsen beef before a discussion of the merits of making TUEs public. (00:00) Introduction(00:17) Medical Question - Twins (08:09) David’s Up
Should Cyclists Run More?
After some great listener questions, we touch on the announced UTMB elite fields, the potential for women in the decathlon and some observations from the European track & field championships. We then touch on some doping news out of the USA. Before a look at the doctor’s office. (00:00) Introduction(00:20) Medical Question - Twins (11:18) David’s Update (13:20) Xylon’s Update (16:08) David’s
Why Do Sprinters Run Faster in the Rain?
After reviewing a hugely impressive year at the Badwater 135, and catching up with Tim Payne we quickly discuss Tadej Pogacar’s race plans and what it means for his legacy. We also touch on David Beckham and Sebastian Sawe’s race plans. Finally we discuss the Commonwealth games, including fast times in bad weather, some tactical nuances in the distance and relays and finally the history and future
Why Saltier Sweaters Cramp More — New Research Explained
In a fairly diverse podcast we touch on changes to Boston marathon qualifying, 3D printing football boots and what this means for the footwear industry going forward and coach’s managing the media. We then discuss the Chicago marathon field and some thoughts on the format and goals of the new Ultimate Championship before giving some observations and thoughts on the Tour de France . (00:00) Introdu
Woken at 2am, Then Crashed: Did Jonas's Drug Test Cost Him the Tour?
We have a bunch of great listener questions we discuss this week before a quick look at the Football world post world cup. We then review the Hardrock 100 quickly, before getting to the London Diamond League, including Josh Kerr’s world record and a look forward to what’s next for him. Then it’s into the main topic of the episode, a deep dive into the anti-doping efforts at the Tour de France and
How Do You Build a Training Program? A Periodisation Deep Dive
After some interesting research papers courtesy of a listener question and some other sources we also touch on David’s Copenhagen prep and how he’s managing his achilles. We also briefly look at the Sydney marathon field prior to getting into the meat of the episode, which is all about periodisation. (00:00) Introduction(00:18) Medical Question (07:55) David’s Copenhagen Training(11:06) Listener Q
Men Hitting the Wall More than Women & GOATs Unretiring
We hear about Xylon’s traipsing around the world before we discuss a listener email about women outperforming men. We then look at some observations from the World Cup, including some NFL players wanting stadiums to keep the grass from the World Cup. We then look at some happenings from Prefontaine Classic, Yared Nuguse racing London Diamond League and John Korir racing Valencia Marathon. We brief
Winning Frankfurt, Happiness in Training and Lifechanging Wins - Pro Triathlete Casper Stornes
We have a huge guest joining us this week; Ironman World Champion Casper Stornes - one third of the Norwegian Hype Train. He joins us on behalf of Nomio to discuss his win in Frankfurt, his plans for Kona and many other things. Before we get to him we discuss changes to college eligibility, Western States insights, Paying Olympians and the Women’s 800m WR hunt. (00:00) Introduction(00:18) Medical
Winning Challenge Roth, Curiosity & Experimentation - Professional Triathlete Kristian Hogenhaug
We have our regular segments before out interview with professional triathlete and coach Kristian Hogenhaug who joins us ahead of Challenge Roth in a wide ranging discussion about training, tapering, race selection and fueling. (00:00) Introduction(00:17) Medical Question (03:44) David’s Race Recap(17:41) Community Shoutouts (18:51) Listener Questions Doping and Enjoyment of Sport (22:04) Listene
Performance Development, Doping and Youth Performance
After some personal updates and race discussion, we head to community shoutouts and some great questions from listeners. Following this we look at lessons from the Knicks win, including trends that we see repeatedly in sport. We then touch on some observations and fun facts from the football (soccer) world cup. After this we briefly discuss the Comrades marathon, Joshua Cheptegei’s next race and A
Ultramarathons and Bowel Cancer
We cover a couple of listener questions and interactions before a quick discussion on the new CBA in the WNBA. We then touch on some new UCI regulations before looking at a paper on ultramarathons and whether they increase risk of bowel cancer. We then review some insights from the Rome and Stockholm Diamond Leagues, get to the doctor’s office and finish off with some interesting discussion in see
Ketones - Aitor Viribay Energy Series pt 5
In the final part of the energy series, Aitor joins us to discuss ketones and their use. He brings a wealth of experience and anecdotes from his time working with professional athletes in addition to an extensive knowledge of the literature in the space. This follows on from the previous episodes about building a performance environment, energy expenditure, carbohydrates and lactate. (00:00) Intro
Should Olympians Get Paid? + Ninja Warrior Goes Olympic & NCAA Goes Pro
In a wide ranging episode we discuss some blazing NCAA sprint times and what the professionalisation of college athletics means for the USA. We then cover the controversy around Kirsty Coventry's comments on athlete pay at the Olympics, and whether Olympians should be getting a bigger slice of the pie. We also touch on Ninja Warrior's surprise path to the Olympics, Keely Hodgkinson's l
Lactate & Lactate Supplementation - Aitor Viribay Energy Series pt 4
In part 4 of the energy series, Aitor joins us to discuss lactate and exogenous lactate. He brings a wealth of experience and anecdotes from his time working with professional athletes in addition to an extensive knowledge of the literature in the space. This follows on from the previous episodes about building a performance environment, energy expenditure and carbohydrates. (00:00) Introduction(0
Knicks, Wemby & The Fight for Tennis's Soul
In a wide ranging episode we discuss a format change to the Tour Down Under, another Diamond League and some craziness in the NBA. This leads us to a discussion of which are the teams where it’s important for them to win periodically for the competitions. We then discuss Capetown marathon, some Football World Cup team news and Parker Valby’s return to the track. Our final topic is the media limits
Carbohydrates - Aitor Viribay Energy Series pt 3
In part 3 of the energy series, Aitor joins us to discuss carbohydrates and carbohydrate intake. He brings a wealth of experience and anecdotes from his time working with professional athletes in addition to an extensive knowledge of the literature in the space. This follows on from the previous episodes about building a performance environment and energy expenditure. (00:00) Introduction(03:45)
Gut Health and the Microbiome in Athletes - Assistant Professor Emily Dow
After some early discussions thanks to both some research and listener questions and input we briefly touch on Zegama, the Shanghai diamond league and the Football World Cup before jumping into the interview. Our guest this week is Assistant Professor Emily Dow who is a nutrition scientist, strength and conditioning specialist, and educator currently on faculty at the University of Arizona. Emily’
Energy Expenditure - Aitor Viribay Energy Series pt 2
In part 2 of the energy series, Aitor joins us again to discuss energy expenditure and why it is the lens with which to view everything at a first principles level. This follows on from the previous episode about building a performance environment, the core of which is about appropriate use of resources (energy). This is a bonus episode, and the following 3 episodes of the energy series will also
The GOAT Formula, Female Durability & Cocodona's New Record
We have some great research to discuss in this episode including a paper looking at durability differences between men and women and another looking at who is the GOAT of running. Aside from this we look at Jimmy Gressier’s 1hr WR attempt, review some racing from Cocodona and Transvulcania and discuss the women’s rugby ball debate. We also cover a few listener questions including Strava PBs and po
Is Enjoyment of Suffering Linked to Performance? - Melissa Muzeau
After some community shoutouts we give a quick update on Cocodona 250 at the time of recording (Tuesday). We then discuss some of the happenings at the World Relay Championships before a quick look at the NBA. After this we briefly look at Surrey Cricket Club trying to get people to ‘work from the cricket’ and some of the news in the tech world. We then get to our interview with Melissa Muzeau. Me
Sub 2 & Solving Cramping
Before all the fallout from London Marathon, we get through our updates and community shoutouts. We are then on to the Canyons 100k, Liege-Baston-Liege and Allyson Felix’s comeback. Matthew Marquardt then drops in to explain how he solved his cramping problems. We finish off with the Doctor’s office and a sneaky cameo by Xylon’s new puppy Willow. (00:00) Introduction(00:19) Medical Question(03:09)
Mutliday Endurance Events & Pro vs Amateur - Rachel Entrekin
In our longest episode ever we cover a bunch of listener comments & questions before getting into the news of what’s been happening. This includes world records, young performers, changing allegiances and more. We then get to Rachel Entrekin, the winner and course record holder from Cocodona 250miler, who’s preparing to line back up for it. She shares amazing insights and great stories about t
What Makes Super Shoes Work? - Assoc. Prof Kim Hébert-Losier
We’ve had some great contributions from listeners in the last week which we get to in a mix of information, corrections and questions. Following this we touch on Paris marathon, Marathon des Sables, Paris Roubaix and a quick check in on Gout Gout before our guest joins us. Our guest this week is Associate Professor Kim Hébert-Losier is an expert in musculoskeletal lower-extremity health and assess
Why Athletes Feel Niggles During Taper & The Science Behind Shorter Cranks
In a bumper episode we cover off some great listener questions before touching on tonnes of running news. This included Sha’Carri Richardson, Collen Kebinatshipi, Kishane Thompson, Jimmy Gressier, Cassandre Beaugrande and Jane Hedengren. We then touch on a world record, a new world marathon championship and a shoe that detects its own wear. We close out with a discussion of the Ronde van Vlaandare
A Pacer Came 2nd?! The Wildest Running Stories This Week
We have lots of running chat this week. We discuss Josh Kerr’s record attempt, Georgia Hunter Bell’s efforts in Australia, marathoners behaving badly and a new race in Germany. We also touch on some cycling things with a sport transfer and a new cycling show. Finally we head to France for a mess at their trail championships and finally to Berlin half marathon to discuss a pacer getting second. (00
TUEs, Strava Privacy & Injury Management
This episode starts with some discussion of David’s achilles, before getting into some listener questions about recovery from injury. We then review the outcomes of the early finish option of the LA marathon, Garmin’s Whatsapp integration and the new qualifications standards from World Athletics including their implications. Following this we discuss Milan San Remo before a discussion of a naval o
What Pro Cycling Can Teach Running - Jimmy Whelan
Please excuse the video issues for the parts outside of the interview (which has video). We have a huge episode this week; we cover a listener question about timezones and the world baseball challenge, then head to some news including Mondo Duplantis’ WR, some doping news from Georgian Rugby and Flotrack broadcasting UTMB. We then discuss Barcelona marathon, Grant Fisher’s debut at NYC half and Ap
Data vs Feel, Sex Tests & Short Cut Marathons
After a few updates from things we discussed last week and a quick look at the LA marathon we discuss Strade Bianci, Ironman New Zealand and a half marathon world record at Lisbon half marathon. We then discuss some interesting topics for women in sport, including British athletes being required to pay for their own sex tests and Grayson Murphy’s new contract with Salomon. (00:00) Introduction(00:
Training Surfaces & The Worst Coaching Job in the World
After a big surprise, we discuss a listener question about training surfaces. Following this we touch on Louis Hincliffe’s decision to return to college and NIL implications, Keely Hodgkinson and Johannes Klaebo. We then discuss Tokyo marathon, the mess at the USA half marathon champs and the new European Marathon Classics. Finally we touch on a poll from the Athletic talking about the hardest job
Boston Marathon and Balancing Crosstraining - Petter Engdahl Professional Trailrunner
Petter Engdahl is a professional trailrunner and skier for the Team Adidas. Best known for his victory and course record at the CCC race at UTMB in 2022, Petter was 6th at the long trail world championships in 2025. Petter joins us on the back of the announcement he will be running the Boston Marathon. (00:00) Introduction(00:15) Xylon Update(01:45) Dave Update (03:27) Interview Starts(04:53) How
Building a Performance Environment - Aitor Viribay
In the first of a series we are calling ‘The Energy Series’ Aitor Viribay joins us to discuss how he is crafting a performance environment for Salomon’s professional trailrunning team. The lessons and insights have broad applicability including to the every day athlete! AItor Viribay is the Global sports performance director at Solomon, a consultant exercise physiologist at Girona football club, c
Developing Athletes in the UAE - Pete McKnight
After some updates and a quick bit of what’s been happening we are straight into the interview with Pete McKnight. Pete McKnight is a performance consultant who advises a variety of professional teams and elite sporting organisations. In a career of over 25 years he has worked with organisations like Hiintsa Performance and Red Bull as well as having coached athletes for five Summer Olympics and t
Strength for Endurance, Planning a Training Week & Blood Flow Restriction
Jonah Rosner is an Elite Running scientist and founder of Athletes Built in Science where he helps runners and hybrid athletes achieve their best performances. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Boston and a Masters in Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas in Austin. He is known for efforts in educating the running community where he posts science based content on inst
Implications for Strava's IPO, Road Runners Going to Trails & Vice Versa and the Kipchoge Effect
We have lots of happenings to catch up on and to help with this Dave is joined by a previous guest host Dan Squires. The guys chat about Strava’s IPO and its implications, NN Running’s rebrand, the Houston marathon and thoughts on race frequency. They then touch on some track news, Winter Olympics via Quinn Simmons’ aspirations there, review the Valencia 10k and discuss Molly Seidel’s trail debut.
Coaches on the Hot Seat
This week we discuss the absolute carnage that is the professional coaching realms at the moment. Coaches seem to be on the hot seat from the minute they’re hired and we seem to see a continuous merry-go-round of coaches and jobs. We are joined by Hein Kriek to discuss what has changed in the world and the factors that are driving the phenomenon. Hein Kriek is a Professional rugby coach, currently
What Endurance Sports Can Learn from Team Sports - Dr Peter Tierney
Dr Peter Tierney is a performance consultant who is currently consulting & advising a range of health & performance oriented individuals & companies. Peter has previously worked with Leinster rugby, the FA, Lululemon and Chelsea football club. He holds a BSc Health & Performance Science, MSc in Research and a PhD all completed from University College Dublin. In addition to this he
AI in Sports - Professor Brinnae Bent
In this episode we are joined by Professor Brinnae Bent to discuss AI in sport. Brinnae is a faculty member teaching AI and Cybersecurity at Duke University, director of the Duke TRUST Lab, and Executive Director of Tensor & Trust a trustworthy AI strategic consulting firm.(00:00) Introduction(00:17) Medical Question(09:32) Interview Starts (11:40) What are Projects in the AI Realm in Sport th
Running Culture & the Running Boom(s) - Mario Fraioli
We are thrilled to be joined by Mario Fraioli on this episode. Marios is a running coach, author, podcaster and runner. Mario has coached at the highest levels, been a lifelong runner and has been writing and podcasting about running for decades. We discuss many parts of running with Mario, from the running booms to the state of US distance running to great races and books for listeners to check o
HRV, HRV Guided Training and HRV Misconceptions - Dr Marco Altini
In this episode we are joined by Dr Marco Altini, an entrepreneur, data scientist, endurance coach and runner. He is the founder and head of product at HRV4Training, a tool that is today trusted by more than 200 000 users, including olympic medalists, professional teams and the hosts of this podcast. Additionally Marco is a data science advisor to Oura and a Guest Lecturer at Vrije Universiteit Am
2025 Year in Sport Wrapped
After a listener question about Hyrox cannibalizing triathlon numbers we touch on a big marketing push for high school mile runners. We then get into our review of 2025 and of our predictions for it as well as looking forward to 2026 and making our predictions. (00:00) Introduction(00:19) Medical Question(02:41) 2026 Initial Plans While Xylon is Away (06:21) Xylon’s Update (08:44) David’s Update
Western States, Blood Flow Restriction and Formula 1 Aid Stations - Pro Trailrunner Dan Jones
In a huge episode, we discuss Courtney Dauwalter’s marathon efforts as well as Valencia marathon. Additionally we discuss rule changes and proposed rule changes in long jump and from FIFA. We also talk about a new sponsor for Hyrox and the implications of it as well as the IM 70.2 women’s WR being broken and why triathletes taking ‘gap years’ is helpful. We then get to our interview with Dan Jones
Supershoe Use, Being Self-Coached & Heat Training - Pro Runner Alfie Manthorpe
We have a few announcements, including a competition this week. Following this we follow up on the Premier League salary cap measures which have been put in place and then discuss a paper on adoption of wearables by coaches. We then move to our interview with Alfie Manthorpe, a professional distance runner who was the top British finisher at the Valencia half marathon. (00:00) Introduction(00:19)
Is an Energy Deficit Really That Bad? - Associate Professor Jose Areta
After recapping some of Xylon’s life choices, we discuss some outrageous Lebron James stats before a quick cricket discussion. We then move on to some discussion of refereeing and following this discuss a paper on the evolution of endurance performance and coaching. Finally Dr Jose Areta joins us to discuss a paper of his. Jose Areta is an Associate Professor in Exercise metabolism and nutrition a
Brain Health, Concussion and CTE
We have a bumper episode for you this week, starting with people running - Jim Walmsley in a road 10k and pro cyclists in their offseason. We touch on some previous topics which are back in the news; salary caps for cycling and Imogen Simmonds’ race plans. We then discuss hydration testing to prevent weight cutting in E-sports, the mes at T100 Dubai and Valencia Marathon fields. We finish with an
Earnings, 120g/hr of Carbs & Transitioning Sports
In a wide ranging episode, we discuss people transitioning sports, review the Ironman 70.3 world championships and examine some research on carbohydrate intake in elite marathoners. We also discuss salary caps and their implications for global leagues as a few leagues evaluate them. (00:00) Introduction(00:18) Medical Question(05:06) David’s Update(06:51) Xylon’s update(11:00) Community Shoutouts
Move Aside Ozempic, Apitegromab is Here (Soon)
Xylon and David give their updates before discussing the Women’s Cricket World Cup, Kipchoge’s plans going forward (and that shirt), they review NYC marathon and discuss the potential for weightloss drugs to be banned (including one on the horizon). They also discuss some interesting research on cooling and marathon durability. (00:00) Introduction(00:18) Medical Question(03:33) David’s Update(07:
Advice for Heat Training with Dr Lindsey Hunt
In a huge episode we cover a bunch of news, including changes to the NYC marathon fields, Molly Seidel’s running plans, Valencia half marathon results and Capetown Marathon happenings. We then discuss the Imogen Simmonds case verdict, some Rugby World Cup Qualification drama and Big’s Backyard Ultra World record. We then get into the more significant discussions of the episode; the Treadmill World
Cyclists Trying to Run & Kenyan Scholarships
In this episode we review some world records, look at another scathing doping survey and check in on Amsterdam marathon results - including looking at why cyclists struggle to convert to runners. We then chat about 2026 plans for both Athlos and the T100 as well as looking at an interesting article about US colleges recruiting Kenyan runners. We also chat to Eloise du Luart about her experiences w
Amsterdam Marathon Preparation - Pro Marathoner Phil Sesemann
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New Records, New Olympic Events & Lawsuits
We start off with a discussion of the performance cycle of sports teams before discussing a world class performance to break the SA 10k record. We touch on some Hyrox, Kilian Jornet’s States of Elevation and the potential for cross country to join the winter Olympics. In other Olympic news we discuss some events in the T&F being held outside of the stadium before more in-depth discussions of t
Berlin Marathon Drama, Frodeno Goes Long & Supershoe Science
We are back and covering off the latest happenings in the sporting world. We cover Jan Frodeno doing a 55k trail race, a hot day at the Berlin Marathon and a quick review of the world championships cycling in Kigali, Rwanda. Then we touch on the Boston Marathon cutoff time before some scientific papers. The papers look at traditional fueling vs CGM informed fueling and whether the benefits of supe
Fasting, Heat and Do Endurance Athletes Have more Daughters?
We have a special guest host this week, Kristi Storoschuk joins the podcast again to help David while Xylon is away. After a listener question on fueling they jump into some research. They discuss some fascinating papers including the impact of heat on carbohydrate and glycogen utilisation rates, the effects of a 7 day fast on performance and a paper looking at whether endurance athletes have more
Engineering a UTMB Win
We start this week off with some NYC Marathon news before diving into some recent doping happenings. After this we review the Ironman World Championships in Nice before a look at the World Track and Field Championships. Finally we have our interview with Joseph Mestrallet. Joseph Mestrallet is a data scientist ,CEO and Founder of Enduraw. Additionally he is currently the team manager at Nutri-pure
Shoe controversy, Boston marathon training & Thyroid hormone use in Olympians
We start off with a listener question about recovery runs before diving into the Hayden Wilde shoe saga and a mess at the Tokyo World Championships track & field with the warm up track. We then discuss whether the women’s & men’s races being on the same day for Paris Roubaix is going to be good for the women or not before briefly previewing the Ironman World Championships. We finish with t
Was Sydney Marathon Weak & Insights from UTMB
Lots to review this week with many insights shared about what has been happening in the world of sport. We look at Sydney as the 7th World Marathon Major, UTMB takeaways, some interesting things to look for post the Diamond League Finals and things to look forward to at NYC Marathon. (00:00) Introduction(01:10) The Dog Ate Xylon’s Homework (03:37) Does Ballet Help Running? (05:03) Xylon Learns how
Recovery From an Eating Disorder Pro Cyclist Clara Koppenburg
Before our interview, we cover a listener question and then take a look back at some Diamond League and forward to UTMB. We also discuss teenage phenoms Cooper Luteknhaus and Gout Gout. Finally we hear from Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Hannah Walker regarding weight in the Women’s peloton. Clara Koppenburg is a professional road cyclist known for her versatility and climbing strength. She was encour
Marathon Longevity with Multiple Olympian Lisa Weightman
Before our guest joins us, Xylon learns to tie shoelaces, we cover a listener question on heart rate during warm up and we review the Diamond League in Silesia. We then touch on the records from the Leadville 100 before a look at the Chicago and Sydney Marathon fields. Our guest, joining us to discuss her upcoming Sydney Marathon is Lisa Weightman is a 4 time olympic marathon representative, quali
Should You Do More Zone 2 Training?
We have a huge episode this week. Most importantly we discuss yoghurt gate but we also touch on a bunch of community shoutouts, some NFL, Crossfit, T100, UK & US track & field and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift all before we get to our interview. Our guest is Kristi Storoschuk who is a PhD Candidate in Muscle Physiology at Queen’s University with the goal of contributing to our under
Microdosing, Elite Athlete's healing capacity and Jan Frodeno Running OCC
This week starts with some absolute abhorrent behviour from Xylon before we get into some great community shoutouts. We then touch on athletes and accelerated recovery rates, why the NFL is hard to transition to for rugby players and Jan Frodeno’s chances at the OCC race at UTMB. We discuss the beer mile world record, and then our big topics; injuries and illness in cycling (how common are they?)
Mental Health vs Mental Resilience
Gary Fahey is a mental strength and performance specialist, mental health and addiction counsellor, public speaker and bestselling author. He currently works across the corporate and sporting spaces helping high-performing professionals and teams overcome crises, build resilience, and achieve sustainable success through his unique blend of experience and qualifications. Gary’s story is a fascinati
Diet, Stress Balance and Course Familiarisation
We tackle a number of listener questions in the episode covering topics like stress balance and coping, recovery nutrition, diet, microbiome and nutrition for sleep. We also discuss the value of training on the course you will race on and why this may be helpful. (00:00) Introduction(00:19) Medical Question(05:23) David’s Update(06:15) Xylon’s Update(07:06) Why Are You So Hungry Post Swimming?(08
Small Margins & Marginal Gains with Dr Sam Shepherd
Prior to our interview which is all about crewing and marginal gains we discuss Tracksmith’s new marathon team, why Nerd Clusters are gaining popularity for fueling and athletes changing countries. Our guest is Dr Sam Shepherd is the head of sports science at Precision Fuel & Hydration and co-director and sports nutritionist at total endurance nutrition. Sam joins us to discuss his experience
The Wildest Week in Endurance Sport
It’s been a huge week in endurance sport and specifically for Hiroki Kai who we talk about. We also discuss changes to qualification for the Ironman world championships, Challenge Roth result and private jet sponsorship controversy. We then recap the Eugene Diamond League with some insights and observations. Of course all our regular segments are here too. (00:00) Introduction(00:19) Medical Que
Inside Breaking 4
A big weekend in endurance sport sees us recap Western States, Ironman Frankfurt, the breaking of the backyard ultra world record and a quick discussion into East Africans in Trailrunning. We also touch on Sydney Marathon Elite fields and Challenge Roth drug testing age groupers. Our guest is Robby Ketchell, a sports scientist and aerodynamics expert who helped engineer the Ineos 1:59 project wit
Pro Runner Colleen Quigley - The Future of Running as a Team Sport
After some quick updates and community shoutouts we hear from previous guest Matt Marquardt about his IM Cairns win. Before discussing the Paris Diamond League, Tyreek Hill vs Noah Lyles and the value of running a hard mile for long distance runners. Our guest is Colleen Quigley is a professional middle distance runner representing the USA in the Rio 2016 Olympics. She joins us to discuss Meridia,
Determinants of Success in Tennis
Aside from our normal segments we quickly discuss Grand Slam Track cancelling their LA slam, some friction issues at the Hyrox world champs and the Dauphine. We touch on the new Boston Marathon qualifying changes, Diamond League Stockholm and then the new tech Visma Lease a BIke are Using. We then get into the interview about determinants of tennis success following on from Roland Garros. Our gues
Fast Times and How Sport Evolves
In a huge episode, we cover a large range of things this week, mostly around fast performances and how sport evolves. We announce our new sponsor, update listeners on ourselves and the evolution of some things we covered previous and have our community shoutouts. We then discuss fast Ironman performances, Killian Jornet, Diamond League, Sydney McLaughlan-Levrone and the Giro d’Italia. We also disc
Pro Ultra Trailrunner Emily Hawgood - Canyons 100 win & Western States Prep
Emily Hawgood is a Professional trail runner for team Adidas Terrex. Hot off the heels of a high profile win at the 100k Canyons endurance run by UTMB she’s been top 10 at western states & UTMB for the last 4 years, though in 2023 this was in the CCC race at the UTMB festival. She has also previously won ultra trail Cape town.In this chat we discuss Canyons, prep for UTMB & Western states,
Longevity, Enhanced Games and Attention Spans
Aside from the usual segments, this week we touch on some contract related issues in rugby, the enhanced games and Akani Simbine sparks a longevity and GOATs discussion. We then discuss some differences in soccer vs NFL and coaching style based on pressure. (00:00) Introduction(02:45) Doctor’s Question(04:23) Standalone vs Ironman Marathon(05:40) Hippocratic Oath(07:41) Xylon’s Update (11:50) Dav
Rockstar Athletes
In episode 64, Xylon and David discuss sleep and breathing, the need for tendons to be loaded rather than completely rested and then touch on some listener questions on rest post event and planning race nutrition. They then discuss On sponsoring the ITA, Grand Slam track’s changes and then quantification of the energy expenditure in an ultramarathon. The finish off with how to overcome shirt aller
Wholistic Athletic Development
We briefly touch on some community shoutouts, talk some hyrox and then review IM 70.3 St George as well as the Vuelta Espana Feminina before getting to this week’s interview. We are joined this week by Barry Austin who is a Level 3 UCI Certified Coach & UCI Certified Sporting Director. His career as a cycling coach and performance specialist spans more than two decades at both national and int
Sustainability and Your Sport
This week we are joined by Adjunct Professor Nicole Loher who is a climate scientist and communications expert to discuss an optimistic view on sustainability and sport. Nicole is the founder of C3 Climate Communications Collective and an Adjunct professor of climate communications at NYU. She holds a Bachelor's degree in marketing and communications from Fashion institute of technology and a Mast
Marathon Lessons
Another running heavy episode incoming. After some updates and a bucketload of shoutouts, we answer a listener question about breathing when running. Following this we review London marathon and some things we can learn from that, followed by reviewing Ironman Texas before discussing Faith Kipyegon’s 4min mile attempt. We finish off with the doctor’s office as usual. (00:00) Introduction(00:26)
When Should You Train?
Before we get to our main topic of the episode, time of day and how to optimise training and performance around it, we discuss other happenings in sport. Specifically we discuss the Amstel Gold race, London Marathon field changes, Quade Cooper’s flag football goals and the Boston Marathon. We then finish with Patrick Lange in the Doctor’s office. (00:00) Introduction(01:42) Medical Question(06:2
Personalised Carbohydrate Requirements - Tash Cooper-Smith
We are joined by Tash Cooper-Smith from Precision Fuel & Hydration to discuss a paper she was an author on which covered the individualisation of carbohydrate requirements in athletes. Before we get to that, we cover a listener question and a tonne of community shoutouts before briefly discussing the Masters and Paris-Roubaix. (00:00) Introduction(01:05) Xylon’s Update (02:39) Exercise as Par
Blood Donation & Infrared Sauna’s Impacts on Performance
On this week’s episode we discuss a fascinating listener question on blood donation and its impact on performance before reviewing some of the weekend’s sport and training of the elites heading to the London Marathon. We then look at a few papers on Infrared Sauna and Marathon Fueling before a quick discussion of Wout van Aert’s knee. (00:00) Introduction(00:50) Medical Fact Checking(05:56) David
Torpedo Bats and Placebo Supershoes
Episode 57 is here and it brings all the regular segments and topics. We discuss some questions about pre race and marathon fueling as well as doing some community shoutouts. We move on to some happenings from IM South Africa and in the USADA world. Then we discuss an article about cyclists getting bigger before our main two topics; the torpedo bats the Yankees are using and a study examining the
