Episoder
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In this conversation, Coaches TJ and Zoe discuss various topics related to athletic performance, coaching, and the impact of technology on training. The discussion begins with a light-hearted mention of cookies and transitions into a series of 'Hot or Not' questions, evaluating the effectiveness of YouTube physical therapists and Strava's AI metrics. The conversation also explores the importance of balancing different sports and activities in an athlete's training regimen, as well as the timelines for improvement in running performance. In this conversation, Zoe discusses the impact of genetics and age on running performance, emphasizing that while these factors play a role, they are not the sole determinants of success. Coach TJ and Zoe highlight the importance of consistent training, realistic expectations for pace improvement, and effective recovery strategies. The conversation also delves into the potential downsides of data overload from smartwatches, advocating for a more intuitive approach to training and performance assessment.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Cookies and Coaching
07:56 Strava AI Metrics: Helpful or Hype?
17:20 Balancing Sports: Taking Breaks vs. Integrating Activities
26:12 Improvement Timelines: How Long to Get Faster?
33:00 Improving Pace: Realistic Expectations
42:35 The Importance of Consistency and Patience
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Summary
In this conversation, Zoe discusses the importance of zooming out to analyze training patterns and the significance of periodizing strength training for runners. She emphasizes the need for athletes to maintain a training log to track their progress over time and to identify trends that can inform their training decisions. The conversation also highlights the integration of strength training into a runner's routine, focusing on how it can enhance performance and prevent injuries. In this conversation, Zoe discusses the critical balance between strength training and running for athletes. She emphasizes the importance of proper lifting techniques, scheduling strength workouts effectively, and the necessity of using appropriate footwear. Zoe outlines the phases of strength training tailored for runners, highlighting the need for periodization and the integration of strength training with running goals. She also stresses the value of working with a coach to optimize training outcomes and avoid common pitfalls.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Training Patterns
11:16 Zooming Out: Analyzing Training Data
25:34 The Importance of Strength Training
31:53 Balancing Strength and Running Training
37:43 Scheduling Strength Training for Runners
43:26 Phases of Strength Training for Runners
52:40 Integrating Strength Training with Running Goals
01:01:22 The Value of Coaching in Strength Training
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In this conversation, Zoe discusses various topics related to running, coaching, and women's health. The discussion begins with light banter about coffee and transitions into a deeper conversation about the importance of gear, the challenges of running uphill, and the significance of understanding menopause in coaching. Zoe emphasizes the need for coaches to be educated about female hormone health and the lack of resources available. The conversation also touches on the benefits of winter running, strategies for long runs and recovery, and how to deal with feelings of imposter syndrome before races. Finally, Zoe highlights the importance of aerobic fitness over leg strength for uphill running, providing insights into effective training methods. In this conversation, Zoe discusses the importance of strength training for uphill running, emphasizing single-leg exercises over traditional squats. She also shares her favorite running gear, highlighting the significance of choosing the right shoes and vests for performance and comfort. The discussion then shifts to the challenges female athletes face during menopause, including hormonal changes that affect recovery and performance. Zoe stresses the importance of nutrition, recovery strategies, and open communication with coaches to navigate this phase effectively.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Coffee Talk
06:05 Menopause and Women's Health in Coaching
11:55 Long Runs and Recovery Strategies
17:51 Aerobic Fitness vs. Leg Strength for Uphill Running
29:19 Strength Training for Uphill Running
40:39 Navigating Menopause as an Athlete
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Summary
In this conversation, Zoe and Coach TJ discuss various aspects of training for athletes, including the effectiveness of core exercises, the role of hiking in training, personal preferences for running hairstyles, the pros and cons of race expos, and the dynamics between elite and amateur runners during races. They also emphasize the importance of a long-term training plan, specifically a three-year approach, to build a solid foundation for athletic performance. In this conversation, Zoe discusses the importance of building a strong foundation in training, particularly for athletes transitioning from other sports. She emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that includes strength development, aerobic capacity, and recovery strategies. The conversation also covers the challenges athletes face when balancing training with physically demanding jobs, highlighting the significance of nutrition and recovery in achieving optimal performance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Training and Fitness
02:50 Core Training: Crunches vs. Functional Exercises
05:55 Hiking as Training: Benefits and Limitations
09:02 Running with Hair Down: Personal Preferences
11:51 Race Expos: Hot or Not?
14:57 Navigating Elite and Amateur Interactions in Races
17:47 The Importance of a Three-Year Training Plan
28:10 Building a Strong Foundation in Training
34:27 Increasing Intensity and Specificity
39:11 Balancing Training with Physically Demanding Jobs
53:31 The Importance of Recovery and Nutrition
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In this conversation, Zoe and Coach TJ discuss their recent vacation, the challenges of balancing training with leisure, and the importance of periodization in athletic training. They reflect on their experiences running in rural Portugal, the significance of leisure time, and the nuances of using data in training. The discussion also delves into different training methodologies, particularly block and mixed periodization, and how they apply to various athletes' needs. In this conversation, Zoe discusses the complexities of training for athletes, emphasizing the importance of balancing intensity and volume, understanding periodization, and the significance of nutrition tailored to individual needs. She highlights the role of TrainingPeaks in data-driven coaching while cautioning against over-reliance on metrics, advocating for a focus on how athletes feel during their training. The discussion also covers carbohydrate intake strategies and the importance of experimenting with nutrition to find what works best for each athlete.
Chapters
00:00 Halloween Candy and Running Vacations
03:32 Reflections on Vacationing and Training
10:09 Navigating Running on Vacation
19:15 Exploring Periodization in Training
30:34 Balancing Training Intensity and Volume
32:54 Understanding Periodization in Training
33:46 Choosing the Right Nutrition for Athletes
36:50 The Importance of Carbohydrate Ratios
40:34 Utilizing TrainingPeaks for Data-Driven Coaching
50:31 Understanding Training Stress Scores and Readiness
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We're diving into the archives for this fun episode of the MicroCast! Coach Zoë Rom and Coach TJ David break down their favorite workouts, and why - and dive into the science behind why certain stimuli work to develop different energy systems for runners.
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The Bad Ideas Draft! Hosted by coaches TJ David, Zoë Rom and special guest coach Sean Van Horn.
From Low Carb High Fat Diets to Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwiches to 100 Mile Weeks and Run Streaks. We can't into the worst we've seen in training, coaching and living athletic lives over the past decade.
Going snake style, our coaches go through five categories of "bad ideas" in the endurance space for over a decade. Then the team provides color commentary on each idea and at the ends votes for the coach with the best "bad ideas."
Five Categories: Nutrition, Training, Internet Takes, Gear and Wild Card! We touch on: Low Carb High Fat DietsHot Ham and Cheese SandwichesSkinnier is FasterMaking Your Own GelsThe Five Stages of Ultra Running InjuriesTime on FeetRunning 2-3 Days Per WeekThe Squirrel MethodRun StreaksIt's Supposed to Be HardNo Pain, No GainTraining Advice from InfluencersVibram Five FingersDesk Stationary BikeIts Pretty so it Must be GoodMinimalist ShoesFasted TrainingKetoGoing with the Flow of an unstructured Training Plan100 Mile Weeks
Microcosm-Coaching.com or [email protected]
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In this conversation, Zoe and Coach TJ explore various aspects of running training, including the concept of the off season, the role of music while running, hydration strategies, family dynamics in race day support, and insights from Reddit questions. They delve into the science behind running surfaces and injury risk, discuss the importance of running cadence, and navigate the post-race transition season. The conversation concludes with advice on setting goals for the next season, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's motivations and maintaining a balanced approach to training.
00:00 What's an off-season?
07:20 Hot or Not: Music While Running
11:54H hydration Strategies: Bladders vs. Flasks
14:58 Should your family Crew you at an ultra?
17:13 How long do training adaptations take?
33:38 Do soft running surfaces actually reduce injury risk?
41:31 What's the "best" running cadence? How can you improve your running cadence?
50:00 Navigating Post-Race Transition Season
01:01:08 Setting Goals for the Next Season
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In this episode, Zoe and Coach TJ discuss their experiences at the Run Rabbit Run 100, the importance of community in athletics, and delve into various topics including nutrition, the impact of fatigue on training, and the role of perfectionism in performance. They also explore the science behind the menstrual cycle and its implications for training, emphasizing the need for open conversations about athletes' experiences and the importance of evidence-based coaching.
00:00 Introduction and Plant-Based Living
02:48 Run Rabbit Run 100 Experience
05:54 The Importance of Community in Athletics
09:02 Hot or Not: Changing Clothes During an Ultra
11:51 UCAN's Effed Up Marketing
15:07 Live Streaming Races: A New Perspective
17:57 Understanding Fatigue: Productive vs. Unproductive
21:01 Perfectionism in Training and Performance
24:12 The Science of the Menstrual Cycle and Training
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This week, we're sharing a special collaboration with our good buddy Jonathan Levitt at For the Long Run before we're back in your feeds with a brand new EP later this week. Coach Zoë breaks down her training and approach for Leadville, comedy, and so much more.
Give Jon a listen and a follow here:
For The Long Run
And follow him on Instagram here!
And be sure to check out Zoë's new podcast:
Your Diet Sucks
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In this podcast episode, Coach TJ and Zoe discuss various topics related to training and recovery for athletes. They answer questions from listeners, talk about transitioning from training by heart rate to incorporating RPE-based training, and discuss the importance of setting goals and embracing periods without big goals. They also provide insights on recovery from races and how to listen to your body's signals. The episode emphasizes the importance of using a combination of tools, such as heart rate and RPE, to have a well-rounded understanding of your fitness and effort levels. In this part of the conversation, Zoe discusses the use of heart rate training as a complementary method to RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) training. She emphasizes the importance of using heart rate to understand how the body is responding to training and how it aligns with perceived effort. Zoe also talks about the significance of setting short and long-term goals and the struggle athletes face when they don't have a specific goal on the calendar. She encourages athletes to focus on their individual motivations and values, and to find joy in running without always working towards a specific goal. Finally, Zoe shares her criteria for selecting an A-race, which includes deeply wanting the goal, feeling a sense of fear or uncertainty, choosing a logical next step, being willing to change habits or beliefs, requiring help from others, and allowing the goal to align with the life the athlete wants to live.00:00 Introduction and Overview03:09 Transitioning from Heart Rate to RPE09:43 Race Recovery and Listening to Your Body11:33 Embracing a Season Without Big Goals14:45 Missed Days of Training and Shoe Replacement21:15 Using Heart Rate and RPE for Training31:07 Using Heart Rate Training33:38 Finding Joy in Running Without a Goal36:09 Focusing on Individual Motivations43:02 Goals Aren't the Only Way to Grow47:51 How Goals Transform Habits and Beliefs54:11 Requiring Help for A-Races
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Coach Zoë breaks down her second-place finish at the Leadville 100.
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In this conversation, Coach TJ and Zoe discuss various topics related to ultra running, including pacing for ultra distances, carb loading, running downhill, heat training, splitting runs, and race planning for the Leadville 100. They provide insights, tips, and personal experiences to help athletes navigate these aspects of training and racing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of experience, data gathering, and intentional planning to optimize performance and achieve goals. In this conversation, Zoe and TJ discuss mental preparation for a race, carb loading, and downhill running techniques. Zoe shares her strategies for staying focused and motivated during a race, including visualization and drawing on past experiences. They also discuss the importance of carb loading and provide tips for effective carb loading before a race. Finally, they delve into the challenges of downhill running and offer advice on how to improve technique and build confidence.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:40 Pacing for Ultra Distances08:18High Intensity Interval Training
10:10 Hill Workouts on a Treadmill
16:04 Race Planning for the Leadville 100
20:16 Approximating Pacing and Nutrition
26:19 Formulating a Race Plan
29:01 Calculating Nutrition and Hydration
31:43 Building a Race Crew
33:35 Mastering Mental Preparation
42:07 The Importance of Effective Carb Loading
51:35 Improving Downhill Running Technique
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In this podcast episode, Coach TJ and Zoe discuss their favorite lessons from the Olympics, common questions from coaches, and a study on the differences between elite and non-elite trail runners. They highlight the importance of mental toughness and addressing mental health concerns in athletes, using examples from Simone Biles and Noah Lyles. They also discuss the mindset of champion athletes like Katie Ledecky, who focus on the process of improvement rather than just the outcome. In the second part of the episode, they answer frequently asked questions about stretching before running, running frequency, choosing running shoes, training volume, and rest days. In this conversation, Zoe discusses the importance of rest days for athletes, the benefits of strength training for runners, the role of cross-training in a training program, the significance of power hiking during runs, and the key factors that differentiate elite runners from amateurs. The main takeaways include the need for rest days to replenish glycogen stores and provide mental rest, the recommendation for all runners to incorporate strength training into their routine, the importance of strategic and individualized strength training programs, the benefits of low-impact cross-training activities, the value of power hiking during uphill sections, and the key factors that contribute to the success of elite runners, including training volume and biomechanical efficiency.00:00 Introduction and Lessons from the Olympics06:47 The Champion's Mindset: Focusing on the Process of Improvement12:06 Should runners stretch before they run? What kind of warm up should runners do?16:36 What are the best running shoes?19:47 How many miles should you run?22:53 How often should runners take a rest day? What should you do on your rest day from running?30:05 Should runners cross-train? Does cross-training help runners?37:25 Is it okay to walk? Is it okay for runners to walk during runs?40:30 Key Factors that Differentiate Elite Runners
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In this conversation, Coach TJ and Zoe discuss various topics related to nutrition, training, and race preparation. They announce the launch of their new podcast, Your Diet Sucks, which focuses on nutrition, performance, and diet culture. They also cover hot or not topics such as dried fruit, drop bags, and body glide. They answer athlete questions about training at night, salt on the skin, using poles while running, and increasing mileage. Zoe shares her training approach for the Leadville race, including specific terrain and mental preparation. In this conversation, Zoe and TJ discuss the importance of experiencing both the highs and lows in training, the decision to switch coaches, and the key factors to consider when choosing a coach. They also highlight the six biggest training mistakes athletes make, including not knowing their why, not fueling strategically, running too hard, not progressing training over time, lack of consistency, and neglecting speed work.00:00 Introduction and Announcement of New Podcast02:44 Hot or Not: Dried Fruit, Drop Bags, and Body Glide07:03 How to train for racing at night and when to use poles while trail running11:12 What does it mean when you see salt on your clothes after running?18:41 Increasing Mileage and Deload Periods26:19 How to train for the Leadville Trail 100: Training for Hope Pass33:11 Experiencing the Highs and Lows in Training35:27 How to choose the Right Coach: Values and Needs53:06 Mistake #1: Not Knowing Your Why56:51 Mistake #2: Not Fueling Strategically59:41 Mistake #3: Running Too Hard01:01:06 Mistake #4: Not Progressing Training Over Time01:02:31 Mistake #5: Lack of Consistency01:03:53 Mistake #6: Neglecting Speed Work
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Would you run 100 miles with zero calories? Should you?
In episode two, we break down the history - and the science - of fasting. We dive into why athletes seem drawn to a mentality of doing more with less fuel and the potential benefits of fasting compared with the downsides.
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Welcome to episode one! Get to know hosts Kylee Van Horn and Zoë Rom and why they’re endlesslessly fascinated with food. In this episode, we ask why athletes seem so prone to diet bullsh*t and pseudoscience. We discuss how social media has hastened the spread of pseudoscience and why “experts” tend to overstate their experience. We conclude with a discussion of Bullsh*t Red Flags to help you identify diet nonsense in the wild.
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In this conversation, Coach TJ and Zoe discuss the only five supplements that have evidence-based performance benefits: creatine, caffeine, nitrates, sodium bicarbonate, and beta-alanine. They delve into the dosing and timing of caffeine intake, the benefits and limitations of beta-alanine, and the use of creatine to improve muscle endurance and power output. They also explore the performance benefits of nitrates found in beet juice and the importance of tracking training volume by time or miles. The conversation concludes with a discussion on different frameworks for training and the importance of individualization. In this conversation, Zoe and TJ discuss different methods of measuring training intensity, including heart rate and perceived effort. They emphasize the importance of listening to your body and using perceived effort as a more reliable measure of intensity. They also discuss the importance of tracking vertical gain in training and how to match it with the demands of your event. Finally, they talk about the value of patience in training and racing, and how it can lead to better performance and enjoyment.
00:00 The Only Five Supplements with Evidence-Based Performance Benefits
06:48 Exploring the Benefits and Limitations of Beta-Alanine
09:02 Improving Muscle Endurance and Power Output with Creatine
14:15 Harnessing the Performance Benefits of Nitrates in Beet Juice
18:33 Tracking Training Volume: Time vs. Miles
26:07 Measuring Training Intensity
31:58 Matching Vertical Gain with Event Demands
38:20 The Value of Patience in Training and Racing
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In this conversation, Zoe and Coach TJ discuss various topics including NSAIDs, the elliptical, intermittent fasting, aid station quesadillas, and what new ultra runners can expect in their first year of training. They emphasize the importance of not overusing NSAIDs, caution against using the elliptical as a substitute for running, debunk the myths surrounding intermittent fasting, and discuss the appropriate fueling options at aid stations. They also provide insights into the progress and accomplishments that new ultra runners can expect in their first two years of training. The conversation discusses the importance of tracking and maintaining consistent training mileage, the recommendation to not race a 100-mile ultra until at least two years of training, and the benefits of VO2 max training for ultra runners. The study mentioned in the conversation focuses on the impact of uphill high-intensity running intervals on well-trained runners' oxygen uptake. It concludes that running uphill can help athletes access 90% of their VO2 max more effectively. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of balancing training stress and recovery and structuring VO2 max training in a year-long training cycle.
Avoid overusing NSAIDs as they can reduce training adaptations and mask important signals from your body. The elliptical is not a substitute for running, but it can be an effective low-impact cross-training tool. Intermittent fasting may not lead to better outcomes and can increase the risk of injury and slower performance. Be mindful of your fueling choices at aid stations and consider the impact on your performance and recovery. New ultra runners can expect significant improvements in their easy pace, output levels, durability, and mental performance within their first two years of training. Set realistic goals based on your available time and resources, and gradually work towards longer distances. Consistency, tracking your training, and seeking guidance from a coach can greatly enhance your progress and success. Consistently tracking and maintaining training mileage is important for accurate assessment and progress. It is recommended to have at least two years of training before attempting a 100-mile ultra race. VO2 max training, particularly uphill intervals, can help ultra runners access 90% of their VO2 max more effectively. Balancing training stress and recovery is crucial for maximizing adaptation and avoiding injury. VO2 max training should be structured in a year-long training cycle, with more specific energy systems targeted closer to the race. The grade of the hill for uphill intervals can vary between 4% and 12%, with no significant difference in effectiveness. Downhill running should be approached with caution to avoid excessive muscle soreness and damage. -
Find us online at Microcosm Coaching.https://www.microcosm-coaching.com/Coach TJ and Coach Zoe discuss their recent experiences with racing and training at altitude. They touch on topics such as the use of salt pills for electrolyte replenishment, the pros and cons of giving blood while training, the effectiveness of multivitamins, and the challenges of racing at altitude. They also debrief Coach Zoë's recent race, the Silver Rush 50, and discuss the importance of setting outcome and process goals, staying true to your values and standards during tough races, and learning from difficult experiences. The conversation provides valuable insights for athletes training and competing at altitude. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss altitude training and its impact on performance in races at high elevations. They debunk common misconceptions about altitude training and emphasize the importance of focusing on overall fitness rather than relying solely on altitude interventions. They also discuss the effects of altitude on hydration and nutrition needs, as well as the benefits of trialing these strategies at elevation. The hosts provide recommendations for pre-race strategies, including getting an iron panel done and considering arriving early to the race location.
Takeaways:
Salt pills can be a convenient way to replenish electrolytes during training and racing.Giving blood while training should be done cautiously and not during important race build-ups or training blocks.Multivitamins may not be necessary for everyone and it's better to target specific micronutrient deficiencies with the help of a nutritionist or healthcare provider.Racing at altitude can be challenging for everyone, but it's important to be kind to yourself and adjust expectations accordingly.Setting outcome and process goals, staying true to your values and standards, and learning from difficult races are key to growth and progress as an athlete. Focus on overall fitness rather than relying solely on altitude interventionsTrialing hydration and nutrition strategies at altitude is importantConsider arriving early to the race location to acclimateGet an iron panel done to ensure optimal performance at altitude
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