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How to Survive and Thrive in All Weather Conditions with Andrew and Michael

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, we sit down with Andrew and Michael, hosts of the Endurance Innovation Podcast, to explore how runners can optimize performance in various weather conditions. Whether you’re training in freezing temperatures, racing in extreme heat, or battling humidity, Andrew and Michael break down the science behind heat transfer, thermoregulation, and practical strategies to maintain performance. Expect a deep dive into the mechanics of cooling, hydration, layering, and more!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why understanding thermoregulation is key to running performance
• How to dress appropriately for cold weather runs and avoid frostbite
• Why runners naturally slow down in extreme cold and how to manage it
• The role of humidity in heat stress and how to handle it
• How heat adaptation works and how to train for hot conditions
• The best cooling strategies, including ice slushies, wrist cooling, and pre-cooling methods
• How clothing color and material impact heat absorption and reflection
• Common mistakes runners make in extreme temperatures and how to avoid them

Guest Bios:

• Andrew Buckrell: Mechanical engineer with a research background in aerodynamics and heat transfer. Passionate about applying engineering principles to endurance sports.
• Michael Petralia: Mechanical engineer turned endurance coach. Specializes in performance optimization through scientific principles.

Listener Questions Answered:

• Why do I run slower in the cold, no matter how warm my muscles get?
• Why does my heart rate increase more in cold weather?
• How can I stay cool in extreme heat and humidity?
• Should I train by heart rate in hot conditions?
• Do hot drinks really help cool you down?

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In this episode of the Run Smarter Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Keith Barr from the University of California, Davis, to uncover groundbreaking research on tendon health, rehabilitation, and performance. Dr. Barr shares his expertise on tendon tissue engineering, the role of mechanical loading in healing tendinopathies, and how to reverse chronic scar tissue formation. Whether you're a runner struggling with tendon pain or a coach looking to optimize performance, this episode is packed with game-changing insights.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

🔹 Why tendons develop scar tissue – and how stress shielding plays a role in tendinopathy
🔹 How to reverse chronic tendon damage – with the right type of loading strategy
🔹 The difference between tendon stiffness and perceived stiffness – and how it impacts performance and injury risk
🔹 Why isometric exercises are a game-changer – and how to use them effectively in rehab and injury prevention
🔹 The role of hormones in tendon injuries – including how menopause and testosterone affect tendon health
🔹 How to train smarter to avoid tendon injuries – including the optimal way to structure your running volume

Key Takeaways & Actionable Strategies

✅ Target the scar tissue with load – Use isometric holds after a workout to gradually reintroduce load to the weak areas
✅ Don’t rush into plyometrics – Start with long-duration isometric exercises before progressing to slow, heavy strength training
✅ Train twice a day for better tendon adaptation – Splitting your runs into two sessions improves tendon recovery and adaptation
✅ Respect the first few sessions of new training – The first track session, spikes workout, or hill session introduces high jerk forces, increasing injury risk
✅ Consider hormonal factors – Women going through menopause may need to adjust their training due to changes in tendon stiffness and collagen synthesis

Dr. Keith Barr’s Research & Resources

🔹 Follow Keith Barr on BlueSky: Muscle Science
🔹 Read his research paper: Using Load to Improve Tendon Ligament Tissue Engineering and Develop Novel Treatments for Tendinopathy

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Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant 📄🔍

Episode Summary:
In today's episode, Brodie is joined by Christie Ashwanden, author of Good to Go: How to Eat, Sleep and Rest Like a Champion. Christie, a renowned science journalist and former lead writer at 538, shares practical advice on nutrition, hydration, and recovery for athletes. They discuss the myths and marketing tactics surrounding sports nutrition, the importance of body awareness, and how to simplify recovery by listening to your body’s natural signals.

Topics Covered:

• 00:00 – Introduction: About Christie Ashwanden and her book Good to Go.
• 01:46 – Brodie shares how Christie Ashwanden’s book has influenced his recovery series and introduced him to new experts and topics.
• 04:07 – Christie’s background in sports and her journey through overtraining and recovery struggles.
• 05:58 – Insights from Christie’s interviews with elite athletes and the overlooked importance of recovery throughout one's athletic career.
• 07:25 – Nutrition's role in recovery: Is it more complex than we think?
• 09:44 – Debunking the recovery window myth and how marketing has influenced sports nutrition trends.
• 13:16 – Why a balanced diet often meets all your nutrient needs without supplements or "superfoods."
• 18:04 – The truth about hydration: Why drinking to thirst is more effective than following arbitrary hydration guidelines.
• 23:10 – The dangers of overhydration and the rise in hyponatremia cases in endurance athletes.
• 27:19 – Marketing tactics in the protein and supplement industry: What science really says.
• 32:05 – Alcohol and recovery: Can a post-run beer fit into a recovery plan?
• 35:49 – Final advice: Simplify your nutrition strategy, avoid overthinking, and improve body awareness to optimize recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Nutrition doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Focus on balanced, real foods and trust your body’s hunger and thirst signals.
• The "recovery window" is more of a "barn door." You don’t need to eat immediately after a workout unless you're performing again soon.
• Overhydration can be more dangerous than mild dehydration. Drink to thirst rather than forcing hydration based on weight loss or urine color.
• Supplements are often driven by marketing rather than science. Real food provides the nutrients your body needs.
• Stress management, including dietary flexibility and recovery rituals, plays a significant role in optimal recovery.

For MORE Run Smarter Resources 🏃‍♂️📚
- Including Free Injury Prevention Courses 🩹🎓
- The Run Smarter Book 📖
- Access to Research Papers 📄🔍
- & Ways to Work with Brodie 🤝👟
👉 CLICK HERE! 🎉✨