Best Megan Sheets Podcasts (2024)

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208. Gel Controversy Grows, Courtney's Nutrition Strategy, Fueling Case Studies, World Record 10k, Trash Talking on the Track, and A Meaning of Life! 1:35:23

1h ago1:35:23

1:35:23

We ate a bag of performance waffles to get ready for this awesome episode! The first topic was a follow-up on the controversy about a gel that may have mislabeled its calorie count. We discuss emails from listeners that provide more context, along with what it might mean for food labeling generally. It's a wild, wild world out there! The main train…

1
207. Core Strength, Controversy in a Gel's Calorie Total, Track Coaching Takeaways, Ketones and Hormones, Big Hope, and Coaching AI! 1:35:26

17m ago1:35:26

1:35:26

We gathered liquid courage (chugging from a gallon of chocolate milk) for this great episode! The main training topic comes from the world of track, where athletes are probing the limits of human physiology. Because the margins separating athletes on the track are so small, there are takeaways for all endurance performance. Raise the ceiling to rai…

1
206. Doing Hard Things, Longevity and Training, Fueling Short Workouts, The Power of Placebo, AI Bots, and Cocodona 250! 1:31:42

17d ago1:31:42

1:31:42

We sat in a stew of uncertainty before recording this awesome (and healing) episode! The main training topic was a pair of studies looking at longevity outcomes in serious athletes. Extra-hard training seems to have longevity benefits compared to general population lifestyles, contrary to some warnings you might hear! Let's all plan on doing uphill…

1
205. The Mystery of Training Non-Response, Strength Work Approaches, Health Metrics, New Bike Day, and Track Going Mainstream! 1:33:46

8d ago1:33:46

1:33:46

We celebrated a week with minimal life drama (YAY) before recording this great episode! The main training topic was a new study monitoring response v. non-response. Imagine two similar athletes who are given the the same training program. One could have breakthroughs, and one could face physical disaster. Why? We use the study to talk about how we …

1
204. Canyons 100k Breakthroughs, Why Megan Didn't Race, Carb-Loading Thoughts, Bloodwork Season, TikTok Ban, and Big Surprises! 1:29:42

6d ago1:29:42

1:29:42

We got the surprise of our lives before recording this dazed-and-excited episode! The main topic was the Canyons 100k. It was Megan's dream race, and you may have seen... she did not start. We had some incredibly surprising news right before we boarded our flight to California for the race, and we process it in real-time on the episode. Hopefully t…

1
203. Canyons 100k Pre-Race, Improving Power, Perils of Energy Availability Cycling, Wild Shoe Tech, and Crash Recovery! 1:33:18

1M ago1:33:18

1:33:18

We sipped on some of the finest, chalkiest electrolyte drink for this great episode! The main topic was gearing up for big events, spurred by Megan's upcoming adventure at the Canyons 100k. After the health issues, we were unsure whether we'd ever be able to have this sort of discussion on the podcast, and listeners have been there every step of th…

1
202. Process v. Competitive Fire, USA Jersey Scandal, Boston Marathon Hot Takes, Carbs and Central Fatigue, and Valby's Cross Training! 1:28:08

1M ago1:28:08

1:28:08

We got extremely hyped watching the Boston Marathon before recording this amazing episode! The main training topic was a new study connecting carb intake during exercise to reduced central fatigue, leading to the researchers theorizing a link between "excess" carbs and improved neuromuscular function. The study protocol was weird and wild! Does thi…

1
201. Reflections From a Near-Death Experience, Getting Back on the Bike, Zone 2 Tutorial, Shoe Reviews, and Fueling Cheat Sheets! 1:39:27

1M ago1:39:27

1:39:27

We enjoyed an all-expenses-paid ambulance trip before this amazing episode! The main topic was David's harrowing bike crash. The incredible paramedics said that the impact launched him 100 feet through the air. Somehow, the concussion, a broken wrist, and lacerations seem to be the worst of it. The legs are 100%! And as all runners know, wrists and…

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200th Episode Celebration! 5 Ways Our Approach Has Changed, Strength Work Evolution, Post-Race Recovery, and World XC! 1:34:22

2M ago1:34:22

1:34:22

It's the 200th episode, and we brought so much gratitude to the party! The main topic was reflecting on 5 ways our approach to endurance training/coaching has changed, based on new research and real-world experience. The topics buffet is packed with goodness: extreme-carb fueling during hard efforts, heavier strength work (in moderation), less need…

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199. Jasmin's Astonishing Barkley Marathons, Crown King 50k Lessons, Squats, Downhill Training, and Power Glutes! 1:32:52

2M ago1:32:52

1:32:52

We rode the inspiration wave from witnessing history for this great episode! The main topic was on the mind-boggling finish from Jasmin Paris at the Barkley Marathons. She is the first woman to finish the race, and we think it will go down as one of the most impressive endurance achievements ever. We break down why that is, and we proceed to eat so…

1
198. Fatigue Resistance Tips, Intro to Uphill Treadmill, Ketones, Double Workout Feelings, and Performance Vibration! 1:31:47

2M ago1:31:47

1:31:47

We vibed with a new playlist (Taylor's version) before this great episode! The main training topic was a new study on fatigue resistance, which used a novel protocol for testing durability involving different levels of intensity. "Durability" research may be the most exciting part of modern performance science, and we broaden it out with real-world…

1
197. Lululemon's Big Ultra Bet, Running Form Science, Heat and Mitochondria, Camille's New Records, and UTMB Talk! 1:32:52

3M ago1:32:52

1:32:52

We made questionable playlist decisions (arf arf) to get hyped for this amazing episode! The big topic was Lululemon's FURTHER event, a 6-day ultra in the California desert, full of intrigue and world records. Megan was on the ground as coach and science advisor, and she returns with a report that will blow your minds. What happens when a company i…

1
196. Fueling Tutorial, Fatigue Resistance, Athlete Contracts, Megan's Biggest Week, Bike Training, and World Indoors! 1:35:11

3M ago1:35:11

1:35:11

We ate some business PB+Js to fuel up for this great episode! The main training topic was on fueling like your athletic life depends on it. Erase all of your preconceived notions and ask this question: When you're already tired and you're still a couple hours away from home, what do you do? If you're anything like many of the best endurance athlete…

1
195. Double Workouts, Running as a Power Sport, Megan's Overall Win, Big Alta Races, and New Mental Health Study! 1:36:44

3M ago1:36:44

1:36:44

We put on some see-through pants for this great episode! The main training topic was on double workouts, involving two moderate sessions in a single day. Norwegian athletes are notorious for their double threshold days, and over the last few years, we have been using an adapted approach with the treadmill or cross-training that can be implemented f…

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194. World Record Training Study, Heart Rate Monitors, Sports Bras, Iron and Lactate, and AI Thoughts! 1:30:45

3M ago1:30:45

1:30:45

We glugged some sugar with coffee and cream for this awesome episode! The main training topic was a new study breaking down the training of the 24-hour world-record holder. It gave us an excuse to talk about the trajectory of ultra training, and how we're in the midst of a fundamental shift in the sport at all levels. We also talked about a cool st…

1
193. Black Canyon 100k and Why Ultras Will Never Be The Same, Big Carb Fueling, and Taking Chances! 1:36:17

4M ago1:36:17

1:36:17

We just got back from a joyful and intense weekend at the Black Canyon 100k, arguably the most competitive ultra on US soil! Endurance sports are in the midst of a fundamental shift in what's possible, from the winners to the final finishers. This year's Black Canyon was a mind-blowing demonstration of how the game is changing, with tons of lessons…

1
192. Olympic Trials Hot Takes, How To Fuel in Races, The Enhanced Games (ugh), and Supershoe Data! 1:36:57

3M ago1:36:57

1:36:57

It was the ultimate celebration episode, on a high from watching the Olympic Marathon Trials! We talked about some of our favorite storylines from the most exciting race on US soil: training partners finishing together (and our conspiracy theory), the next big star is born for female marathoners, an Olympian who walked onto her D2 college team, and…

1
191. UTMB Strikes Back and What's Next, Olympic Trials Picks, Our Favorite Coaches, and Body Image! 1:28:03

3M ago1:28:03

1:28:03

We rolled up our shorts to their full upright and locked positions for this spicy episode! A big topic was the final installment in our trilogy of updates on tensions surrounding UTMB. The letter sent by Kilian Jornet and Zach Miller to fellow pros added fuel to a fire that started at the grassroots level, finally leading to a response from UTMB. W…

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190. Optimizing Testosterone Levels, Lower Mileage Training, Breathing and Stress, and US Cross Country! 1:32:12

4M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

We chugged some chocolate whole milk to fuel this amazing episode! The main training topic was on why testosterone levels are relevant for all endurance athletes. While individuals have different genetic set-points for testosterone, studies on men and women show that training and fueling interventions can change baseline levels. Those changes can b…

1
189. UTMB Boycott News, Zone 1 v. Zone 2, Epigenetics of Endurance, Blood Values, and UROY Rankings! 1:30:14

4M ago1:30:14

1:30:14

We had fire (and iron) flowing through our veins for this awesome episode! There is a big development in the UTMB controversy: reports that legends Kilian Jornet and Zach Miller sent a letter to some of the best athletes in the world considering a boycott of this year's races. We talk about what we think it means through the lens of negotiation the…

1
188. Tempo Runs Explained, Men vs. Women Mileage, Answering Listener Questions, and Debating AI in Medicine! 1:28:34

4M ago1:28:34

1:28:34

We ate the world's largest lunches to get ready for this awesome episode! The main training discussion was on tempo running. What even is a tempo? Coaches and physiologists all disagree, leaving athletes in an uncertain spot. We cut through the noise with the help of a 2019 study looking at what training elements most strongly correlate with long-t…

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187. New Protein Science Breakthrough, 2024 Predictions, Continuous Biomarker Monitoring, and Sleep Deception! 1:30:17

4M ago1:30:17

1:30:17

We are coming in hot with some big 2024 energy! The main topic was a deeper science corner breakdown of the new study that challenges conventional wisdom on protein consumption. This research could change how you think about daily fueling, with potential benefits for adaptation and recovery. We geek out on the methodology, featuring an isotope-tagg…

1
186. The Best Holiday Episode! Secrets, Science, and Stories! 1:19:02

5M ago1:19:02

1:19:02

Welcome to a very special holiday episode! We started with our thoughts on a new study on protein intake that challenges everything we previously thought about protein metabolism. It's one of our favorite studies of all time, and it's destined to reshape the field of nutrition science! But the bulk of the episode was reading from "secrets" sent in …

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185. Strength Work and Running Economy, Extreme Training, AI and Coaching, and 2023 Celebration! 1:26:51

5M ago1:26:51

1:26:51

We brought some big-time celebration vibes for this holiday episode! The main training topic was on the body of literature connecting strength work to running economy improvements. Wherever you look, there seem to be agreements mixed with contradictions, and we sprinkle some spicy controversy flakes on top of it all. Our take? Endurance athletes sh…

1
184. Omega 3 Supplements, Taylor Swift's Training, Strava Messages, and Taper Design! 1:26:40

5M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

We loaded up on some fish candy to bring you an awesome episode! The first study of the day blew our minds, showing that just a few weeks of high-dose Omega 3 supplementation reduced some markers of heart stress after steep downhill running. We used to think that Omega 3 pills were boring, and now we have 4 jars in the pantry. Talk about some sexy …

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183. McDowell 50 Miler Lessons, Marathon Training Tips, New Shoe Previews and Pre-Race Meals! 1:34:48

5M ago1:34:48

1:34:48

It's one of our all-time favorite episodes after a whirlwind week! The main topic was David's race at the McDowell Mountain 50 Miler, which we use to talk about a ton of different lessons for training and racing. We're talking pre-race meals, pacing, dealing with cramps, what comes after "failure," fueling and hydration, pacing, and supershoes for …

1
Episode 9 - Decision Day and College GameDay in Columbus, Ohio 22:36

5M ago22:36

22:36

CF Montreal at Columbus Crew on the last weekend of the regular season? Check. MLS NextPro Championship? Check. All-nighter for College GameDay on Ohio State's campus? Check. Add in a 13-hour roundtrip drive and you've got yourself a Between Clean Sheets weekender. “Not So Fast”: The Oral History of ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ (https://bit.ly/46HKlus)…

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182. Wild Science on Post-Exercise Ketones, New Running Tech, Bone Density, and Protein Sources! 1:24:01

6M ago1:24:01

1:24:01

We turned the hype meters to 11 for this awesome episode! The main training topic was on the wild, uncertain science of post-exercise ketone supplementation. We take you into the cutting-edge of this emerging field of research, like a Magic Schoolbus for the scientific method. Ketone bodies are naturally produced after exercise, an evolutionary mec…

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181. Fueling and Next-Day Performance, Running Cadence, Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation, and NCAA XC Recap! 1:33:50

6M ago1:33:50

1:33:50

We brought some big-time gratitude to this supersized Thanksgiving episode! The main topic was a new study looking at how fueling during training impacts next-day performance and protein degradation. We are seeing a new world order in eating and training! We also present some contrasting perspectives from prominent coaches, trying to discern betwee…

1
180. Strength Work and Muscle Fibers, UTMB Controversy Updates, Creatine, and Speed in Ultras! 1:31:08

6M ago1:31:08

1:31:08

We were extra carb-loaded for this awesome episode! The main training topic was on a new study looking at how strength work changes muscle fiber properties over time. Strength training seemed to reverse the aging clock! We dig into the nuances of what it means and how to apply the findings for endurance athletes of all ages. Invest in a big kettleb…

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179. The Carbohydrate Revolution, Deep Thoughts on Coaching and Leadership, and Pacing Like Beautiful Idiots! 1:26:54

6M ago1:26:54

1:26:54

Our brain juices were really flowing on this great episode! The main story came from the pro peloton in cycling, where athletes are pushing the limits of carbohydrate consumption during hard races. In general, teams closely monitor fueling to get athletes to 100-120 grams of carbs per hour (400-480 calories), and there are hints that some are pushi…

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178. UTMB's Big Blunder and What's Next For Trail Running, Intensity Distribution Science, and Big's Backyard! 1:22:38

6M ago1:22:38

1:22:38

We put on some dinosaur onesies (our business formal) for this awesome Halloween episode! The big discussion was on UTMB's controversial announcement of a new race in Whistler, Canada, on the same weekend as the now-discontinued, grassroots race called Whistler Alpine Meadows. UTMB rode the sport's wave of exponential growth, gobbling up races to i…

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177. How to Use Caffeine, Blue Sky Marathon Lessons, Shoe Wear Science, and Pre-Run Fueling! 1:27:18

7M ago1:27:18

1:27:18

We brought some Big Party Energy to this great episode! The main discussion revolved around different ways we put research into practice. This weekend, David had one of his best races ever at the Blue Sky Marathon, and we adventure to the coolest edges of the science to tell you what we are trying! That included a deep dive into caffeine's role as …

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176. Hemoglobin and VO2 Max, Zone 1 Training, Your Watch's Metrics, and Prototype Shoes! 1:23:03

7M ago1:23:03

1:23:03

We ate a truly stunning amount of chicken and milkshakes to fuel this great episode! The main training topic was on a new review article connecting hemoglobin levels and VO2 max. Across nearly 400 studies, these variables have a strong statistical correlation. Blood volume could be primary a driver of performance, and we break down some simple ways…

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175. Running Controversies, Chicago Marathon Stories, and Heart Rate Changes! 1:28:01

7M ago1:28:01

1:28:01

We brought some A+ brain energy and some C+ heart efficiency to this awesome episode! The main topics involved the extremely eventful weeks in the running world. On the joyous side, the Chicago Marathon was a race for the history books, with a new world record and blazing fast times from US runners. We celebrate the incredible Molly Seidel, plus ta…

1
174. Wild Heart Rate Data, New Coaching Theories, and 8 Shoe Reviews! 1:21:09

8M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

You want the best podcast vibes? Because that's what you get on this episode, with some 4 AM recording energy. Why were we recording at 4 AM? For the love of the game! The main training topic was answering a listener question about what excites us most right now in coaching and theory. We delve into some of the scientific history of VO2 max via a n…

1
173. Grindstone 100k Lessons, Jim Walmsley's Training, and Marathon World Record! 1:28:40

8M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

The vibes were STRONG in this episode, even though the ankles were WEAK. It started off with a fun recap of the Grindstone 100k. What happens when an entire season is built around a goal, but it all ends in some delicious failure? Setbacks can be good for the soul, in moderation. In that way, they're kinda like bacon. Even more joyous than that was…

1
172. Jim Walmsley Interview! Training at the Edge and Betting on Yourself 1:25:33

8M ago1:25:33

1:25:33

This episode is one of the coolest moments of our lives: interviewing Jim Walmsley! We met Jim way back in 2016, and since then, we have been two of his biggest fans. Reconnecting more than 7 years later after his course record triumph at UTMB was such a joy. Jim opened up about everything around UTMB, from his specific training approach to the emo…

1
Episode 8 - Miguel Berry, MLS Striker 29:11

8M ago29:11

29:11

Miguel Berry played for DC United once. This interview was recorded in that fleeting moment 😅. After graduating from the University of San Diego in 2020, Miguel was selected by Columbus Crew with the seventh overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. After winning the Cup with them, he came to Washington, DC in the summer of 2022. He currently plays for A…

1
171. High Energy Training, Health and Longevity in Ultras, and Heart Rate Changes! 1:11:05

8M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

We brought joy and so many spike proteins to this episode! The main training topic was on post-UTMB reflections about lower volume, higher energy training from the incredible Leah Yingling. You don't need to hammer your body to have success! We discuss why endurance training should uplift feeling good as a proxy for adaptation over time, starting a…

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170. History at UTMB! Courtney Dauwalter, Jim Walmsley, and a Year of Legends! Live from Chamonix! 1:38:23

8M ago1:38:23

1:38:23

This very special episode is coming to you from Chamonix, right after the finish of the UTMB races! We were all around the courses, screaming until our voices gave out, gathering up all the inspiration from the incredible athletes. Our goal is to transport you to France with us for the most historic year ever! For the optimal listening experience, …

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169. Live from Chamonix! UTMB Races, Facing Adversity, and More from Trail Running's Super Bowl! 1:33:02

9M ago1:33:02

1:33:02

We traveled halfway around the world to bring you this very special episode from Chamonix, France, the site of the UTMB races later this week! Our sleep is low, but our spirits are high. The main topic was on initial reflections on European racing and UTMB later this week. Our biggest prediction is that North American runners are going to have some…

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Episode 7 - Caroline Fitzgerald, Founder & CEO of GOALS | Investing in Women's Sports 29:35

9M ago29:35

29:35

Caroline Fitzgerald wants to make the business case for women's sports. She believes the rise of women's sports is the most exciting trend in the industry and works with brands, networks, and individuals to sponsor and invest. In this episode, Caroline imparts some great professional wisdom, explains Angel City FC as the case study for brand partne…

1
168. Leadville 100 Magic, UTMB Preview, and Lower Volume Training! 1:31:27

9M ago1:31:27

1:31:27

We had a blast on this episode talking about some of our favorite topics! The main discussion was on takeaways from a magical Leadville 100 Miler. Jacquie Mannhard's breakthrough win came from shockingly low training volume (often under 45 miles per week) and we break down some lessons from her journey. At the finish, she popped a champagne bottle …

1
167. Fueling Breakthroughs, Mental Health and Performance, and Stomach Training! 1:24:01

10M ago1:24:01

1:24:01

This episode was a total joy talking about food, brains, and training! The main discussion was on a term sent in by a listener: "food doping." Endurance sports are being revolutionized by a focus on high fueling levels during activity. Some cyclists consume up to 600 calories per hour in hard races! In the process, performances and fatigue resistan…

1
166. UTMB Training, Olympic Trials Thoughts, and Love with No Notes! 1:24:05

9M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

We brought full hearts and clear nasal passages to this awesome episode! The main training topic was on the gargantuan Strava files of athletes preparing for the UTMB races. We zoom out to talk about multi-year growth, a study on speed and ultra performance, and the balance between long-term health and short-term performance. Health and ultra perfo…

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165. The Next Frontier of Hydration, Strength and Mitochondria, and Sweat Tests! 1:29:40

10M ago1:29:40

1:29:40

The theme of this episode: we are all powerful dump trucks! The main training discussion was on a new study looking at how strength work may help (or hurt) mitochondria adaptations. This study had wildly unexpected results, just like we like them! We also talked about our experience with sweat testing and some of the research on hyperhydration. We …

1
Episode 6 - Footy Travelers | Colin and Mike's 5th World Cup 29:57

10M ago29:57

29:57

Allow me to introduce Colin and Mike! Their friendship began on a club soccer team in college and blossomed into over a decade of world travel, spanning four World Cup cycles. This year, they're experiencing their first Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. I had the pleasure of speaking with them for their pod (listen here) last month. F…

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164. The Science of Stress, AI and Athletics, and "Loving" Running! 1:24:49

10M ago1:24:49

1:24:49

We came into this episode with so much excitement to talk about some of our favorite topics! This week's main discussion was on a new study examining the cellular-level effects of chronic stress. We zoom out from the biology of stress to talk about what it may mean for training. If you play your cards right, maybe rest days will make you live forev…

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163. Courtney's Legendary Hardrock 100, Fueling Before Events, and Pre-Cooling! 1:24:57

10M ago1:24:57

1:24:57

We brought hearts full of love and legs full of toxic waste to this episode! Our main discussion was a big breakdown of science-driven lessons that we try to put into practice with racing. Megan is BACK, winning and crashing the overall podium at a tough mountain 25k! We talk about the science of pre-race carb intake, and how we screwed it up. Pro …

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