
Hosted by The Endurance Drive · EN

In this week’s episode, Katie recaps her first race back postpartum at the Polar Bear Sprint Triathlon, sharing lessons on goal setting, transition practice, racing without data, TT bike handling, and what it felt like to truly “feel like herself” again in competition. We also dive into why sprint racing is such a powerful learning environment, how to think about race goals beyond outcomes, and practical tips for preparing for short course triathlon. Jim then reflects on a massive Mallorca training camp, including lessons on pacing, fueling, acclimation, group riding, and why fitness alone is never the full picture on big training days. We also talk cadence work, breathing, outdoor specificity, race prep, and the value of practicing the exact setup you’ll use on race day. Check it out!Check out our form on racing accessibility for moms here: https://forms.gle/kLAVS6NtzJwYA7z27To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week’s episode, Elena shares key takeaways from her incredible day at the 2026 Boston Marathon, specifically focusing on the mental prep that went into the race and the mental strategies that helped her run a personal best on a day when her body wasn’t feeling great. We cover her mindset going into the race, what was going on in her head when she started to feel strain in her legs much sooner than expected, how she stayed in the game mentally through challenging middle miles and over Heartbreak Hill, how she willed herself out of some intense cramping at mile 25, and how she balanced feel vs. pace vs. heart rate data throughout the race. We also hit practical insights on her training strategy, what she learned for next time, menstrual cycle effects on performance, and general takeaways from other racers in Boston. This is a useful episode for anyone looking to improve their mental game going into big races and/or to keep soaking in the Boston Marathon energy! Check it out.To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week’s episode, we start with a timely reminder that sometimes it’s not your fitness -- it’s the elements (heat, humidity, wind) making everything feel harder. From there, we dive into practical strategies for building outdoor durability, staying safe on the roads, and knowing when to take things inside. We break down fueling through the lens of habit-building, why doubles can be a powerful (and realistic) way to build volume, and how to approach training by feel over data. We also touch on mountain biking as a sneaky performance tool, priority shifts in the specific prep phase, Ironman swim strategies, and a more nuanced take on heart rate zones. We wrap with a mindset shift from “or” to “and,” unpacking why your best and worst days almost never come down to just one thing. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

Race week energy is here! We kick things off with Boston Marathon excitement, hitting race-day mindset, pacing, and spectator tips, before diving into a favorite recent insight: the difference between peak fitness vs. peak shape, and what you can do to give yourself the best possible opportunity to feel good on race day. From there, we riff on training with full intention, how to balance pushing vs. pulling back, and why flexibility is the key to long-term progress. We also talk self-compassion, celebrating small wins, and avoiding the trap of tying your worth to performance. Plus: Strava segment fun and practical fueling/hydration strategies heading into race day. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week’s episode, we reflect on what it means when the hay is in the barn, highlighting practical approaches to shedding fatigue and showing up at the starting line of your race both happy and healthy. We then dive into a bunch of great athlete questions on pickups, recovery, warming up, bike purchases, and fueling. Our main content features a deep dive on Katie’s toolkit for hard intervals inspired by a recent sweet spot bike workout, as well as a conversation on why bike volume is essential for successful Ironman experiences. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this episode, we start by diving into the often-overlooked role of stress in training, explore how high stress shows up physically, why tuning into your nervous system matters, and how to adjust training when things feel off. From there, we discuss the benefits of stepping away from data-driven training and using trails or unstructured sessions to reconnect with effort and flow. We also touch on practical reminders about hydration as the seasons shift and the importance of training for experience, not just fitness—whether that’s dialing in pacing, fueling, or race-day logistics. Finally, Katie shares an in-depth look at her postpartum return-to-run journey, breaking down how approached training with patience, intentionality, and support. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this episode, we kick things off with some reminders on fueling as training ramps up. We break down why you can’t “fake it” with fueling in longer sessions, how underfueling impacts both performance and recovery, and why even the last 10 minutes of a workout without adequate fueling can shape your entire experience. From there, we dive into how to execute big rides and runs: covering pacing, layering, planning, and how to think ahead to the second half of your workout. We also explore the idea of training “eras” (recovery, maintenance, and building), and how understanding where you are can guide better decisions day-to-day and across a full season. Finally, we touch on creating routines to improve recovery, clarifying Zone 1 vs. easy training, making the most of limited swim time, and using tools like sim shorts or carbon-plated shoes to reduce friction and stay consistent. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week’s episode, we start with a conversation on race-day disappointment: how to separate race outcomes from alignment with your race plan, reframe uncontrollable conditions (like heat), and stay grounded in what you can control. We then transition into a powerful conversation with writer and ultrarunner Katie Arnold on flow state, intrinsic motivation, and the connection between movement, creativity, and mental resilience. Katie shares how running can be both a creative practice and a tool for healing, how to shift from outcome-focused thinking to “receive mode” on race day, and why the stories we tell ourselves shape what’s possible in both sport and life. We also explore balancing ambition with non-attachment, using simple practices like journaling to build self-trust, and how endurance sport teaches us to sit with uncertainty and discomfort. We loved this conversation and we think you will too - check it out!To learn more about Katie Arnold and her writing and flow camps, visit: https://katiearnold.net/ To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week’s episode, we start with a quick reflection on strength for sport and for everyday life, including Katie’s insights on how new parenthood has turned daily routines into real-world strength training. We then do a deep dive on common marathon race-week questions: from sleep and fueling to pacing strategies and how to think about heart rate and pacing in the moment. Finally, we discuss research showing that consistent easy mileage is one of the strongest predictors of marathon success, why Zone 1 training is often where the biggest gains happen, and how shifting from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” can change your mindset for both racing and life. Check it out!To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.

In this week’s episode, we talk about training efficiency and economy, troubleshooting fatigue, and how to stay consistent when life gets complicated. We start with a discussion on volume and intensity in training, digging into why some athletes with years of aerobic base may benefit from periods of higher intensity and slightly lower volume, how LT1 vs. LT2 adaptations play into that shift, and why recovery and fueling context often determine whether intensity becomes productive or overwhelming. From there, we dig into a listener question about persistent fatigue and motivation swings, covering potential physiological causes like nutrient deficiencies as well as practical steps such as strategic rest, fueling adjustments, reducing life stress, and adding community or joy back into training. We also discuss Elena’s exciting new project aimed at helping athletes navigate training, fueling, bloodwork, and healthcare more seamlessly. Finally, Katie shares postpartum reflections on building systems for consistency, focusing on daily movement, flexible scheduling, “exercise snacks,” and staying anchored to the intention of the workout. Check it out!Link to Elena's Female Athlete Health Experiences and Feedback form: forms.gle/skmLuB4Kfm3SwfoH9To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.