Podcast
The Endurance Drive Podcast
Hosted by The Endurance Drive · EN
Welcome to the Endurance Drive podcast! Our mission is to share the key principles that structure our approach to endurance training and coaching. Visit theendurancedrive.com to learn more about our approach, our coaches, and our training plans or reach out to us at info@theendurancedrive.com.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 124: Fueling Reminders, The “Eras” of Training, and Long Workout Execution
Mar 2600:57:51Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Episode 123: Flow State, Intrinsic Motivation, and the Power of Storytelling with Writer and Ultrarunner Katie Arnold
Mar 1901:04:03Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Episode 122: Marathon Race Prep, The Power of Easy Training, and Gratitude Mindset
Mar 1201:00:44Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Episode 121: Efficiency and Economy, Athlete Health, and Building Consistency
Mar 500:52:31Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Episode 120: Competing with Joy, Nervous System Training, and Mid-Season Check-Ins
Feb 2600:58:28Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, we start with some great listener questions on swim data, VO2 max testing, maintaining speed as a Masters athlete, and avoiding injury. We then dive into mid-season check-ins as a way to avoid later season burnout and outline key questions you should be asking yourself and discussing with your coach as we progress through the base period. Next, we hit takeaways from Olympic figure skating, exploring what happens when you choke versus find flow, how identity can amplify pressure, and what it looks like to compete with joy, freedom, and process-driven focus. We also zoom out to discuss why racing feels so different from training, how competition shifts the nervous system, and practical ways to introduce controlled chaos during base season to train your nervous system to handle race day more effectively. Finally, we hit Katie’s reflections on Peloton vs. Zwift in the postpartum era, covering when it’s a great aerobic and mental health tool, where it falls short for specificity, and how to align any platform with your goals and intentions. 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.
Transcribe →Episode 119: Winter Olympics Takeaways, Building Systems for Flexibility, and Leading with Intentionality
Feb 1900:54:15Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, we reflect on Olympic moments, flexibility in training, and navigating new seasons with intention. We start with thoughts on the Olympics—from the power of confidence and sportsmanship to the external validation trap and what high-level achievement really represents. Elena shares her “3 Gs” framework for flexibility (grounding, goals, gauge), how she’s embracing cross-country skiing this winter, and why focusing on process over outcome is essential. We then dive into systems for modifying workouts, including practical red/yellow/green light frameworks to reduce decision fatigue and adapt to life stress. Katie expands on intentionality in training—especially postpartum—where the purpose of workouts has shifted toward mental health, recovery, and sustainability rather than performance. We close with honest reflections on early postpartum realities as an athlete, fueling demands, sleep deprivation, and building support systems to navigate this phase. 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.
Transcribe →Episode 118: Post-Event Fueling, Regulating Your Nervous System, and Racing on Zwift and TrainingPeaks Virtual
Feb 1200:50:42Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, we cover a wide range of athlete questions and training insights, including strength workout progressions, cycling cadence, swim metrics, and scheduling recovery weeks during base season. We also dive deep on several fueling topics, from post-event and next-day fueling needs, to fueling lessons from labor and early postpartum, to why big efforts can raise metabolic demand for days afterward. Jim then breaks down what it means to be “clutch” from an athlete’s perspective, explaining how regulating your nervous system, focusing on process, and building confidence in low-pressure training can translate to better race-day execution. We close with an honest update on Zwift vs. TrainingPeaks Virtual racing, the role of bots versus humans, and why real competition still matters. If you’re training through winter, racing virtually, or trying to fuel and regulate yourself better under stress, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. 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.
Transcribe →Episode 117: Winter Marathon Training Tips, Parallels between Racing and Labor/Delivery, and Initial Postpartum Thoughts
Feb 501:01:33Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, we start with insights on winter run training, including when to prioritize treadmill versus outdoor running, how to plan safe routes in snow and ice, what to wear, how to fuel, and other key considerations for durability in the cold, ice, snow, and wind. We then spend most of the episode with Katie’s reflections on the parallels—and important differences—between labor & delivery and endurance racing, including managing uncertainty, focusing on process goals, building a flexible plan, and identifying what you actually need from your support team. Katie also shares early postpartum reflections on physical healing, sleep deprivation, motivation shifts, and how she’s thinking about movement, systems, and self-compassion in this new phase of life. Throughout, we explore how endurance training mindsets translate to major life transitions, honoring different seasons, and redefining what “enough” looks like. 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.
Transcribe →Episode 116: Reflections on the Arc of Pregnancy as an Endurance Athlete
Jan 2901:02:12Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, Elena interviews Katie about her reflections on the arc of pregnancy as an endurance athlete at 39 weeks. Katie shares how movement has evolved in the final month, how the role of uncertainty has shifted both mentally and physically, and what she’s learned about identity, intuition, unsolicited advice, body image, and the moral language often attached to pregnancy and motherhood. She also walks through current postpartum intentions, how goals may change once baby arrives, and lessons that extend far beyond pregnancy to any major life or training transition. We also hit Elena’s thoughts on restarting training after a period of low motivation, including the role of flexibility, winter realities, and creating systems that make showing up easier. A key take-home of this episode is that there are a lot of unexpected parallels between pregnancy and endurance training/racing, so we encourage both pregnant and non-pregnant athletes to 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.
Transcribe →Episode 115: Beating Winter Blues, Getting Robust and Ready, and Base Season FAQs
Jan 2200:58:20Tap to summarizeIn this week’s episode, we answer common early-season FAQs, share our candid thoughts on Strava’s new AI-generated workout plans, cover what it means to become “robust and ready” for the year ahead, and offer a few strategies for navigating the winter months. We specifically hit recovery-day activity, modifying hard group workouts in base season, swim focus in January and February, FTP tests vs. virtual races, how to account for downhill skiing, how to log strength training in TrainingPeaks, and more. We also dig into the mindset and preparation behind being robust and ready on race day, along with practical ways to manage lower energy and motivation through training, nutrition, and routine adjustments. 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.
Transcribe →