How do you keep training when life gets stressful? Whether you're navigating a new job, new baby, a big move, or personal loss, your body processes all stress the same way—and that changes everything about how you should train.

In this episode, we break down the science of stress and running performance, including how the HPA axis works, why your "stress bucket" has a finite capacity, and why the same workout that built fitness last year might dig a hole this year. We share six practical principles for training through life transitions without burning out or losing the fitness you've built.

We also tackle Hot or Nots on splitting your runs (why two 4-milers isn't the same as one 8-miler) and running in extreme cold (when to embrace the treadmill). Plus, we debunk that viral Noakes study claiming you only need 10 grams of carbs per hour—spoiler: it's a cherry-picked narrative review from low-carb advocates with ketone patents.

What you'll learn:– How cortisol and the HPA axis affect your training and recovery– The "stress bucket" model and why your capacity changes during transitions
– Why RPE increases at the same pace when life stress is high– How to flip your training hierarchy so life leads and running follows– The detraining timeline (it's slower than you think)– How to set "conditions of enoughness" for your current season– Why frequency beats volume during chaotic periods

Also in this episode: Meet Coach James Nance, who specializes in multi-sport athletes, injury cycles, and RED-S recovery.

microcosmcoaching@gmail.com | microcosm-coaching.com | Join our Foothills community for $10/month