This weekend, we stepped into the fire at the Javelina 100 Mile to chase a golden ticket back to the Western States 100. This episode is the full story of the race, which ended with a golden ticket in 2nd place (behind Will Murray’s astounding course record), 27 minutes faster than last year’s win.

The main discussion is about why the golden ticket presentation ended with a twist. David handed the golden ticket to Canyon Woodward, who finished less than 2 minutes back in 3rd place. Canyon deserves it. Passing it to him was more special than any race. We break it all down while it’s all fresh in our sleep-deprived minds.

The 2025 Javelina 100 Mile might change ultrarunning forever. The times for men and women obliterated the old records, showing that the same trends we’re seeing at shorter races (mostly involving high carb allowing athletes to push hard from mile 1) apply at 100 miles too. This sport ain’t seen nothing yet.

The new goal is to go for another golden ticket in early 2026. If I'm lucky enough to do it again and have Willy Wonka ask me if I accept, I'll say yes without hesitating...

Or at least that's the current plan. If this year has taught us anything, it's that life has a way of laughing at big plans in the most beautiful and life-affirming ways.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

-David and Megan

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We had so much fun with this episode (probably because it was a break from potty training)! The main topic was a study that found a correlation between energy availability and performance across a season in collegiate runners. It was a powerful, objective look about what happens when the body is underfueled. You know it’s a good study when it makes us add 2 more eggs to the post-podcast frying pan (10 eggs total).

And this was truly one of our most joyous episodes ever! Other topics: how potty training and coaching are similar, a follow-up on uphill treadmill workouts, the theory of “just say no to rhabdo” runs, training plans, a study on the kindness v. rudeness of AI prompts, drama at the Kona Women’s Ironman Champs, poles and microspikes at Western States, the Chicago Marathon and fueling, Suunto sues Garmin, how to think about long-term growth, taking in gels, taper theory, psychology of fast finishes, and a question on business growth.

What happens when our nutrition is largely based on eggs and Leo’s chicken nuggets? THEY BE CLUCKINnnnn.

May we all be cringe until the day we die,

-David and Megan

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We studied up on some beefs (Strava v. Garmin, Taylor v. Charli, pastrami v. sirloin) before this awesome episode! The main science topic was a new study evaluating low carb and high carb approaches, with and without caffeine. It’s another brick in the wall supporting higher carb for adaptation.

We also talked about the Strava lawsuit! Last week, we defended Strava like the big fans we are, only for them to file suit against Garmin over decade-old patents a day later. It doesn’t seem to make sense from the outside. But as last week shows, what do we know? We talk about the details and speculate on some theories.

And this one was full of so many great topics! Other topics: Megan’s hungry girl era, uphill treadmill threshold training, our hot (lukewarm) takes on Taylor Swift’s new album, Kilian’s mind-bending States of Elevation project, the new beta fuel gel with electrolytes, a study evaluating advanced foams in trail shoes, and an AI study on sleep and jet lag recommendations, plus a Q+A on forgetting to eat, carbs in team sports, balancing cycling and running, carbs per hour, training in supershoes, doing adventures while following a training plan, why max heart rate isn’t a good metric to track over time (or base HR zones on), calculating hill gradients, and post-exercise ketones.

Taylor Swift’s song “Wood” says “I don’t need to catch a bouquet, to know a hard rock is on the way.” We assume she is talking about the Hardrock 100 mile race and she has a way to get around the lottery. You really can have it all.

We love you all! HUZZAH!

-Megan and David

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Buy Janji's amazing gear: https://janji.com/ (code "SWAP")

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Article on uphill treadmill threshold: https://www.patreon.com/posts/magic-of-uphill-112637894