In this episode, Dr. Bill Evans interviews sports science coach Ben Moxness to explore the physiology of running, neuromuscular mechanisms, and training strategies for runners and sprinters. They discuss motor units, fatigue, strength training, and innovative recovery methods like red light therapy.

keywords

running physiology, neuromuscular, strength training, sprinting, running economy, fatigue, red light therapy, sports science, performance coaching

key topics

• Motor units and threshold firing in muscles
• Neural mechanisms of fatigue and recovery
• Strength training for runners and sprinters
• Red light therapy and mitochondrial function
• Running economy and neural drive

guest name

Ben Moxness

titles

• Unlocking Running Performance: The Science of Motor Units and Fatigue
• How Strength Training Boosts Running Economy and Speed

Sound Bites

• "Neurons fire by sodium rushing in"
• "Fast-twitch motor units fatigue quickly"
• "Speed is modifiable with training"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

06:24
The Role of the Nervous System in Running Performance

21:31
Understanding Motor Units and Fatigue in Runners

26:21
Exploring Red Light Therapy and Muscle Recovery

30:17
The Science of Red Light Therapy

32:25
Managing Running Injuries

33:52
The Importance of Strength Training for Runners

35:57
Improving Running Economy

39:40
Height and Running Performance

41:18
Modifying Speed in Runners

44:28
The Role of Genetics in Running

49:15
Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

56:18
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Join us as professional Nike runner Emily Venters shares her inspiring journey from overcoming childhood illness to excelling on the professional stage, along with her insights into training, physiology, and the mental resilience required at the highest levels of running.

Key Topics:

• Emily's personal story, including her battle with leukemia and how it shaped her resilience
• Transition from college running to professional competition, including her recent race performances
• The mental challenges faced by professional runners, including stress, anxiety, and managing expectations
• Favorites in training gear, including shoes for tempo runs and race day
• Physiological insights into training, including threshold workouts and the importance of training variety
• Differences in training and physiology between women and men, especially at elite levels
• The significance of consistent racing and avoiding overtraining
• Practical advice on pacing and training adjustments based on physiological data
• Emily’s goals, including setting American records in the 5K and half marathon, and race course preferences
• The power of overcoming childhood illness and its influence on her outlook and motivation

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Emily Venters and her background

00:32 - Emily’s love for running and her journey into professional athletics

01:53 - Insights into her recent race at the NYC half and confidence building

03:13 - Discussing setbacks over the past year and mental resilience strategies

06:35 - Navigating performance anxiety and the importance of love for the process

08:56 - The physical and psychological aspects of racing and training stress

13:24 - Key workouts leading up to race day and confidence in training

16:41 - The experience of running the marathon and surface challenges

18:36 - Physiological discussions: threshold workouts, VO2 max, and training adaptations

22:03 - The impact of hormonal fluctuations in women on training and performance

23:59 - The importance of appropriate easy run pacing and training polarization

27:48 - Transition from college to elite training, increasing mileage, and durability improvements

37:28 - Overcoming childhood illness: her experience with leukemia and its influence

39:36 - How her childhood battle made her more of a fighter and inspired her running career

41:40 - The influence of her childhood illness on her perspective on health and resilience

44:16 - Balancing training with personal life and managing stress

48:26 - Emily’s goal to break the American records in the half and full marathon

49:12 - Race course preferences and future ambitions

50:23 - Closing remarks and gratitude for Emily’s openness and insights

Summary:

Join us as we delve into the training, mindset, and personal journey of Olympic 800m runner Isaiah Jewett. Discover insights on race strategy, mental resilience, and the importance of authenticity in athletics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Isaiah Jewett and his athletic background
02:06 Understanding Isaiah's training and favorite workouts
06:54 Discussing Isaiah's personal bests and race strategies
15:38 Mental preparation and race day rituals
23:55 Overcoming setbacks and resilience in athletics
33:21 The iconic Olympic moment and character demonstration
40:00 Goals and mindset moving into outdoor season
44:55 Tips for pushing through fatigue in races
48:14 Physical cues and relaxation techniques during races
52:08 Final thoughts and encouragement for aspiring athletes
53:55 educational-transition-low.wav

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