Is your endurance training really pushing you towards peak performance or just pushing you towards a plateau? Prepare to have your training beliefs tested as I, Ben Tilus, cut through the noise surrounding long slow distance (LSD) running. This episode isn't just another running commentary; it's a deep dive into why the one-size-fits-all approach to distance running might be derailing your athletic progress. As the XLR8 Head Performance Coach, I'm here to shake up the status quo by revealing how LSD could actually inhibit VO2 max improvements for certain athletes. We'll unpack the mysteries of muscle fiber composition, energy metabolism, and training periodization to help you discern whether LSD is your ally in the race for endurance or just a deceptive mirage on the marathon route to success.

This session isn't just for the marathoners; sprinters and middle-distance runners also stand to gain or lose from the LSD debate. The episode moves beyond the track, examining the cultural phenomenon of high mileage as a digital badge of honor and its potential pitfalls. I'll steer you away from the pitfalls of training for applause and guide you towards training for applause-worthy performances. Whether you're lacing up for a competitive season or building a base in the off-season, this podcast is your personal pacer, setting the tempo for an individualized training regimen fortified by professional insights, like those gleaned from bloodwork. Strap on your headphones and let's break away from the pack together. Subscribe and follow to ensure you never miss a step towards smarter training and superior performance.