David Roche is producer of one of the world’s most popular podcasts, “Some Work, All Play,” with his cohost and wife, Megan. He’s also a contender to win the Western States 100 Miler at the end of June. That’s a rare combination.

His back story is even more amazing. A little more than a year ago, Roche was seriously injured when struck by a car while bicycling a favorite road near Boulder, CO. At that time, the Duke Law School grad and ultramarathon coach had never even attempted a 100-mile. But last summer he broke a longstanding course record in the Leadville Trail 100, and several months later scored a convincing win (in torrid temps) in the Javelina 100.

A fan of “Hamilton” the musical (“I’m not givin’ away my shot”) and Simone Biles (“F___ around and find out”), Roche professes to believe that almost everyone’s “amazing” and should reach high for their personal goals. Megan is both his coach, a champion ultra runner on her own, and an M.D. and PhD graduate from Stanford University. Every week, their pod covers the latest research findings about running, as they attempt to “science the sh__” out of endurance performance.

You can learn more about David & Megan Roche at their SWAPrunning.com website, or at David's Instagram page.

David's quest to win Western States has been chronicled here in a YouTube series by video producer Cody Bare.

Key Sections Of The Podcast

0:00

Introduction to David Roche: The Rise of an Ultra Runner

10:33

David's Background: Life, Family, and Coaching

13:43

The Dynamic Duo: David and Megan Roche

16:47

The Birth of a Podcast: Authenticity and Popularity

19:44

Language and Honesty: The Explicit Nature of the Podcast

22:37

Uplifting Messages: The Importance of Kindness

25:55

Science vs. Intuition: Balancing Training Approaches

28:42

Training Insights: The Art of Adaptation

31:44

Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of a Serious Accident

34:39

Life Lessons: Embracing Mortality and Racing

37:43

The Athletic Journey: From Football to Ultra Running

38:46

The Journey to Natural Running

40:13

Genetics and Athletic Performance

43:01

Rapid Rise in Ultra Running

47:35

Mental Resilience and Self-Confidence

51:32

The Competitive Landscape of Ultra Running

54:28

Key Factors for Success at Western States

56:58

Reflections on the Evolution of Running

01:01:09

The State of the Sport of Running

01:03:53

Wishes for the Future

WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"

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