Author, physicist (?), journalist, and world-class miler Alex Hutchinson calls in from the Great White North to discuss his recently released book, Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance.  We discuss the role the mind plays in endurance performance (2:30), the work of Tim Noakes and the various ways it informs our understanding of exercise physiology (10:15), why positive emotions enhance your performance (21:30), and techniques we can use to improve our mental outlook (28:30).  Plus, in a new segment, Alex tells us what he's bringing to a desert island (36:30).  This is one of the best books on running I've ever read; you don't want to miss the episode.  (And buy the book, it's awesome!)

Links: 

Alex's Website

Intro music: "Fine Line" by the Bloodletters

Outro music: "When I Was Still Young" by Yard Sale