In this episode, Paul Warloski speaks with Dr. Mikki Williden, a nutrition expert and endurance athlete, about the unique nutritional and training challenges facing women over 40, particularly as they navigate perimenopause and menopause. They discuss how hormonal shifts can lead to insulin resistance, increased inflammation, and disrupted sleep, all of which affect endurance performance...

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, co-host Marjaana Rakai shares her exhilarating experience racing in the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. She recounts the physical and mental challenges she faced, from pre-race preparations and jet lag to tackling the grueling 2400m bike climb and battling through the marathon. Marjaana emphasizes the importance...

Summary: In this episode of Athlete’s Compass, Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai discuss how to maintain mental focus during long endurance rides, strategies to manage fatigue, and the balance between training and recovery. Marjaana shares her approach to mentally preparing for 4-6 hour rides and the importance of progression and nutrition. The...

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski, Marjaana Rakai, and Dr. Paul Laursen dive into listener questions about optimizing VO2 max, understanding the differences between training protocols like 30-30s and 4x4s, and adapting nutrition strategies for altitude. They discuss the benefits of fat adaptation, the importance of training consistency, and the...

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski, Marjaana Rakai, and Dr. Paul Laursen are joined by endurance sports expert and author Matt Fitzgerald. They explore the intricacies of pacing in distance running, discussing why it’s the defining characteristic of the sport. Fitzgerald shares insights from his book, How to Run the...

In this episode of the Athletes Compass Podcast, hosts Paul Warloski and Marjaana Rakai discuss the critical relationship between arousal levels and athletic performance. They explore the Inverted U Hypothesis, which suggests there’s an optimal level of arousal for peak performance, and share personal stories and expert insights on managing anxiety and excitement in both...

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai explore the critical role of mindful breathing in athletic performance. They discuss how breathing affects the body systemically, its mindful aspects, and the importance of recovery in training. The conversation highlights techniques like box breathing and the benefits...

Summary: In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, listeners’ questions about altitude training, cross-training, and strength training are answered by hosts Paul Laursen, Marjaana Rakai and Paul Warloski. They discuss utilizing heat training and respiratory muscle training to simulate altitude, emphasizing the importance of not neglecting basic training principles. The benefits of cross-training for...

Summary In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski, Marjaana Rakai, and Paul Laursen welcome Erik Olsson, also known as the Primal Swede. Erik shares his unique journey from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete. He discusses his passion for discovering personal limits, the mental challenges associated with endurance sports,...

Summary In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski, Marjaana Rakai, and Dr. Paul Laursen interview Cindy Maloney, a dedicated endurance athlete who has mastered the art of balancing rigorous training with everyday life. Cindy shares her journey from discovering running in her 20s to competing in marathons, triathlons, and ultimately the...