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    Some Work, All Play

    Some Work, All Play

    About

    Five to ten topics, sometimes about running, with lots of love and enthusiasm and science. We dig deep into training, races, studies, pop culture, and much more! With Megan Roche, M.D. and David Roche!

    Hosted By

    David Roche and Megan Roche

    285. The Strange Uncertainty of Hemoglobin A1c in Athletes, Thyroid Function and Fueling, Elevated Heart Rate, and Running Form 101!

    285. The Strange Uncertainty of Hemoglobin A1c in Athletes, Thyroid Function and Fueling, Elevated Heart Rate, and Running Form 101!

    November 18, 2025
    1h 29m

    We thought deeply about the societal implications of Paw Patrol before this amazing episode! The main science discussion involved a pair of strange, counter-intuitive wrinkles of physiology. The first was the sometimes paradoxical finding of higher hemoglobin A1c in many elite athletes. The second involved a new paper addressing a connection between suppressed thyroid hormones and low energy availability. 

    Both phenomena demonstrate how physiology is a complex system. Also, it’s possible that concerning bloodwork means one thing... or the polar opposite. We have fun breaking it all down!

    And this one was full of great topics! Other topics: Megan’s Just Say No To Rhabdo training run, David’s first treadmill workout on the comeback trail, a follow-up on bowls and buckets, the winter training plan, findings jobs in running, the pardon of Michelino Sunseri, running form 101, altitude tents, structuring training weeks, prepping for Survivor, fueling winter races, what to do about elevated heart rate, and lots more.

    This one is full of nuance. And after you listen, you’ll realize that “full of Nuance” should be in the back room and cost extra.

    We love you all! HUZZAH!

    -David and Megan

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