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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

    330. Carbs Before Short Efforts, Why Bicarb May Cause Long-Term Adaptations, The Brain-Body Connection, and Strength Work Before Races!

    330. Carbs Before Short Efforts, Why Bicarb May Cause Long-Term Adaptations, The Brain-Body Connection, and Strength Work Before Races!

    September 29, 2026
    1h 21m

    We had some deep thoughts on cheese before this great episode! The main topic was a new study on sodium bicarbonate, showing performance benefits in a long, intense protocol. We zoom out to talk about potential connections to mitochondria... in rats (sometimes). Our theory: bicarb is driving some of the performance changes we are seeing via long-term adaptation processes within cells.

    And this one was full of awesome topics! Other topics: Megan’s deep thoughts on the uphill treadmill, the Toe Pro, bicarb pills, the new gear-shifting shoe from Adidas, a study on the brain-strength connection via “mental contraction training,” how hot water immersion and training interact, when to stop strength work before races, what Matt Carpenter would do in the modern era, whether big prize purses will cause more doping in trail running, carb needs before 5k races, fatigue resistance from life, bicarb lotions, and process v. results mindsets in racing.

    The big PSA from this episode: be careful with your search history. Also, feel free to use our example for a convenient excuse. It will make more sense soon.

    We love you all! Huzzah!

    -David and Megan

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    More from Some Work, All Play

    331. The Training Episode! 10 Lessons from Pro Road Runners, Vinny Mauri’s Unreal Approach, US 10k Champs, and Zone Compression in Cycling

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    October 6, 2026

    329. Why You May Not Need Much Intensity, Running Economy v. Power, The Biggest Prize Purse in Trail Running, and Training and Longevity!

    329. Why You May Not Need Much Intensity, Running Economy v. Power, The Biggest Prize Purse in Trail Running, and Training and Longevity!
    September 22, 2026

    328. Mysteries of Fatigue Resistance, New Science on the Lactate Shuttle, Carbs and Bone Health, and Fatigue Miles

    328. Mysteries of Fatigue Resistance, New Science on the Lactate Shuttle, Carbs and Bone Health, and Fatigue Miles
    September 15, 2026