We brought hearts full of love to this episode! We start by remembering the amazing Maddie Giegold, an ultrarunner and doctor who passed away suddenly several days before finishing her medical residency. Maddie was so full of life and love. The Universe will always be brighter because she was here.

The main science topic was on data connecting microbiome composition to athletic performance, which companies are now racing to develop into supplements. The more research is done, the more we are seeing that gut health is tied to every aspect of health and performance. Will there be a future where we can take a personalized pill to optimize our brain and body via the microbiome? The jury is out on that question. In the meantime, there will be poop jokes.

We also talked about studies that compare stress from easy training and higher-intensity training. How much more stressful is harder exercise? The answer has major implications for how we think about intensity distribution.

And there were tons more great topics! Other topics: quad soreness from downhill running, Leadville 100 training, the importance of electrolytes in hydration approaches, core work "snacks," Kristian Blummenfelt reportedly moving to cycling in 2025, what we think about suspiciously high VO2 max numbers, why we loved the Opening Ceremony at the Olympics, stories from the Olympics so far, why running should embrace "weirdness" of terrain and outcomes, a study on genetic variation and red blood cell counts, implications for what we call "talent," a follow-up on cardiac output, and hot takes.

Let's all yell "woohoo" extra loud today, for Maddie. We love you Maddie, and we will miss you forever.

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