In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, Paul Warloski interviews Bartolomew Buczek, an Ironman athlete from Poland who has overcome tremendous odds. Despite having no athletic background and facing a serious health scare with a pituitary tumor, Bart transformed his life through dedication and training. He recently completed the challenging Lanzarote Ironman in just over 10 hours, finishing seventh in his age group. Bart shares his journey from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming a top Ironman athlete, emphasizing the importance of consistency, smart training, and perseverance.

• Bart Buczek had no athletic background and was overweight before discovering endurance sports.
• A pituitary tumor diagnosis motivated Bart to change his lifestyle and take up triathlon.
• Bart's first Ironman experience was in Barcelona, finishing in an impressive 9 hours and 7 minutes.
• He emphasizes the importance of consistency and smart training over high volume.
• Bart's notable achievements include breaking the 9-hour mark and competing in the tough Lanzarote Ironman.
• He advises against common beginner mistakes such as treating every training session as a competition.
• Bart finds balance by integrating his training with his professional and personal life.

• Paul Warloski - Endurance, Strength Training, Yoga
• Marjaana Rakai - Tired Mom Runs - Where fitness meets motherhood.

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski and Marjaana Rakai dive into the contentious issue of muscle cramps with sports science expert Dr. Paul Laursen. They explore two prevailing hypotheses: the common belief that cramps are due to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, and the neuromuscular hypothesis which posits that cramps stem from unfamiliar tasks and neuromuscular fatigue. Through detailed explanations and personal anecdotes, the discussion reveals compelling evidence supporting the neuromuscular perspective, emphasizing the importance of context-specific training and preparation. Listeners are encouraged to rethink conventional wisdom and adopt more tailored training strategies to mitigate cramping.

• Muscle cramps are more likely caused by neuromuscular issues than electrolyte imbalances.
• Lack of task familiarity and neuromuscular fatigue are primary contributors to cramps.
• Proper preparation and context-specific training are crucial in preventing cramps.
• Industry promotions of electrolyte solutions lack robust scientific support.
• Acute cramp relief can be achieved through stretching to reset neuromuscular communication.
• Post-exercise nutrition should include a balance of proteins and electrolytes.

• Timothy Noakes - Waterlogged: The Serious Problem of Overhydration in Endurance Sports
• Effect of Personalized Sodium Replacement on Fluid and Sodium Balance and Thermophysiological Strain During and After Ultraendurance Running in the Heat in: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Volume 19 Issue 2 (2023)
• Aetiology of skeletal muscle 'cramps' during exercise: a novel hypothesis - PubMed

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski and Dr. Paul Laursen, along with Marjaana Rakai, delve into the topic of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and its impact on endurance athletes. They discuss the symptoms, causes, and risks associated with AFib and other heart issues like ventricular tachycardia, drawing from personal experiences and expert insights. Emphasizing the importance of a balanced training approach, the hosts explore the relationship between mid-zone training and heart health, and offer practical advice on how athletes can monitor their heart condition and seek appropriate medical care.

• Symptoms of AFib: Fluttering in the chest, fatigue, palpitations, and dizziness.
• Causes and Risks: Large return of blood to the heart, electrical events in the atria, and high levels of mid-zone training.
• Prevalence in Athletes: AFib and related heart issues are more reported in older male athletes but can affect anyone.
• Importance of Medical Attention: Early detection and medical intervention are crucial for managing AFib.
• Training Recommendations: Adopting a polarized training approach with balanced low and high-intensity sessions to reduce heart stress.
• Personal Experiences: Hosts share their encounters with heart issues and the importance of listening to one's body.