The Endurance Balance

JW McKenna, Alicia Phillips, and Anne Sharkey
  • 5.0 (1)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Welcome to The Endurance Balance, where we focus on fitting the training into the chaos. Join coaches JW McKenna (Ultra/Science), Alicia Phillips (Strength/Community), and Anne Sharkey (Nutrition/Masters) for an unfiltered look at endurance training. We combine the science of 80/20 running and triathlon with honest conversations about real life. Each episode features open dialogue, expert insights, and answers to your specific training questions. Whether you're chasing a Boston Qualifier or your first 5K, we’ve got your back.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    The Data Trap: The Truth About Wearables & The Naked Run (Part 2) | Ep 6

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we pick up exactly where we left off last week. Coach Anne dropped the million-dollar cliff-hanger question about balancing wearable tech with our own intuition, and today, Coach Alicia is delivering the answer. We are going to war with the "Data Trap." Does your watch owe you an apology? From waking up to an "Unproductive" status on your Garmin to obsessing over Sleep Scores and HRV, we break down when your data is helping you and when it is actively sabotaging your training. Then, things get heated with the Great Headphone Debate. Coach Anne takes a hard stance on ditching the music to build mental resilience and "force bathing" in the discomfort, while Coach Alicia defends the "one earbud" compromise. Finally, Coach JW assigns everyone this week's homework: The "Naked Run." In this episode: The Answer: Alicia responds to Anne’s question about trusting your gut versus trusting the gadget. The "Unproductive" Trap: Why Garmin’s metrics (Sleep Score, HRV, Training Status) are often just "bumper rails" and why they shouldn't dictate your self-worth. The Headphone Debate: The mental grit required to run in silence versus the reality of getting through a long, boring training run. The "Naked Run" Challenge: The specific assignment every athlete needs to complete this week to reset their internal pacing. Takeaways: Trust the Body, Not the Battery: If you feel fully recovered and ready to go, but the data says you're "Strained," trust your body. Your watch does not know everything. Metrics are Bumper Rails: Use your HRV and Sleep Scores as early warning signs for illness or overtraining, not absolute laws that rule your day. RPE is King: On highly technical trails or during high-stress life periods, Rate of Perceived Exertion (how hard it actually feels) is significantly more reliable than wrist-based heart rate. Build Mental Grit in Silence: Removing your headphones forces you to sit with the discomfort. If you can't run with your own thoughts for an hour, you aren't ready for the mental dark place of an ultra. Connect with Us:If you are taking on the Naked Run Challenge or fighting with your Garmin this week, drop us a DM! Follow us on Instagram: @theendurancebalance Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes trying to fit the training into the chaos! Chapters:(00:00) Intro: Picking up the conversation(00:45) The Answer: Alicia responds to Anne on Wearable Tech(16:50) The Metrics: Escaping the "Unproductive" Garmin Trap(23:45) Hot Take: The Great Headphone Debate(31:30) Homework: The "Naked Run" Challenge

    32 min

  2. FEB 13

    The Triple Threat: Surviving Multi-Race Blocks & The "Walk Away" Rule (Part 1) | Ep 6

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we are in the thick of the "Winter Grind." The holidays are over, the days are short, and the motivation to lace up is battling against the urge to stay under the duvet. Coach Alicia opens up about her battle with the "Check Engine Light"—that feeling when the winter blues and training fatigue start to flicker on the dashboard. Meanwhile, Coach Anne is having a mild identity crisis, trading the open road for the Peloton App to keep the spark alive post-Key West. We discuss why switching up the stimulus might be the only way to survive February. Coach JW finally leads the deep dive into the "Sinister Triple"—the logistical nightmare of racing three ultra-marathons (or Ironmans) in a six-week block without ending up in the training morgue. We break down the "Walk Away" rule for B-races, why your fitness must drop between events, and why the most important workout you do between races is a 1-hour walk. Finally, we tackle the difference between being "Hurt" and being "Injured." In a multi-race block, you will never feel 100%, but knowing when to push through the discomfort and when to pull the plug is the difference between a finish line and a DNF. Note: This is Part 1 of a special two-part series. We end this episode on a cliffhanger as Coach Anne asks the million-dollar question that sparks a debate on Wearable Tech (coming next Friday in Part 2). In this episode: The Winter Grind: How to handle the mental slump of February training when the "Check Engine Light" starts flickering.The Sinister Triple: The specific logistical strategy for surviving 150km+ of racing in a 6-week window.Repair vs. Build: Why you must stop trying to "gain fitness" between races and focus entirely on "repairing the chassis."The "Walk Away" Rule: The controversial strategy of starting a B-Race with the full intention of DNF-ing if things go sideways.Active Recovery: Why sitting on the couch is the worst thing you can do after an ultra, and why the "1-Hour Walk" is mandatory. Takeaways: Recovery is the Training: When racing back-to-back, you aren't training to get faster; you are training to heal. If you try to build fitness, you will break.The "Zero Day" Audit: Look at your calendar. If you have major events close together, you must schedule your recovery days now, or your body will schedule an injury for you later.Motion is Lotion: After a massive endurance effort, sedentary rest locks up the gears. You need low-impact movement (walking, swimming) to flush the system.Differentiate Hurt vs. Injured: "Hurt" is soreness, blisters, and fatigue—you can race on that. "Injured" is structural damage—that is a hard stop.Winter requires Variety: If the treadmill is killing your soul, change the modality. It is better to Hyrox, Peloton, or swim than to burnout on running before the season starts. Connect with Us: If you are planning a "Sinister Triple" or battling the winter blues, drop us a DM! Follow us on Instagram: @theendurancebalance Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes trying to fit the training into the chaos! Chapters: (00:00) Intro: The Winter Grind & The "Check Engine Light" (02:57) The Training Log: Alicia’s Motivation & Anne’s Peloton Pivot (11:53) Topic: The "Sinister Triple" (Logistics of 3 Ultras in 6 Weeks) (22:30) Strategy: The "Walk Away" Rule for B-Races (33:58) Mental Grit: "Are you Hurt or are you Injured?" (42:00) Protocol: The Mandatory 1-Hour Walks & Active Recovery (56:01) Cliffhanger: Coach Anne asks the Million-Dollar Question...

    56 min

  3. JAN 30

    The Bigfoot & The Pecker: Surviving Snowshoe Racing and Multi-Day Challenges | Ep 5

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we go from the frozen tundra to the humid tropics as we break down the art of surviving extreme conditions and back-to-back race weekends. Coach Anne recaps her "Big Pecker Challenge" in Key West (a 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon in 3 days), sharing how she managed recovery amidst 30mph winds and humidity. Meanwhile, Coach Alicia takes us into the deep freeze of Northern Michigan for the "Bigfoot" Snowshoe race, proving that -4°F is perfect racing weather if you have the right layers. Coach JW pushes back the discussion on the "Sinister Triple"—how to tackle three ultra-marathons in six weeks without ending up in the training morgue to episode 6. We discuss the "Walk Away" rule for B-races, why recovery is the training during a triple block, and the physiological markers you can't ignore. Finally, we tackle the logistics of the "Bucket List." From the Boston Marathon to the Western States lottery, we share strategies on how to get into those sold-out races, including the power of volunteering and treating registration day like race day. In this episode: Fire & Ice Reports: Comparing recovery needs for humid multi-day road racing vs. sub-zero snowshoe sprinting. The Pacing Debate: Should you "empty the tank" at the finish line, or pace for the experience? The coaches debate race execution. Survival Mode: How to manage the physiological damage of back-to-back A-Races (Sleep, Nutrition, Hydration). Registration Hacks: Strategies for lotteries, qualifiers, and why volunteering is your golden ticket to sold-out events. Gear Check: From Normatec boots for recovery to goggles for snowshoeing. Takeaways: Respect the "Check Engine" Light: When racing back-to-back, your sleep, nutrition, and hydration markers dictate when you can return to training.The "Walk Away" Rule: If you are racing a Triple, you must be willing to DNF a B-race to save your chassis for the A-race.Volunteering = Entry: For many major trail series, volunteering this year guarantees your entry for next year. It’s the best way to bypass the lottery.Treat Registration Like Race Day: Set alarms, use multiple devices, and have your payment info ready. Sold-out races don't wait for you to find your wallet.Weather is the Equalizer: Whether it's 30mph winds in Florida or -20°C in Canada, everyone is facing the same elements. Adjust your pace, not your attitude. Connect with Us: If you are chasing a specific bib or battling extreme weather in your training, drop us a DM! Follow us on Instagram: @theendurancebalance Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes trying to fit the training into the chaos! Chapters: (00:00) Intro: Fire, Ice, and Back-to-Back Racing (01:57) The Training Log: Anne’s "Big Pecker" Challenge in Key West (06:43) Recovery Hacks: Normatec Boots & Tart Cherry Juice (17:03) The Pacing Debate: Empty the tank or finish with a smile? (30:28) Tapering: When to cut the strength training before an A-Race (41:03) Alicia’s Snowshoe Race: Racing at -4°F & Layering Strategies (58:12) Topic: Scoring the Bib (Lotteries, Volunteering & Registration Hacks) (01:11:40) The "Sinister Triple": Surviving 3 Ultras in 6 Weeks (01:16:32) Homework: Audit your Bucket List & Registration Dates

    1h 19m

  4. JAN 16

    Blueprinting 2026: Race Selection, Periodization & The Art of the Annual Training Plan | Ep 4

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne move from building the "Chassis" to creating the "Map". Most New Year’s resolutions fail by February because there is no roadmap. Today, we break down how to blueprint your entire racing year so you can stay consistent when the initial motivation fades. We discuss the art of "fitting the training into the chaos," getting family buy-in, and why your plan is just a piece of paper until you execute it. We also catch up on Coach Anne’s windy forecast for Key West, Coach Alicia’s upcoming snowshoe race (and trip to the Azores!), and why Coach JW turned a Costco trip into a speed workout. In this episode: The Blueprint: How to map out your Annual Training Plan (ATP) without getting lost in the data. Race Selection: Defining A, B, and C races—why you leave it all on the table for one, and use the others for "dress rehearsals." The Circle of Success: Why getting buy-in from your significant other and family is the most critical part of your training plan. Recovery & Hacks: The benefits of Tart Cherry Juice, the "mandatory walk" rule, and checking your internal "check engine light" (Sleep, Nutrition, Hydration). Data vs. Feel: Why technology fails and why you need to master Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). Takeaways: The "Circle of Success" is non-negotiable: You need support from your spouse, family, and care team (RMT/Chiro) to succeed. Know your Race Tiers: An A-Race requires full recovery; B and C races are for testing gear, gut training, and fitness checks. Don't fear the "Post-Race Blues": Structured recovery (like a mandatory walking week) helps reset the mind and body. Tech isn't everything: GPS watches fail and batteries die; knowing your body's RPE is your best backup plan. Fit the training into the chaos: Sometimes the workout is a 20-minute grocery run or a hike with the kids. Recovery Markers: Before returning to intensity, check that your Sleep, Nutrition, and Hydration have returned to baseline. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your training, nutrition, or balancing the chaos, leave us a comment! We will be answering listener questions in future episodes. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠! Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes like you! Chapters: (00:00) Intro: Mapping the Athlete’s Year & Avoiding Resolution Failure (06:03) Check-ins: Key West Winds, Snowshoe 5Ks & Costco Speed Runs (07:53) Nutrition Hack: The benefits of Tart Cherry Juice (17:56) Goal Setting: How to pick your races & "Scary Goals" (29:37) The Strategy: Defining A, B, and C Races (32:43) Recovery: The "Mandatory Walk" & The 3 Markers (Sleep, Nutrition, Hydration) (45:19) The "Circle of Success": Getting family buy-in (50:05) Data vs. Feel: The "Old Lady" approach vs. RPE (01:02:06) 2026 Goals: What the coaches are racing this year (01:20:10) Homework: Create your blueprint & DM us!

    1h 23m

  5. JAN 2

    The Chassis & The Schedule: Bone Health, Super Shoes & AM vs. PM Training | Ep3

    Welcome to 2026! In this first episode of the year, Coach JW, Alicia, and Coach Anne focus on "The Chassis and The Schedule". We dive deep into why your bones might be a ticking time bomb and how to reverse issues like osteopenia through strength training and plyometrics—even if you are in your 70s. We also debate "Super Shoes" (and why you shouldn't break them in), the benefits of barefoot lifting, and the pros and cons of training in the morning versus the evening. In this episode: The Chassis: Why strength training is non-negotiable and how to "shock" your bones for density.The Gear: The debate on carbon-plated "Super Shoes" and why we lift weights barefoot.The Schedule: Managing cortisol, sleep, and why we take a hard stance against fasted training.Reflections: The team shares what running has given them in the past year. Takeaways: Bone health is crucial for performance and training.Strength training should be included in every athlete's routine.Fitting training into a busy schedule is a common challenge.Community support enhances the running experience.Nutrition and hydration are key to performance.Training in the morning can improve sleep quality.Fasted workouts may not be beneficial for most athletes.It's important to train your gut for race day nutrition.Running can provide a sense of identity beyond just being a parent.Reflecting on personal growth through running is valuable. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your training, nutrition, or balancing the chaos, leave us a comment! We will be answering listener questions in future episodes. Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠! Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this first look into our world, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes like you! Chapters:(00:00) Intro: The Chassis and The Schedule (02:50) Check-ins: Avoiding the "Stomach Bug" & Key West Training (11:54) Bone Density: Osteopenia warnings & Box Drops (14:52) Strength Training: Why 70-year-olds need to lift heavy (35:47) Gear Talk: Super Shoes & "Adapting" vs. "Breaking In" (43:33) Gym Tips: Why you should lift barefoot (45:33) AM vs. PM Training: Cortisol and Sleep (51:27) Nutrition: Why you should stop fasted training (01:06:02) Question of the Week: What has running given you?

    1h 15m

  6. 12/19/2025

    Fueling Your Endurance: The Essential Role of Nutrition in Athletic Performance | Ep 2

    "Sleep is free fitness." "Cortisol gets a bad rap." "Fuel the engine, feed the engine." Summary: In this episode of Endurance Balance, Coaches JW, Anne, and Alicia delve into the critical aspects of nutrition for endurance athletes, emphasizing the importance of fueling the body properly. They discuss the significance of sleep, the role of cortisol, and the necessity of regular blood work to monitor health metrics. The coaches share personal stories and insights from their training logs, highlighting wins and learning opportunities. They also explore the impact of iron and vitamin D on performance, and the strategic use of caffeine in training and racing. Overall, the conversation underscores the holistic approach needed for optimal athletic performance. Takeaways: Nutrition is crucial for endurance athletes, focusing on more than just macros.Sleep is a vital component of recovery and performance.Blood work can reveal important health metrics for athletes.Cortisol is necessary but can become problematic if levels are too high.Iron deficiency can significantly impact performance and energy levels.Vitamin D plays a critical role in overall health and athletic performance.Athletes should focus on performance metrics rather than weight.Caffeine can enhance performance but should be managed carefully.Regular blood work is essential for monitoring health as an athlete.Balancing training stress with recovery is key to long-term success. Blood Work Recommendations by Coach Alicia - link to the document here (make a copy to save it) Connect with Us: If you have questions about your training, nutrition, or balancing the chaos, leave us a comment! We will be answering listener questions in future episodes. Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠! Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this first look into our world, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes like you! Chapters: 00:00 → Fueling the Engine: The Importance of Nutrition 01:57 → Training Logs: Wins and Learning Opportunities 11:51 → How We Met: The Coaches' Journey 18:47 → Nutrition for Endurance Athletes: Key Considerations 42:27 → Cortisol: The Stress Hormone and Its Role 01:09:08 → Blood Work: Understanding Your Health Metrics

    1h 17m

  7. 12/05/2025

    Meet the Coaches: Who are JW, Anne, & Alicia? | Ep. 1

    Welcome to the very first episode of The Endurance Balance! If you are looking for a rigid, robotic training podcast, this isn't it. Join Coach JW, Coach Anne, and Coach Alicia for a relaxed, real-world conversation about fitting endurance training into the chaos of everyday life. In this premiere episode, we break the ice by introducing who we are—from ultra-running in the Canadian snow to triathlon training in the Florida humidity, and managing fitness as a military spouse and mom of four. We dive into our "coaching superpowers," share our personal training wins (and struggles) of the week, and reveal the framework you need to set better goals for the year ahead. In this episode, we cover: Meet the Coaches: From former swimmers and hockey players to endurance specialists, get to know the voices behind the mics. Superpowers: How we use science, nutrition, and adaptability to help athletes succeed. Weather Wars: How to adapt your training whether you are freezing in Canada or melting in Florida heat (plus tips on heat acclimation!). The "Chaos" Factor: Real talk on fitting 10+ hours of training into a life filled with kids, work, and travel. The 4 F's: Alicia’s secret quadrant for planning your year: Fitness, Family, Fun, and Financial. Quotes from the Episode: "If you become just a mom, you start to lose who you are... don't lose the hobby." - Coach Alicia "I'm good at organizing chaos." - Coach JW "I can count on two fingers how many races went to Plan A... nothing ever goes the same way as it does in training." - Coach Anne Connect with Us: If you have questions about your training, nutrition, or balancing the chaos, leave us a comment! We will be answering listener questions in future episodes. Follow us on Instagram! Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this first look into our world, please hit subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes like you! Chapters" 00:00 Introduction to Endurance Balance Podcast 02:59 Coaching Backgrounds and Personal Journeys 06:02 The Importance of Hobbies and Identity 09:01 Training Stories and Experiences 11:50 Year-Round Training and Off-Season Strategies 14:54 Heat Training and Acclimatization Strategies 23:32 Heat Acclimation and Training Strategies 26:35 Fitting Training into a Busy Life 31:12 The Importance of Consistency and Adaptability 33:55 Finding Joy in Endurance Sports 40:08 Setting Goals with the Four F's

    46 min

  8. 11/22/2025

    Trailer: Welcome to The Endurance Balance

    Fitting the Training into the Chaos. Real life is messy. Your training doesn't have to be. [U+3164] Welcome to The Endurance Balance, a new podcast from Coaches Anne Sharkey, Alicia Phillips, and JW McKenna. In this show, we break down the 80/20 philosophy, answer your training questions, and help you fit the training into the chaos of everyday life. [U+3164] Hosted by: Coach Anne Sharkey, Coach Alicia Phillips, and Coach JW McKenna. [U+3164] Subscribe now to catch Episode 1! Credits & Legal: [U+3164] Intro/Outro Music: "Energetic Indie Rock (Jump!)" by AlexGrohl [U+3164] Source: Pixabay.com [U+3164] License: Royalty-Free Commercial License held by Redde1594 / The Endurance Balance [U+3164] Certificate ID: 112179

    2 min

Trailer

About

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Welcome to The Endurance Balance, where we focus on fitting the training into the chaos. Join coaches JW McKenna (Ultra/Science), Alicia Phillips (Strength/Community), and Anne Sharkey (Nutrition/Masters) for an unfiltered look at endurance training. We combine the science of 80/20 running and triathlon with honest conversations about real life. Each episode features open dialogue, expert insights, and answers to your specific training questions. Whether you're chasing a Boston Qualifier or your first 5K, we’ve got your back.

Information

  • Creator
    JW McKenna, Alicia Phillips, and Anne Sharkey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © JW McKenna, Alicia Phillips, and Anne Sharkey
  • Show Website
    The Endurance Balance