The Endurance Balance

JW McKenna, Alicia Phillips, and Anne Sharkey

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.

  1. 6d ago

    Endurance Sports Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules That Help Us All | Ep18

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! ** CORRECTION**Sodium acts as the essential key that unlocks glucose absorption in the gut. Without sodium, your body cannot efficiently absorb carbohydrates during exercise, which stalls the production of ATP. Endurance sports have a steep learning curve, and the unwritten rules of the trail, pool, and road aren't always obvious to new or even experienced athletes. In this episode, Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne share a friendly, "what you don't know can help you" guide to the essential etiquette tips for endurance athletes. We are moving past the anxiety of the unknown and looking at the practical rules of trail yielding, road safety, and transition zone manners that enhance safety and community spirit. We break down the proper behavior in the pool and the paceline, and the necessity of dropping the ego when sharing the space. Discover the unwritten rules needed to navigate race day smoothly, including the tactic of honestly seeding yourself in the swim corral and using the 2x2 rule to organize your gear vertically. If you are struggling to balance the chaos of race day logistics, this is how you manage the workload, respect others' space, and fit the training into the chaos. In this episode: The Training Log: Opening the logs to discuss recent highs, lows, and humbles, along with balancing training consistency with everyday life. The Unwritten Rules of the Pool & Road: Explaining circle swimming, polite passing, and holding your line to protect the paceline during group rides. Trail Etiquette & Yielding Safety: The golden rule of the trail, the vocal warning of passing early, and leaving no trace with your fueling wrappers. Transition Zone Triage: Proper transition zone behavior and setup using the 2x2 vertical rule, and why transition zones are not personal walk-in closets. The Reflection & Homework: Auditing your training manners this week and giving a clear warning and a wave when passing. Takeaways: Always announce your pass: Announce your intention to pass early with 'on your left' so you don't scare someone. Respect the Transition Zone: Utilize the 2x2 rule to organize your gear vertically and respect the athlete racked next to you. Share the Trail: Practice good trail etiquette by staying on designated paths and yielding safely to uphill runners. Leave No Trace: Pack out your fueling wrappers, use reusable cups, and respect the environment. Be Courteous: Practice good manners, drop the ego, and thank those who let you pass. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own 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!

  2. Jul 31

    Mastering Motivation: How to Keep Training When Life Gets Chaotic | Ep17

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! Between the chaotic summer months, shattered routines, and environmental hurdles, your rigid training plan might be causing more resentment than results right now. In this episode, Coach JW and Coach Alicia discuss how to stay motivated and maintain consistency despite life's inevitable disruptions. We are moving past the "just grit your teeth" mentality and looking at the practical blueprint of how to pivot your goals without ruining your long-term athletic chassis. We break down the psychology of the late-season motivation drop and the necessity of radical adaptability. Discover the mental strategies needed to overcome motivation dips, including the tactic of session slicing and setting micro-goals to keep you engaged. If you are struggling to balance massive training blocks with extreme weather, fires, or busy family schedules, this is how you manage the workload, inject fun back into your routine, and fit the training into the chaos. In this episode: The Training Log: Opening the logs to discuss recent highs, lows, and humbles, along with upcoming races and adjusting expectations. Radical Adaptability: How to navigate late-season motivation challenges and adapt your training plans around life disruptions. Environmental Chaos: Managing the impact of extreme weather, heat, and fires on your training and race day prep. The Psychology of Motivation: Mindset shifts, balancing recovery against the grind, and using gear and routines to stay motivated without becoming a slave to the data. Session Slicing & Micro-Wins: Practical tactics to break down daunting workouts and manufacture dopamine when the summer grind gets heavy. Takeaways: Let Content Dictate Format: Adjust your schedule and training volume around life's disruptions rather than fighting them to prevent burnout and resentment. Slice Your Sessions: Break long, hot workouts into mentally digestible blocks—just get out there for ten minutes and take it step by step. Protect the Chassis: Balance recovery and training during busy periods without falling into the dangerous trap of forced make-up sessions. Celebrate Your Wins: No matter how small, manufacture dopamine by acknowledging micro-goals and using social support or fun routines to stay engaged. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own 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! Resources: Endurance Balance Podcast - https://example.com/endurance-balance Operation Purple Summer Camp - https://operationpurple.org Sinister Sports Events - https://sinistersports.com

  3. Jul 17

    Ultra Marathon Nutrition: How to Fuel with Honey and Manage Palate Fatigue | Ep16

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we’re talking about that brutal moment when your A-race plans are completely threatened by an unexpected injury or intense trail conditions. Your fitness didn't vanish overnight, but your body isn't a machine that can just endlessly override structural damage. We’re moving past the "grit your teeth and destroy yourself" mentality and looking at the physiological blueprint of how to pivot your race-day goals without ruining your long-term athletic chassis. Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne sit down to unpack real-world ultra-endurance triage and extreme fueling protocols. We break down the math behind a 950mg hourly sodium floor and a 90g carbohydrate intake using pure honey, expose why dropping from a 100-miler to a 50K is an active win for your athletic longevity, and settle how to manage palate fatigue on the trail once and for all. If you are struggling to balance massive training blocks with real-life disruptions, from lingering viruses to school cyber-attacks, this is how you pivot the plan and protect the chassis. In this episode: The Training Log: Anne’s poolside PTO reset, Alicia’s grueling swimming-and-kettlebell conditioning simulation, and JW celebrating his 4-year CSEP certification. The Hurt vs. Injured Matrix: Pulling back the curtain on Saritta’s tough decision at the Sinister 7 Ultra expo; why dropping from the 100-miler to the 50K saved her season and landed her a 3rd-place Masters podium. The 1-Kilogram Honey Protocol: The exact nutritional blueprint JW used to fuel Jess through 53K of technical mountain terrain and 8,353 feet of vertical gain using raw creamed honey, fine sea salt, and culinary-grade matcha tea. Palate Fatigue Triage: Field-tested tricks to keep your GI tract processing fuel over an 11-hour racing block, including why a simple transition-tent toothbrush swap stops oral receptor burnout. The Youth Performance Pipeline: Highlighting massive athlete wins across the team roster & 10-year-old Runa out-pacing her brother in the Canadian Rockies.   Takeaways: Separate Ego From the Start Line: If a lingering injury makes your clothing painful to touch, pushing through a 100-miler isn't tough—it's reckless. Pivot your race distance to protect your long-term durability. Train with Dual-Pathway Carbohydrates: High-quality, unpasteurized creamed honey offers an easily absorbable glucose and fructose pathway that preserves gastric emptying without the chemical fatigue of commercial gels. Brush Away Flavor Boredom: When a high-sugar fueling protocol starts causing nausea or palate fatigue, a quick 60-second toothbrush rinse resets your oral taste receptors and restores your drive to fuel. Scale Your Systemic Sodium Floor: Don't guess your electrolyte requirements under extreme heat waves; mix high-quality formulas like BioSteel with raw sea salt to lock in a strict 800mg to 1,000mg per hour baseline target. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own 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!   Resources: Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) - https://csep.ca/   Fast Talk Labs Podcast - https://fasttalklabs.com/podcasts/    Sinister Sports Events - https://sinistersports.com   Biosteel Hydration Products - https://biosteel.com   Sun River Honey - https://sunriverhoney.com

  4. Jun 19

    Heat Training Secrets: How Sauna and Hydration Protocols Build a Summer Engine | Ep15

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we’re talking about that brutal moment when you head out for a routine June workout and your pace is a full minute slower than normal, but your heart rate is redlining and your lungs are on fire. Your fitness didn't vanish overnight, you're simply paying the mandatory summer pace penalty. We’re moving past the "just grit your teeth and suffer" mentality and looking at the physiological blueprint of how to safely adapt your engine to hot weather training without risking heat stroke. Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne sit down to unpack the exact science of heat acclimation and summer hydration protocols. We break down the math behind the blood plasma volume increase you get from post-workout saunas and hot baths, expose why cold plunges can trigger a toxic cortisol spike for masters and menopausal athletes while blunting endurance gains, and settle the great commercial sports drink debate once and for all. If you are struggling to keep your training targets from melting under the summer sun, this is how you pivot the plan and protect the chassis. In this episode: The Training Log: Real talk on Alicia's outdoor Hyrox battle in 90-degree humidity, Anne's survival strategy in 112°F Florida heat, and JW's athletes locking in their final long runs for the Sinister Seven ultra and Rockford 70.3.The Summer Pace Penalty: The exact cardiovascular physiology of why your body forces blood to the skin surface for cooling, causing a stroke volume collapse that spikes your heart rate while dragging your pacing splits down.Passive Heat Protocols: Step-by-step peer-reviewed guidelines for utilizing post-workout saunas or 104°F (40°C) hot baths to artificially expand your blood plasma volume and trigger a rapid thermoregulatory reset in 7 to 14 days.The Cold Plunge Controversy: Why ice baths might be actively sabotaging your hard-earned aerobic adaptations and why perimenopausal or menopausal athletes should avoid the systemic freezing shock.Shifting the Sodium Floor: Sifting through the sugar traps of commercial sports drinks to establish a hard baseline target of 800mg to 1,000mg of sodium per hour to completely bypass the dreaded "sloshy belly" GI crisis. Takeaways: Prioritize RPE Over Spreadsheets: The thermometer always wins against a rigid pacing spreadsheet. Toss out the numbers and rely entirely on your Rate of Perceived Exertion during summer heat waves.Execute the 20-Minute Bath: Build a summer engine safely by submerging in a warm 104°F (40°C) hot bath for 20 to 30 minutes immediately following your standard temperate training sessions.Set a Hard Sodium Floor: Aim for a strict baseline of 800mg to 1,000mg of sodium per hour using high-quality electrolyte formulas, completely avoiding plain water which dilutes your systemic hydration.Insulate the Engine: Separate your ego from the daily data. Accept that true heat adaptation takes a full two weeks of consistent, smart physiological progression—so slow down and let the body adjust. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own 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! Resources: Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) - https://csep.ca/ Dr. Stacy Sims - Book on Sauna Training (ROAR) - https://www.amazon.com/ROAR-Science-Training-Performance-ebook/dp/B07V4V7V4X BioSteel Electrolyte Drink - https://biosteel.com/ Precision Hydration Electrolyte Tabs - https://www.precisionhydration.com/ Gatorade Endurance Formula - https://www.gatorade.com/

  5. Jun 5

    The Art of the Training Pivot: HYROX Doubles Strategy & Load Management Explained Ep 14

    Welcome back to the Endurance Balance. When the calendar gets messy, you don't take a zero—you adapt, you pivot, and you keep the engine ticking. Welcome to a special "Mystery Box" edition of The Endurance Balance. This week, everyday life chaos completely broke down our recording schedule, and with Coach Anne out sick, Coaches JW and Alicia are passing the baton blindly to bring you their segments straight from the trenches of everyday chaos. Inside This Episode Coach JW on the Stacking Trap & the Schedule Tetris: Pulling directly from his current professional constraints finishing the Personal Fitness Trainer program at Mount Royal University and preparing for the CSEP gold-standard exams, Coach JW breaks down what happens when your calendar completely implodes. Drawing on the real-world scheduling chaos of managing children's sports while mapping out 4-hour long runs for his wife Jess's legendary "Sinister Triple" block (Sinister 7, Canadian Death Race, and Black Spur Ultra), JW targets the dangerous impulse of the Type-A athlete: the "make-up" session. Referencing the structural parameters established in Transcript Volume 1 (Episodes 1-10)_2 (specifically the Episode 10 breakdown of the Govitt and Hulin Acute-to-Chronic Workload Ratio), he explains why throwing a missed 90-minute hill session on top of an already heavy weekend artificially spikes your acute training load. Pushing past a 1.5 ratio literally doubles your risk for a soft-tissue injury. Instead of chasing a perfect green calendar in TrainingPeaks, JW delivers a hard, science-backed truth: modifying down to a 40-minute Zone 2 baseline keeps your central nervous system active, preserves capillary density, and protects the chassis without frying your neural pathways. Coach Alicia on HYROX Race Architecture & Fueling for Performance: Shifting the baton to the other side of the table, Coach Alicia delivers a high-energy, raw recap of her recent HYROX Doubles race alongside her sister. Far more than a simple race day summary, Alicia breaks down the intense psychology of stepping completely outside your comfort zone into one of the fastest-growing fitness racing events in the world. She tackles the massive physiological shift from standard outdoor endurance builds to compromised high-intensity conditioning, detailing exactly why structural course preparation can make or break an athlete. Explaining how she systematically used the course map and tactical execution protocols to dramatically lower race-day cortisol and panic, Alicia highlights her ultimate execution framework: "An architect finishes his plans before the first brick is laid." From managing logistics to the distinct nutritional line between simply "surviving" a multi-station event versus actively "performing" in it, this segment acts as an uncompromised blueprint showing how real confidence isn't something you magically stumble upon at the start line—it’s something you intentionally build through gritty, meticulous preparation. Follow us on Instagram: @theendurancebalance Subscribe & review: If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe and leave us a review. It helps us reach more athletes trying to fit the training into the chaos!

  6. May 22

    Pros and Cons of Inaugural Triathlons: The Destination Race Blueprint | Ep13

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we’re talking about that moment when you show up to a brand-new race venue and the unvetted course layout completely throws off your race-day strategy. You’ve done the work and your fitness is locked in, but a first-year course doesn't care about your perfect spreadsheet pacing targets. We’re moving past just "hoping for the best" on race day and looking at the tactical blueprint of how to actually navigate destination race logistics without frying your nervous system. Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne sit down to cut through the noise surrounding first-year events and unmapped race courses, drawing from real-time insights at the inaugural Ironman Jacksonville. We break down why throwing out rigid power targets for Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) is a non-negotiable safety net, how to execute a foolproof 30-day lodging verification protocol, and why logistics panic levies a direct "glycogen tax" on your metabolism before your timing chip even crosses the start mat. If you are racing a new or destination event this season, this is how you pivot the plan and fix the chassis. In this episode: The Training Log: Real talk on balancing heavy lifting blocks, high-volume base miles, and navigating the messy schedule shift of kids entering summer break.The Inaugural Equation: Weighing the high-energy community buzz of a brand-new course layout against unvetted volunteer hand-offs and fluid transition timelines.Destination Triage: Step-by-step blueprints for manually locking down your accommodations 30 days out and sourcing independent local bike mechanics to bypass multi-hour expo backlogs.The Glycogen Tax of Panic: The direct endocrinology of race-week anxiety, and how logistics frustration spikes cortisol to prematurely drain your energy stores.The Autonomous Athlete: Why packing a self-contained travel tool kit and taking ownership of your mechanical setup prevents venue updates from sabotaging your day.Takeaways: Prioritize RPE Over Spreadsheets: You can't race an unmapped, inaugural course purely by numbers. Throw out rigid targets and rely on your Rate of Perceived Exertion.Execute the 30-Day Protocol: Protect your lodging from digital platform overbookings by manually confirming your room layout with a human agent 30 days before race week.Build an Independent Network: Find and vet an independent bike shop 5 to 10 miles outside the race village to entirely skip the long lines at official expo trailers.Insulate Your Energy: Separate the race director's organizational growing pains from your own performance standards. Control the controllables and protect your mental chassis. Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own 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) Introduction to Race Challenges and Goals (01:49) Training Updates and Personal Race Experiences (04:02) Race Course Logistics and Course Conditions (14:53) Inaugural Race Pros and Cons (25:51) Managing Race Day Logistics and Support (39:41) Travel, Accommodation, and Equipment Tips (54:36) Mental Preparation and Contingency Planning (01:07:38) Final Tips for Inaugural and Destination Races

  7. May 8

    Menopause and Performance: Training Through the Midlife Shift with Dr. Woods | Ep 12

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we’re talking about that moment when the training plan you’ve used for a decade suddenly stops working. You’re doing the work, but your recovery is lagging, your heart rate is spiking, and it feels like you’re fighting your own biology just to get out the door. We’re moving past just "surviving" the midlife shift and looking at the science of how to actually stay in the game. Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne sit down with Dr. Roseanne Woods to cut through the noise surrounding menopause and athletic performance. We break down why declining estrogen is a direct hit to your mitochondrial efficiency, why your Central Nervous System (CNS) needs a completely different recovery window than it did five years ago, and why "junk miles" are the fastest way to burn out. If you've felt like you’re losing your edge, this is how you pivot the plan and fix the chassis. In this episode: The Training Log: Real talk on navigating perimenopause fueling wins and hitting heavy lifting PRs amidst the daily chaos.The Science of "Harder": Why the same wattage or pace now feels like a maximal effort due to declining estrogen and mitochondrial shifts.The Recovery Gap: Understanding why your CNS is taxed and why forcing a "make-up" session is a recipe for injury.Hormone Replacement & Peptides: A deep dive into HRT, bioidenticals, and how these tools actually support an endurance lifestyle.Lifting for Longevity: Why heavy strength training is the non-negotiable anchor for your hormonal health and bone density.Takeaways: Respect the Pivot: You can't train through menopause the same way you trained in your 20s. Adjust the intensity and respect the biological shift.Audit Your Recovery: If your sleep is shot and your CNS is fried, a high-intensity interval session will do more harm than good.Prioritize Nutrient Density: Your metabolic needs have changed; your fueling strategy has to change with them to avoid insulin resistance.Advocate for Yourself: Use the right testing (like Dutch Testing) to get a clear picture of your hormones rather than guessing. Featured Guest: Dr. Roseanne Woods Dr. Woods is a leading expert in women’s health, focusing on helping female athletes navigate the complexities of menopause and hormonal health. Website: www.drrosannewoods.comElevate Her Wellness Series: Check out Dr. Woods’ comprehensive program for women looking to optimize their health and performance here: Elevate Her WellnessConnect on Instagram: @dr.rosannewoods Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own 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) Introduction to Endurance Balance and Training Logs (02:52) Post-Race Recovery and Training Adjustments (08:59) Dr. Roseanne Woods: Background and Research (12:03) Understanding Menopause and Its Impact on Training (14:53) Hormonal Changes and Their Effects on Performance (17:54) Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained (22:11) Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT (28:01) The Role of Strength Training in Hormonal Health (32:13) Shifting Perspectives on Aging and Performance (39:15) The Limitations of Hormonal Blood Testing (47:33) The Role of the Central Nervous System in Recovery (53:38) Peptides and Their Impact on Endurance Athletes (57:47) Community and Education in Women's Health (01:10:14) Final Thoughts and Homework: Audit Your Recovery

  8. Apr 24

    Meal Prep for Endurance Athletes: Real Food Strategies for Busy Lives | Ep 11

    Welcome back to The Endurance Balance! In this episode, we move from the trail to the kitchen to tackle the constant struggle of fueling the machine without losing your mind. Between hitting your splits and making it to the school play on time, who has hours to spend in the kitchen? We’re throwing away the complicated meal plans and bringing you into our real-world kitchens to break down nutrient-dense, homemade fueling options that actually fit into the chaos of an everyday endurance athlete's life. Coach JW, Coach Alicia, and Coach Anne break down the "Barcode Rule" for identifying processed junk, explain the science of training your gut for high carbohydrate intake, and share practical strategies for batch-prepping for a family of six. We explore the transition from expensive, chemical-heavy gels to simple, real-food substitutes like salted potatoes and rice bites. Plus, we dive into the latest science on protein needs and why health must always come before the number on the scale. In this episode: The Training Log: Anne’s Dragon Boat experience and Alicia’s recent marathon coaching successes.The Barcode Rule: How to focus on real food building blocks to repair the "chassis" of the machine.Training the Gut: Why you need 6 to 10 weeks to safely ramp up your carbohydrate intake for race day performance.Real Food vs. Pre-Packaged: Why "chemical fatigue" from gels is real and how to fix it with homemade portables.Redefining Weight Loss: Shifting the focus from being "light" to being healthy enough to perform.Takeaways: Skip the Gel: Your GI tract will thank you. Try moving toward real food like salted potatoes for long training efforts.Batch Prep is Survival: Don't lose your Sunday to the kitchen; focus on multi-purpose ingredients that feed the family and the athlete.Baseline Nutrition Matters: If it has a barcode, it’s processed. Focus on repairing the machine with high-quality nutrients first.Fit the Training Into the Chaos: Your nutrition shouldn't be an extra source of stress—keep it simple, keep it real, and keep it fueling the work.Connect with Us: If you have questions about your own training or nutrition, 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! (00:00) Welcome to Endurance Balance: Fueling the Chaos (02:59) Coach Anne's Dragon Boat Experience (05:58) Alicia's Marathon Coaching Success (11:50) Practical Nutrition Insights for Athletes (21:58) Navigating Meal Prep for Endurance Athletes (35:16) Simplifying Cooking for Busy Lives (41:17) Real Food vs. Pre-Packaged Meals for Performance (48:18) Fueling Strategies for Endurance Training (51:16) The Science of Carbohydrate Intake (55:07) Protein Needs and Daily Nutrition (01:01:11) Redefining Weight Loss and Health (01:07:27) Final Thoughts and Homework: Skip the Gel

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.