David Roche on the Cool-Year Revolution, the High-Carb Era, and the Odds of a Sub-14 at Western States

David Roche returns to the show a few days ahead of the 2026 Western States 100.Across 2024 and 2025, he put on one of the most memorable shows in our sport's history. He took us behind the scenes of his buildup to Javelina, Leadville, and Western States, fighting for wins and course records while running training experiments on himself.This year he's back at Western States, on the ground as a coach for athletes like Hans Troyer, Ellaney Matarese, and Justin Grunewald.We were lucky to get him in the studio for a long-form conversation, where we peppered him with questions on training, fueling, heat mitigation, and race strategy for the Western States 100.Partners:Precision Fuel and Hydration - use code SINGLETRACK at checkout for 15% off your next orderNorda - check out the 005: the lightest, fastest, most stable trail racing shoe ever madeRaide - Making equipment for efficient human-powered movement in the mountains Support the show