David Roche, podcaster and top ultra runner

David Roche is producer of one of the world’s most popular podcasts, “Some Work, All Play,” with his cohost and wife, Megan. He’s also a contender to win the Western States 100 Miler at the end of June. That’s a rare combination.His back story is even more amazing. A little more than a year ago, Roche was seriously injured when struck by a car while bicycling a favorite road near Boulder, CO. At that time, the Duke Law School grad and ultramarathon coach had never even attempted a 100-mile. But last summer he broke a longstanding course record in the Leadville Trail 100, and several months later scored a convincing win (in torrid temps) in the Javelina 100.A fan of “Hamilton” the musical (“I’m not givin’ away my shot”) and Simone Biles (“F___ around and find out”), Roche professes to believe that almost everyone’s “amazing” and should reach high for their personal goals. Megan is both his coach, a champion ultra runner on her own, and an M.D. and PhD graduate from Stanford University. Every week, their pod covers the latest research findings about running, as they attempt to “science the sh__” out of endurance performance.You can learn more about David & Megan Roche at their SWAPrunning.com website, or at David's Instagram page.David's quest to win Western States has been chronicled here in a YouTube series by video producer Cody Bare.Key Sections Of The Podcast0:00Introduction to David Roche: The Rise of an Ultra Runner10:33David's Background: Life, Family, and Coaching13:43The Dynamic Duo: David and Megan Roche16:47The Birth of a Podcast: Authenticity and Popularity19:44Language and Honesty: The Explicit Nature of the Podcast22:37Uplifting Messages: The Importance of Kindness25:55Science vs. Intuition: Balancing Training Approaches28:42Training Insights: The Art of Adaptation31:44Overcoming Challenges: The Impact of a Serious Accident34:39Life Lessons: Embracing Mortality and Racing37:43The Athletic Journey: From Football to Ultra Running38:46The Journey to Natural Running40:13Genetics and Athletic Performance43:01Rapid Rise in Ultra Running47:35Mental Resilience and Self-Confidence51:32The Competitive Landscape of Ultra Running54:28Key Factors for Success at Western States56:58Reflections on the Evolution of Running01:01:09The State of the Sport of Running01:03:53Wishes for the FutureWHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT"Use your smartphone to download podcast apps from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links.AppleSpotifyAudiblePandoraI Heart RadioYouTube"Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels."Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.