EP 735: The Aging Athlete-Exercise Physiology

What does it mean to be a trail runner in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s—or even your 70s? How do years of pounding dirt, chasing summits, and chasing goals shape our bodies, minds, and identities? Welcome to The Aging Athlete, a new Trail Runner Nation mini-series co-hosted by ultrarunning icon Krissy Moehl. Every 5 to 6 weeks, we'll dive into what it looks like to grow older in this sport we love—exploring how to train smarter, fuel better, recover more intentionally, and stay motivated through the decades. In this second episode of the Aging Athlete Series, we speak with Dr. Scott Drum, an exercise physiologist and lifelong endurance athlete. We explore how training, VO₂ max, heart health, sleep, and social connection evolve as we age—and how understanding these changes can help runners continue performing and thriving for decades. Dr. Drum explains how we can maintain (and even improve) cardiovascular fitness into our 50s and beyond, and shares his personal experience with AFib as a cautionary but hopeful tale. The conversation blends science, personal insight, and practical strategies to help runners of all ages stay motivated, train smart, and run for life. Check out Krissy's book in it's second edition, Running Your First Ultra Episode Sponsors: Janji, Use code TRAILRUNNER for 10% off Ketone IQ, Used by Tour de France champions—Ketone-IQ naturally boosts EPO, recovery, and endurance Get 30% off your first subscription order Tifosi Optics 20% off with code TRN Amazfit - T-Rex 3: Get 15% off Oikos Triple Zero Get our new "1 > 0" technical running hat