Fast Talk, ep. 49: Training, fueling, and suffering at Dirty Kanza 200

In episode 49, we’re talking all about the science of suffering--the science of training, fueling, and racing Dirty Kanza 200. Co-host Chris Case decided to take a second crack at the grueling 200-plus mile gravel race across the Flint Hills of Kansas. With the assistance of Coach Connor, Chris set out to transform himself, someone who loves the repeated anaerobic efforts of cyclocross, into someone who could completely empty every cell in his body and still finish strong. In essence, the pair had the goal of turning Chris into an endurance machine. We’ll discuss the challenge of turning Chris into a Dirty Kanza rider, and how we went about working his energy systems to prepare: everything from the nature of the training, to the non-physiological side – strategy, pacing, hydration, and fueling. Chris will touch upon what it all felt like to do so many miles at or just below his aerobic threshold. Finally, we’ll discuss the race itself. What did Chris do right, what did Chris do wrong. And how with even the best laid plans…things can go wildly sideways.