When Training Gets Hard: Brain vs Body Reaction to Fatigue - Running on Carbs Podcast, S1 E30

If you’re a runner, then inevitably you will find yourself staring down the barrel of a hard workout or race at some point.

Running is simple but no one ever said it was easy. At some point a little voice in your head will tell you to stop, slow down or give up. Maybe you’re hitting new mileage distances that you’ve never run before or paces that you didn’t think were attainable. Then, when you least expect it, you start to hear that little voice in your head and your body starts to slow down, your heart rate quickens and you start down the path toward bonking.

But wait!

Someone in the crowd yells, “The finish line is around the corner!” As it comes into sight, you start to move faster. From somewhere in the ether, you find the energy pick up your pace and sprint to the final finish line. Where does that energy come from and how did you ever get to that low point in the first place with so much energy still left in reserves?

In episode 30 of the Running on Carbs Podcast, Coach Val talks about the complex (and controversial) Central Governor Model of Fatigue and its impact on everything from mundane runs to marathons. She covers why the model has merit and where it’s lacking clarity. Most importantly, she covers how to use your understanding of the Central Governor during your next run to assess your own readiness, or if the Governor has your back.

Need help creating a plant-based nutrition plan to support your training and fitness goals?
Schedule a no-obligation, 20-minute strategy call with Coach Val to discuss your individual training and plant-based nutrition questions. Pick a date for your call here: runningoncarbs.hbportal.co/public/6614a8d9a027ad001f10db35

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As mentioned in this episode:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4854881
polar.com/en/journal/central-governor-theory