Podcast

Masters Need Strength: Intervals Are Weight Lifting for Your Endurance Self

 800 800 Patrick McCrann
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Most athletes think strength means lifting heavier. But for the Masters athlete, the real strength you need is the capacity to go hard — to hit intensity with precision, and then recover like a pro. Intervals are how you “lift” your heart, lungs, and legs. Every rep is a set for your cardiovascular system: stress,…

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Why Most Age Groupers Fail (And How to Fix It)

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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The first time I tried to train like a pro, I was all in. New coach. New gear. I built a 20+ hour training week and wore it like a badge of honor. This was it—I’d finally level up. Six weeks later, I was wrecked. Physically wrecked. Mentally shot. And somehow, slower than when I…

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Energy Over Ego: The First Pillar of Mastering Masters

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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You trained hard. Hit all your numbers. Felt dialed on race morning. The swim? Clean. The first half of the bike? Strong. Then it unravels. You blow through a bottle. Misjudge a climb. Legs start fading. Gut locks. Your plan’s gone, but your ego’s still pushing. T2 turns into triage. The run becomes a death…

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How to Go Epic: A 5-Step Playbook for Crafting Your Next Gravel Adventure

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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It was 2:45 AM when I rolled out of bed. A two-and-a-half hour drive ahead. Bike already racked. Oats prepped. Coffee piping hot in a travel mug. No start gun. No finish chute. Just me, a 200K gravel course in Western Massachusetts, and 14,000 feet of climbing through misty Jeep trails and hike-a-bike madness. Not…

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How to Race Fast in the Heat (Without Falling Apart)

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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If your next race is shaping up to be a scorcher, this one’s for you. I know what it feels like to step outside and immediately regret it—your car is a sauna, your gear is already sticky, and you’re wondering how the heck you’re supposed to race in this. I’ve raced Kona 10 times, and…

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Working with Fire: How to Make Heat Training Your Edge

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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Hey — it’s Coach Patrick here. I’ve been in this sport for over twenty years, and I’ve lined up at Kona ten times. I’ve had days when the heat broke me, humbled me, and left me wondering why I even bother. But somewhere along the way, I realized the heat wasn’t the enemy. In fact,…

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How my perfect plan fell apart over 200 miles — and what I’ll do differently next time

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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I showed up to Unbound 200 thinking I was ready. The plan was solid. I’d broken the course into three manageable sections. I knew when I’d fuel, when I’d hydrate, and how I’d approach each pit stop like a rehearsed pit crew. Everything was mapped out in advance. On paper, it looked like a textbook…

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Unplug to Perform: Why Endurance Athletes Need to Reclaim Training from Technology

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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You finish your long run. You’re dripping sweat, lungs full, legs torched. You stop your watch on the porch—job done. But as you’re wiping your face and reaching for something cold to drink, your watch buzzes. Unproductive. Missed Goal. Or—New 5K PR from the hike you did last weekend with friends. Welcome to endurance training…

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Endurance Nation May 2025 Race Preview: Your Insider’s Guide to Racing Smart This Month

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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Hey Team — Coach Patrick here with your official May race preview. It’s go time. May is packed with epic races and unpredictable weather. We’re heading into the heart of race season full throttle. Whether you’re racing or spectating, this is your go-to guide. We also covered these races in this week’s video — catch…

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Why Mental Preparation Is the Missing Link in Your Race Plan

 150 150 Patrick McCrann
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When most athletes think about race prep, their focus locks in on the usual suspects: training volume, equipment, travel logistics, and nutrition. These are the tangible, measurable elements—the ones you can upload to your training platform or check off on a packing list. But there’s one critical piece that rarely gets the attention it deserves:…

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