The Alchemical Life

<p>Welcome to the Alchemical Life Podcast. This is the podcast that redefines transformation to help athletes prevent injury, improve performance, and achieve more in both sport and life.</p>

From Injury-Prone to Unbreakable: The Physiology of Strength for Runners

You may hear all the time that runners need to strength train, but why? What physiologically is happening in the body that contributes positively to someone's running? Find out in this episode! Introduction to Strength Training- 00:00:00 Physiological Benefits of Strength Training- 00:03:00 Strength Training for Runners- 00:09:00 Tendon Training and Its Importance- 00:15:00 Bone Density and Running- 00:21:00 Muscle Development and Performance- 00:27:00 Structuring Training Weeks- 00:33:...

11-19
24:33

The Reality of Being an Endurance Athlete When Your Health Fails You

Keeping it real. Have you ever used exercise to calm your mind? Ever used it to escape? Ever overdone it? Are you feeling like you're stuck in this constant cycle of recovering and cannot seem to handle hard training like you should be able to? How about brain fog or depression or anxiety? This episode is my own health update, but you may need to hear it too. MY COACHING: https://r.newie.app/fz5ve7j05jk8 MY WEBSITE: www.alchemical-training.com DISCOVER YOUR PROGRAM: https://www...

11-12
21:36

How to Find the RIGHT Strength Coach for Endurance Athletes | Stop Wasting Time & Money

The ultimate guide to vet ANY coach and ensure your investment is going to the right person. MY COACHING: https://r.newie.app/fz5ve7j05jk8 MY WEBSITE: www.alchemical-training.com DISCOVER YOUR PROGRAM: https://www.alchemical-training.com/quiz MY SOCIALS: instagram: www.instagram.com/abigail.crowe business instagram: www.instagram.com/alchemicaltraining Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HvsU9Ajas/?mibextid=wwXIfr QUESTIONS? BOOK A CALL: ac@alchemicaltraining.com Don't...

11-05
20:33

Managing Strength Training Stimulus for Endurance Athletes - Stay Strong Without Breaking Down

Summary In this episode, I break down how to manage strength training stimulus for endurance athletes without wrecking yourself. I emphasize the importance of load and stimulus management over merely sports-specific exercises. Your body sees all training as cumulative fatigue. If you're constantly tired despite training "right" or coaching athletes who break down mid-block, this is your roadmap to lifting smarter while staying healthy and strong. MY COACHING: https://r.newie.app/fz5ve7j05...

10-29
22:35

The Dark Side of Endurance Training: Psychotherapist Tells ALL (Mental Health, Social Media & Eating Disorders)

Summary Welcome psycho...therapist Paul Peavy to the podcast! We get real about the dark side of endurance training —anxiety, OCD, comparison culture, and the constant pressure to do more. He gives the ultimate breathwork practice to calm our emotional brain and expand our prefrontal cortex. We also tackle eating disorders in endurance sports, how social media messes with our heads, and why faith has become my anchor when training gets tough. If you've ever felt like you're just going through...

10-22
01:05:08

The Static Stretching Myth That's Keeping You Injured and Slow (and what to do instead)

Summary In this episode, I break down why static stretching isn't the injury prevention hero we've been told it is—and what runners should actually be doing instead. I explain what's physiologically happening when you hold your hamstring stretch and why it's a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. But NO FEAR! Solutions are here. We chat about why strength training and dynamic mobility work are absolute game-changers for runners, how to actually fit strength sessions into your running sch...

10-15
26:59

The Secret To A FAST Marathon (and it's not more mileage)

Summary One of my favorite episodes to date. Hybrid athlete Alec Blenis is a competitive marathoner with the physique of a body builder. He is proficient across many training modalities- Crossfit, ultra marathons, and olympic lifting, just to name a few. In this episode, I had the honor to pick his brain on workout quality over volume for the marathon, weekly mileage, the benefits of cross training and incline treadmill work, the BEST sessions to do to PR your next half or full marathon...

10-08
01:07:01

Why Your Brain Is Sabotaging Your PRs (And How to Fix It)

SUMMARY: Perspective can be a PED. Our mindset can make or break our performance as endurance athletes. As someone that has struggled deeply with this in my own training, business, and life, I am passionate about sharing this with you guys. Mental tools such as, self-talk, visualization, and goal setting (with the research behind it), are crucial for success in sport, and I also go over how you can apply them to your training TODAY. Oh....and I share my SCARY GOALS. CHAPTERS Intro: 1:44 Pers...

10-01
21:57

These Mental Tricks Will Drop Your Race Time- Insights from 20x State Champ Coach Gary Droze

Let's welcome back fan-favorite Gary Droze!!! He comes back on the pod to discuss the psychology behind sports and racing. We delve into the mental hurdles athletes face, the importance of mental toughness, and practical strategies to overcome performance anxiety. As always, Gary shares personal anecdotes from his coaching career and his own experiences as an athlete, offering you guys valuable insights into the mental game of sports. Chapters: Introduction to Gary Droz (0:00) The Psychology...

09-24
59:53

How To Navigate Through ANY Training Setback Like a PRO

Summary In this episode, I dive into what happens when your training just isn't clicking- the mental and physical roadblocks we all hit, when to step back and honestly assess where you're at, and how to deal with getting sick or injured. We get real about managing your headspace and adjusting your training when life throws curveballs because, let's be honest, none of us have it figured out. And if you've got a story of your own, SHARE IT!! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Struggles of...

09-17
26:56

Blaine McConnell on sprints for endurance, PEDs, fasted cardio, and MORE

On this episode of the Alchemical Life Podcast, I interview Blaine McConnell- football player, Crossfit games athlete, Team USA bobsledder, and now freak athlete and creator of "the best damn training channel on YouTube". We chat about the nuances of training, the benefits of sprinting for endurance, and the art of auto-regulation in workouts. We go into topics like nicotine, PEDs, fasted training, caffeine, and much more. Enjoy folks! Chapters: Introduction to Blaine McConnell (0:00) Blaine...

09-10
01:08:47

WHAT HYBRID ATHLETES AREN'T TELLING YOU!!

Summary: a good old Q&A. How I got into running, can you trust your watch, how hard is it really to maintain strength while endurance running AND can you actually get jacked and run fast?!?!?! MY COACHING: https://r.newie.app/fz5ve7j05jk8 MY WEBSITE: www.alchemical-training.com DISCOVER YOUR PROGRAM: https://www.alchemical-training.com/quiz MY SOCIALS: instagram: www.instagram.com/abigail.crowe business instagram: www.instagram.com/alchemicaltraining Facebook: https://www.facebook...

09-03
18:42

The Fatal Flaw in Every Endurance Training Program (You're Probably Doing This)

Summary In this episode, I use a presentation from a seminar I held to better connect the strength and endurance world. I break down exactly how to balance volume, frequency, and intensity to IMPROVE your performance- not sabotage it. Want to know how to structure your strength sessions, nail the hard-easy training week, and fuel your body to recover and perform?? Listen up, because let's face it, most endurance athletes have been led poorly when it comes to all these topics. Chapters 00:00 I...

08-27
22:09

Never Breaking 6min to 5:19 Mile in 10 WEEKS - How I Did It

SUMMARY In this episode, I dish out all the secrets for my mile training: my background, my training, what went right, what went wrong, etc. Learn how to run your FASTEST miles yet. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Mile Training Journey 02:29 Background and Initial Training Experience 04:50 Transitioning to Mile Training 09:41 Challenges Faced During Training 13:02 What Went Right in Training 18:07 Final Thoughts and Future Goals MY COACHING: https://r.newie.app/fz5ve7j05jk8 MY WEBSITE...

08-20
21:57

Divorcing Your Mileage Obsession (Plus 3 Tips for Perfect Runs)

Summary Marriage is great, but should you be married to your mileage? Welcome to MA, mileage anonymous. Here we do not judge!! Figure out if you are in fact married to hitting mileage, when it becomes a problem, and most importantly - HOW TO SOLVE IT! Oh, and I give 3 tips to almost ALWAYS guarantee a great run. Boom baby. You're welcome. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mileage Awareness 02:42 Signs of Being Married to the Mileage 05:24 Consequences of Mileage Obsession 07:59 Reev...

08-13
23:32

State Champ Track Coach Breaks Down: Legit vs. BS Training Hacks

Summary State champion coach Gary Droze reveals which performance enhancers actually work—from caffeine timing to super shoes to altitude training—and exposes the expensive myths that slow you down. Plus: why your smartwatch might be sabotaging your training instincts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gary Droz and His Background 02:40 Transitioning to Coaching and Training Philosophy 05:23 Exploring Supplements and Technologies in Running 08:17 The Role of Caffeine in Performance 11:04 Unders...

08-06
01:02:27

Why Your Athletic Background Changes Everything: The Secret to Unlocking Your Training Potential

Summary: Hey! Today we chat about the importance of your training background when it comes to programming considerations for runners and lifters. Discover how your origin story can shape your training approach and learn about the benefits of tailored programs designed to meet your unique needs. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction. 02:00 - Understanding Your Background 05:30 - Programming Considerations 10:00 - Tailored Training Programs 15:00 - Practical Tips and Insights: Advice on managing trai...

07-30
22:46

Getting a Sub 3 Marathon w/ Elite Masters Runner Katie Sherron

Summary: Elite masters runner Katie Sherron is an incredible runner and complete phenom in races from the mile to the half, but struggled in reaching her capabilities in the marathon. After several poor marathon experiences, Katie decided to go after it one more time. Today, she comes on the podcast to discuss her steps to a 2:50 marathon. Learn about the training, fueling, and race day strategy that went into getting her to the starting line healthy and the finish line strong. It is an honor...

07-23
43:17

The 8 Biggest Strength Training DONT'S for Runners

Summary In this episode, I break down the essential aspects of strength training for runners. I address the 8 biggest DONT'S when it comes to strength training as a runner. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Strength Training for Runners 02:42 Key No-Nos in Strength Training for Runners 08:58 The Importance of Unilateral vs. Bilateral Training 11:46 Rest and Recovery in Strength Training 15:37 Plyometrics: When and How to Use Them 18:20 Lifting Strategies for Runners 21:55 Conclusion and Future ...

07-16
22:22

Episode 36: Dominating The 5K w/ Danny Manausa

Summary Welcome Danny Manausa to The Alchemical Life Podcast. Tune in to learn how to train for your best 5k yet, along with strategies for race day. We also talk about the value of training partners, current training, and future race goals. Chapters 00:00 The Roots of Running 02:39 Lessons from Running 05:22 Training for the 5K 11:15 Injury Management and Strength Training 16:41 Race Day Strategies 22:21 Mental Insights from Running 28:00 Future Goals and Training Plans MY COACHING: ...

07-09
41:04

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