When it comes to running, more isn't always better. At some point, adding more miles, intensity, or strength training can stop helping and start working against you.

In this episode, Kevin and I discuss the law of diminishing returns and how it affects running performance, recovery, and race preparation. We share lessons from our daughter's intensive PSAT prep and explain why, just like studying for a big test, there comes a point when you need to trust the work you've already done instead of trying to squeeze in more.

We also discuss professional marathoner Vinny Nauti's high-volume training, why copying another runner's approach doesn't always work, and how to recognize when you're accumulating fatigue instead of making progress. I share why building an easy running base, balancing training intensity, prioritizing recovery, and adjusting your plan to fit your life are essential for long-term improvement.

We also break down race tapering, including how to adjust your running and strength training so you can arrive at race day ready to perform.

00:00 – When More Stops Helping: The Law of Diminishing Returns
01:07 – PSAT Prep and Knowing When to Stop
02:16 – Trusting Your Training During a Race Taper
02:59 – Mileage, Training Stress, and Recovery
04:50 – Breaking Through Plateaus: Push, Pull Back, or Wait?
06:06 – The Salt Analogy: Finding the Right Amount
08:05 – Vinny Natti and the Outlier in Marathon Training
11:17 – High Mileage and Fast Treadmill Running
15:40 – Is It Overtraining, or Just Part of Racing?
19:59 – Finding Your Individual Training Limit
21:37 – The Gray Zone: When Every Run Feels Moderately Hard
23:19 – Balancing Running Volume and Intensity
24:26 – Build Your Easy Running Base First
26:20 – Making Training Enjoyable and Sustainable
28:13 – Age, Running History, and Recovery Needs
30:46 – Lifestyle, Sleep, Nutrition, and Performance
35:01 – Creative Training Cycles and Adjusting Your Schedule
36:18 – Race Tapering: Trust the Work You've Done
38:03 – How to Adjust Strength Training During a Taper
40:02 – Running Taper Variations and Individual Needs
42:15 – Balancing Training Stress and Life Stress

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