Most Pleasant Exhaustion

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Discussing issues of interest to the local, national, and international endurance community.

Most Pleasant Exhaustion


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 343 EPISODES

    4.9 from 34 ratings Listeners of Most Pleasant Exhaustion that love the show mention: endurance, george, patrick, athlete, training, coach, age, host.


    Ivy Insights

    The Most Pleasant Exhaustion podcast is an excellent resource for runners and endurance athletes. Hosted by George Darden, Patrick Ollinger, and sometimes Michelle, this podcast provides a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that comes from their own personal experiences and expertise in the field. Listening to this podcast truly makes you feel like part of the running community, and the hosts' passion for the sport shines through in every episode.

    One of the best aspects of The Most Pleasant Exhaustion is the hosts' extensive knowledge and experience in endurance sports. George and Patrick have impressive running backgrounds, having competed at high school, collegiate, and even professional levels. They bring a wealth of firsthand experience to the table, making their advice tried-and-true and trustworthy. Additionally, they cover a wide range of topics including race reports, athlete interviews, product reviews, book reviews, and more. This variety ensures that there is always something interesting and informative to listen to.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the depth with which they discuss various topics. The hosts go beyond surface-level tips and provide in-depth insights into how endurance training really works. Whether it's discussing periodization, intensity, recovery, hydration, nutrition, or sleep (as Patrick often emphasizes), they leave no stone unturned. This level of detail allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of these key aspects of training and apply them effectively to their own routines.

    However, one potential drawback of The Most Pleasant Exhaustion podcast is its focus on endurance sports. While it is certainly beneficial for those interested in running or other endurance activities, those looking for content on different sports may not find it as appealing. Although they do incorporate information on various other sports and athletes from time to time, this podcast primarily caters to the endurance community.

    In conclusion, The Most Pleasant Exhaustion podcast is an exceptional resource for runners and endurance athletes who are looking for reliable advice and valuable insights into their training. With knowledgeable and personable hosts, an extensive range of topics, and a deep understanding of how endurance sports work, this podcast stands out among the rest. Whether you're new to running or a seasoned athlete, you'll find great value in listening to The Most Pleasant Exhaustion.



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    Latest episodes from Most Pleasant Exhaustion

    Episode 336--Hans Troyer, Living His Dream of Being a Pro Athlete

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 63:24


    This week, we were joined by up-and-coming ultrarunner Hans Troyer. Hans recently earned a vaunted Golden Ticket by finishing second at the Canyons 100K, thereby giving him entry into this month's Western States Endurance Run. Hans is a native of Georgia--like us!--and we got to talk to him about the highs and lows that he has experienced in his short but eventful ultrarunning career to this point.

    Episode 335--John Kelly Takes on the AT, the Aravaipa Black Canyon Controversy, and the Latest on Grand Slam Track!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 55:56


    This week, we spent some time talking about John Kelly, the ultra runner and triathlete who is aiming to take down Tara Dower's new AT record. We also discussed the recent non-DQ of a runner at the Black Canyon 100K--a race that Michelle ran!--and the controversy that has resulted. In between, we discussed the changes to the Grand Slam Track format ahead of their third meet this weekend, and we talked about the Bolder Boulder 10K!

    Episode 334--The Atlanta City Games and More!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 50:44


    The Adidas Atlanta City Games is a unique track meet, and Allison got to have a front row seat! This week, she told us all about the performances that stood out to her and the athletes that she got to interview as part of the event. Before that, we got an update on whether there's going to be a 2025 World 50K Championship, and we talked a bit about the first real running shoe purchase George has ever made for his sons.

    Episode 333--Reflecting on the Week, including St. George, Cocodona, and Michelle's New Bike!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 45:15


    This week, we caught up on the latest happenings, both in our lives and in the endurance world! We discussed the last St. George Ironman event, college graduations, Michelle's recent trip to Denver and her new bike, and our experience watching and thoughts on the Cocodona 250.

    Episode 332--Ironman Returns to Kona, Records Set at London, and the Cocodona 250!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 75:27


    This week, we discussed a wide variety of topics, including George's recent trip to Tahiti, our initial impressions of the Puma Fast-R 3, and a few more words on Faith Kipyegon's attempt to break 4:00 in the mile. We spent most of our time talking about the various records that were set at the London Marathon, this week's Cocodona 250, and the recent news from Ironman about their move back to Kona for a combined men's and women's World Championship in 2026.

    Episode 331--Michelle and Allison with all the news!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 58:09


    This week, Michelle and Allison caught up on a wide variety of things--everything from Western States qualifying to Faith Kipyegon's upcoming attempt to be the first woman to break four minutes for the mile. They also discussed Michelle's first impressions of the new Puma supershoe and Allison's recent 5K PR!

    Episode 330--The Boston Marathon and the Mad City 50K!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 69:38


    This week, we discussed two recent races: the Boston Marathon on 4-21-25 and the Mad City 50K on 4-12-25. We started with Boston, offering our thoughts and analysis on a record-breaking day. We then heard from Allison about her stellar performance at the Mad City 50K, where she finished fourth and likely secured her spot on the US World 50K Championship team.

    Episode 329--Social Media Use, Pollen, The Anxious Generation, and More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 68:19


    This week, we dived back into a few topics that inspired our listeners to send comments in the last few weeks. Why is there so much pollen?" we recently asked. We now have the answer. "How much should we talk about our training at work?" Some folks gave us their takes. We also talked about a few topics--like sodium bicarbonate and ketone supplements--that friends and training partners have recently discussed with us in workouts. In addition, we talked about a recent study of how social media may negatively impact your training, and we offered our thoughts on the first Grand Slam track meet.

    Episode 328--April Fools, Track 10Ks, and the Best Week Ever!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 54:29


    This week, we spent a lot of time discussing the 10,000 meters--whether it was The Ten from last weekend or the upcoming Save the 10,000 effort from Kara and Des--but we also found time to discuss our favorite April Fools jokes and our picks for the Final Four.

    Episode 327--Going Caffeine-Free!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 56:03


    This week, Allison, George, and Michelle discussed George's resolution to go without caffeine. Have there been side effects or withdrawals? Is it a net benefit to his life and his training? We discussed all of those things. Of course, we began by catching up with one another, especially since Allison is in here peak week and we're moving into outdoor track season! We found ourselves discussing the Austin running scene, Bandit clothing, the Atlanta Run Club, and even how we talk about running with our co-workers.

    Episode 326--Matthew Richtman and the Barkley Marathon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 57:38


    This week, Allison, Michelle, and George discussed the brilliant performance of Matthew Richtman and this year's Los Angeles Marathon, where he ran the seventh-fastest time that any American man has ever run in the marathon. After that, we discussed the most recent edition of Barkley Marathon, including how the race unfolded and why George is not a fan.

    Episode 325--Marin Ultra Challenge 50-Miler Race Report (and a Bit About FKTs!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 88:26


    This week, we talked about George's race at the Marin Ultra Challenge 50-Miler. The conversation was split into two pieces: one before the race and one after the race. In the first part, we discussed his training and his mindset going into the race, and in the second part, we got all the details on how it actually went. At the end of the podcast, Allison and Michelle discussed a little bit about Fastest Known Times (or FKTs) and what distinguishes an FKT from a really good run.

    Episode 324--Reviewing the 2025 USATF Half-Marathon Championship in Atlanta!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 48:57


    This year, the USATF Half-Marathon Championship took place as part of the Atlanta Marathon and Half-Marathon. Allison, George, and Michelle all took part in varying capacities, and they got together after the weekend to talk about the pro races, the conditions, the course, and the event as a whole.

    Episode 323--The 2025 US Half-Marathon Champs Are in Atlanta!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 45:17


    This week, Michelle and Allison got together to discuss a variety of recent news inside the world of track and field, including the recent disqualification of Raj Pannu for wearing illegal shoes at the US 100-Mile Championship, the US Indoor Track and Field Championship, and the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track. More than anything, though, they discussed their excitement over the US Half-Marathon Championship taking place on our home course here in Atlanta!

    Episode 322--Michelle Runs the Black Canyon 100K, Part Two!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 63:51


    Last week, we heard about the last few few things Michelle had to do to get ready for the Black Canyon 100K. This week, we heard all about the race! And to help tell the story of Michelle's accomplishment, she brought along her sole crew member, Eric, and the pacer that they gained in the hotel lobby, Hilary! It took a boatload of determination to get Michelle across the finish line--plus some silent disco headphones--and we got all the details.

    Episode 321--Michelle Runs the Black Canyon 100K, Part One!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 51:14


    This week, we got to hear about Michelle's final preparations before she ran the Black Canyon 100K in Arizona on February 8. We'll hear about what she has packed, how she plans to pace herself, the shoes she's going to wear, and what her mindset is heading into the race. Tune in for Part Two next week!

    Episode 320--Interview with AT Record Holder Tara Dower!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 44:39


    When Tara Dower last joined us on the Most Pleasant Exhaustion Podcast (Episode 293), she was on her way to scout some parts of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Since then, she set the record for the fastest known time on the Trail, she became a professional runner, and she moved to Colorado. This week, we got to talk to her about her whirlwind last six months, what it's like to be recognized in the airport, and all of the upcoming races on her schedule.

    Episode 319--Heart Rate Variability

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 59:31


    Have you heard of Heart Rate Variability, or HRV, and wondered what it is? Have you seen it on your watch or in your training log and not known what it means or how it can be used? We have the podcast for you! This week, we discussed what it is, how to interpret it, and how to use it, and what to do if you want it to change.

    Episode 318--Gen Z Marathoners, Puma Project 3, and the Marathon Project!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 64:18


    This week, we considered a recent Wall Street Journal article that described the increasing number of Gen Z runners who are taking on the marathon. We had a slightly different take on the phenomenon than the WSJ! We also talked about the new Puma Project 3, and we offered our ideas on whether the revived Marathon Project will be successful.

    Episode 317--Quitter's Friday, Cold Weather, and the Polar Opposite Peachtree!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 61:26


    On the day that most Americans abandon their New Years resolutions, the whole crew got together to talk about how we are doing on our resolutions so far. We also talked about how we're getting along in the cold weather, and we reviewed the new race from the Atlanta Track Club, the Polar Opposite Peachtree!

    Episode 316--Wrapping Up 2024!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 80:06


    This week, the Most Pleasant Exhaustion crew got together to talk about how 2024 went--including the information from their Spotify Wrapped and Strava Year in Review!--and what exciting things we have planned for 2025.

    Episode 315--Moab 240 Race Report with Thomas Odom!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 74:52


    What's it like to race 240 miles? (No, not a typo.) That's what Thomas Odom did in October, and he came on the podcast to tell us all about it. The gear, the crew, the challenges, and the fueling . . . he shared it all.

    Episode 314--World 100K Championship Race Report with Allison!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 60:09


    This week, Allison was back to tell us all about her experience at the 100K World Championship race in Bengaluru, India! We heard about the course, the team dynamics, the crew setup, and the race itself. Allison was able to finish 3rd on Team USA by taking 12th overall and 3rd master. She won her age group to boot!) That was good enough to help the American women finish as the third team.

    Episode 313--Valencia Marathon 2024 Race Report!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 55:40


    This week, George shared his experience with the Valencia Marathon! We talked about his shoes, his nutrition, and his trip overall, and we learned about the difficulties he faced along the way.

    Episode 312--The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 61:47


    Looking for the perfect gift for the endurance athlete in your life? We have suggestions! This week, Erik, George, and Michelle offered their suggestions for holiday gift-giving for 2024. We spent the entire year eyeing new releases and trying various things, and we offer our unfiltered thoughts on the budget items, reasonable items, and reach items that would put a smile on any endurance athlete's face!

    Episode 311--Allison and George Talk 100K Worlds and Valencia!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 57:26


    This week, Allison Mercer--a part of the extended MPE family!--came on the podcast to talk about her upcoming race at the 100K World Championship on December 7! George also has a race coming up--the Valencia Marathon on December 1--so we talked a bit about that, too! Travel plans, goals, preparation, nerves . . . we considered it all.

    Episode 310--NYCM Preview and Food Sensitivities

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 61:46


    Our aim was to preview the New York City Marathon this weekend, but we ended up talking about a variety of things including the food sensitivity test that George recently took.

    Episode 309--The New Women's Marathon WR (and the Flagstaff Marathon)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 52:31


    Ruth Chepngetich broke the women's marathon world record by nearly two minutes at the Chicago Marathon. In this installment of the podcast, we talked all about how she did it, where she came from, and what it's like to be a distance running fan when such mind-blowing performances seem to be happening more and more often. We also spent a small amount of time talking about George's run at the Flagstaff Marathon last weekend and the new offering from the Atlanta Track Club: the Polar Peachtree!

    Episode 308--Taking Stock of Hurricane Helene

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 45:14


    This week, after hearing a bit about Erik's experience at the Doggettville 12-Hour, we discussed the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene on the Blue Ridge Relay course in western North Carolina.

    Episode 307--Tara Dower's New FKT, Camille Herron, and Boston Marathon Entry!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 58:24


    We turned our attention to three big stories this week: Tara Dower's new FKT on the Appalachian Trail, the controversy over Camille Herron's Wikipedia edits, and the two press releases from the Boston Athletic Association regarding entry into the Boston Marathon. We had a lot to say about each of them, including hearing Michelle's first-hand account from the finish line of Tara's run!

    Episode 306--Catching Up with Michelle, George, and Tara Dower!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 52:47


    This weekend, friend of the podcast Tara Dower (from Episode 293) is going to be finishing the Appalachian Trail in what is likely to be a Fastest Known Time! Michelle will be there to watch the end of Tara's run, but before we sent her off, we talked a bit about where we are, what our fall plans look like, and how we're doing on our resolutions some of our resolutions . . . from 2023.

    Episode 305--2024 Blue Ridge Relay Race Report!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 73:43


    The weekend after Labor Day means it's time for our favorite race: the Blue Ridge Relay! Last weekend, Erik, George, and four other guys took on the Blue Ridge Relay for the seventh time. Hear about how it went, what we wore, and the challenges we faced along the way.

    Episode 304--Leadville Boom Days Pack Burro Race Report with Megan and Amy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 44:36


    Have you ever wanted to run fifteen miles on trails at altitude with a donkey? Well, we haven't either, but this week, we talked to two people who did just that! Megan Ressler and Amy Krupka joined us to tell us about their experience with Millie and Charleston--their donkeys--at the Leadville Boom Days Pack Burro Race. We talked about managing the animal and the challenges they faced. And of course, we made a lot of jokes.

    Episode 303--Reviewing the Olympic Marathons and the Leadville 100!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 77:14


    This week, we looked back at Sifan Hassan's historic TRIPLE at the Olympics, climaxing with the Olympic Record in the marathon. We also talked about the men's marathon, and we considered how the Americans performed. We wrapped up the podcast with a quick review of the record-setting day at the Leadville 100.

    Episode 302--Blue Ridge Relay Race Director Ken Sevensky!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 54:31


    Two years ago, in Episode 227, we interviewed Ken Sevensky, the race director for the Blue Ridge Relay. This week, we brought Ken back to hear about his preparations for the 2024 race. Ken told us about how the race has overcome obstacles over the years and grown into the event that it is today, and he gave us a glimpse of all that goes into pulling off a 200-mile relay across two states with 187 teams and over 300 volunteers.

    Episode 301--Catching Up on the Olympics!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 67:27


    The three of us have been consumed by the Olympics over the last two weeks, so we took a few minutes together to talk about them today. Even though the Games aren't yet over, we had fun talking about the things we have seen and what we've been thinking over the last little while.

    Episode 300--Race Across America Report with Katie and Carlos Aguilar!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 71:17


    For the second week in a row, we talked to a 2024 Race Across America finisher! This week, it was Katie Aguilar, who raced as part of Four the Record, a four-woman team. Her husband, Carlos, was on the crew, and he also joined us. Katie and Carlos told us about what it was like to take on such an ambitious goal, the changes that Katie had to make to her training (with Carlos's support!), and the various highs and lows they faced when racing from California to New Jersey.

    Episode 299--Race Across America Report from Brian Hetherington and Alyssa Godesky!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 71:12


    This week, we talked to a couple of folks who just successfully finished Race Across America: Brian Hetherington and Alyssa Godesky! Brian raced as part of a four-person team called Team One Life, and they raised money for a charity called Special Love. Alyssa, herself an accomplished professional triathlete and ultrarunner, coached Brian and served as the crew chief during the race. We talked about training, fueling, logistics, and some of the unexpected difficulties they faced on their way from California to New Jersey.

    Episode 298--Peachtree, the Tour's First Week, WSER, and the Olympic Track Trials!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 82:39


    There is so much going on in the world of endurance sports right now! We spent a lot of time this week talking about our experiences in the 2024 Peachtree Road Race, plus the first week of the Tour de France, the Olympic Track Trials, and an incredibly fast day at the Western States Endurance Run.

    Episode 297--Tour de France Men's Preview with Justin and Justin!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 93:45


    This week, we previewed the 2024 Men's Tour de France with our crack analysts Justin Dugan and Justin Schmidt! As they have done the last few years, Justin and Justin joined us to talk about the course, discuss the contenders, and of course, make a few predictions.

    Episode 296--Comrades Marathon Race Report!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 72:39


    On June 9th, George got to run the one race he's always wanted to run: the Comrades Marathon in South Africa! He trained with this race specifically in mind for nearly a year, including a lot of strength and mobility work, but he ran into some training issues with only a month to go. Nonetheless, he was able to finish the race with a silver medal, and he told us all about the experience this week.

    Episode 295--Awesome Sauce, the Bowerman Mile, and the Comrades Send-off!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2024 57:18


    This week, we talked about the controversy that is brewing around Spring Energy's gel, Awesome Sauce. We also recapped the Bowerman Mile, and we talked about George's final preparations before he heads off to South Africa for the Comrades Marathon next Monday!

    Episode 294--Comrades Training Update and the Upcoming Olympic Marathon Showdown!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2024 54:04


    Episode 294--Comrades Training Update and the Upcoming Olympic Marathon Showdown! by Most Pleasant Exhaustion

    Episode 293--Interview with Ultrarunner Tara Dower!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 52:38


    In April, Tara Dower won the overall title at the Umstead 100, and this week, she came on the podcast to tell us about it! Even though Tara is fairly new to ultrarunning, she has found a great deal of success, and she tells us what she has learned in her short career, what it's like to be sponsored by Altra, how the Umstead race unfolded, and what's next!

    Episode 292--Tobacco Road Relay Race Report!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 68:26


    This week, we talked all about our experience at the Tobacco Road Relay over the weekend. TRR is an event that Erik and George helped win in 2022 in its inaugural year, and this year, they were back to give it another go on a three-person team with their friend Lee. The course had changed a great deal, though, and the race director--Ken Sevensky, the race director of the Blue Ridge Relay--put together a great event. We talk all about our running, our fueling, and of course, our gear, as we made our way as a three-person team over the 75-mile course in central North Carolina.

    Episode 291--Sweat Testing at Elemental Altitude!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 42:17


    This week, we visited our friend and sponsor Elemental Altitude to do some sweat testing! Both Michelle and George spent an hour on the treadmill to see how much fluid they would lose and how salty their sweat was. The results met our expectations in some ways, but in other ways, we were surprised by what we found.

    Episode 290--Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker Race Report with Doug Olsen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 56:15


    This week, we talked to Doug Olsen. Doug recently finished the brutal Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50-mile race, which traverses three massive climbs and includes 12,000 feet of gain and loss over the course. Along the way, he summited Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States. Doug talked to us about his training, the challenges he faced along the way, his gear, and his [surprising] nutrition.

    Episode 289--The Cove 50K and The Ten!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 55:42


    This week, we discussed George's recent run at a new trail race, the Cove 50K. We also talked about the amazing performances at The Ten, a time-trial-style race in California where eight men ran under 27:00, Nico Young set a new collegiate record, and a woman (Tigise Gebreselama) ran under 30:00 for the first time on American soil.

    Episode 288--Shamrocks and Shout-Outs!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 51:30


    In this week's short episode, we talked about all of the people we know that are racing over the weekend, and we heard a bit about Michelle's experience at the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA.

    Episode 287--The KICKR Treadmill and Lululemon's Further!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 71:10


    This week, we caught up on everyone's training, and we discussed George's test of the new KICKR Treadmill! We also talked about our takeaways from Lululemon's Further event, where Camille Herron set fourteen new ultra-running records.

    Episode 286--Reviewing Molly Seidel's "The Build Up"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2024 72:13


    This week, we discussed a variety of things, but we spent most of our time considering what Molly Seidel talked about in the final episode of her limited series podcast, The Build Up. The podcast, which was only six episodes long, described the hurdles Molly faced in building up to the Olympic Marathon Trials race--a race that she ultimately did not start due to injury. Among other things, we talked about the mental and physical risks that professional athletes take, and we talked about whether those risks are really worth it.

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