Running Coaching from David & Megan Roche
Trail Runner Magazine Articles
SWAP Writing
David & Megan write coaching and training articles for Trail Runner Magazine, with weekly articles online and 2 articles a month in print.
Article Content
Our writing covers just about every topic related to running, with 200+ articles in the last 3 years. Have a topic you're interested in? Contact us!
Find here a periodically-updated archive.
Featured Articles
A New Study Asks: Higher Volume or Higher Intensity?
A new study compared two weeks of higher volume training versus two weeks of higher intensity training. The findings could have important implications for how athletes think about training interventions.
Increasing Carb Intake Before and During Races May Improve Endurance Performance
A 2021 study gathered data on what nutrition runners consumed before and during a 24-hour ultra run. Quantity of carbohydrates leading up to the event and during the event both correlated with performance outcomes. What does that mean for long races? Keep the carbs coming.
Mental Health is Health. Let's Treat It.
There is staggering variation in how each of us can experience the world inside of our own heads. Mental health treatment can vary from non-clinical practices to talk therapy to medication and so much more—and no treatment should have any stigma. You are enough and you are loved, as you are, always.
The Science on What Variables Predict Trail Running Performance
An emerging field of study takes a fascinating approach, using race performances themselves as the dependent variables. What are the attributes of an athlete who has the most success in trail and ultra races? The answer involves speed, strength, and ... maybe some luck. Let’s dive into a wildly fun area of research.
The Negative Health and Performance Impacts of Program-Wide Body Composition Monitoring
A recent report in The Oregonian details allegations that the University of Oregon program adjusted training based on body composition readings in repeated DEXA scans. If true, that practice is medically dubious and physiologically wrong.
The Theory of "The Hill Beast" Workout
When you’re getting ready for a key event, a big training effort can spur neuromuscular and musculoskeletal breakthroughs. The Hill Beast workout can make the legs and the brain indestructible. Let’s dive into the evolution of a training theory.
The Exciting, Rapid Adaptations From Speed Work in Studies
Some exercise physiology studies show quick improvement in athletes introducing just a few weeks of 30-second intervals. Does that mean all athletes might benefit from applying the principles of speed development? The answer could have major implications for how you think about structuring a training week.
The Wildly Cool Training Approach of Speed Skating Gold Medalist Nils van der Poel
6+ hours of biking a day? Ultrarunning? 2 rest days every week? 5 straight threshold workouts? Let’s explore the exciting training principles of a world-record holder, which could have lessons for all endurance athletes. And no matter what, it is extremely cool.
The Surprising Connection Between Training Intensity and Long-Term Growth
Three science-backed tips for creating a training system that supports long-range athletic goals and progress.
The Science Behind How Elite Runners Train
A wonderful new review article analyzed the literature and online resources to summarize the training that makes athletes into the best in the world. It's got everything: easy running, workout structure, season design, tapers, and so much more. Let’s dive into one of the most incredible articles ever.