Go offline with the Player FM app!
#127 - David Sinclair
Manage episode 514022095 series 3557298
Ten hours on the edge, a live stream watched by hundreds of thousands, and a second-place finish that announced David Sinclair to the world stage. We unpack how an injury scare turned into a smarter build, why he chose CCC over OCC, and the exact training and fueling choices that helped him lead for hours, survive the low points, and find the grit to hold the podium in Chamonix.
David takes us inside the chaos at Worlds—from canceled flights to a sky-high vert profile—and what that taught him about specificity and course targeting. Then we go deep on the nuts and bolts: threshold-focused workouts drawn from his ski background, a summer of cross-training and uphill-only running, and the course recon that let him pace with intent. We break down his fueling strategy in plain terms—80 to 100 grams of carbs per hour, flavor fatigue management, and why separating carbs, fluids, and electrolytes can save your stomach late. With Western States on the horizon, he shares a practical heat plan: steady sauna work, relentless ice at every aid, and simple systems that keep core temperature down without overcomplicating race day.
We also talk shoes and gear, including Craft prototypes that balance cushioning with stability on runnable terrain, and why East Coast training—rolling dirt roads, rooty steeps, variable weather—can build world-class durability without altitude. David’s philosophy is refreshingly clear: keep it fun, stay flexible, and double down on the basics that actually move the needle. If you’re mapping your next build or just love a front-row view of a breakthrough season, this conversation is a masterclass in turning setbacks into fuel.
If this episode adds value to your training, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. Your support helps us bring on more voices you’ll want to learn from.
Follow David on IG - @david.a.sinclair.92
Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello
Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod
Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!
Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello
Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod
Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!
Chapters
1. Season Recap And Big Results (00:00:00)
2. Injury Setback And Cross-Training Pivot (00:04:55)
3. Worlds: Travel Chaos And Race Lessons (00:08:45)
4. Mindset In The Pack And Team USA (00:16:40)
5. East Coast Roots And Training Grounds (00:23:05)
6. Why Choose CCC Over OCC (00:28:20)
7. CCC Strategy: Fast Start To Survival (00:31:30)
8. Nutrition, Electrolytes, And Cramp Risks (00:41:30)
9. Western States Plans And Heat Prep (00:48:15)
10. Gear, Shoes, And Craft Prototypes (00:56:10)
11. Threshold Workouts And Data-Driven Training (01:00:30)
12. Coaching Philosophy And Longevity (01:05:30)
13. Closing Thoughts And Support (01:11:00)
241 episodes
Manage episode 514022095 series 3557298
Ten hours on the edge, a live stream watched by hundreds of thousands, and a second-place finish that announced David Sinclair to the world stage. We unpack how an injury scare turned into a smarter build, why he chose CCC over OCC, and the exact training and fueling choices that helped him lead for hours, survive the low points, and find the grit to hold the podium in Chamonix.
David takes us inside the chaos at Worlds—from canceled flights to a sky-high vert profile—and what that taught him about specificity and course targeting. Then we go deep on the nuts and bolts: threshold-focused workouts drawn from his ski background, a summer of cross-training and uphill-only running, and the course recon that let him pace with intent. We break down his fueling strategy in plain terms—80 to 100 grams of carbs per hour, flavor fatigue management, and why separating carbs, fluids, and electrolytes can save your stomach late. With Western States on the horizon, he shares a practical heat plan: steady sauna work, relentless ice at every aid, and simple systems that keep core temperature down without overcomplicating race day.
We also talk shoes and gear, including Craft prototypes that balance cushioning with stability on runnable terrain, and why East Coast training—rolling dirt roads, rooty steeps, variable weather—can build world-class durability without altitude. David’s philosophy is refreshingly clear: keep it fun, stay flexible, and double down on the basics that actually move the needle. If you’re mapping your next build or just love a front-row view of a breakthrough season, this conversation is a masterclass in turning setbacks into fuel.
If this episode adds value to your training, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick rating or review. Your support helps us bring on more voices you’ll want to learn from.
Follow David on IG - @david.a.sinclair.92
Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello
Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod
Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!
Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello
Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod
Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!
Chapters
1. Season Recap And Big Results (00:00:00)
2. Injury Setback And Cross-Training Pivot (00:04:55)
3. Worlds: Travel Chaos And Race Lessons (00:08:45)
4. Mindset In The Pack And Team USA (00:16:40)
5. East Coast Roots And Training Grounds (00:23:05)
6. Why Choose CCC Over OCC (00:28:20)
7. CCC Strategy: Fast Start To Survival (00:31:30)
8. Nutrition, Electrolytes, And Cramp Risks (00:41:30)
9. Western States Plans And Heat Prep (00:48:15)
10. Gear, Shoes, And Craft Prototypes (00:56:10)
11. Threshold Workouts And Data-Driven Training (01:00:30)
12. Coaching Philosophy And Longevity (01:05:30)
13. Closing Thoughts And Support (01:11:00)
241 episodes
All episodes
×Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.