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Chasing scary goals often triggers self-doubt—the whisper that we are not enough.
Our self-imposed stories about talent and capabilities become invisible barriers, blocking our path to audacious dreams. We craft these narratives early, carry them silently, and let them dictate our actions. But what happens when we dare to question these assumptions?
My guest today is David Roche, a trail runner and elite coach who, this summer, broke one of ultrarunning’s most revered records at the Leadville 100—in his first attempt at the distance. Together with his wife, Megan Roche, MD, they co-founded Some Work, All Play (SWAP) coaching and co-host the SWAP podcast. David’s spreadsheet predicted his finish time to within 26 seconds, revealing a man driven by scientific precision. However, beneath the data lies something more profound—he is learning to embrace sensitivity as strength, igniting a paradigm shift in the sport.
From collegiate football player to record-breaking ultrarunner, David defies convention. While many focus solely on training metrics, he brings a rare blend of scientific precision and philosophical depth to the pursuit of human potential. His approach transcends achievement, challenging the very foundation of endurance sport methodology.
Today, we discuss how embracing uncertainty while pushing through self-doubt leads to extraordinary breakthroughs. Like a psychedelic journey, his experience in the pain cave revealed a profound truth: we are capable of far more than we imagine.
“We are nowhere close to the limits of human physiology in ultra events.”
– DAVID ROCHE
We explore the frontiers of human capacity where speed meets science in unprecedented ways. His revolutionary approach—running just 65-70 miles per week while emphasizing speed work—suggests the future of ultrarunning belongs to those who dare to bring elite track-and-field speed to these legendary distances.
Our dialogue highlights the fusion of data-driven methods and transcendent discovery. David shows that having meaningful relationships and staying grounded in life beyond sports not only creates happier athletes but cultivates greater success.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
His story isn’t just about running faster than anyone else—it’s a transformative journey disguised as an athletic adventure, revealing how extraordinary achievements spring from the courage to chase audacious dreams with love and vulnerability.
NOTE: Since our recording, David won the highly competitive Javelina Jundred and earned a Golden Ticket to the iconic Western States 100, proving to everyone in the sport—and himself—that Leadville wasn’t a fluke.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with David: Instagram | X | Youtube | Strava | Website
- Podcast: Some Work, All Play
- Book: The Happy Runner: Love the Process, Get Faster, Run Longer
- Trailrunner: David Roche
- Defector: How David Roche Nearly Ran His Dick Off And Maybe Changes Ultrarunning In The Process
- TheFeed: David Roche Makes History at Leadville Trail 100
- Runner’s World: In His First 100-Miler, David Roche Demolishes the Legendary Leadville 100 Course Record
- Scientific Triathlon: David Roche- The training and racing strategy behind his epic Leadville 100 course record| EP #444
- Youtube: Leadville 100 Ultramarathon & David Roche’s Run for The Impossible Record
- Youtube: David Roche’s Javelina Jundred Finish & Win | 2024
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