
The XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast
Exciting, in-depth, and sometimes humorous conversations with experts in sports performance and human optimization across the globe. Including athletes, coaches, elite scientists, and self-experimenters, this show has it all. Hear directly from the source about all of the behind-the-scenes happenings in our sport and the ways they go about impacting it on a daily basis.
Episodes
109 episodes
Does Tailored Training Even Matter?
As the indoor track season draws to a close, our athletes at XLR8 Performance Lab have left their marks on the record books. Join us for a recap of these monumental moments, including Addi Dorenkamp's record-smashing performance and Tommy Hensl...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 2
•
22:44

5 Reasons Long Slow Distance Running is Dumb! (And maybe a few reasons it's not...)
Is your endurance training really pushing you towards peak performance or just pushing you towards a plateau? Prepare to have your training beliefs tested as I, Ben Tilus, cut through the noise surrounding long slow distance (LSD) running. This...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 1
•
15:38

Breaking Boundaries: Elov Osslon's Record-Setting Journey in Ultramarathons
In this episode, we dive into the world of ultramarathon racing with Elov Olsson, a Swedish sensation in the running community. Elov's story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of human endura...
•
Episode 35
•
40:19

Fueling Athlete Success: Mike Gettemy's Coaching Revolution with XLR8 Performance Lab
🎙️ Fueling Athlete Success with Mike Gettemy's Coaching RevolutionIn this inspiring episode of The XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, we sit down with Mike Gettemy, a dedicated physical education teacher and accomplished coach at Anken...
•
Episode 34
•
34:15

Chasing Olympic Dreams: The Austin O'Brien Training & Story
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Austin O'Brien, a semi-pro runner for Runablaze Iowa and certified mental performance coach. Austin's remarkable journey from an all-America college athlete to a dream of making it to the Olympic Tria...
•
Episode 33
•
1:04:27

The Mental Game: What Made Matthew Schaul's Jump in Performance Possible
In this episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, we dive deep into the world of mindset and performance with an athlete who's seen remarkable growth in their running journey. Join us as we sit down with Matthew Schaul, a standout runner fro...
•
Episode 8
•
29:21

New Horizons: The Ever-Shifting Priorities of Jackson Mace-Maynard
Join us in this insightful episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast as we sit down with Jackson Mace-Maynard, a talented athlete whose journey from high school star to college athlete is filled with twists and turns. Jackson's story is one o...
•
Episode 31
•
1:19:46

Hayden Kuhn: A Journey from XLR8 to University of Iowa
In this episode of the XLR8 Alumni series, we have the privilege of sitting down with Hayden Kuhn. Hayden's story is a testament to the incredible potential of student-athletes when they receive the right guidance and training.As a sopho...
•
Episode 29
•
36:19

Athlete Breakdown: Maya Bergstrom | Progressive Threshold
Athlete Breakdown: Maya Bergstrom | Progressive Threshold In this episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, join us as we unravel the intriguing world of progressive threshold training with Maya Bergstrom. Host Riley Witt sits d...
•
Episode 7
•
26:13

Shaylyn DeYoung: Coaching for Success With Swim, Cycle, Run, and Triathlon
Shaylyn DeYoung: Coaching for Success With Swim, Cycle, Run, and TriathlonIn this episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, we dive into the world of multisport coaching with our very own Shaylyn DeYoung, XLR8's expert coach in swimm...
•
Episode 28
•
46:44

XLR8 Update | Ben Tilus & Riley Witt
In this exciting episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast, join hosts Ben Tilus and Riley Witt as they unveil the latest developments in the world of athletic excellence at XLR8.First, they introduce XLR8's newest addition, Coach Shay...
•
Episode 27
•
1:01:28

Athlete Breakdown: Collin Houg | Mastering Precision Training
In this episode of the "XLR8 Performance Lab Podcast," we delve into the fascinating world of precision training with none other than Collin Houg.We explore the meticulous methods Ben employs in his workouts to maximize his performance a...
•
Episode 6
•
28:11

Athlete Breakdown: Landon Bendgen | Guide to Tempo Runs
Athlete Breakdown: Landon Bendgen | Guide to Tempo RunsTempo runs are a vital component of any runner's training regimen, but mastering them can be a daunting task. We break down the intricacies of tempo running, providing valuable insig...
•
Episode 5
•
22:26

Athlete Breakdown: Claire Helmers | Inside The Norwegian Training Model
Join us in this exciting episode as we dive deep into the world of endurance training with XLR8 athlete Claire Helmers. Claire has been on an incredible journey, absolutely destroying her junior cross-country season braking 17 on just about any...
•
Episode 4
•
31:26

Athlete Breakdown: Tommy Hensley | Inside the Testing Process
In this compelling episode, we venture into the world of athletic performance testing with Tommy Hensley. Join us as we unveil the intricacies of Tommy's remarkable journey towards athletic excellence, and discover what the testing process trul...
•
Episode 3
•
23:20

Athlete Breakdown: Charlie Bennett | Increasing Fat Max and Long Covid Recovery
In this enlightening episode, we're delving into the world of strategic running and performance enhancement once again. This time, our focus is on Charlie Bennett, as we explore strategies to boost his 5K performance and enhance his running pro...
•
Episode 2
•
26:58

Athlete Breakdown: Abel Squires | Tips For High Anaerobic Distance Runners
In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the world of running strategy and tactics. Specifically, we're focusing on how Abel Squires can elevate his 5K performance by strategically targeting his anaerobic capacity and reducing his VLA max...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
30:27

Resilience Redefined: Maddie Block's Unwavering Spirit
In this episode, titled "Resilience Redefined: Maddie Block's Unwavering Spirit," we dive deep into the inspiring narrative of a young athlete who transformed setbacks into stepping stones on her path to greatness.Maddie's story is a tes...
•
Episode 24
•
44:57

Making History: The Cailie Logue Legacy
Join us for an electrifying episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast as we dive into the incredible running journey of Cailie Logue, a true powerhouse in the sport. In this captivating conversation titled "Making History: The Cailie Logue Le...
•
Episode 22
•
46:26

Running with Purpose: Unveiling the Journey of Kiki Connell
Join us on an inspiring episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast as we dive into the incredible journey of Kiki Connell, a standout runner with an unwavering passion for the sport. In this captivating conversation titled "From Talent to Triu...
•
Episode 21
•
35:58

From Doubt to Dominance: Addison Dorenkamp's Path to Overcoming Mental Challenges in Running
Join us on the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast for an empowering episode as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Addison Dorenkamp, a true symbol of resilience and triumph. In this thought-provoking conversation titled "From Doubt to Dominan...
•
Episode 20
•
31:38

A Class of Her Own: Paityn Noe's Legacy as Iowa's High School Running Legend
Join us for a riveting episode of [Your Podcast Name] as we delve into the inspiring legacy of Paityn Noe, an extraordinary high school runner hailing from Iowa. In this captivating exploration titled "A Class of Her Own: Paityn Noe's Legacy as...
•
Episode 19
•
40:35

The Pursuit of Excellence: The Rise of Chase Lauman
In this exhilarating episode of the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast, join host Riley Witt as he delves into the extraordinary journey of Chase Lauman. Titled "The Pursuit of Excellence: The Rise of Chase Lauman," this episode takes you on an inspi...
•
Episode 17
•
33:14

A Look Back: 2023 State Recap With Ben Tilus
In this episode of The XLR8 Podcast, join host Riley Witt as he sits down with Ben Tilus, the owner of XLR8 Performance Lab, a renowned coaching service for high school runners. Titled "A Look Back: 2023 State Recap With Ben Tilus," this episod...
•
Episode 16
•
39:30

Chasing Greatness: Inside the Mind of One Of Iowa's Best Distance Runners | Jackson Heidesch
Welcome back to the XLR8 Performance Lab podcast! In this exciting episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jackson Heidesch, quite possibly Iowa's best high school distance runner to date. Jackson has been on a remarkable journey, ac...
•
Episode 15
•
41:31
