Some Work, All Play 296. How To Use Electrolytes, Zone 2 Problems, Strange VO2 Max Measures, The Weird World of Probiotics, and AI Training Thoughts!
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Feb 3, 2026 Practical tips for using electrolytes in races and how sweat-sodium varies between athletes. A quirky discussion of a new probiotic study linking gut microbes to activity and fatigue. Skepticism around an extreme VO2 max claim and odd measurement quirks. Short takes on AirPods heart-rate data, AI for training plans, Zone 2 pacing pitfalls, bike vs elliptical training, and parenting trade-offs.
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Validate Sweat Sensors With Training
- Precision at-rest tests (Precision Fuel & Hydration) provide a useful starting sodium estimate without exercise.
- Treat biosensor patches as approximate and always validate by calibrating during real training or lab tests.
Practice Race Electrolyte Plans
- During long efforts practice your race-day electrolyte plan and expect sodium needs to change during the event.
- For regular easy training, don't overcomplicate electrolytes; normal diet suffices and occasional tabs help recovery.
General AI Still Poor For Training Plans
- General AI systems (Gemini/ChatGPT) still give poor, over-intense, or nonspecific training plans and hallucinated dates.
- Running-specific AI (Runa, Strava workouts) are better because they use domain context, but skepticism remains warranted.
