The Endurance Performance Nerd Alert
Running science research reviews for endurance runners
Plain-English study summaries of recent research on running training, sports nutrition, recovery, supplements, athlete health, and endurance performance.
Plain-English study summaries of recent research on running training, sports nutrition, recovery, supplements, athlete health, and endurance performance.Each month, I scan the research literature, pick the papers most relevant to marathon runners, trail runners, ultra runners, and coaches, then explain what the findings mean in practice.
And, to lubricate the science, you can even wash down each study with my craft beer of the month. So, come get nerdy!
Latest research
Latest study summaries
Recent papers translated into practical takeaways for runners and coaches.
Does a Mediterranean diet improve endurance adaptation?
The Mediterranean diet is often framed as a general health win, but this study asked a more runner-relevant question: could it help trained endurance athletes adapt to training? The answer was promising, but not earth-shaking. Read the summary...
Does caffeine plus paraxanthine improve endurance?
Caffeine is a familiar performance tool for endurance athletes, but it can also make sleep go a bit feral. This study asked whether paraxanthine, caffeine’s main metabolite, might offer useful performance or sleep-related clues for athletes and coaches. Read the summary...
Is milk tolerated during treadmill running?
Milk-based drinks are not the obvious first choice for most runners during exercise. This study asked a practical question: does low-fat, lactose-free A2 milk feel harder on the gut during running than cycling? Read the summary...
Do plant-based diets affect athletic performance?
Plant-based diets are often promoted, criticised, and occasionally shouted about in endurance sport. This study matters because it tested whether recreational runners and resistance trainers performed differently after plant-based and omnivore diet phases in a real-world university dining hall setting. Read the summary...
About the Nerd Alert
The Endurance Performance Nerd Alerts are written by me: Thomas Solomon.
I’m a PhD scientist, an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist, and a UKVRN-registered nutritionist.
I read recent research in exercise science, sports nutrition, and endurance performance, then translate selected papers into simple, practical summaries for runners and coaches.
My aim is not to hype every new study but to ask a better question: does this evidence help endurance athletes and coaches make smarter decisions?
Because science needs hops
Craft beer of the month
Craft beer of the monthTo lubricate the science, you can wash down each study with my craft beer of the month. It may improve the reading experience. Possibly. Data pending.
I’ve scored each beer using my proprietary “Rating of Perceived beer Enjoyment” — a totally unscientific and non-validated metric.
Recently reviewed beers
May 2026: Faraway Friends from Põhjala Brewery
April 2026: Hot Cakes #7 from Pulfer Brewery
March 2026: Niche Peach Connoisseur 5000 from Sudden Death Brewing
February 2026: Rhubarb and Custard from Vault City Brewing
January 2026: Stiegl Radler Grapefruit from Stiegl Brauerei
Archive
Nerd Alert archive
Browse previous editions of my running science research study summaries by month.
April 2026
March 2026
February 2026
December 2025
Older summaries back to April 2020
- Sorry, I've archived my older nerd alerts!
