Inside the Physiology of Endurance with Mike Weiss: Altitude, Iron, and Smarter Training

What's in this episode

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Maximum Mileage Running Podcast, I sit down with exercise physiologist Mike Weiss of Alta Health and Performance Solutions to dig into the science behind endurance performance and what it really means to train smarter. We start by exploring Mike’s background and his specialization in environmental physiology, including how the body responds to altitude and heat. We break down what is actually happening at altitude and why it is not about less oxygen, but less pressure, and how that impacts your performance. We also get into practical takeaways you can apply right away, like why checking your iron and ferritin levels matters for adaptation, how hydration and fueling needs shift at elevation, and what signs your body might be giving you when something is off. Then we dive into metabolic testing, a core focus of the work Mike does at Alta Health and Performance Solutions. We talk about what it is, why it matters, and how it gives you a much more individualized and accurate picture than wearable data alone. This is the kind of information that can help you train more efficiently and reach your potential faster. If you have ever wanted to better u