Douglas RichesDouglas Riches
Writing

Field notes on running & endurance

Training, recovery, and the science of going a little further.

Engineering

Shipping an AI code reviewer people actually want

What I learned building Vor, an AI code reviewer that runs as a GitHub Action. The line between helpful and annoying is thinner than you think — and the hard part was teaching it restraint.

Technology & Innovation

Your Brain's Emergency Fuel Tank: What Happens Inside Your Head When You Run a Marathon

You've heard of hitting the wall. You know the feeling — somewhere around kilometre 30, your legs turn to concrete, your thoughts go foggy, and the finish line might as well be on another planet. We've always blamed glycogen depletion, dehydration, or plain old fatigue. But a groundbreaking study published in Nature Metabolism has revealed something far stranger happening during a marathon: your brain starts consuming its own insulation to keep the lights on. The Study That Rewrote the...

Technology & Innovation

The Metabolic Ceiling: What Science Reveals About Your Body's Real Limits

If you’re an endurance athlete, you’ve probably heard the phrase “listen to your body.” Turns out, your body has been listening to physics the whole time. A fascinating body of research has uncovered something that elite ultra-runners, triathletes, and cyclists have long suspected but never quite proven: there’s a hard limit to how much energy your body can sustain, even when you’re in peak condition. And that limit is far lower than most of us think. The Discovery: The 2.5x Rule A landmark...

Technology & Innovation

Your Red Blood Cells Are Taking a Beating: What New Ultramarathon Research Means for Every Endurance Athlete

If you've ever stumbled across the finish line of a long race feeling like your body had been through a washing machine on the spin cycle, science just confirmed what you suspected: extreme endurance effort doesn't just wreck your legs. It wrecks your blood. A study published in February 2026 in the American Society of Hematology's journal Blood Red Cells & Iron has revealed that ultramarathon running causes measurable damage to red blood cells — the tiny oxygen-ferrying workhorses that keep...

Technology & Innovation

The Ketone Hack: How a Post-Workout Drink Could Supercharge Your Mitochondria and Recovery

A man stirs a drink in a warmly lit kitchen, dressed in cycling gear, with a helmet and bottle on the counter, suggesting a post-ride refreshment ritual. What if I told you the biggest upgrade to your endurance training this year might not come from another interval session, a fancier GPS watch, or even a new pair of carbon-plated shoes? What if it came from what you drink after your workout? A new study just dropped in The Journal of Physiology that has the endurance world buzzing, and for...

Technology & Innovation

Mastering Race Strategy with Garmin PacePro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Racing is about more than just showing up and running hard strategy plays a crucial role in maximizing performance.

Personal Reflections & Tips

Heat Therapy and Athletic Performance: Why Saunas Are a Game-Changer for Runners

Studies show that regular sauna use can strengthen the heart speed up muscle recovery help the body adapt to heat, and enhance mental focus.

Personal Reflections & Tips

The Power of Sleep: How Quality Rest Can Make or Break Your Athletic Performance

Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s an active process that fuels your body and brain.

Personal Reflections & Tips

Mindful Running: Techniques for Staying Focused, Relaxed, and Injury-Free on Your Runs

A calm runner practices mindfulness in a stunning setting, surrounded by golden fields and a dramatic sunset sky. Running can be such a...

Technology & Innovation

Data-Driven Training: How Analytics Platforms and Apps Can Help Optimize Running Performance

A determined runner powers through a scenic mountain landscape, with digital data overlays illustrating performance analytics in the...

Personal Reflections & Tips

Building Confidence: Handling Setbacks And Celebrating Small Wins In Your Running and Marathon Training Journey

Embracing the journey and running at sunrise with a growth mindset fosters confidence and resilience. Running, like life, is full of...

Running Adventures & Events

Night Owl Outings: Running Night Safety

How to Stay Safe and Enjoy the Magic of Running Under the Stars Runners wear illuminated vests for safety as they jog along a foggy...

Running Adventures & Events

Exploring Scenic Running Trails in Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton, Ontario, often dubbed the "City of Waterfalls," is a haven for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts.