The Endurance Lab

Brain Performance Scientist: How Runners Over 40 Run Faster For Longer With Brain Training

September 11, 2026·1h 22m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Can training your brain help you run faster for longer after 40 — without actually getting fitter?Brain performance scientist Dr. Scott Frey joins The Endurance Lab to explain the science of Brain Endurance Training (BET) and why the brain may be one of the most overlooked determinants of endurance performance.We explore how the brain regulates perceived exertion, pacing and fatigue; how neuroplasticity could help aging athletes compensate for physiological decline; why mental fatigue can make an easy run feel hard; and what happens when cognitive training is combined with physical training.Scott also explains how he uses brain endurance training with elite and Olympic athletes, how much training is required, which cognitive tasks may work, and why mental tapering before a race could be one of the easiest performance gains available to runners.If you're a runner over 40 looking for ways to maintain performance as your physiology changes, this conversation offers a fascinating new perspective on what might be limiting you.Dr. Scott Frey is Professor Emeritus of Cognitive Neuroscience and founder of Cerebral Performance. With more than 30 years at the cutting edge of cognitive neuroscience research — and a lifetime in endurance sports — he works with athletes to apply neuroscience and psychology to performance, cognitive resilience and fatigue resistance.Scott has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and books, with his research cited approximately 10,000 times. He has received more than $10 million in federal research funding and has consulted for organizations including the NIH and USA Triathlon. He is also an accomplished endurance athlete, competing in trail running, triathlon and cross-country skiing.➡️ Join The Endurance Lab Inner Circle on Telegram👉 https://t.me/TheEnduranceLabInnerCircle🔥 FIND YOUR TRUE ZONE 2 WITH TYMEWEARTymewear Vita Pro measures your breathing in real time to identify your individual physiological thresholds and help you train at the intensity you actually intend to train at.➡️ Endurance Lab listeners SAVE $100 OFF the Tymewear Pro Training membership Code: E-LABTW26👉 https://www.tymewear.com/E-LABTW26➡️ Listen to my conversation with TimeWear founder Anar Larson: 👉 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sz25EZjGUHoGSaA38nHwM➡️ Scott Frey / Cerebral Performance:👉 https://cerebralperformance.com/Chapters:0:00 Can Brain Training Make You Faster?4:34 How the Brain Controls Performance10:08 Age, Experience and Endurance16:40 Scott’s Journey Into Brain Science23:22 What Is Brain Endurance Training?28:58 How Much Can Performance Improve?41:35 Mental Tapering Before Racing46:36 How to Start Brain Training1:01:27 Mental Fatigue and Running1:13:31 Exercise and the Aging Brain

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