Episode 406: Dave Heitmann - Couch To 100 Mile Check In
Aug 15, 2024
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Dave Heitmann, a medical director who has treated Olympians, shares his journey from couch to an ambitious 100-mile race. He discusses overcoming health challenges, the significance of resilience, and the importance of a tailored nutrition strategy for athletic performance. Dave delves into magnesium's role in recovery and reflects on the balance between long runs and hiking as part of ultra marathon training. His story emphasizes how integrating training into life can support mental health and foster joy, especially amidst personal adversity.
Dr. Dave aims to complete the Javelina 100-mile race following a transformative journey from health struggles to endurance training.
The podcast emphasizes a new group coaching option for endurance runners, blending support for both beginners and advanced athletes.
The host's diagnosis of Calcium Shell Disorder provided crucial insight into their health challenges, guiding their recovery and nutrition adjustments.
Effective pacing strategies and terrain adaptation are highlighted as vital elements in preparing for the upcoming Javelina race.
Deep dives
Monthly Raffle for Consultation
Listeners have the chance to win a monthly raffle for a free 30-minute consultation with the host by sharing podcast episodes on social media or leaving reviews on podcast platforms. To enter, participants must tag the host or send a screenshot of their entry via email. This initiative aims to engage the audience further and express appreciation for their support in growing the podcast.
Launch of Group Coaching
The host introduces a new group coaching option for endurance runners looking for a supportive training environment. This program accommodates both beginners and advanced athletes training for various distances, from 5Ks to ultra-marathons. Subscribers will have access to a full catalog of training plans, weekly group meetings, office hours for personalized advice, and guest speakers to enhance their training experience.
Navigating Personal Adversity
The conversation touches on the personal challenges faced by the host, including health, mental well-being, and family issues during a turbulent period. The host shares that after years of struggling without an official diagnosis, they finally received a formal medical diagnosis, which provided clarity and direction for their treatment and recovery. This revelation emphasizes the emotional toll of living without understanding one's health struggles and highlights the relief that comes from gaining insight into personal health challenges.
Calcium Shell Disorder
The diagnosis discussed, Calcium Shell Disorder, represents a missing link in understanding the host's long-standing health issues. This condition involves the body entering a shutdown mode, leaching essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, leading to significant physical and mental health consequences. The host reflects on how this discovery helped explain past symptoms, including severe fatigue and joint issues, and outlines the importance of understanding the body's responses to stress and trauma.
New Nutritional Approaches
In response to the diagnosis, the host discusses adapting their nutrition to better support their recovery, emphasizing high magnesium and potassium intake while restricting calcium. This includes a significant increase in magnesium supplementation to address previous deficiencies. The new dietary approach prioritizes nutrient-rich foods while avoiding certain foods high in bioavailable calcium, shifting towards a Mediterranean-style diet.
Training and Recovery Updates
The host shares positive updates on their training progress, including improvements in endurance and pace during long runs. They highlight the importance of listening to the body, particularly incorporating walking when necessary to manage heart rate and fatigue effectively. The goal moving forward is to balance running and walking to optimize performance while ensuring recovery, especially given the challenges of training on trails.
Javelina Race Strategy
As the Javelina race approaches, the discussion revolves around effective pacing strategies and how to manage the varying terrain throughout the course. The host emphasizes the need to adapt to different sections of the course, including uphill climbs and smooth descents, to maintain energy levels. There is an understanding of the necessity to employ a mix of running and hiking to optimize performance based on the terrain while considering heart rate management.
Pre-Race Planning and Family Involvement
The potential for pre-race training camps comes to light, with the host expressing excitement about taking family and friends to support during the Javelina race weekend. There are discussions about camping options and how this experience can enrich not only the participant's journey but also engage family and friends in the adventure. Such community involvement is seen as a way to enhance both the emotional and physical aspects of preparing for the race.
Dr. Dave will be challenging himself to complete the Javelina 100 mile in 2024, going from the couch to the 100 mile distance in a years time. Dave has an extensive background as a medical director, treating thousands of patients, including: Olympians, National Champions, sports teams, and professionals. After losing his own health in the pursuit of helping others find theirs, Dave and his family embarked on a wild journey that included living in a bus, working on organic farms, traveling the country before ultimately landing them in Austin, Texas.
