In this podcast, Ben Greenfield interviews Anthony Kunkel, an elite runner and champion in USATF 50-Mile Road and 100-kilometer Road. They discuss Kunkel's unique food and training strategies, his experiments with nootropics and their effects on his sleep, the benefits of sauna and heat exposure in endurance training, and the art of tracking and interpreting biometrics. They also touch on pre-race rituals, alkalizing protocols, and strategies for fueling during a race.
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Quick takeaways
Anthony Kunkel's pre-race routine includes tapering training, manipulating fiber intake, and adjusting nutrition based on race distance.
During races, Kunkel focuses on fat adaptation and heat training, relying on body fat stores for fuel.
Nootropic stacks combined with a pre-workout supplement enhance focus and flow state during training and racing.
Kunkel's post-race routine prioritizes recovery through specific protocols, such as using a near-infrared sauna and managing nutrition and supplements.
Deep dives
Main Idea 1
The pre-race routine includes tapering training, a week out mixed with a prep race, followed by a 2-week taper. Fiber intake is manipulated to ensure a clean digestive system and low bowel movements during the race. Nutrition is adjusted with 125g net carbs before shorter races or lower carb intake before longer events. Breath work and nootropic stacks are used to enhance focus and flow state. Some athletes may also incorporate THC or LSD microdosing for added benefits.
Main Idea 2
During the race, the focus remains on fat adaptation and heat training. Ketones may be used as a small blanket to avoid glucose spikes, but overall, no significant fuel intake is consumed during the race. The combination of being fat adapted, undergoing heat training, and relying on the body's fat stores for fuel has shown positive results in performance.
Main Idea 3
The use of new tropics, such as Apex by Wukio, is incorporated in the pre-race routine to enhance focus and provide a heightened state of flow. These supplements are combined with a pre-workout and taken at specific doses for optimal effect. The blend of new tropics and pre-workout provides increased concentration during training and racing.
Main Idea 4
The post-race routine focuses on recovery with specific protocols, such as the EPO protocol, which involves using a near-infrared sauna post-exercise to potentially increase EPO production. Other recovery practices include using ketone esters during the week, trickling in carbs after training, and adjusting fiber intake to avoid bowel movements during the race. The use of specific supplements, heat training, and managing nutrition and recovery contribute to the overall performance and success of the athlete.
Anthony Kunkel's Curiosity-Driven Journey to Optimize His Life
Anthony Kunkel is driven by curiosity, constantly seeking to optimize his life in all aspects. He explores various biohacking techniques and practices, such as saunas, cold exposure, and supplement experimentation. His goal is to experience flow states and find fulfillment in the pursuit of new challenges. Anthony's approach involves trying different strategies, tracking biometrics, and constantly learning. He also shares his knowledge and experiences with others through consultations and camps. Despite pushback from sponsors and societal norms, Anthony remains committed to finding the best ways to enhance his physical and mental performance.
The Influence of Super Shoes in Competitive Running
Anthony discusses the impact of super shoes in competitive running. He notes that these shoes, with their energy-rebounding foam, can provide a significant advantage in terms of speed and performance. This advantage has caused controversy among athletes, especially those who are not sponsored by companies that manufacture super shoes. Anthony acknowledges the advantages of these shoes but highlights the importance of finding the best shoe for each individual and their specific needs.
The Benefits of Tracking Biometrics and Supplements
Anthony emphasizes the value of tracking biometrics and experimenting with supplements. He uses devices to measure HRV, respiratory rate, and temperature, allowing him to gather data and make informed decisions about his training. He also explores various supplements, such as digestive enzymes and colostrum, to optimize his performance and recovery. Anthony believes that individualized approaches to tracking and supplementation can provide unique benefits to each person.
Anthony's Drive for Fulfillment and Helping Others
Anthony's ultimate drive is the pursuit of fulfillment and flow states. He prioritizes curiosity, constantly seeking new experiences and challenges. Additionally, he values sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, offering consultations and camps for those interested. Anthony believes that by optimizing his own life and sharing what he has learned, he can benefit and inspire others to enhance their own lives.
Today, I invite you on a journey – not through the physical terrains that typically beckon a runner, but through the untrodden trails of the mind and soul of an extraordinary athlete.
Picture an elite runner – what comes to mind? Speed, competition, and perhaps, an unyielding will to win.
Now meet Anthony Kunkel. He's swiped titles like the 2017 USATF 50-Mile Road National Champion and the 2018 100-kilometer Road National Champion. But for Kunkel, it's not merely about the race; it's about the transformative journey of biohacking, self-discovery, and deepening spirituality.
From the heart of the vibrant mountain town of Durango, Colorado, Anthony founded UltraHouse Durango – a sanctuary for endurance and a testament to his vision of holistic performance.
In today's conversation with Anthony, we're venturing beyond the miles and the shoes. Dive into the intricacies of Kunkel's unique food and training strategies, uncover the magic behind his pre-race routines, and gain insights into his experiments with nootropics stacks and their effects on his sleep. We'll also explore the merits of sauna and heat exposure in endurance training and the art of tracking and interpreting biometrics. With every stride we take in this episode, you'll understand the layers of dedication and innovation that have propelled Kunkel to the forefront of ultra-running. Prepare for a marathon of knowledge.
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