The Eat for Endurance Podcast Fueling Epic Rides: Ultra Endurance Cycling with Lael Wilcox
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Welcome to Episode 47 of the Eat for Endurance Podcast, featuring one of the greatest ultra-endurance cyclists of all time, Lael Wilcox!
Lael has been redefining what's possible on two wheels since she started racing in 2014. After years of bike touring around the world, she quickly became a dominant force in ultra-distance cycling. Her achievements are nothing short of jaw-dropping:
- 2015 – Smashed the Women’s record in the Tour Divide (2,745 miles), despite battling bronchitis.
- 2015 (again!) – Rode the entire Tour Divide solo right after finishing—just to prove she could go even faster.
- 2016 – Overall winner of the Trans Am Bike Race (4,200 miles across the U.S.).
- 2017 & 2020 – Rode 4,500 miles across Alaska, her home state.
- 2018 – Second overall in the Navad 1000 (1,000 km with nearly 100,000 feet of climbing in the Swiss Alps).
- 2019 – Second overall in the Silk Road Mountain Race (1,800 km through Kyrgyzstan).
- And countless other incredible endurance feats.
The logistics of planning and executing nutrition for these self-supported, solo races is just mind-blowing. In this episode, Lael shares her approach to fueling and recovering from these grueling adventures, plus plenty of fun and inspiring stories along the way.
What We Cover in This Episode:
- Lael’s transition from XC, marathon, and ultra running to cycling
- Her food and travel adventures while bike touring the world
- How she fuels for ultra-endurance bike racing—before, during, and after events
- Her strategies for recovery and everyday nutrition between races
- The story behind GRIT (Girls Riding Into Tomorrow), her bike mentorship program for young women
- And so much more
Lael is my first ultra-endurance cyclist on the podcast, and I had an absolute blast talking with her. Whether you’re a cyclist or not, you’ll be inspired by her energy, passion, and approach to fueling adventure.
Links & Resources:
- Follow Lael on Instagram
- Videos:
- Join my new monthly membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for just $30/month (cancel anytime)
- Check out my free nutrition downloads
- Fill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coaching
- Support the podcast with my Skratch affiliate code EATFORENDURANCE20
- Join my Patreon community
- Get in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com
Disclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and
Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).