Andrew Best
Biological anthropologist and assistant professor of biology who researches metabolic limits and endurance, discussing caloric expenditure, training effects, and psychological factors in ultrarunning.
Best podcasts with Andrew Best
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Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 5min
The Limits of Endurance: Dr. Andrew Best on Running's "Metabolic Ceiling"
Dr. Andrew Best, a biological anthropology professor and endurance researcher, dives into his groundbreaking study on the metabolic ceiling in ultrarunners. He reveals that most athletes can sustain energy outputs near 2.5 times their basal metabolic rate over extended periods. The conversation explores the importance of proper fueling, the risks of underfueling, and how to maximize gut absorption with carbohydrate blends. They also touch on the physiological limits of endurance running, including central fatigue and muscle damage, and why training enlarges your 'engine'.
Jan 2, 2026 • 18min
Are Ultramarathoners Just Built Different?
Join host Flora Lichtman as she chats with Dr. Brandee Waite, a sports medicine expert at UC Davis, and Dr. Andrew Best, a biological anthropologist. They delve into the incredible world of ultramarathoners, exploring the unique physiological and psychological traits that make them extraordinary. Learn about the staggering caloric demands—running can burn up to 16,000 calories—and the limits of human endurance, including gut health and energy absorption challenges. Hear how discipline and mindset play vital roles in pushing beyond perceived boundaries.
