The Eat for Endurance Podcast

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 120 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by Emily Holland, a trail runner, climber, creative business owner, and all-around outdoor enthusiast based in Boulder, Colorado. Emily is the co-founder of Wild Poppy Creative Consulting, where she helps small businesses and creatives increase their impact.I first connected with Emily earlier this year when she and her business partner, Angie (who you may remember from episode 110), supported me behind the scenes with this very podcast. We hit it off immediately, and I knew I wanted to bring her on the show to share her story.In this episode, Emily shares her journey to embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle and how that decision has transformed her relationship with movement, food, and self-care. We also dive into how she fuels her multi-sport adventures, including trail running, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, with more energy, joy, and intention.Emily and I discuss:Her evolution from using exercise as punishment to finding joy in movementWhy she chose to stop drinking alcohol and how it’s improved her mental and physical healthFueling strategies for trail running vs. rock climbingHer favorite sports nutrition tools and non-alcoholic beveragesHow small mindset shifts around food, alcohol, and movement have made a big differenceThat alcohol-free isn’t all or nothing, it’s about paying attention to how it makes you feel🎧 Tune in to learn more!Links & Resources:Visit the Wild Poppy Creative Co websiteFollow Emily on InstagramJoin my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsInterested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry formUse code EATFORENDURANCE20 for 20% off at Skratch LabsJoin my Patreon communityGet in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 119 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m on the mic solo to share some of my favorite travel nutrition tips for busy athletes, inspired by decades of personal experience and 10+ years as a sports dietitian helping active people fuel on the go. Travel is fun, exciting, and can be an enriching experience from a fitness and nutrition perspective, but it can also throw your fueling routine completely off track.Whether you’re headed out for local errands, a vacation, work trip, or a destination race, this episode will help you plan ahead with confidence (and without obsessing over every bite). You’ll walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies to stay fueled, hydrated, and energized wherever life takes you.Key Takeaways:Why travel nutrition matters (and the most common fueling mistakes)How different types of travel impact your nutrition needsTips for commuting around town, work travel, vacations, plane vs road trips, and traveling for a raceHow to stay proactive and create a flexible but individualized planPacking the right sports nutrition and gear to stay active while you're awayHow to prep before and after a trip so you’re not scrambling for food🎧 Tune in to learn more!Links & Resources:Travel Nutrition Tips & Checklist FreebieTravel Snack Foods & Checklist BlogFueling on the Fly MasterclassCarb Loading Mini GuideFree Race Day Fueling Plan TemplatesJoin my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (includes ALL of my masterclasses and downloads, cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsInterested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry formJoin my Patreon communityGet in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 118 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by Aaron Gouw, an endurance cyclist and fellow Santa Cruz native. He's also the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of the sports nutrition brand Carbs Fuel.Aaron holds a Master’s degree in High Altitude Exercise Physiology, and is currently finishing his PhD in Human Bioenergetics. For many years, he's been on his own journey as a competitive athlete trying to figure out how to fuel effectively without breaking the bank.Aaron and I discuss:How his personal fueling strategy has evolved over the last decade (including a story about his greatest nutrition fail ever)What it takes to create an endurance gel from scratch in your kitchenThe current science behind high carb fueling, and if you should try itWhy simplicity, personalization, and gut training matter most when dialing in your fueling strategyKey Takeaways:High carb fueling (i.e. >90g/hr) can improve endurance performance, but only if it works for you and makes sense for what you're doingExperimentation and gut training are both very important Carbs Fuel offers a simple 50g endurance gel for just $2, making it one of the best value gels on the marketFueling isn’t just about race day; it’s about consistently supporting your training, recovery, and life beyond the workout so you can feel your bestWhether you’re new to fueling or nutrition nerds like us, this episode is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes stories. Tune in to learn more!FYI: This episode is NOT sponsored by Carbs Fuel. I enjoy their gel, love that it's affordable, and wanted to learn more about this brand. I encourage you to try lots of different brands and products to see which work best for you!Links & Resources:Visit the Carbs Fuel websiteJoin my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsInterested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry formUse code EATFORENDURANCE20 for 20% off at Skratch LabsJoin my Patreon communityGet in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 117 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I’m joined by fellow sports dietitian Vic Johnson, MPH, RDN, to break down one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood topics in the endurance world: performance supplements.Vic works with many top trail and ultra athletes, and is an ultra runner himself, so he knows what it takes to fuel smart and optimize performance.  We dive into the latest research and give practical tips for popular endurance supplements like caffeine, ketone esters, and sodium bicarbonate, among others. Our conversation will help you decide whether any of these ergogenic aids are worth your time and money. Spoiler alert: If the basics of fueling, hydration, sleep, and recovery aren’t dialed in yet, that’s where you should start!Vic and I discuss:Why caffeine is the most effective supplement for endurance performanceHow sodium bicarbonate might help during hard efforts, but why it's riskyWhether ketones live up to the hype, and why they taste like battery acidOther supplements like dietary nitrates, polyphenols, creatine, and collagenHow to safely and strategically approach supplements in trainingWhy the basics, including nutrition and hydration, matter mostKey Takeaways:Caffeine has the most consistent benefits, but dose and timing matterSodium bicarb and ketone esters may help some athletes, but come with GI concerns and a steep price tag Supplements are the cherry on top; focus on food, hydration, carb intake, recovery, and sleep firstAlways test out supplements in training and adjust based on tolerance 🎧 Tune in to learn more!Links & Resources:Visit Vic’s Mountain Sports Nutrition websiteFollow Vic on InstagramJoin my membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsInterested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry formJoin my Patreon communityGet in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 116 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, ultra runner Kabuki Snyder shares her powerful story, from struggling with disordered eating as a young ballerina to training for one of the toughest races out there: the Cocodona 250.We dive into how she approaches ultra running nutrition, training, and balancing life and work with her endurance goals. Kabuki and I discuss:Growing up in Ghana and how early memories shaped her relationship with foodTransitioning from ballet and body image struggles to finding joy in ultra runningFueling strategies for single day trail races, stage races like Lapland and Atacama, and other long races like the Cocodona 250 What real-life training and fueling looks like with a 4am wakeup call and a global work scheduleHow she has prepared for 250 miles with spreadsheets, snacks, and strong community supportKey Takeaways:You don’t need to “look like a runner” to be oneUltra running nutrition must be flexible, practiced, and personalized“Real food” can be part of your race planFueling enough everyday and surrounding exercise is non-negotiableYou can balance ultra running goals with a full-time job (yes, really!)🎧 Tune in to learn more! Also, a huge congrats to Kabuki on finishing the Cocodona 250 in 109:26:29, despite extremely challenging conditions!Links & Resources:Follow Kabuki on InstagramCheck out the Her Ultra Documentary on RokuJoin my membership, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)Grab my free fueling downloadsInterested in 1:1 coaching? Fill out a new client inquiry formUse code EATFORENDURANCE20 for 20% off at Skratch LabsSupport the podcast on PatreonEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a 5-star review and subscribe to help more athletes fuel smarter!Disclaimer: All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 115 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I welcome back Sports Dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith, MS RD CSSD to dive into how body weight impacts fueling needs during exercise.For years, carb recommendations during exercise were based on duration and intensity, without considering body size. New research suggests that larger-bodied athletes may benefit from higher carb intake to optimize performance.What We Cover in This Episode:Traditional carb guidelines during endurance exercise, and why they have been independent of body sizeHow a 2024 study suggests a potential shift toward considering body-weight when setting carb fueling goalsWhy smaller athletes still need to fuel adequatelyHow training status and workout intensity also play a major roleKey considerations for long-course events like triathlons and ultramarathonsThe importance of fueling, regardless of weight loss goalsKey Takeaway:Fueling needs are individual (have I said this one enough?!). Larger-bodied athletes may need more carbs during exercise, but every athlete, no matter their size, deserves and needs proper nutrition to perform and recover well.🎧 Tune in to learn more!Links & Resources:Stevie's websiteJoin my monthly membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for just $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsFill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coachingSupport the podcast with my affiliate codes: EATFORENDURANCE20 for Skratch LabsJoin my Patreon community Get in touch at claire@eatforendurance.comDisclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendationsSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In episode 114 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, Sports Dietitian Stevie Smith, MS RD CSSD joins me for the first in a two-part series on how various factors impact how you should fuel during endurance activities.In Part 1, we discuss how exercise intensity affects fueling needs. More specifically, we tackle a question that we often hear from mid and especially back-of-the-pack athletes:“Do I really need to eat that many carbs during exercise if I’m not very fast?”Here’s what we cover to answer this question:Why higher intensity exercise, even at a slower pace, demands more carbsHow to adjust fueling based on YOUR effort level, not just pace or durationThe risks of underfueling, including fatigue, poor performance, increased injury risk, and mental burnoutHigh carb fueling and who may (and may not) benefitPractical guidelines for pre-, during-, and post-workout fueling and for a variety of sports (e.g. road running, trail/ultra, triathlon)How to adjust your fueling strategy when unexpected challenges occur and throw you off paceIt doesn't matter if you're chasing a PR or just trying to finish strong. Whether you're an elite or back-of-the-pack athlete, your body needs fuel that matches your effort.🎧 Tune in to learn more!Links & Resources:Stevie's websiteJoin my monthly membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for just $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsFill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coachingSupport the podcast with my affiliate codes: EATFORENDURANCE20 for Skratch LabsJoin my Patreon community Get in touch at claire@eatforendurance.comDisclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendationsSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!Last week in Episode 112, I sat down with Tara Dower to hear about how she fuels trail running, thru-hiking, and FKTs, including her record-breaking FKT on the Appalachian Trail. But what does it take to SUPPORT an athlete through such a grueling feat? In this bonus episode, we’re diving behind the scenes with Amy Good, an endurance athlete and crucial member of Tara’s support crew. Amy is not a nutrition expert, but she did a fantastic job of keeping Tara well-fueled on the AT.Amy played a key role in supporting Tara throughout her journey, preparing nutrient-dense meals and snacks for the majority of Tara's effort. But this experience wasn’t just about Tara’s success. Amy found a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in being part of something bigger than herself.In this episode, we discuss:How Amy ensured Tara had high-carb, high-calorie meals to sustain her daily mileageThe importance of meal timing, hydration, and electrolyte balanceWhy the support crew plays a crucial role in endurance effortsHow this experience changed Amy’s perspective and personal life goalsTune in to hear Amy’s insights, behind-the-scenes stories (including a big reveal that even Tara doesn't know about), and other incredible moments from Tara’s Appalachian Trail FKT.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave a review to help more athletes fuel smarter!Links & Announcements:Listen to Tara's interview from last weekJoin my membership, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsFill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coachingSupport the podcast with my Skratch affiliate code EATFORENDURANCE20 Join my Patreon community Disclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendationsSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!In Episode 112 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, I chat with ultrarunner and thru-hiker Tara Dower, aka Candy Mama. If you don’t already know Tara, she’s an incredible endurance athlete with multiple FKTs, podium finishes, and race wins under her belt. Most notably, she set the overall Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in September, breaking the previous record by 13 hours! She also recently secured her golden ticket to the Western States 100 with a second-place finish at the Black Canyon 100K.Tara has gone through a huge transformation in how she fuels for endurance sports in recent years, and it has taken her performance to the next level.Here's what we cover in this episode:How she grew up as a selective eater, and what types of foods she currently enjoys How she uses dramatically different fueling approaches for thru-hiking compared to ultras and FKTsWhy she relies on whole foods for FKTs but sticks to gels and liquid calories for racesHow her crew supported her with nutrition on the AT  (bonus episode coming out next week on this!)How she overcame throwing up during ultras by training her gut to handle higher carb intakes and personalizing her hydration strategyTara’s recovery strategies after huge endurance efforts, including what she eats post-race and how she balances rest and trainingHow she manages anxiety and mental challenges during long efforts and in everyday life, including the grounding techniques that help keep her presentTune in now to hear Tara’s full story and learn how she’s gearing up for Western States! Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help more athletes fuel smarter!Links & Announcements:Follow Tara on Instagram and check out her new podcast, DNF DiariesJoin my membership, Fuel for Life Crew, for $30/month (cancel anytime)Check out my free nutrition downloadsFill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coachingSupport the podcast with my Skratch affiliate code EATFORENDURANCE20 Join my Patreon community Get in touch at claire@eatforendurance.comDisclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendationsSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).

Want to get in touch? Send Claire a message!Confused by all the nutrition noise online? You’re not alone! In Episode 111 of The Eat for Endurance Podcast, Sports Dietitian Lauren Link, MS RD CSSD, joins me to break down some of the most debated nutrition topics from this past year.We separate fear-driven fads from real science, explore why myths about food dyes, seed oils, raw milk, and supplements have taken off, and give you practical strategies to make safe, informed choices for your health and athletic performance.We cover:Why nutrition misinformation is louder than ever (and how to tune it out)The truth about supplements - do athletes really need them?Artificial food dyes (especially Red 3 & 40) - should you be concerned?Are seed oils actually inflammatory? What does the science say?Why raw milk isn’t worth the riskSimple, science-backed ways to fuel your body - no fads requiredHit play now to get the facts you need to fuel smarter and safely! Resources from this episode:Read my full blog post that goes even deeper into these topicsThe 2023 study on supplements we discussed The FDA resource discussing the ban of Red 3A great article by Jessica Knurick, RD PhD on why MAHA is problematicMAHA hates seed oils, while decades of research shows unsaturated fats like seed oils are actually cardioprotective, esp when replacing saturated fatsThis review study explains why pasteurization is necessary and that science does not support raw milk as being nutritionally superior Heavily researched, in-depth episode on MAHA and RFK Jr by Your Diet Sucks: "Make America Healthy, Actually"Lauren's Instagram and her book, Nutrient TimingAdditional Announcements:Join my monthly membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for just $30/month Check out my free nutrition downloadsFill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coachingSupport the podcast with my Skratch affiliate code EATFORENDURANCE20Join my Patreon communityDisclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook (@eatforendurance).