
Human Performance Outliers Podcast
Welcome to the Human Performance Outliers Podcast. Your host Zach Bitter, will take you through a series of interesting topics around health, fitness, endurance, running, hybrid athlete training, ultramarathon, and nutrition. Join in for interviews with folks exploring their outer limits and research in a wide variety of sports, fitness, and nutrition.
Latest episodes

Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 14min
Episode 437: Backyard Ultras with Sam Harvey
Sam Harvey is one of the best Backyard Ultra runners in the World. He was part of the legendary push that resulted in three men breaking the World Record at the Big’s Backyard Ultra Championships in 2023. He has a wide range, which he recently showcased by winning the Tarawera 100 mile this year. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter CurraNZ: curranzusa.com Code: Bitter20deal (20% Off) Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter Sam: samharveyultra.com - IG: @samharvey_cloudlander

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 26min
Episode 436: 1000 Mile Ultra Marathon with James Pieratt
James Pieratt of Wild Hunt Conditioning is preparing for a 1000 mile point to point journey along the West Coast, hitting some historic sites along the way. We unpack some of the specifics in preparation and event execution. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter CurraNZ: curranzusa.com Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter James: wildhuntconditioning.com - IG: @wildhuntconditioning

Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 32min
Episode 435: Ultras In Antarctica - Akshay Nanavati
Adventurer, speaker, author and USMC Vet. Just completed a 60 day solo, unsupported journey covering 500 miles across Antarctica. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter CurraNZ: curranzusa.com Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter Akshay: fearvana.com IG: @fearvana X: @fearvanalife FB: @AkshayNanavatiFan YouTube: youtube.com/c/fearvana

Apr 1, 2025 • 27min
Episode 434: Fit But Unhealthy?
For this episode, I share some thoughts on the topic of "fit but unhealthy." Recently, pro triathlete Lionel Sanders shared some details about his health concerns. This came as a surprise to some as he is visually very healthy and performed at a very high level. Some have hypothesized it is due to his hyper carb fueling strategy. Others have suggested endurance training to the degree taken by professional athletes is unhealthy. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter CurraNZ: curranzusa.com Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 36min
Episode 433: Ultramarathon Record Keeping - Trishul Cherns & Bob Hearn
Trishul and Bob are the President and Record Keeper for the Global Organization of Multi-day Ultrarunners (GOMU). GOMU was established to supplement the existing government bodies that only recognize records of certain ultramarathon events. Both Trishul and Bob have rich histories in ultramarathon, with 100s of official events to their names. We dive into their experiences as well as the growing needs when it comes to rules and record keeping that are specific to the needs of ultrarunning. A few topics we focused on include: pacing in ultramarathon, course certification, shoe tech, and certifying record performances. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter GOMU: gomu.org - IG: @gomu_org - FB: GLOBAL ORGANIZATION OF MULTI-DAY ULTRAMARATHONERS (GOMU)

Mar 21, 2025 • 34min
Episode 432: Hybrid Workouts & Hills - Training Recap
For this training recap, I unpack a four week block of training where my main focus was a continuation of speed work development with a bit more variety of inputs this time around. Hybrid workouts, fast finishes, and hills all included. I highlight the thought process behind the programming, execution, and add some tips to consider in training as I build up for a 100 mile track ultra in June! Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter

Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 34min
Episode 431: Ultra Run Across Texas with Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson got into running in 2020 after discovering a love for the sport following a difficult youth, and a career in the National Guard. Since, he has built a successful Instagram channel that blends competitiveness and humor. He took his love of running across the State of Texas, an 841 mile journey in 17 days, raising awareness for ValorFit. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter Matt: IG @mattjohnson - YouTube: @mattjohnson__

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 38min
Episode 430: Running Shoes with Brady Holmer
For this episode, Brady and I dive into a group of running shoes that we have been putting through the paces the last couple of months, as well as touched on some models that we have worn historically. We also share some thoughts around running shoe considerations in general. Shoes covered include: Mizuno Neo Zen and Wave Rebellion Pro 3, Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3, Mount to Coast R1 S1 and P1, Xero HFS II, Nike Zoom Fly 6, and Altra Vanish Carbon II. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter Brady: https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/ - X: @B_Holmer - IG: @brady.j.holmer - Strava

4 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 33min
Episode 429: Blisters & Your Best Workout - Listener Q&A
How should you go about managing and preventing blisters, and what workout is going to be best for you. This listener Q&A dives into these two topics. Endurance Training Simplified Series Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Newsletter: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com - IG: @zachbitter - X/Tw: @zbitter - FB: @zbitterendurance - Strava: Zach Bitter

Feb 21, 2025 • 26min
Episode 428: Intervals & Long Runs - Training Recap
In a recent training recap, the focus was on mastering short intervals and long runs. The speaker shares insights from a detailed training plan aimed at a 100-mile race. There's a discussion on balancing intensity with recovery while tracking progress. Additionally, the importance of nutrition in endurance training is highlighted, along with exclusive discount codes for products that enhance performance. This mix of personal experience and practical tips shapes a thoughtful approach to ultra-endurance training.
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