Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter

Todd Falker, Product Lead at Puma and a lifelong runner with 100 marathons under his belt, shares insights on running shoe innovations. He explores how advanced designs affect performance and comfort, emphasizing the impact of technology on injury prevention. Falker discusses the challenges of balancing fatherhood with a running lifestyle and shares anecdotes about his experiences transitioning to better footwear. The conversation also touches on training strategies for marathons versus ultras, revealing the psychological aspects of age in racing.

Cam Hanes, an American bowhunter and endurance athlete, shares his unique insights into the burgeoning world of ultra-running. He discusses the personal connections to nature that fuel this passion and how the sport's evolution welcomes newcomers. Cam touches on the critical role of gear, navigating injuries, and balancing solitude with community support. Furthermore, he examines how controlled events reshape competition perceptions and highlights the importance of mental resilience and innovative training strategies in ultra-endurance sports.

The host shares their journey of switching to a high carbohydrate diet after 14 years of low carb fueling for ultramarathons. They discuss how this dietary change has impacted performance and recovery during training for a 100-mile race. Insights into improved sleep quality and energy levels reveal the surprising benefits of this transition. The episode offers a tantalizing look at the contrasts between the two approaches, making it a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in endurance training and nutrition.

Royi Metser, Founder and CEO of Avelo Running, discusses the intersection of technology and running footwear. He shares insights on how smart shoes can predict injuries by analyzing mechanical loading. The conversation delves into the evolution of running gear, emphasizing the importance of wearables like foot pods and heart rate monitors. Metser also explores consumer trends in subscription coaching and the future of personalized running experiences, all while addressing the critical balance between training load and recovery.

Dr. Matthew Cook, a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, dives deep into the fascinating world of fat oxidation, providing key insights for endurance athletes. He discusses how monitoring fat oxidation rates can optimize performance, alongside dietary strategies for training. The importance of tailored fueling strategies for various endurance events is highlighted, along with the roles of caffeine and blackcurrant in enhancing exercise physiology. Cook emphasizes collaboration between research and practical applications, urging a broader engagement with scientific findings.

Nick Bare is the founder of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN), and has built a large brand around sharing his journey chasing fitness goals. Recently, Nick and BPN launched a Last Man Standing event called, G1M Ultramarathon on his ranch in Texas. It went viral despite little pre event mainstream ultra media coverage, but rather exploded from participants and BPN creating live and pre/post event content around it. We chat about Nick's current build for an Ironman, the future of BPN Ultramarathon and their move into the endurance world. Nick: nickbare.com | IG: @nickbarefitness | Podcast: Nick Bare Podcast | YouTube: @nickbarefitness | Book: Go One More: Find the Clarity to Make Intentional, Life-Changing Choices Endurance Training Simplified 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  Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter

Brady joined me to chat about some shoes we have been trying out the last couple of months. Shoes we covered include; Speedland RX:FPY, Tracksmith Eliot Racer, Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite III, New Balance 1080v14 & Rebel v4, ON Cloudsurfer II, Brooks Hyperion Max III & Launch 11. Shoe card specs for the models we discussed are available on Instagram at @hpopodcast Endurance Training Simplified 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  Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter Brady: https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/ - X: @B_Holmer - IG: @brady.j.holmer - Strava: Brady Holmer

Phil Gore recently broke the Backyard Ultra World Record at Dead Cow Gully, completing 119 yards (6.7 km loop), which totaled 495.86 miles (798.014 kilometers). Phil plans to compete at Big's Backyard, which hosts the Backyard Ultra World Championship. Phil and I dive into all that goes into the preparation and competition within Backyard Ultras, and why bigger numbers are coming. Phil: @phil.gore.ultrarunner | Strava Endurance Training Simplified 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  Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach’s Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter

WSER 100 is becoming one of the most recognized and high stakes 100 mile ultramarathons for both professionals and ultramarathon participants. we can learn a lot about how participants are preparing and completing this event. Here are some things to consider from what we learned at the 2025 WSER 100. Heat adaptation and in race management The power of race day expectations The psychology around group and competitive pressure Considerations around varied weather events The role of super shoes on the trails Endurance Training Simplified 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  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

Jeff Garmire is a professional ultramarathon athlete, coach, author, podcast host, and one of a very few to have participated in all Cocodona 250 events. Long ultras are not even long for Jeff, as he has also completed some monster through hikes like John Muir Trail, Arizona Trail, Continental Divide and more. He is currently gearing up for an unsupported attempt on the Appalachian Trail in August. 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  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 Jeff: freeoutside.com | IG: @thefreeoutside | YouTube: @JeffGarmire | Podcast: Free Outside Podcast