EP 659: The Endurance Eats Enigma: What to Consume When the Miles Add Up

This episode is focused on the fuel that drives endurance athletes. It's a world where what you eat isn't just about satisfying hunger; it's about strategy, precision, and sometimes, survival.

Joining us from Australia are two experts of sports dietetics, Steph Gaskell and Alan Mccubbin, co-hosts of "The Fueling Endurance" podcast. Steph, a trail runner herself, is an expert of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. She's on a mission to unravel the mysteries of how our guts betray us during a run and how to keep the digestive peace. Then there's Alan, a man who can talk about sodium and hydration. With a background in mountain biking and sailing, he knows the fine line between staying hydrated and hitting a wall.

Takeaways

• Dehydration can increase the risk of gut symptoms and impact digestion, absorption, and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Vomiting may provide temporary relief from gastrointestinal stress, but it does not eliminate the underlying issue.
• Cramping can be caused by a combination of factors, including hydration, electrolyte balance, neuromuscular responses, muscle fatigue, and psychological stress.
• Sweat rate and electrolyte loss are not always correlated, and individual variations exist in sweat sodium concentration.

Find out more about Steph and Alan at Fueling Endurance and check out their book!