Eating as a Pro Trail Runner
What do the top men and women eat?
Nutrition science is constantly changing (like all science with new data) but what are top ultra runners currently eating?
Michael McKnight / Utah / Colorado Trail FKT Holder
“With the pace being slower than race pace, I was able to utilize fat more. I had very little simple carbohydrate and focused on calorie dense foods. I had some type of fatty red meat at every crew spot. I carried salami, cheese and olives with me between. I had protein shakes with a heavy cream base. Tons of fat”
Lucy B / Australia
“I went plant based for the health benefits but have made it my lifestyle because of the environmental and ethical side. I find I recover better, feel stronger and more aligned with my values following this way of eating and living”
Hayden Hawks / Utah
“A balanced whole food diet works for me because I feel like I get all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients I need through my diet by eating lots of fruits and vegetables in their season. I get my daily protein intake through healthy grass fed meats, cheese, and other plant based sources. As a speed athlete carbohydrates are also important and I meet that need through healthy whole grains, quinoa, and other seeds and grains. This kind of diet is fun and sustainable and helps me keep balanced, feel clean, fast, strong, and lean.”
Amanda Basham / Colorado
“I don’t believe in cutting things out or diet restrictions. I’m a very intuitive eater no matter what else is going on. The human body is smart and will usually let you know what it needs. Same goes with nutrition. So I basically eat what I feel like eating and it seems to work well for me. This is true when I’m training hard, tapering for a race, recovering and pregnancy.”
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