Human Performance Outliers Podcast with 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% Of...

Meghan Canfield has a deep history and love for the WSER 100 Endurance Run, completing it 13 times and finishing in the top 10 on 10 occasions. She has been a long time friend, and big influence on the ultramarathon community. She joined me to discuss why the WSER 100 is unique, her many experiences with this event, as well as growing with the sport.

Meghan: zenithcoaches.com/about-us/meghan-canfield - IG: @runningmegleg

Endurance Training Simplified Series

deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off)

Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison...

This episode covers some current topics in the ultramarathon world. Topics covered include; big name injuries a result of high volume training and shoes, has ultramarathon growth and access resulted in cheating, Gerda Steyn the Queen of Comrades.

Edit: Gerda Steyn has won Comrades 4x: '19, '23, '24, '25

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: Bi...

James Pieratt of Wild Hunt Conditioning joined me to catch up before he kicks off his 1,100 mile journey along the West Coast and discuss the famous Rarámuri Tribe's endurance practices and lifestyle.

Audio

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...

Dan Green recently won the Cocodona 250 and broke the course record along the way with a time of 58:47:18. Prior, Dan has found success running fast times at the Javelina 100, including breaking 13 hours last year and landing on the podium.

Dan Green: IG @danisgreen - YouTube: @BargainBoysMedia

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)

Megan Eckert is a World Record holding ultramarathon athlete for Mount to Coast, teacher, and coach. She recently broke the women's 6-Day World Record, by completing 603 miles. She holds the women's Backyard Ultra record with 87 laps for 362 miles, qualified for Team USA's 24-Hour World Championship Team, and much more.

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% Of...

Alyssa Clark has covered a wide range of events in the ultramarathon world. She has wins at Moab 240, HURT 100 Mile, San Diego 100 Mile, Ouray 100 Mile, and Canyons 100 Mile to name a few. Alyssa also battles ulcerative colitis, presenting an additional hurdle when fueling daily and during races that entail a large nutrition variable.

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.co...

Charlie competed in D1 Cross Country and Track & Field for the University of Minnesota. He currently holds the World Record for the 50 Mile, 4:48:21 (5:46/mi). He recently won the USATF 50 KM Road Championships in a time of 2:49:01.

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.co...

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...

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 (20% Off)

Maui Nui Venison: mauinuivenison.com/bitter

CurraNZ: curranzusa.com Code: Bitter20deal (20% Off)

Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors

HPO Website: zac...

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/@za...

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)

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...

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.co...

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

Su...

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: dr...

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

Za...

For this training recap, I unpack a four week block of training where my main focus was short intervals and long runs. I highlight the thought process behind the programming, execution, and add some tips to consider in training.

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/sho...

Ryan Dreyer founded Tribal Training, a group based endurance training coaching service where members leverage a community approach to reach their goals. Ryan has completed both Ironman and ultramarathon distance events and coached many others reach their goals.

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/zac...

Steve Magness is a world-renowned expert on performance. He is the author of the new book, Win the Inside Game, and has also authored, Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and The Surprising Science of Real Toughness. He is the coauthor of Peak Performance. The Passion Paradox, and the author of The Science of Running. For this episode we dive into the topics covered in his latest book.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase)

deltaG: delt...

Dustin Joubert is a running researcher, PhD in Exercise Physiology and professor at St. Edwards University. He has a popular IG and website that deep dives into super shoe technology. He also runs a lab in Austin, Texas where he tests both running and shoe efficiency.

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/hp...

This is part one of a series this year where I reflect on my training blocks for 2025. This episode covers the first three weeks after switching from an offseason/strength focus towards running taking the primary position.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase)

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BITTER20

Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors

HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo 

Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter

Zach’s Coa...

A study on Low Carb Keto diets was recently published by Prins, Noakes, Koutnik, et al. that examined the role of stable blood sugar through very small carbohydrate intake as the main determiner of performance for endurance athletes, as well as some insights into low carbohydrate performance compared to high carbohydrate. I take a look, and share some thoughts.

Study
Brady's Substack

Brady's IG: @brady.j.holmer & Brady's post on topic

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

del...

This episode continues a series covering some of the most prolific ancient endurance groups and tribes the world has ever seen. Joining me as co-host for this series is James Pieratt. We unpack what made the Apache some of the most impressive endurance athletes of all time. For more on James, check out episode 395 where we discuss his lifestyle.

James: wildhuntconditioning.com - IG: @wildhuntconditioning

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BITTER20

Dr. Samuel Spinelli is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is the cofounder of Rehab Explained and Citizen Athletics. He has helped many professional athletes rehab and prepare for peak performance. He joined the show to share his insights on hamstring performance and health.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BITTER20

Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors

HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo 

Ama...

Davy Crockett is an ultramarathon runner, and hosts Ultrarunning History. His podcast and books dive deeper than any other ultramarathon history resource. Davy also is the director of the American Ultrarunning Hall of Fame.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BITTER20

Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors

HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo 

Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/zachbitter

Zach’s Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching

Zach’s Newsl...

J Scott Chapman is a certified ultrarunning coach who really enjoys big mountain races. Given that two of his core values are curiosity and exploration, he loves to read the latest studies, but he knows that ultras are not run in a lab. His coaching philosophy embraces the idea that while there are established training principles, no single approach fits everyone. He considers each individual's unique life circumstances to create the best plan, understanding the need for tradeoffs to ensure the training aligns with their lifestyle and goals.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Ca...

Dr. Jess Tranchina is a PT, DPT, NASM-CPT, A.R.T Certified Provider, CKTP. She has been an athlete most of her life. Training and competing in runs from the 5K to 50ks, triathlons from the sprint distance to Ironman distance, strength competitions, and figure competitions has provided her with opportunities to train from the best, learn from the best, be treated by the best, and compete with the best.  Competing, racing, and trial and error have taught her the importance of proper conditioning, nutrition, hydration, prehab, pliability and recovery.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s L...

Brady Holmer is a MSc in Human Performance, endurance athlete, and science writer. He hosts Physiologically Speaking, a great resources for both health and endurance performance. Brady recently dropped 10 minutes off his marathon PR on a four day per week running program, clocking a speedy time of 2:26:28. We unpack how he structured his training and nutrition. We also touch on some new research around carb timing, and some considerations for creatine usage for performance and sleep related fatigue resistance.

Brady: https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/ - X: @B_Holmer - IG: @brady.j.holmer - Strava

End...

Dr. Courtney Conley is the creator of Gait Happens, an online education company helping people from around the globe improve their foot function. She has taken the past several years to develop online courses to educate clinicians on foot anatomy, the importance of foot health and the truths behind modern footwear.

Courtney: gaithappens.com - IG: @gaithappens

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 (FREE SAMPLE PACK LIMITED OFFER)

Janji: janji.com code: Bitter10

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

Tara Dower recently broke the record for fastest traverse of the full Appalachian Trail (AT) outright. No man or women has covered the distance faster. The AT is 2,197.4 miles over unforgiving terrain. Tara covered it in 40 days 18 hours 05 minutes, which is the equivalent of approximately two marathons per day. Tara also holds the Women's supported FKT on the Colorado Trail (489 miles). Tara is also a highly competitive ultra runner with wins at Run Rabbit Run 100, Umstead 100, Hellbender 100 to name a few. Check out Tara’s social, website and YouTube channel below.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Za...

This episode kicks off a series of episodes covering some of the most prolific ancient endurance groups and tribes the world has ever seen. Joining me as co-host for this series is James Pieratt. For more on James, check out episode 395 where we discuss his incredible lifestyle.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 & Zach40 (limited Black Friday 40% off)

Janji: janji.com code: Bitter10

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BITTER20

For this episode, I dive into some things that I find important when considering doing an ultramarathon. These planning processes will help you better prepare and execute in your training and the event. Topics include: timeline, available resources, gear list, nutrition list, hydration list, measurement tools, and mental preparation.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 (FREE SAMPLE PACK LIMITED OFFER)

Janji: janji.com code: Bitter10

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BI...

Joe and I dive into topics including:

Tightening of women's competition

Tara Dower beats everyone on the AT

Have we learned anything about pacing

Is Katie Schide the final WSER/UTMB same year Champ

Multiday and time event growth

Camille/Wiki thoughts

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 (FREE SAMPLE PACK LIMITED OFFER)

Janji: janji.com code: Bitter10

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com...

Adam is a 12-year combat veteran of the Air Force with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team leader. In 2007, while working to disarm a roadside bomb (IED) in Afghanistan, Adam was injured by a secondary IED resulting in the amputation of his right leg above the knee.

Adam is now a seven-time Guinness World Record holder, became the first above-knee amputee to complete a 100-mile ultramarathon within 30 hours in 2016, has five 100-mile finishes, and set an amputee record time of 16:13:43 for 100 miles in 2024. Adam also has the fastest marathon time for...

Mikki Williden is a nutrition PhD who dives into topics of low carb nutrition, longevity, fitness, and health. Some topics we covered include:

Keto v. low carb

Athletes using low carb

Is keto safe for women

Fasting: timing, men v. women, heavy exercise

Periodized nutrition

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5

Janji: janji.com code: Bitter10

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Co...

David Hellard is an ultra marathon runner, running journalist, and host of The Bad Boy Running Podcast. In this episode we discussed the excitement around short fast trail races, media and opportunities in the sport of trail running, and caffeine protocols for athletes.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 (FREE SAMPLE PACK LIMITED OFFER)

Janji: janji.com code: Bitter10

LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO

deltaG: deltagketones.com - IG: @deltag.ketones Code: BITTER20

HPO Website: zachbitter.com...

David Spiegel is an American psychiatrist and the Wilson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he is known for his research into psycho-oncology; the neurobiology of therapeutic hypnosis, and the role of the mind-brain-body connection in cancer outcomes and management among other topics. He directs the Stanford Center on Stress and Health and is a recognized authority on hypnosis's clinical utility and neuroscience.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 (FREE SAMPLE PACK LIMITED OFFER)

Ja...

David is the 2014 USATF Trail Runner of the Year at the sub-ultra distance. He is a two-time national champion and three-time member of Team USA. He graduated with honors from Columbia University with a degree in Environmental Science and received a master's degree and law degree with honors from Duke University. He is the co-owner of SWAP Running with Megan Roche, and also co-host with Megan for the SWAP podcast.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb Endurance Approach Series

SFuels: sfuelsgolonger.com code: BITTER5 (FREE SAMPLE PACK LIMITED OFFER)

Ja...

Dr. Dave will be challenging himself to complete the Javelina 100 mile in 2024, going from the couch to the 100 mile distance in a years time. Dave has an extensive background as a medical director, treating thousands of patients, including: Olympians, National Champions, sports teams, and professionals. After losing his own health in the pursuit of helping others find theirs, Dave and his family embarked on a wild journey that included living in a bus, working on organic farms, traveling the country before ultimately landing them in Austin, Texas.

Endurance Training Simplified Series

Zach’s Low Carb En...