Fueling for Runners: The Balance Between Underfueling, Overfueling, and Optimal Performance

How I’m Adapting My Coaching Approach for Future Ultra Runners Running 100 miles is more than just a test of endurance. It is a test of strategy, resilience, and mental toughness. When Paul and I first began working together last November, he was already an experienced ultra-runner, determined to conquer his first 100-mile race. With only eight weeks to prepare, our mission was clear: maximize every opportunity to optimize his performance and ensure he was ready for race day. The result? A race that tested Paul to his limits, but left him stronger, smarter, and more confident. More importantly, he walked away ready for the next big challenge. However, even with such a strong finish, I gained key insights from Paul’s experience that will refine how I coach future ultra-runners. The Plan: A Focused, Aggressive Training Cycle Although Paul was no stranger to ultra-running, we had a clear challenge: refine his training for 100 miles in just eight weeks. It wasn’t just about increasing mileage but about optimizing every aspect of training for maximum efficiency and race-day success. Our training plan focused on: Peak Mileage Optimization: Targeting a 100-mile training week without overloading and risking burnout. Strategic Recovery : Balancing intensity and recovery to ensure peak performance on race day. Strength & Core Training: Building muscular endurance to maintain power through the final miles. Mental Resilience: Preparing Paul to handle mental fatigue and difficult moments during the race. Race Execution: Developing pacing strategies, terrain management, and efficient aid station transitions. Race Execution: Overcoming Challenges & Learning from Paul’s Experience On race day, Paul started strong. His pacing was controlled, and his fueling strategy was on track. But as is the case with any ultra, unexpected challenges arose that tested his adaptability and mental fortitude. Quad & Core Fatigue: Despite incorporating core work, Paul’s form deteriorated late in the race. Going forward, I will integrate additional late-stage core training to reinforce posture and prevent breakdowns in the final miles. Mental Fatigue & Navigation Issues: As night fell, Paul’s mental fatigue led to navigational errors, costing him over two hours. This reinforced the importance of night running preparation and mental fatigue training to keep athletes sharp and focused deep into a race. Mindset Shift: When Paul realized his sub-24-hour goal was slipping, he adjusted his mindset and focused on finishing strong. I will further refine mental recalibration strategies, helping athletes adapt their race goals mid-race without losing motivation. The Critical Role of Nutrition, Fueling & Hydration One of the biggest takeaways from Paul’s race was the absolute necessity of staying on top of hydration and fueling, especially in the later stages of a 100-miler. While Paul’s early-race fueling was solid, as fatigue set in, his intake dropped, leading to energy depletion. Moving forward, I will: Prioritize Gut Training: Teaching athletes how to tolerate and optimize different fuel sources under race conditions. Develop Individualized Fueling Plans: Ensuring steady caloric intake that aligns with energy demands throughout the race. Hydration Monitoring Strategies: Training athletes to recognize early dehydration signs and maintain electrolyte balance. Aid Station Strategy: Ensuring refueling at consistent intervals to prevent bonking in the later miles. A dialed-in nutrition and hydration plan can be the difference between a strong finish and a DNF. This is now a non-negotiable pillar of my ultra-coaching framework. How I’ll Adjust My Coaching Approach Going Forward Paul’s race provided invaluable insights that will significantly shape how I coach ultra-runners tackling extreme endurance challenges. Here’s how I’m refining my coaching approach: Night Running & Long Run Efforts Night running presents unique mental and physical challenges. I will implement specific nighttime training sessions to help athletes develop pacing, energy management, and navigation skills in low-light conditions. Gut Training & Advanced Caloric Strategies Fueling isn’t just about eating. It is about training your body to absorb and utilize nutrients efficiently. I will incorporate gut training sessions to help runners build a reliable nutrition strategy, ensuring steady energy availability from start to finish. Sleep Deprivation Preparation Ultra-runners inevitably face sleep deprivation. Future training plans will include controlled sleep-deprived running sessions to help athletes adapt to racing on minimal rest while implementing micro-rest strategies at aid stations. Mental Resilience Training Mental toughness is crucial in ultra-racing. Beyond standard mindset coaching, I will integrate: Visualization & Pre-Race Mental Prep Micro-Goal Strategies for Pacing & Motivation Tactical Mental Reset Techniques for When the Race Gets Tough Crew & Pacers: The Unsung Heroes of Ultra Success A well-prepared support crew can make or break an ultra. Moving forward, I will offer crew and pacer training to align expectations, fueling strategies, and pacing tactics, ensuring runners have seamless race-day support. Paul’s Take: Why This Coaching Approach Worked After the race, Paul shared valuable feedback on our coaching partnership: Personalized Approach: “The plan wasn’t just a template. It was customized to my strengths, weaknesses, and goals.” Accountability & Support: “Knowing you had my back and could adjust my strategy when needed kept me focused and committed.” Mental Toughness Training: “The mindset strategies helped me push through the toughest moments when I wanted to quit.” As Paul put it: “You kept me accountable, adjusted when needed, and believed in me even when I doubted myself. That made all the difference.” Ready to Take on Your Own Ultra? Let’s Build Your Success Plan Whether you’re training for your first 100-miler, aiming for a PR, or refining your race strategy, I’m here to help you train smarter, race stronger, and finish with confidence. Here’s How I Can Support You: ✅ Custom Ultra Training Plans: Built around your race goals, experience level, and lifestyle. ✅ Strength & Injury Prevention: Focused training to keep you durable and race-ready. ✅ Fueling & Hydration Strategies: A science-backed approach to keep you strong from start to finish. ✅ Mental Toughness Coaching: Proven techniques to help you stay focused, adapt, and push through the lows. ✅ Expert Guidance & Accountability: Personalized support to ensure you’re always progressing. Why Hire Me as Your Ultra Coach? Ultra-running isn’t just about mileage. It is about smart training, resilience, and race-day execution. My coaching philosophy ensures you have the physical strength, mental toughness, and strategic race plan to succeed. ✔ Personalized Plans – No one-size-fits-all training; every athlete gets a tailored plan. ✔ Mental Resilience Training – Develop strategies to stay strong in the toughest moments. ✔ Fueling & Hydration Mastery – Dial in your nutrition for peak performance. ✔ Proven Race Strategies – Execute a smart, efficient race from start to finish. ✔ Dedicated Support – A coach who believes in you and is committed to your success. Ready to take your ultra-running to the next level? Visit CoachMartin.ca and let’s start building your path to ultra success today!

Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause , can be a rollercoaster of physical and emotional changes. Hormonal fluctuations may cause symptoms including heavy cycles, low energy, and shifts in metabolism, which can make training feel unpredictable. But here’s the good news: Fitness during perimenopause isn’t about giving up. It is about adapting and setting new goals. With the right strategies, mindset, and support, women can not only maintain their fitness goals but thrive during this phase of life. In fact, this could be the most important time in your life to continue training. Whether you’re dealing with unexplained weight gain, inconsistent energy, or a changing body, a tailored training plan can help you stay active, build strength, and feel empowered.  Understanding Perimenopause and Its Impact on Fitness Beyond common hot flashes, perimenopause often brings uncomfortable symptoms such as: Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles Fatigue and disrupted sleep Slower metabolism, resulting in weight changes Decreased muscle mass and bone density Joint discomfort Moodiness and/or “brain fog,” which may cause you to lose interest in workouts For many women, these changes can be frustrating, but they are not insurmountable. Instead of forcing the body to follow rigid routines, this is the time to listen to it, adapt, and prioritize long-term health over quick fixes. My coaching philosophy centers on working with the body’s natural rhythms, helping women stay consistent while navigating hormonal changes. How I Support Women Through Perimenopause As a coach, I take a personalized, compassionate approach to training during perimenopause. My aim is to empower women by creating adaptable programs that consider their unique needs, energy levels, and goals. Here’s how: 1. Prioritizing Flexibility Perimenopause is unpredictable. Some days you’ll feel energized; others, you’ll want to take it slow. My plans allow for this flexibility. On low-energy days, we focus on restorative movement like yoga or walking. On high-energy days, we maximize output with strength or cardio sessions. 2. The Power of Strength Training Muscle mass naturally declines during perimenopause, which impacts metabolism, strength, and bone health. Strength training becomes a cornerstone of fitness, improving overall physical resilience while also increasing bone density. This is particularly important, as bone loss is accelerated during perimenopause and menopause. Resistance exercises such as weightlifting, bodyweight movements, and resistance bands are prioritized. Note that there is an abundance of research supporting the idea that “lifting heavy,” whatever that means for you as an individual, is especially beneficial through the years of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. It’s normal to lose muscle mass during this time, but it’s also preventable. Retaining, or better yet, building muscle mass will not only support bone health, it will improve metabolism, keep your heart healthy, and stave off frailty later in life. 3. Balancing Intensity and Recovery High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and endurance workouts are still beneficial, but recovery must take center stage. By alternating high-effort days with restorative activities, we prevent burnout and allow the body to rebuild and recharge. 4. Adapting to Your Body’s “New-for-Now” Normal Fatigue, headaches, moodiness, and unpredictable cycles are all common complaints during perimenopause. These can feel like roadblocks to fitness, but they don’t have to derail progress. As an example, an athlete I work with experiences frequent, heavy periods. This new and unexpected symptom takes her out of training for several weeks at a time, a situation she finds distressing and discouraging. We are able to keep her training going, despite this challenge, though. By tracking symptoms and identifying patterns, we adapt workouts to fit her body’s needs. Training consistently and building endurance, she’s been hitting personal bests, and recently held her desired race pace during a long run. A promising sign as she prepares for her first-ever half-marathon. Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips for Perimenopause Fitness What you do outside of workouts is just as important as what you do during them. Here are some tips to support your training. Diet and Supplements (Remember to check with your doctor before changing your diet or supplement regiment!): Calcium and Vitamin D: Women should prioritize calcium during perimenopause, a time when bone density is likely decreasing. Vitamin D assists with calcium absorption, so it’s essential to have adequate amounts of both. For calcium, 1200mg per day is recommended, and most experts recommend that this come from foods like Greek yogurt, dairy milk or calcium-fortified non-dairy milk, dark leafy greens, salmon, and other sources, rather than pills. Vitamin D is difficult to get in adequate amounts without getting a sunburn, so supplementing is essential in this case. For this supplement, 600 IU (or 15 mcg) is the recommended dose. Protein: To help maintain muscle, as well as to support bone health, protein is essential for athletes at the time of perimenopause. Generally, the recommendation is about 30 grams per meal, but you should check with a dietician or your doctor to confirm the amount that’s right for you. It’s important to note that adding protein doesn’t mean you should remove carbs. High-quality carbs, like fruits, starchy vegetables, and whole grains, are an essential part of a healthy diet, and they are especially important for endurance athletes. Fibre : You probably know that increasing fibre in your diet can deliver benefits like improved digestive health, but it may also help reduce symptoms of depression and the risk of ovarian cancer, according to a UK study . Many women feel uncomfortably bloated and face new digestive issues during perimenopause. Getting a healthy amount of fibre from whole grains, fruits, unsweetened dried fruits, vegetables, and high-fibre cereals like Bran Buds may help ease this discomfort. 21 grams are recommended daily. Other supplements, including magnesium and iron, are frequently recommended, but your doctor may recommend blood work before adding these to your routine. In general, eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods is always your best bet. The foundation of your meals should be fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats from sources like nuts, avocado, and olive oil. Lifestyle Tips: Stop Counting Calories. It’s also important to eat enough, especially when you’re training. Resist the urge to count calories and restrict certain food groups, and focus instead on eating good quality foods when you feel hungry. Hydration : Make sure you’re drinking enough water every day. Water, herbal teas, and carbonated water are all great choices that can help you meet the widely accepted goal of 1600ml/day . (If you experience excessive perspiration due to hot flashes or night sweats, you may need more than this.) Sleep Optimization: Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep, but creating a consistent bedtime routine and reducing screen time before bed can improve rest. Sleeping between six and nine hours per night may alleviate some menopause symptoms, so it’s worth experimenting. Nearly half of Canadian women aren’t getting enough magnesium, which may contribute to sleep problems. If you still struggle to get sufficient rest even with a good routine, ask your doctor about a magnesium supplement. Rest days: It’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to. I always build these into my athlete’s plans, but plans need to be flexible. If you’re feeling fatigued or achy, you may need to adjust your schedule - and that’s OK. Mindset: Reframing Challenges into Opportunities The emotional side of perimenopause is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in staying consistent with fitness goals. Many women feel frustrated by fluctuating performance or discouraged by changes in their bodies. Symptoms of depression and “brain fog,” both common in perimenopause, may exacerbate these feelings. My coaching focuses on: Shifting the Narrative: This isn’t about comparing yourself to your younger self. It’s about embracing where you are now and celebrating what your body is capable of achieving. Small Wins Matter: Every movement, whether it’s a full workout or a short walk, is progress. Consistency, not perfection, is the goal. Building Resilience : Resilience is about more than physical strength. It is about showing up, adapting, and giving yourself grace during the tough days. Strong for Life: By building strength, improving agility, and bolstering bone density now, you’re setting yourself up for better health and wellness as you age. The foundation you’re building today could benefit you into your 80s and beyond. The Power of Community and Support Fitness during perimenopause can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a supportive community of women facing similar challenges can make all the difference. As a coach, I aim to create more than just training plans. I provide a space where women feel seen, supported, and understood. Together, we share strategies, celebrate wins, and encourage one another through the ups and downs. Thriving Through Perimenopause: A New Chapter in Fitness Perimenopause is not an end. It is a new chapter that brings opportunities to discover new strengths, redefine fitness, and prioritize long-term health. If you’re navigating this phase of life and feeling unsure where to start, I’d love to help. Together, we’ll create a tailored program that adapts to your body’s needs, helps you stay consistent, and ensures you feel strong and empowered every step of the way. Why Choose Me as Your Coach? Expertise in Women’s Health: I specialize in fitness strategies that align with the unique hormonal and physical changes women experience during perimenopause. Many of my athletes are successfully navigating this stage of their lives, and I’m proud to be part of their journey. Personalized Plans : No cookie-cutter programs here. Your training plan will be tailored to your goals, energy levels, and lifestyle. Ongoing Support: From check-ins to mindset coaching, I’m here to support you through every stage of your journey. Ready to get started? Let’s work together to redefine what thriving through perimenopause means for you. Contact me today to schedule a consultation or learn more about my coaching programs.