Nutrition expert Alex Larson reveals how one simple timing shift in daily eating can dramatically transform sleep quality, recovery, and performance for endurance athletes — but most runners are doing the exact opposite of what actually works.

Alex Larson is a Minnesota-based registered dietitian who felt her calling the moment she crossed the finish line of Ironman Wisconsin and has leaned into this mission of serving endurance based athletes. She works with endurance athletes on fueling for improved performance and body composition through a flexible eating style. She’s worked with athletes from all over the U.S. and in over 15 different countries and she herself has completed 20+ triathlons including Ironmans and multiple 10K and half marathons. Her clients fall back in love with their sport and life again.

Jon chats with Alex about:

• daily fueling strategies and meal timing

• pre-run nutrition and carbohydrate intake guidelines

• recovery nutrition and post-workout fueling protocols

• supplement evaluation: creatine, protein powders, ketones

• sleep quality optimization through proper nutrition timing

Stay connected:

You can find Alex on Instagram here:

http://instagram.com/alexlarsonnutrition

and her website here:

https://alexlarsonnutrition.com

TikTok: @alexlarsonnutrition

Podcast: Endurance Eats

This episode is supported by:

Vacation Races Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026.

Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com.

Tifosi Optics If you've been curious, now's a great time to try them. Head to tifosioptics.com and use code [FTLR2026] for [20% off]. That's tifosioptics.com with code FTLR2026 to tell ‘em I sent you!

Boulderthon - Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at https://us.amazfit.com/discount/FTLR2026 and use code “FTLR2026” for 10% off.

The formula for elite running performance lies in the consistent application of stress and recovery - repeatable things that you can sustain over time.

Cliff Pittman serves as the Coaching Development Director for CTS, where he leads the Ultrarunning and Cycling Coaching staff. With a deep passion for ultrarunning and a commitment to excellence, Cliff specializes in coaching athletes at all levels—from beginners to elite runners.

Jon chats with Cliff about:

• stress and recovery fundamentals

• minimum effective dose for training adaptations

• subjective feedback vs. objective data analysis

• training specificity for race demands and terrain

• how to manage life stress as part of your training load

Stay connected:

Follow Cliff:

www.instagram.com/coachcliffpittman

This episode is supported by:

• AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at https://us.amazfit.com/discount/FTLR2026 and use code “FTLR2026” for 10% off.

• Vacation Races Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026.

• Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com.

• Tifosi Optics If you've been curious, now's a great time to try them. Head to tifosioptics.com and use code [FTLR2026] for [20% off]. That's tifosioptics.com with code FTLR2026 to tell ‘em i sent you!

When pro ultrarunner Hayden Hawks faces challenging conditions on the trails, he doesn't just endure them—he transforms them into opportunities for growth, proving that sometimes the hardest moments forge the strongest athletes.

Hayden Hawks has been a professional ultra runner for 10 years competing at and winning some of the biggest races in the world. He is sponsored by HOKA, AG1, Precision Fuel and Hydration, as well as many other sponsors. He has also been a huge advocate for helping and building youth group initiatives and inspiring the younger generation around the world, most notably the Trail Fam. Hayden is also a coach with Hawks Running and Centurion Running. He is a father of 2, husband to Ashley Hawks, and loves traveling with his family and being outside as much as possible.

Jon chats with Hayden about:

• balancing competition with being a good person and giving back

• gradual training progression instead of extreme volume jumps

• fueling runs over 90 minutes for better performance

• mental toughness through embracing uncomfortable mountain conditions

• consistency over time creates sustainable athletic careers

Stay Connected:

Follow Hayden:

https://www.instagram.com/hawks_hayden/

“Hayden Hawks” on Strava

https://trailfam.com/

https://www.hawksrunning.com/

This episode is supported by:

Precision Dial your fueling in this year. Use code “LONGRUN26” for 15% off your first order at www.precisionhydration.com

Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR2026 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.

AmazFit Check out the T-Rex 3 and a selection of GPS watches at https://us.amazfit.com/discount/FTLR2026 and use code “FTLR2026” for 10% off

Vacation Races Run where you play and chase the extraordinary. Use code “FTLR” for 15% off their half marathons, ultras, and trail fests at vacationraces.com through the end of 2026