We had the great privilege to jam with Rafal Nazarewicz the founder and nutritional wizard behind Spring Energy. Rafal is a sports nutrition scientist, ultra runner, and health fanatic.

We touch on a number of ideas and practices that may be interesting to anyone, not just ultra-endurance athletes. Rafal makes a case for eating real food at all times including during training and racing. We discuss why real food matters, and we explore industry trends and emerging Spring Energy products.

This episode is available courtesy of the Run Beyond Athlete Community.

Michael Fojtasek is a compassionate, curious, and courageous human, a husband, father, chef, and neophyte trail runner. After a 6 year hiatus spent building the Olamaie Southern Food restaurant in Austin, TX, Michael transitioned from a background in road running (up to the marathon distance) to trail running. He took his first stab at the ultramarathon distance with this year's Sky Island 50k. Michael ultimately DNF'd at Sky Island and we talk about what lessons he learned and how he will roll them into the Big Bend 50 coming this January.

We also talk about how Michael is building inclusive and compassionate culture at Olamie and reopening the restaurant with a new menu and staff focused on modernizing Olamaie's interpretation of modern Southern Food incorporating the latest trends and flavors.

We had the great fortune to catch up with ultra-running pioneer, Buzz Burrell. Buzz pioneered several game-changing innovations in the sport of ultra-running including water bottles on the front of running vests and the concept and world of the Fastest Known Time.

We philosophize about trail running history, lore, and culture. We compare international trail running cultures, and we talk discuss where the FKT movement may go in the coming months and years.