Kayla Fitzgerald | RD Squared

In this episode, Kayla Fitzgerald shares her unique journey from being a novice runner to becoming a race director for Palmetto Ultras. She discusses her initial struggles with running, her discovery of trail running, and her experiences with ultra marathons, particularly the Barkley Fall Classic. Kayla emphasizes the importance of community in running, her approach to race directing, and the unique aspects of the races she organizes, including innovative swag and DNF awards. In this conversation, Kayla Fitzgerald discusses the challenges and experiences of ultra running, particularly focusing on backyard ultras and the unique perspectives of mid to back of the pack runners. She shares insights on the significance of belt buckles in the ultra running community and her journey to becoming a registered dietitian. The discussion also delves into the nutritional concerns of runners, emphasizing the importance of proper fueling strategies and the need to embrace a flexible approach to nutrition without strict labels. In this conversation, Kayla Fitzgerald, a registered dietitian and ultra runner, shares her insights on nutrition strategies for ultra running, emphasizing the importance of carbohydrate intake and gut training. The discussion transitions into a light-hearted quickfire round where Kayla shares her favorite running gear, race nutrition, and even her thoughts on dinosaurs, showcasing her personality and passion for the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kayla Fitzgerald
02:09 Kayla's Journey into Running
06:03 Discovering Trail Running
09:50 Experiences with the Barkley Fall Classic
17:53 Becoming a Race Director
23:59 Unique Aspects of Palmetto Ultras
29:56 Swag and DNF Awards
32:04 Embracing the Challenge of Ultra Running
33:09 Understanding Backyard Ultras and Their Appeal
34:49 The Mid to Back of the Pack Perspective
36:45 Strategies for Success in Backyard Ultras
38:44 The Significance of Belt Buckles in Ultra Running
44:10 The Journey to Becoming a Registered Dietitian
49:00 Nutrition Concerns Among Runners
55:40 Fueling Strategies for Long Runs
01:00:01 Finding Balance in Nutrition and Performance
01:03:11 Fueling Strategies for Ultra Running
01:09:09 Quickfire Questions and Personal Preferences