Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter

The Comrades Marathon is one of the most competitive ultramarathons on the planet. The 99th running of the historic point to point course recently saw both the men's and women's course records go down. George Kusche was the men's and overall winner with a time of 5 hours 15 minutes 56 seconds over the 85.77 km net uphill course.  George Kusche : @kuschegeorge Episode Sponsors : ProBio: probionutri...

WSER 100 2026 was defined by large improvements in finishing times across both the men's and women's top finishers. What does the historically cooler temps help tell us about the next big performance boosting strategy for ultramarathon races? Nick Coury joins me to discuss the pacing variable that may still yield big improvements at races like WSER 100.  Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.c...

Some eye catching training techniques have recently been highlighted in the running world. These included what appears to be an excessive degree weighted downhill treadmill work, and heat train maxxing. I give some thoughts on both, and what they mean for the average runner. Episode Sponsors: ProBio : probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT : drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pac...

I was recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot. I was traveling for a race when symptoms presented. This is a timeline of the events that led to me getting checked and confirmed. DVT is a situation where if you don't act soon, it can get very bad. Getting checked when symptoms present is very important, and I hope to highlight that with my story.    Episode Sponsors: ProB...

On paper, the Enhanced Games was a massive failure, but was success the real goal or something bigger? Hyper carb fueling strategies are all the rage right now, but is there more to this approach than gut training on race day? The Comrades Marathon produced course records on both the men's and women's side of the event.  Episode Sponsors: ProBio:  probionutrition.com/endurance  Code: Endurance (20...

Ian Sharman is a legend in the ultramarathon space, finishing top ten at WSER 100 nine times, four wins at Leadville 100 mile, and a wealth of knowledge with respect to training theory and the variables that make for successful ultramarathon results. Ian recently published a book, "Art of Ultrarunning: Tried & Tested Strategies for Long-Distance Runners." We spent some time covering what he has le...

Multiday Ultramarathons are growing in popularity, but offer a high bar to be successful. Kevin Goldberg is the host of the "Distance To Empty Podcast" where they dive into the specific variables surrounding multiday ultras. We discussed what he has learned from experts along the way, as well his own participation in this style of ultramarathon. Kevin : https://linktr.ee/distancetoemptypod | IG: @...

Brian Peterson (Wolfie's World) joined me to discuss Jim Walmsley's entry into WSER through sponsor spot, and what to make of all the discussion around policing non-professional runners in sport. Brian:  @wolffrunner | Wolfies World Podcast Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT:  drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketon...

Kilian Korth finally cracked the code for a successful race at Cocodona 250 on his forth attempt. It didn't come without challenges and unpredictable hurdles to clear. Kilian is one of the best problem solvers in the sport. We discuss his approach, problem solving, and what makes Cocodona and multiday events so appealing in the modern ultramarathon era. Kilian: IG @runtoughmindset | Substack: http...

Recently, Sage Canaday called into question Cameron Hanes participation in running events by pointing out some of the products he has openly discussed using. The topic raises questions about what the best process is for maintaining clean sport. I discuss what I believe both of their broader points include, and potential options to minimize the divide. Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/...

Rachel Entrekin recently cemented her legacy in the growth of multiday trail ultramarathons with her outright course record and third win at the Cocodona 250. We talk about how her race played out, her life has changed since going pro earlier this year, and what her performance has taught us about the many variables to success at multiday ultramarathons.  For a full picture of Rachel's transition...

Cocodona 250 Mile had all the ingredients to go viral beyond the world of running. I dive into the variables that led to it, what we are learning around the weight of certain performance variables like running ability and durability, and why the event has a polarizing aspect to it. Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sampl...

Jacob Thomson is a professional marathon runner for Under Armour. He recently raced Boston in a time of 2 hours 9 minutes 51 seconds. He co-hosts the Out and Back Podcast with Rory Linkletter. We discuss elite training, innovative shoe tech, the role of high in race carb fueling, doping influence on professional sports, and how to navigate the world of influence and sponsorship in running's modern...

Super shoes, extreme in race carb consumption, and doping was a big topic in the running news the past week. We saw both Sebastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha go under 2 hours for the first time in a sanctioned event. Much of the conversation around these performances were centered around innovations in shoe technology, carbohydrate fueling strategies, and doping suspicion.    Episode Sponsors: ProBio...

Brant Stachel guides high performing athletes and individuals to reach their goals. Brant has worked with elite athletes representing Canada and the United States, including Olympians and international competitors. Brant has been working with Thomas Nobbs who has continually progressed towards a 2:09 marathon and win at the McKirdy MicroOTQ Marathon. Brant:  runfastandfree.com | IG: @brant_stachel...

Tommy Lewis hosts the podcast, That's Runnable, and is a content creator with a passion to introduce people to running. He joined the show to discuss the role influencers and athletes play in growing the sport of running, where conflicts arise, and what he believes the path forward is for these two influential groups. Tommy:  thatsrunnable.com | IG: @tommyrunpt Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutr...

Mike McKnight is an ultramarathon athlete, coach, and former Triple Crown of 200s record holder. He is a trailblazer for 200+ mile trail events, and on a mission this year to win as many as possible. He recently won and set the course record at the Arizona 300 Mile, and has his sights on Cocodona 250, Tahoe 200, Hardrock 100, Bigfoot 200, and Moab 240 this year.  Mike : greatwesternadventures.com...

Dr. James DiNicolantonio is a cardiovascular research scientist and Doctor of Pharmacy and has worked with professional athletes across sports. We cover the topic of fueling sport, and what to make of the extremes often discussed online. James :  drjamesdinic.com | IG: @drjamesdinic | X: @drjamesdinic | YouTube: @dr.jamesdinicolantonio2215 Episode Sponsors: ProBio:  probionutrition.com/endurance C...

Mark Dowdle specializes in long multi-day and backyard ultramarathons. He shares his experience coming from a non-running background. We discuss what makes multi-day ultras and backyard ultras unique and how the variables impacting performance shift compared to shorter ultras and endurance events.  Mark Dowdle: www.mark-dowdle.com | IG: @mark.dowdle | YT: @mark.dowdle Episode Sponsors: LMNT: https...

For this episode, I dive into some of the extremes we often see with respect to fueling strategies in endurance sports, both on the high and low end of carbohydrate consumption, and what we can make of it all.  Wahoo KICKR Run: wahoofitness.com Code: OUTLIER (free HR monitor with purchase) ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack wit...

Jonah Rosner is a sport scientist, performance coach, and the founder of Marathon Science, a platform dedicated to translating cutting-edge endurance research into practical insights for runners and hybrid athletes. Jonah previously worked in the NFL and now focuses on helping endurance athletes train smarter through evidence-based training, nutrition, and performance strategies. Jonah: @rosnerper...

Raj Pannu recently won and set the course record at the USATF 100 Mile National Championships. Raj was determined for redemption this year after being DQ'd last year due to his shoes not meeting USATF guidelines. In this episode, we discuss his trajectory through the 100 mile distance and steady improvements over the years.  Raj: @lightningraj  Endurance Training Simplified Series ProBio: probionu...

Rachel Entrekin is a 2x Cocodona Champion, and course record holder. She joined me for an in-depth interview discussing her transition to professional running, training methods, multi-day race strategy, and the evolution of ultrarunning. Rachel:  rachelentrekin.substack.com | IG: @rachel__entrekin Endurance Training Simplified Series ProBio:  probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off)...

High carb fueling has been gaining momentum over the past few years. Claire Shorenstein shares some things to consider around this process to make it more sustainable and long lasting. Claire is a sports dietitian who hosts Eat for Endurance. She is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian (MS RD CSSD) with over a decade of experience helping active people achieve their nutrition, health, and fitness go...

The sport of ultramarathon is growing! With that, we have much more exposure to the wide range of events that fall within the ultra category. With growth, we see increased competitive pressure, but not always in a uniform manner. Let's discuss what this means for the different disciplines within ultramarathon, and what we will likely see in the coming years. Endurance Training Simplified Series Ep...