Real Fuel with SLS

Summer is officially here, and with it comes hot, humid miles that can make your runs feel significantly more challenging. Whether you are ramping up training for a fall marathon (like Stevie’s upcoming Philly full in November!) or keeping active with local summer races, staying safely fueled and hydrated in the heat requires a distinct strategy. In this solo episode, registered sports dietitian a...

What happens when you combine the clinical expertise of a registered dietitian with the comprehensive training of a board-certified family medicine physician? You get a powerful, preventative approach to healthcare that looks at the whole person. In this episode of Real Fuel with SLS , Stevie Lyn Smith catches up with longtime college friend and colleague, Dr. Alex Ford, DO, RD . Dr. Ford shares h...

On this episode of Real Fuel with SLS , I am joined by professional runner, American record holder, and mother of two, Keira D'Amato. Fresh off the release of her new book, Don't Call It a Comeback , Keira opens up about her recent major surgery and her intentional, conservative approach to rehabilitation. Keira pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to realize you’ve been living and t...

Are you a recreational runner who hits the gym but still finds yourself dealing with nagging injuries? It might be time to ditch the random internet workouts and get strategic. In this episode of Real Fuel with SLS ,  I am is joined by Laura Filla, a competitive marathoner, RRCA Level 2 Certified Running Coach, and founder of Filla Endurance. Laura breaks down her science-backed coaching philosoph...

In this episode, I share more of my journey and preparation for the Gulf Coast 70.3 after 7 years away from racing long course triathlon! I chat about: My training block The mental and physical challenges of taper week Strategies for carb loading I reflect on past experiences  The importance of visualization The mental hurdles athletes face The significance of rest, recovery, and proper nutrition...

In this episode, Holley Samuel of Holley Fueled Nutrition, a sports dietitian and endurance athlete, shares expert insights on pregnancy, nutrition, training, and postpartum recovery.  She discusses how women can proactively support their bodies through pregnancy and beyond, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and evidence-based practices. We also chat about: energy and nutrient needs...

In this episode, we explore the journey of Joe Whelan, a high-performing athlete in the world of distance running. Joe shares his insights on training through brutal winters, experimenting with nutrition and pacing, and playing a different game in the highly competitive world of marathoning. Whether you're an endurance athlete or just curious about pushing human potential, this conversation o...

Understanding Protein and Carb Loading: Clear Insights for Optimal Nutrition In this episode, I break down the essentials of protein—what it is, how to evaluate its quality, and common misconceptions. I also delve into effective carb loading strategies for endurance athletes and practical tips for race preparation, helping you make smarter nutrition choices for your training and racing. I chat mor...

In this episode, Becca McConville , an expert on relative energy deficiency in sports, shares insights on REDs and its impact on health and performance. We break down the complexities of metabolic dysfunction, the "sneaky" ways athletes end up under-fueled, and why a low resting heart rate might not be the "fitness flex" many think it is.  From the impact of GLP-1 medications o...

In this episode we dive deep into the "middle space" between athletic coaching, mental performance, and clinical therapy. Guest Neal Palles is a psychotherapist, certified mental performance consultant, and ultra-running coach. He shares his unique perspective on the "many hats" he wears supporting athletes We explore the dangerous glorification of suffering in endurance sports...

In this episode I sit down with my colleague to dive into how sports nutrition is growing in the tactical and high-performance field. He also shares practical tips to spot nutrition misinformation, gives his take on the new dietary guidelines, and more! Brandon Lee, DHSc, RD, CSSD, CCRP, FAND, is a human performance practitioner, researcher, and educator dedicated to advancing athlete health, read...

Dr. Sasha Gollish is a Team Canada middle- and long-distance runner, engineer, coach, and advocate for gender equity in sport. With a PhD in civil engineering and decades of experience in athletics and research, she leads community-engagement efforts at the University of Toronto’s Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Centre.  Passionate about movement and belonging, Sasha co-founded Yellow...

Do you have big spring race goals but struggle to get outside in the winter? If you want to keep hitting the pavement during the cold, snowy, and windy months, this episode will give you the tools to do just that. Jaci Wilson is a marathon & ultramarathon run coach, winter running enthusiast, and podcaster who helps runners, with many active hobbies, train sustainably through all seasons. She...

Jessica is an Assistant Professor in the nutrition department at Syracuse University, where she previously earned her PhD in Exercise Science. She also serves as the consulting sports dietitian for LeMoyne College Athletics and sees clients through her private practice, Major League Wellness. Jessica is a women's health researcher, currently studying the effects of REDs on athletic performanc...

Michaela is a run coach, co-founder of Strides for Strength, and a multi passionate nurse by degree. She believes in the power of movement — not just for performance, but for life. Her work lives at the intersection of being a human, moving well, and feeling good while doing it . Whether that’s on the run, chasing life’s next adventure, or the moments in between. Michaela helps others find strengt...

From grinding rails to grinding miles — Jim Cielencki was a former pro BMX rider and entrepreneur, co-founding Sunday Bikes. In 2016, he ran every street in Buffalo. Today, he captures the world of running around him, highly influenced by his experiences in BMX and skateboarding. In this episode we yap about: How he got into photography His time spent as pro BMX rider How injuries helped him shape...

Sara Manderscheid is the founder + head coach of Elevate Your Running Coaching, a podcaster, and an endurance masters athlete in Boulder, Colorado. Sara partners with athletes to chase big dreams, break through plateaus, and find joy and flexibility in running and training. She enjoys working with athletes who love running and want to improve the sport. You can find Elevate Your Running online at...

Caitlin Butler is an anorexia survivor turned eating disorder recovery coach and the founder of Bold Bites HQ. After struggling without the tools she needed in her eating disorder recovery, she began creating her own. Now she designs care packages, cheeky mugs, stickers, and coloring pages that support women through the messy, real moments of recovery. Her mission is simple: make eating doable aga...

Heather Caplan is the co-founder of Lane 9 Project , and a sports dietitian based in Ann Arbor MI. She works with runners to be more flexible with fueling and nutrition, and supports athletes wanting to get their periods back, or keep them regular. She has three kiddos and a dog named Banana. You can find her out on the run, and on the Lane 9 podcast . Listen to hear more about: The what is and wh...

Brandon is the owner of SOMA Performance and Fitness in Centennial Colorado where they specialize in helping youth athletes improve speed, strength, and confidence as well as active adults improve overall health and fitness. Brandon has been training competitive athletes since 2010 and has helped well over 1,000 athletes improve their performance! He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach...

Riley Nickols, PhD, CEDS-C is a counseling and sport psychologist who specializes in working with athletes to address mental health and sport performance concerns. Currently, Dr. Nickols is the Senior Program Advisor for Athlete EDGE at EDCare in Denver, CO where specialized intensive eating disorder treatment is provided for athletes. He is also the founder of Mind Body Endurance, a group of prov...

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and low energy availability are common struggles for endurance athletes and active individuals alike. There are a lot of misconceptions about what these conditions are, who they impact, and how they present. In this episode I am joined by Brooke Czarnecki, RDN to dive into these topics and more! Listen to hear about: REDs deep dive What is low energy avai...

Navigating life and training after a marathon or other big race can be a challenge for many runners and athletes. We are stoked to have Coach Nick Klastava back on the pod to give you tips and strategies to better navigate both the physical and emotional aftermath of completing your goal race. Listen to hear about: How to navigate feelings of sadness after a race How to be proud of yourself, no ma...

Abby Wolcott @energysportsdietitian completed her BS in dietetics at Olivet Nazarene University, where she was a member of the track team. She went on to complete her dietetic internship at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and her MS in Applied Exercise Science at Concordia University Chicago. Abby is based out of Kenosha, WI, and specializes in nutrition for athletes and people with eating disord...

Kate Ringwood is a therapist and owner of Serendipity Counseling Services, specializing in athletes going through eating disorder recovery.  In this episode we chat about: Eating disorder recovery– what does this look like? How diet culture impacts us all, whether we have an eating disorder or not Mindset shifts to make things easier through recovery Eating disorder informed providers and coaches...