300. The Lean Marathoner: How to Shed Excess Body Fat Without Sacrificing Muscle

In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, we interview registered dietitianand Ironman finisher Alex Larson to tackle the controversial topic of achievinga leaner body composition without sacrificing performance power. We discuss whymany marathoners feel embarrassed to admit they want to "lean out"and how to strategically shift your focus from simple weight loss to functionalbody composition changes. Larson shares her expert insights on"front-loading" nutrition—including the 40-gram protein breakfastrule—and explains why you should never diet during your training runs. We alsodive into the "Peanut Butter Paradox," the critical importance ofmonitoring ferritin and Vitamin D levels, and how fueling properly during theday can exponentially improve your sleep quality and recovery. This episodeprovides expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running andcompetitive sports.Why You Should Listen:·       Our guest this episode: Alex Larson (https://alexlarsonnutrition.com)·       Connect with Us:·       Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast·       YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal·       Follow us on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607