Charlotte Backus Turner on Pregnancy, Ultra Bikepacking & Fueling for Performance

Send us Fan MailIn episode #190 we spoke with Charlotte Backus Turner, a former professional cyclist turned endurance cyclist and coach, exploring her multifaceted experience balancing high-level biking, pregnancy, and personal growth. Discover how she navigates the physical and mental hurdles of ultra bikepacking, pregnancy, and recovery—all rooted in science, lived experience, and resilience.KEY TOPICSCharlotte's transition from road racing to ultra bikepacking and her recent races like DoomThe impact of pregnancy on endurance training, fueling strategies, and nutritional needsManaging health challenges like pneumonia, lung capacity, and recovery after injuryDietary considerations for pregnant athletes, including cravings, supplements, and gut healthPractical tips for ultra fueling, hydration strategies, and carrying essentials on long ridesInsights into postpartum mindset and balancing athletic goals with family lifePlease note that this podcast is created strictly for educational purposes and should never be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.ABOUT CHARLOTTE BACKUS TURNER:Charlotte Backus Turner is a 28-year-old former professional UCI road cyclist, accredited cycling coach, nutritionist, ultra-endurance bikepacker, and psychology-driven Scholar based in Park City, Utah. With a background in road, gravel, Mtb, Zwift racing, and self-supported ultra-distance events, Charlotte blends science, lived experience, and human emotion to help athletes build strength, confidence, and resilience from the inside out.She is also the co-founder of Uinta Bikepacking alongside her husband, Matthew Turner — a northern Utah ultra-bikepacking event created to inspire more riders, especially women, to explore hard things with confidence. Outside of coaching and endurance sport, Charlotte also works in property management, bringing the same attention to detail, care, and commitment to people that she carries into her athletic and coaching life.Charlotte and Matthew live in Park City and are expecting their first child, a baby boy, in July 2026. Through her coaching, writing, adventures, and growing family life, Charlotte continues to share a grounded perspective on endurance, nutrition, mindset, resilience, and the deeper lessons we learn on and off the bike.FREE RESOURCES:NR Recovery Protocol: https://mailchi.mp/nutritional-revolution.com/recovery-protocolCarbs for Racing Guide: https://mailchi.mp/nutritional-revolution/carbs-for-racingFOLLOW CHARLOTTE BACKUS TURNER:IG: https://www.instagram.com/charlottebackus/COACHING: https://www.exqcoaching.com/about-meMENTIONED:Prenatal Vitamin: https://nutritional-revolution.com/product/thorne-basic-prenatal/Creatine: https://nutritional-revolution.com/product/thorne-creatine/Salt Stick Chews: https://amzn.to/4vjbfVSWelch's Fruit Snacks: https://amzn.to/4vrJivbBaked Lays: https://amzn.to/4vqc5A5Katadyn Water Bottle Filter: https://amzn.to/4vqjoInSawyer Water Filter System: https://amzn.to/4gp0LR7Queen Street Bakery (Gluten Free): https://amzn.to/4wxVUliFlour Craft Bakery: https://go.shopmy.us/p-70286788SPORTLEGS: https://amzn.to/4h4EmsxBREATH by James Nestor: https://amzn.to/4yewwmnTIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction to Charlotte Turner, pro cyclist and ultra endurance bikepacker02:25 - Charlotte’s background and journey into ultra bike packing04:21 - Pregnancy updates, upcoming races, and life changes05:36 - Transition from racing to pregnancy and mental challenges06:27 - Exploring self-supported ultra events and race strategies09:21 - Managing refueling and hydration on ultra distances10:28 - Completing Doom 100-mile race while pregnant and lessons learned11:04 - Adjustments in fueling and hydration during pregnancy12:10 - Early pregnancy challenges and managing physical symptoms13:08 - Facing food cravings and micronutrient needs during pregnancy14:36 - Physical changes like blood volume increase and lung capacity15:37 - Reflecting on racing before and during pregnancy16:24 - Overcoming injury, pneumonia, and lung capacity recovery19:37 - Transition from road to ultra bike packing and lifestyle shifts23:17 - Nutrition practices for ultra bike packing and managing dietary restrictions25:07 - The importance of mindset and nature connection in ultra endurance26:11 - Fueling strategies, food options, and managing GI issues during long rides27:13 - Favorite race snacks and planning for ultra events29:56 - Hydration tactics, bottle placement, and water sources during races33:19 - Monitoring fluid intake, fueling, and the body's response during ultra races36:55 - Managing gluten sensitivities and gluten-free foods while racing41:22 - How pregnancy altered her fueling needs and blood sugar regulation44:12 - Balancing energy output and carbohydrate intake in ultra endurance45:31 - Preferred protein sources during pregnancy for endurance athletes47:29 - Supplements, vitamins, and minerals for pregnancy and athletic performance49:56 - Upcoming races, training plans, and balancing family life57:13 - Charlotte’s international bikepacking adventures and future goals57:43 - Connecting with Charlotte: social media and website linksMORE NRApply to work with Kyla → https://p.bttr.to/3ZrwzcFUse code NEWPOD10 for 10% off our meal plans → https://nutritional-revolution.com/products/CONNECT Instagram → www.instagram.com/nutritionalrevolutionSponsorship inquiries → [email protected] in having your biomarkers or nutrigenomics checked? 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