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