In episode 110 of the Eat for Endurance podcast, I sit down with ultrarunner, author, podcaster, and adventure seeker, Angie Marie.
Angie has always been drawn to movement. From karate and track as a kid to trail running, hiking, and gravel biking as an adult, exercise and adventure have always been core parts of her identity. But her journey to understanding how to properly fuel her body has been filled with challenges, learning moments, and ultimately, empowerment.
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Growing Up with Food and Movement
Like many young athletes, Angie didn’t initially view food as fuel. Growing up as a self-proclaimed picky eater, meals were more about satisfying hunger and cravings than optimizing performance.
It wasn’t until high school, when she joined the track and field team, that she started paying attention to food and body image conversations. Unfortunately, like many young athletes, she absorbed problematic messages from media, friends, and even diet trends within her household.
Struggling as an Underfueled Athlete
College became a period of restriction, over-exercise, and anxiety around food, and her health soon began to suffer. She experienced fatigue, digestive issues, and missed periods, but brushed these off as "normal" parts of being a female athlete.
Her anxiety and distrust of her body worsened after the Boston Marathon bombings. She was only a block away from where the first bomb went off, and experienced PTSD in the following months.
The Wake-Up Call
For Angie, a defining moment came when she was admitted to the ER with an unexpected ectopic pregnancy at age 24 due to a failed IUD, requiring emergency surgery. As she recovered, she had to confront an unsettling truth: she knew very little about how her body truly functioned.
This was the turning point that led her to begin reconnecting with her body. She became fascinated with menstrual cycles, intuitive eating, and the effects of underfueling, and gradually learned to work with her body rather than against it.
With time and patience, she began fueling her body properly. The difference was life-changing. She experienced more energy, no more injuries, and the ability to train for endurance events without feeling depleted.
Embracing Fueling for Performance
As she transitioned into ultramarathons and other endurance events, Angie redefined her relationship with food. She listened to her body but also fueled with purpose to ensure she would get the nutrition she needed for long training runs, ultramarathon races, and other outdoor adventures.
Training for a 100-mile race required a new mindset: fueling wasn’t optional. Angie incorporated a mix of whole foods and convenient options to meet her needs, embracing items she once would have avoided like chocolate milk, Coca-Cola, and packaged convenience foods to sustain her body through long hours of training and racing.
She finally trusted her body, knew what it required, and finished her race without any issues.
Angie's Lessons in Endurance Nutrition
Convenience Matters: Keeping shelf-stable chocolate milk around has been a game-changer for post-run recovery.
Every Food Has a Purpose: Whether it's Coke for quick energy during an ultra or salty pretzels with cheese for long runs, she's learned to trust her body’s needs.
Listen and Adapt: Training for long distances has helped her fine-tune what works best for her body, from electrolyte needs to balancing carbs, fat, and protein.
Shifting Mindsets: Rather than chasing speed or distance records, she now focuses on having the most fun while moving her body.
Taking on New Challenges: Fueling on the bike has presented some logistical obstacles, but she’s ready to experiment and find what works best for her.
Everyday Nutrition Tips for Athletes
We also discuss some practical strategies for athletes looking to fuel and perform their best:
How to stay well-nourished while traveling frequently
Quick and easy lunches for busy days
How to boost ferritin and vitamin D levels
Catch the Full Episode to Learn More
Angie’s story is a testament to the power of fueling, self-compassion, and continuous learning. Her journey from underfueled to empowered athlete is an inspiring reminder that proper nutrition isn’t just about performance; it’s about health, longevity, and enjoying the ride.
If you’re struggling with fueling or navigating body changes as an athlete, please remember that fueling well isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity for thriving in sport and in life.
Links and Resources:
Join my new monthly membership service, Fuel for Life Crew, for just $30/month (cancel anytime)
Check out my free nutrition downloads
Fill out a new client inquiry form if you’re interested in 1:1 nutrition coaching
Support the podcast with my Skratch affiliate code EATFORENDURANCE20
Join my Patreon community
Get in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com
Disclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations
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