Real Fuel with SLS

Epizodes

• Pro Runner Keira D'Amato: Injury Rehabilitation, Mid-Run Pain, and "Don't Call It a Comeback" 02.06.2026 58min

  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 training in constant pain, how her body learned to compensate over a five-year period, and why she is viewing ...
• Building An Injury-Resilient Runner: Why Strength Training is the Secret to Longevity in Running with Laura Filla 19.05.2026 50min

  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 philosophy, explaining why she prioritizes building injury resilience over injury prevention. In...
• Return to 70.3 racing: race week tips and tricks 05.05.2026 34min

  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 blockThe mental and physical challenges of taper weekStrategies for carb loadingI reflect on past experiences The importance of visualizationThe mental hurdles athletes faceThe significance of rest, recovery, and proper nutrition leading up to race dayAnd so much more!Download my FREE carb loading guide here! Follow me on inst...
• Proactive Nutrition During Pregnancy for Endurance Athletes 21.04.2026 57min

  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 pregnancy bloodwork to look at before, during, and post-pregnancy (and why)the impor...
• Sub-2:10 Marathon Secrets: Training, Fueling, and Breakthroughs with Joe Whelan 07.04.2026 49min

  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 offers valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and mental toughness. In this episode we talk about:...
• Q&A: Mastering Carb Loading and Debunking Protein Myths 24.03.2026 31min

  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 more about: The fundamental role of protein: amino acids, macronutrients, and their functionsWhy mor...
• The RED-s Deep Dive: Metabolism, Heart Health, and Fueling Your Potential 10.03.2026 54min

  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 on performance to the psychology of "a la carte" movement, this conversation provides a roadmap for athletes and c...
• More Than a Finish Line: Untangling Identity, Suffering, and Mental Performance with Neal Palles 24.02.2026 1h 5min

  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 and how "grit" can often transform into "rigidity." Neal breaks down the critical differences between performa...
• Nutrition for Tactical Athletes and High- Performers and How to Spot Nutrition Misinformation with Dr. Brandon Lee 10.02.2026 1h

  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, readiness, and resilience. A Registered Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics,...
• Mental Performance, Self-Compassion, and Sports Science Research with Dr. Sasha Gollish 27.01.2026 1h

  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 Running Shoes and works to help young athletes thrive on and off the field. She is also the...
• How to Make the Most of Winter Running: Run Coach Jaci Wilson Shares Her Tips from Her Sub Zero Training 13.01.2026 57min

  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 helps athletes excel in running without sacrificing their hobbies by managing their training load...
• EP 53: Applying Sports Nutrition Research to the Individual Athlete 11.11.2025 48min

  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 performance in female athletes. She is a mom to 4 kids and stays active with weight training, hiking, yoga, and ...
• EP 52: Reaching Your Max Potential As An Everyday Athlete 28.10.2025 49min

  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 strength, energy, and joy in the way they move through both training and everyday life. In this episode ...
• EP 51: Capturing the Journey of Running on Film 14.10.2025 49min

  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 photographyHis time spent as pro BMX riderHow injuries helped him shape his craftWhat inspired the start of mile by mile photoRunning every street in BuffaloA behind the ...
• EP 50: Navigating Stress, Injuries, and Burnout in Marathon Training 23.09.2025 53min

  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 elevateyourrunning.com, and on social media at @sayrahrunshappy and @elevateyourrunning (Instagra...
• EP 49: Getting Support in the Messy Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery 09.09.2025 48min

  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 again and help women break free from restriction, food obsession, and over-exercising so they can ac...
• EP 48: Flexible Fueling & Nutrition for Athletes 05.08.2025 55min

  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 why behind the Lane 9 Project?How providing a platform for athletes and individuals to connect and sh...
• EP 47: Making Strength Training Accessible & Effective for Athletes of All Ages 22.07.2025 55min

  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 through the NSCA and holds multiple other certifications in the field of Strength and Conditionin...
• EP 46: Athlete-Specific Care: A Game Changer in Eating Disorder Treatment 08.07.2025 55min

  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 providers with compassion and an expertise working with athletes, our providers aim to improve mental...
• EP 45: Unpacking REDs for Endurance Athletes 24.06.2025 1h 2min

  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 diveWhat is low energy availability (LEA) and how does it impact athletes?Signs and symptoms of LEA and REDs that most athlet...