Podcast
Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter
Hosted by Zach Bitter · EN
Welcome to the Human Performance Outliers Podcast. Your host Zach Bitter, will take you through a series of interesting topics around health, fitness, endurance, running, hybrid athlete training, ultramarathon, and nutrition. Join in for interviews with folks exploring their outer limits and research in a wide variety of sports, fitness, and nutrition.
55episodes
Episodes
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Episode 495: Performance Enhancing Drugs In Ultramarathon | Kilian Korth
2w ago01:55:25Tap to summarizeKilian Korth joined the show to have a discussion around ultrarunning's growing professionalization without sophisticated regulated drug testing, the limits and trade-offs of WADA/USADA-style regimes, and why "doping" as a blanket term obscures intent and severity. We unpack gray areas such as THC thresholds, TUE complexity for common medications, transparency vs backlash, influencer incentives, and the future pressure regenerative medicine and technology (e.g., super shoes) may place on sport rules. Kilian: IG: @runtoughmindset | Substack: https://substack.com/@runtoughmindset Sponsors: LMNT: https://drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: https://deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) True Nutrition: https://truenutrition.com/hpo Code: HPO (20% Off) Episode Summary & Notes: Zach Bitter & Kilian Korth on PEDs, incentives, and doping in ultrarunning Context & framing Conversation is the third appearance by Kilian on Zach's podcast; shifts from traditional training/racing episodes toward current events in running. Sparked by recent doping-related controversies (Cam Hanes / Sage Canaday online conflict, Mike McKnight's discussion of BPC-157 use on Hanes' podcast). Both emphasize moving beyond narrow focus on specific peptides/cases to broader structural issues. Activism, incentives & tribalism Skepticism of modern activism: good causes often get distorted by perverse incentives (attention, platform growth, organizational self-preservation/mission creep). Online environments (especially short-form social media) reward polarization over curiosity or truth-seeking. Parallel drawn to low-carb diet advocacy: movement shifted from exploration of pros/cons toward dietary supremacy and identity attachment. Both hosts value changing one's mind with new evidence and prefer evolving conversations over tribal "debates" aimed at winning. Core problem in ultrarunning Rapid professionalization and financial incentives exist, but sophisticated testing (especially out-of-competition) is essentially absent. Honor-code system + high rewards creates conditions in which some athletes near the top are likely to use PEDs. Contrast with Olympic sports (e.g., swimming) where positives occur even with lower financial stakes. "Doping" is an unhelpful blanket term that equates intentional, high-impact cheating (e.g., EPO) with gray-area or accidental cases. BPC-157 and gray areas BPC-157 is an experimental peptide with very limited human data (one small study of 12 people among 36 total studies reviewed). Anecdotally has been used for tendon/muscle healing; on the WADA banned list at all times (no TUE pathway currently). Gray areas exist in WADA criteria themselves (performance enhancement potential, health risk, "spirit of the sport"). THC example: banned in-competition with a relatively high threshold; removed alcohol from the list is an example of changes over time. Distinction between letter of the rules vs. moral/cosmic fairness; between intentional advantage-seeking and medical/recovery use. Testing realities & practical challenges Full USADA/WADA-style regimes require whereabouts reporting, out-of-competition testing, and significant lifestyle constraints (conflicts with the free-spirited, remote nature of trail/ultrarunning). Even gold-standard systems have loopholes (missed whereabouts, remote camps, short-acting substances timed around sleep windows). Half-measures are expensive, burdensome, and unlikely to deter determined cheaters. Middle-of-pack and age-group athletes face different calculus; many use legitimate medications (inhalers, etc.) that may or may not require TUEs depending on type and dose/threshold. Possible paths forward discussed Transparency and honesty should be encouraged rather than punished (both hosts respect that Hanes and McKnight disclosed BPC-157 use). Practical ideas: Optional "non-competitive / open" checkbox so athletes using regulated substances can still participate without affecting results/records. Tested vs. non-tested divisions (bodybuilding-style model). More education needed around legitimate medical use (TUEs, Global DRO checks). Focus should prioritize the small professional/elite tier where financial and competitive incentives are highest over age-group minutiae. Future regenerative medicine and longevity interventions will force further adaptation; sport has already accepted large performance gains from technology (super shoes) more readily than internal/medical ones. Influencers & broader culture Influencer economy adds complexity: financial incentives to promote products or share experimental practices; difference between sharing personal experience vs. recommending use. Transparency with clear caveats is preferred; pure anecdote-driven advice remains problematic. Societal issues (tribalism, algorithmic incentives, low scientific literacy) make clean solutions difficult inside a small niche like ultrarunning. Closing notes Both stress nuance over black-and-white absolutism Conversation aims to push the sport toward honest discussion of incentive structures rather than endless case-by-case outrage. Kilian's Substack article ("The Run Tough Mindset") and upcoming documentary Forged in Failure are referenced as related material.
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Run The News | Josh Kerr Shatters 27 Year Old Mile World Record
3w ago01:14:16Tap to summarizeJosh Kerr shattered the mile World Record, running 3:42.66. Everett Smulders has run 3:58 in the mile, and follows the sport closely, so he joined me to discuss everything surrounding this historic day. We dive into what made this such a mainstream attention grabber, what made it stand out from similar accomplishments, and a variety of other topics. Everett: wesflytrained.club/apply? I IG: @coachsmulders Episode Sponsors: True Nutrition: truenutrition.com/hpo Code: HPO (20% Off) ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Run The News | Backyard Ultra Records Disqualified at the Biotropica Backyard Ultra
4w ago01:02:32Tap to summarizeThere was recently some controversy at the Biotropica Backyard Ultra where both the men's and women's world bests were broken. After the event concluded, it was revealed that some violations occurred, causing all results from the event to be disqualified, including the top performances. Mark Dowdle joined me to discuss what happened, along with other related topics around rules in the sport of ultra marathon. Mark Dowdle: IG @mark.dowdle | YT @mark.dowdle Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Episode 494: Developing As An Ultramarathon Runner | Lotti Brinks
Jul 1301:02:47Tap to summarizeLotti Brinks is a rising star in the sport of trail ultramarathon. She has improved year over year, which recently resulted in finishing 5th at the 2026 WSER 100. She joins the show to discuss history with the sport of running, introduction to the sport of ultramarathon, becoming a professional athlete with Hoka, the growing trend of race day optimization with team training camps, and how she has shaped her mindset to stay balanced in life outside of being a professional runner. Lotti Brinks: @lotti_brinks | https://www.strava.com/pros/25210246 Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) True Nutrition: truenutrition.com/hpo Code: HPO (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Episode 493: Comrades Champion | George Kusche
Jul 500:49:46Tap to summarizeThe Comrades Marathon is one of the most competitive ultramarathons on the planet. The 99th running of the historic point to point course recently saw both the men's and women's course records go down. George Kusche was the men's and overall winner with a time of 5 hours 15 minutes 56 seconds over the 85.77 km net uphill course. George Kusche: @kuschegeorge Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Run The News | Did WSER 100 Highlight A Missed Pacing Advantage?
Jun 2900:41:29Tap to summarizeWSER 100 2026 was defined by large improvements in finishing times across both the men's and women's top finishers. What does the historically cooler temps help tell us about the next big performance boosting strategy for ultramarathon races? Nick Coury joins me to discuss the pacing variable that may still yield big improvements at races like WSER 100. Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) True Nutrition: truenutrition.com/hpo Code: HPO (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Run The News | Downhill Treadmill & Heat Training
Jun 2600:14:13Tap to summarizeSome eye catching training techniques have recently been highlighted in the running world. These included what appears to be an excessive degree weighted downhill treadmill work, and heat train maxxing. I give some thoughts on both, and what they mean for the average runner. Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Episode 492: My Blood Clot Diagnosis
Jun 2400:18:48Tap to summarizeI was recently diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a blood clot. I was traveling for a race when symptoms presented. This is a timeline of the events that led to me getting checked and confirmed. DVT is a situation where if you don't act soon, it can get very bad. Getting checked when symptoms present is very important, and I hope to highlight that with my story. Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) True Nutrition: truenutrition.com/hpo Code: HPO (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Run The News | Enhanced Games Failure? Fuel Abundance Signaling, Comrades Marathon
Jun 1500:24:36Tap to summarizeOn paper, the Enhanced Games was a massive failure, but was success the real goal or something bigger? Hyper carb fueling strategies are all the rage right now, but is there more to this approach than gut training on race day? The Comrades Marathon produced course records on both the men's and women's side of the event. Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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Episode 491: The Art Of Ultrarunning | Ian Sharman
Jun 1201:17:50Tap to summarizeIan Sharman is a legend in the ultramarathon space, finishing top ten at WSER 100 nine times, four wins at Leadville 100 mile, and a wealth of knowledge with respect to training theory and the variables that make for successful ultramarathon results. Ian recently published a book, "Art of Ultrarunning: Tried & Tested Strategies for Long-Distance Runners." We spent some time covering what he has learned throughout his career as an athlete and coach. Ian: sharmanultra.com | IG: @sharmanian | X: @sharmanian Episode Sponsors: ProBio: probionutrition.com/endurance Code: Endurance (20% Off) LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/HPO (free sample pack with purchase) deltaG: deltagketones.com Code: BITTER20 (20% Off) True Nutrition: truenutrition.com/hpo Code: HPO (20% Off) Podcast Details: Support HPO: zachbitter.com/hposponsors HPO Website: zachbitter.com/hpo Zach's Coaching: zachbitter.com/coaching Zach's Journal: substack.com/@zachbitter Find Zach: zachbitter.com | IG: @zachbitter | X: @zbitter | FB: Zach Bitter | Strava: Zach Bitter
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