If you’re training hard but still feeling tired, plateaued, or struggling to race your best, your nutrition may be the missing piece.

In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Alex Larson, RD, to break down how runners can use nutrition as a performance tool — not just something to think about after a workout. We talk about the most common fueling mistakes endurance runners make, how to tell if you're under-fueled, and what “eating enough” actually looks like when you’re training for a marathon or half marathon.

Alex explains why intra-run fueling matters, and how nutrition directly affects recovery, intra-run gel intake, and long-term performance.

If you’re chasing a breakthrough race — whether that’s a PR, a marathon goal like sub-3, or simply feeling stronger and more consistent in training — this conversation will help you understand how fueling properly can unlock your next level.

You’ll Learn:

The most common nutrition mistake endurance runners make

The easiest way to tell if you're under-fueling

What “eating enough” actually means during marathon training

How carbohydrate intake impacts performance and recovery

Why fueling during long runs and workouts matters more than most runners think

The long-term performance benefits of fueling properly for years

If you’re not seeing performance gains, it might not be your training — it might be your fueling.

Tune in to learn how optimizing your nutrition can help you recover faster, train consistently, and race stronger.

Resources & Links

Follow Alex on Instagram, listen to her podcast, and learn more about her 1:1 coaching!

Work with Coach Sara + the Elevate Your Running Coaching Team – Coaching and Programs

elevateyourrunning.com

Instagram – Join the Community

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

Where To Listen

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.

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PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:

Boulderthon 2026: save $20 off the marathon or half marathon with code SARA20

Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription

Senitas Athletics: save 15% off your total order using the link attached

Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off

Skratch Labs - Use this code for 20% off your next order!

EP. 214 - Optimize Nutrition to Recover Better, Train Consistently, and Actually See Performance Gains with RD Alex Larson