Michael McKnight set the fastest cumulative time for the triple crown of 200-milers, Bigfoot 200, Tahoe 200, & Moab 240 in 2017. Around the same time, he began his journey to become a fat-adapted runner. Three years later and without a race on the calendar, he wondered if he could run 100 miles without food, relying on his fat burning engine. In the early hours of May 8, he began his self-made 100-mile route around Cache Valley, UT (see map below).
In this podcast, we
- talk to Michael two weeks prior to his project about his idea, preparation, and expectations.
- 5 days after his project, we spoke with him about lessons learned and his experiences
- talk to Jeff Browning, Michael’s coach about fat adaption and how this might help you
Check out Michael’s previous podcast, EP 431: Chasing the Triple Crown of 200s with Michael McKnight
Here is Jeff Browning’s previous podcast: EP 427: Giddyup with Jeff Browning
Check out Jeff’s coaching web site: GoBroncoBilly.com
Podcast photo by VanhornPictures
McKnight’s achievement is incredible. Browning’s insights are always worth a listen. Regarding fasted runs in high-carb-diet athletes, I can add a small anecdote to the conversation: when I first ever ran a 50 miler, I ate no food, used no electrolytes, and drank only water. I suffered no bonks, sustained an even pace throughout, and recovered without any delays. This was 18 years ago, and my training and nutrition have evolved considerably since, but I thought I would at least contribute another data point to the discussion. Athletes (at least this one) without any deliberate fat adaptation, eating a typical high-carbohydrate diet, can run ultra distance with no fuel without any apparent negative ramifications.