In this episode of the Art and Science of Running podcast, we visit with multi world record holder, Zach Bitter @zachbitter. Zach recently set a new 100 mile and 12 hour treadmill world record and already held the track and trail world records for the 100 mile distance. One thing that made this particular world record unique (apart from being a world record) is that Zach coordinated a very elaborate live stream production of the entire run which brought in prominent voices in the sport including former Art and Science of Running guests, Dr. Tommy Rivers Puzey @tommy_rivs, Geoffrey Burns Ph. D. @geoffreyburns, Jamil Coury @jamilcoury and Art and Science of Running podcast co-host, Jacob Puzey @jacobpuzey.

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In addition to former guests from our show, the 12+ hour livestream also included endurance legends such as Ultramarathonman, Dean Karnazes @ultramarathon, Six-Time Ironman Champion, Dave Scott @davescott6x, former 100 mile treadmill world record holder, Dave Proctor @daveoutrunsrare, overall Big’s Backyard Ultra champion, Maggie Guterl @maggatronsruns, Western States and UTMB Champion, Courtney Dauwalter @courtneydauwalter, and podcasters Eric Schranz @UltraRunnerPod and Ian Corless @Talkultra and many more.

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Adapting and Adjusting Training & Racing

Like many, Zach had specific races for which he was preparing. Then, the coronavirus changed everything. Zach knew he was fit and figured he might as well use it. After setting multiple American and World Records at the 100 mile distance on trails and the track, Zach knew that he would one day want to attempt a 100 mile treadmill record. With the recent race cancellations due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Zach figured that this year was as good as any to test himself on the treadmill. He and his wife, elite ultrarunner Nicole Bitter @nkbitter, turned their home in Arizona into an indoor arena for a 12 hour livestreamed sufferfest on the treadmill. In addition to being on-site crew, coordinator, and cheerleader for the duration of his record run, Nicole also hosted a who’s who of prominent female ultrarunners over the final hours of the run.

Specificity

In this episode, we discuss how Zach transitioned his training to adapt to the unique demands of running on the treadmill. He consulted with Geoff Burns (newly minted Ph. D. in biomechanics from the University of Michigan and former guest on our show – see notes and listen here) about how to strategically prepare mentally and physically for the unchanging nature of running on a treadmill. We discuss some of these same considerations in Episode 3 of the Art and Science of Running podcast.

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Turning Heads and Breaking Barriers

While soft spoken and diminutive in stature, Zach has made quite the name for himself not only in the sport of trail and ultrarunning, but also in popular culture. It is not often that a quiet, humble former special education teacher is asked to be on the Joe Rogan Podcast, but Zach was invited to join the world’s top podcaster for over two hours to discuss his 100 mile world record runs and his distinct way of fueling and training for such feats of endurance. Zach’s record runs and fueling strategies even made headlines in Men’s Health: Zach Bitter Is the 100-mile American Record Holder. He Also Eats Almost No Carbs.

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Low Carb / High Fat – Fat Metabolization, Adaptation, and Periodization

Specifically, we talk about Zach’s daily diet and how he fuels to prepare his body to handle the demands of training while also preparing it for optimized fat metabolization. Rather than prescribing or adhering to a strictly keto or low carb / high fat diet throughout the year, Zach discusses how like training, he periodizes when and how much fat vs. carbs he includes in his daily diet. For a more in depth discussion on periodized and prioritized training, please listen and refer to the show notes for Episode 13 of the Art and Science of Running Podcast.

Opportunities in Running

One recurring theme in our discussion is the accessibility of running. And even with a lifetime of experience, running provides opportunities to test ourselves, explore, and get creative. Now, more than ever, running has the ability to open doors and expand horizons. Even with shelter in place orders in place in much of the world, there are things that we can do – even small changes to our training – that may have big impacts on our longevity in the sport.

Coaching

In addition to running, Zach uses his background as a teacher to help others understand what they need to do to reach their goals. For more information about the coaching services that Zach offers, please visit zachbitter.com

Human Performance Outliers Podcast

Zach is also a podcaster and discusses all things perf