Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal
Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal
Marathon Journal (Letty Lundquist, Ryan Lundquist)
333. Underfueling and Low Energy Avaiability in Runners
30 minutes Posted Oct 5, 2026 at 8:00 am.
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30:35
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In this episode, veteran sports nutrition coach Erin Sperald dives deep into the clinical reality of Low Energy Availability (LEA) and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), exposing how chronic underfueling sabotages athletic performance, immune function, and bone health. Sperald shares actionable strategies for calculating baseline nutritional needs, using carbohydrates as a flexible fuel dial to match training output, and shifting focus away from aesthetics toward long-term health and longevity. Whether you are balancing heavy marathon mileage or struggling with recovery plateau, this conversation provides essential insights to optimize daily fueling and protect your metabolic foundation.