The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.Join the Newsletter at: ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠Check Out MPP Merch Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? Check out Troy’s Coaching PageSTOKED TO PARTNER WITH  HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE - 10% off your orderTRAINING PEAKS - 20% off a premium annual subscriptionUSE PROMO CODE MIDPACKER FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT“Sometimes it’s not about the finish line. It’s about finding joy in the messy middle.”On this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with trail runner, race director, registered dietitian, and mom: Kayla Fitzgerald for a deep, fun, and relatable conversation about how she juggles it all while still chasing big goals in the ultra world.Kayla shares her shift from road racing to trail running after realizing the road scene just didn’t vibe with her. What she found on the trails was community, connection, and a whole new way to push herself. From leading group runs to organizing local races under her brand Palmetto Ultras, Kayla has become a cornerstone of her local running community in South Carolina.We dive into:Balancing parenting, coaching, and 200-mile race trainingHer experience as a registered dietitian and helping runners dial in their race-day nutritionUpcoming races like Southern States 200, Barkley Fall Classic, and a possible go at Barn Creek Backyard UltraHer story of pushing through the Beast of the East 50 Miler—with Troy jumping in as an impromptu pacer!Whether you’re a trail veteran or just dipping your toes into the dirt, Kayla’s perspective on doing what you love while doing life is refreshing and real.Athlete Spotlight: Kayla FitzgeraldRegistered Dietitian, Nutrition coach, and momRace director and founder of Palmetto UltrasFocused on inclusive, sustainable community building through trail eventsTraining for Southern States 200 and the Barkley Fall ClassicAdvocate for fueling smarter and training with joyKayla's Links IG: @palmetto.ultrasWebsite: Palmettoultras.comNutrition Coaching Site: Endurance-Nutritionist.comRelevant LinksSouthern States 200Barkley Fall ClassicBarn Creek Backyard UltraBeast of the East 50 MilerPartner Links: Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.comMade by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.Check them out at hyperlyteliquidperformance.comUse the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.“The Kid” Hans Troyer DocumentaryTraining Peaks - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription⁠Run Trail Life⁠ - https://runtraillife.com/Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.⁠Freetrail⁠ - https://freetrail.com/Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.Kayla Fitzgerald, trail running, ultrarunning, Barkley Fall Classic, Southern States 200, Barn Creek Backyard Ultra, Beast of the East, race director, Palmetto Ultras, nutrition for runners, mom runner, balancing life and running, Freetrail, MidPacker Pod