NDURANZ Podcast

As AI becomes more common in training and nutrition platforms, we decided to put it to the test. In this episode, we compare AI-generated answers with real sports nutrition practice, looking at questions around race fueling, coffee rides, and cramp prevention. Some of the advice is reasonable, but much of it lacks the context, nuance, and practical detail needed to make it truly useful for endurance athletes.

A new review paper by Tim Noakes has reignited the debate around carbohydrates, fatigue, and endurance performance. The paper proposes that maintaining blood glucose during exercise may be more important than maximizing glycogen stores, and that relatively small carbohydrate intakes could be sufficient to support performance. After reviewing the arguments and the studies cited, we see several limitations in how the evidence is interpreted and how the conclusions are applied to real-world end...

Fueling timing isn’t just about how much you eat, but when you take it. This discussion breaks down what the research shows when total carbs are matched, comparing steady intake with front-loading and back-loading. It covers impacts on performance, exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, and gut tolerance, with practical takeaways for building a race-day fueling plan that works in the real world. Tim's Carb Distribution Study https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/aop/article-10.11...

How do elites actually fuel long days in the mountains? Sports dietitian Rebecca Dent from Elite Trail Team joins us to share practical ultra-trail nutrition, from how many carbs per hour to aim for to when “just one more gel” is the right move. We also discuss how to balance gels, chews, and real food without wrecking your gut and present a simple low-residue approach for the day before the race.

Forget the one-size-fits-all fueling strategy. In this episode, Alex Rhodes and Dr. Tim Podlogar sit down with Professor Gareth Wallis to explore how personalized carbohydrate fueling is changing the game for endurance athletes.

In this live episode of the Nduranz Podcast from Eurobike 2025, Benji Naesen opens up about his journey from 130kg and anonymity to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in cycling media. What started as a personal struggle to improve his health turned into a full-blown career — podcasting, creating content, and interviewing the very pros he used to watch from the sidelines. Benji shares how he found the courage to show his face, document his progress, and inspire thousands along the w...

Benji Naesen has seen pro cycling from the inside and from behind the analysis screen. In this episode, he shares stories from his time as a video analyst for Jumbo-Visma and Lotto Dstny, including the strategies that changed the outcome of major races. Benji opens up about his personal journey, struggles with impostor syndrome, and how he balances his love of cycling with a full-time content creation career.

In this episode, we dive into the world of trail running and ultra trails with elite athlete Kris Jones. From his roots in orienteering to podium finishes at major mountain races, Kris shares his journey, training philosophy, and how he approaches the unique demands of off-road running. We discuss everything from downhill preparation and strength on the climbs to how he fuels for 5-hour ultras using over 110 grams of carbs per hour without gut issues.

Ever wondered how professional cyclists fuel their performance? In this episode, Nduranz talks with Nicki Strobel, the chef and nutritionist for the Israel – Premier Tech Cycling Team. He shares insights into balancing carbs, sneaking in vegetables for picky eaters, and the challenges of cooking for elite athletes. Discover how proper nutrition plays a key role in pro cycling success.

In this episode of the Nduranz podcast, Dr. Tim Podlogar and Alex Rhodes talk to environmental physiologist Tadej Debevec about the science behind altitude training. They go over the best practices, potential risks (and how to avoid them), and whether altitude tents and rooms can truly replicate the benefits of high-altitude environments. Visit Nduranz ➡️ https://nduranz.com/ Follow Nduranz ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/nduranz_official/ Follow Tim ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/tpodlogar/ Foll...

Hill climb season is upon us. Dr. Tim Podlogar and Alex Rhodes discuss what you need to focus on to perform at your best, how nutrition can improve your results, and which supplements are worth considering. They also talk about KOM challenges on longer climbs and how nutrition strategies differ compared to shorter hill climbs.

We’re joined by Penny Slater, a professional triathlete and PhD student, who shares her journey and the challenges she overcame. Alongside Dr. Tim Podlogar and Alex Rhodes, Penny discusses the issue of low-energy availability and the common misconception that being lighter always means being faster.