In this episode of the Lecka Bites Podcast, Markus sits down with Tyler d'Arcy, an elite Canadian ultra-runner fresh off his impressive win at the Fat Dog 100K race. Tyler shares the unique training journey that led him to victory, including spending months at altitude in Kenya and using his job as a tree planter to build endurance and mental toughness. He talks about how these grueling 12-hour days in harsh conditions prepared him physically and mentally to tackle ultra races, where pushing through pain is part of the challenge. Tyler also dives into the detailed strategy behind his race win, from pacing to nailing his nutrition with precise fueling techniques that gave him an edge over the competition.

But Tyler’s ambitions don’t stop there. He’s preparing for another exciting challenge: a Mount Kenya FKT (Fastest Known Time) attempt during a three-month altitude training block. Fueled by his "Be like water" philosophy, Tyler explains how staying mentally flexible and calm helps him navigate tough race conditions—like the sudden hailstorm that hit during Fat Dog. As he looks ahead to his next adventure, Tyler’s passion for ultra-running shines through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone inspired by pushing the limits of human endurance. #LeckaBites #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #FatDog100 #MountKenyaFKT

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction of Tyler D'Arcy and recent race win
(00:57) Tyler's training journey for the 100K Fat Dog race
(03:39) Pre-race altitude training and preparation
(05:12) Tree planting as training for ultra-running
(07:27) Mental and physical benefits of tree planting
(08:34) Winning the Fat Dog 100K race
(10:31) Nutrition strategies during the race
(15:00) Mental strategy: "Be like water" philosophy
(16:55) Recovery after the race and fueling benefits
(19:01) Reflections on low points during the race
(19:24) UTMB Whistler race: Feedback and community views
(22:43) Tyler's winter plans and the Mount Kenya FKT
(25:34) Excitement for future races and FKT attempt in Kenya
(26:04) Closing remarks: Coaching and future goals

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In this episode, Markus dives deep into the science of carbohydrate loading for endurance athletes. He explains what carb loading is, how it works, and why it’s essential for events lasting over 90 minutes.

Referencing key research, including studies by Hawley et al. (1997) and Costill et al. (1981), Markus breaks down how to implement this strategy effectively and avoid common pitfalls like bloating or overeating. Tune in for practical tips, research-backed insights, and Markus’s own experience as an ultra-endurance athlete.

Perfect for athletes looking to fuel smarter!

Show Notes:

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9291549/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5954569/

- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7282610/

Follow us on Instagram (www.instagram.com/leckanutrition) or tiktok (www.tiktok.com/@lecka.nutrition) for more insights from our community.

In this episode, Markus shares how Lecka works with local community athletes rather than big influencers, because as he puts it, "love goes through the stomach" – naturally, a German touch. He highlights their focus on endurance sports, but with a surprising nod to badminton and ultimate frisbee.

The highlight? A chat with Danish para-badminton star Cathrine Rosengren fresh from the Paralympics. She talks about the thrill of competing in front of huge crowds, battling nerves, and even playing until 10 PM — a time when Markus admits he’s usually fast asleep! A fun mix of sports and heartfelt moments!

Timestamp:

(00:00) How we work with athletes

(09:18) Interview with Cathrine

We have grown as a brand from Vietnam to over 10 countries in 3 years. How did we do that?

We worked with the community to either do it ourselves (Vietnam, USA) or to grow with distributors in the sport and healthy food segment (Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Denmark, Germany, ...) .

This week's Lecka Bites is about explaining those two models and what we have learned along the way.

Also, the special guest is Christian from Denmark who has been distributing Lecka since 2023. He was the first to get Lecka to Europe and is managing to build up the brand there step by step.

Have you ever wondered how to get your brand on Amazon? Well, we just did it. Markus takes you through the steps of getting on Amazon.com. It took us many months to get listed, but now our gels are available on the US Amazon marketplace.

Also, Markus interviews Ned who just tried a new fueling approach: take 400 calories per hour during his 50km run. He sets a new Lecka gel world record, with 48 gels in total. Who is keen to beat that?

Join us for the 1st episode of the Lecka Bites show. Markus goes into the why of doing it, what to expect and he gets one of his biggest fans on the show: his own mother. She talks about the beginnings, the taste and her impressions at the UTMB week in Chamonix. A very personal and raw perspective on building a company, through the eyes of the mother.