Ever wondered how top marathon runners prepare and fuel their bodies for races at the highest level? Today, we peel back the curtain with Joe Whelan, a Buffalo native, Olympian qualifier, and national-record-breaking marathoner. With a breakthrough time of 2:09:41 and a focus on smart, evidence-based strategies, Joe shares insights into his training routines, nutrition hacks, and mental game—plus, how he navigates the unique weather challenges of Western New York. Whether you're an aspiring runner or just curious about elite performance, this post will help you rethink how you approach your training and fueling.

Sports Dietitian Stevie Smith discusses the fundamentals of protein, debunks common misconceptions, and shares practical advice on carb loading and fueling for endurance activities. This episode offers valuable insights for athletes and health-conscious individuals aiming to optimize their nutrition strategies.

Learn about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-s) and its implications for athletes. Discover strategies to avoid this condition and optimize performance.

More Than a Finish Line: Untangling Identity, Suffering, and Mental Performance with Neal Palles

Nutrition for Tactical Athletes and High- Performers and How to Spot Nutrition Misinformation with Dr. Brandon Lee

Mental Performance, Self-Compassion, and Sports Science Research

How to make the most of winter running: run coach Jaci Wilson shares her tips from her sub zero training

In the world of sports nutrition, it’s easy to get "lost in the sauce." Between macronutrient ratios, the latest trending supplements, and high-tech wearable data, the fundamentals of sports nutrition can feel more like a math equation than a meal. Here we chat about sports nutrition research and real-life applications.

In an era where you can generate a 16-week marathon plan with a single prompt on ChatGPT, it’s easy to think that human coaching is becoming a luxury of the past. But as Michaela Robertson—nurse, run coach, and co-founder of Strides for Strength—explained on the latest episode of Real Fuel with SLS, the "human" in human performance is something AI simply cannot replicate.

What does a pro BMX rider have in common with a running photographer? More than you might think. From grinding rails to grinding miles — Jim Cielencki was a former pro BMX rider and entrepreneur, co-founding Sunday Bikes. In 2016, he ran every street in Buffalo. Today, he captures the world of running around him, highly influenced by his experiences in BMX and skateboarding.

Learn how to train smarter for marathons, balance life, and avoid overtraining. Coach insights, athlete perspective, and practical tips inside.