I enable endurance athletes to overcome lack of energy and gut upset so that they can fuel their bodies with confidence and race to their full potential. Subscribe to my weekly 'Fuelling with Purpose' newsletter to receive endurance nutrition insights directly in your inbox.
Fuelling With Purpose — 17 February 2026
💡 Fuel For ThoughtNutrition should be the fuel that keeps you going, not the obstacle that keeps you from finishingI recently spoke with a friend who attempted a backyard ultra-style training session. Their legs were holding up. Their mindset was steady. But once their gut started to spiral, they made the call to stop. What struck me most wasn’t that they pulled the pin, it was that they decided a backyard ultra might just “not be for them.” And that’s the part that deserves attention. So often, athletes interpret nutrition struggles as personal limitations. “I’ve just got a weak stomach.” “I can’t tolerate carbs.” “Ultras don’t suit me.” But physiologically, gut distress is rarely random. It’s usually the result of underfuelling, inadequate gut training, poorly matched carbohydrate concentrations, hydration-electrolyte imbalances, or simply a lack of structured progression. In other words, it’s workable. Nutrition is not meant to be a gamble you take on race day. It’s a system you build. Dialling this in takes intention, a framework, and, often, having someone zoom out and connect the dots you can’t see mid-training block. But when nutrition shifts from reactive to strategic, it stops being a limiter and becomes leverage. Before you write off a distance, a format, or a bigger goal, ask yourself: Is nutrition truly the obstacle, or is it just the one variable you haven’t fully optimised yet? 🚀 Endurance Highlights1️⃣ Ultra-endurance training and eating disorder riskUltra-endurance sport demands high training volumes, which means energy intake needs to rise accordingly. That sounds simple in theory, but in practice, matching intake to output consistently can be challenging. This study examined the relationship between training volume and the risk of eating disorders among over 500 ultra-endurance athletes. Using a validated screening tool, researchers found that around 11% scored above the threshold for eating disorder risk, and more than 20% reported at least one concerning eating-related behaviour. One of the most important findings was the association between higher weekly training hours and increased eating disorder risk, with around 14 hours per week emerging as a point where vulnerability appeared to increase. This doesn’t mean that training more than 14 hours is inherently problematic. It suggests that as training volume rises, the importance of deliberately supporting energy intake, recovery, and psychological well-being increases. Thriving in this sport requires sustaining your health alongside performance. Screening, education, and proactive nutrition support are crucial performance strategies. 2️⃣ Is your multivitamin doing anything?Vitamin supplements are often marketed as a “just in case” solution, an easy way to cover potential gaps and optimise performance. This review takes a closer look at whether that approach is actually supported by evidence in athletic populations. The authors highlight that while vitamin deficiencies can impair health and performance, routine high-dose supplementation in well-nourished athletes does not consistently improve outcomes and, in some cases, may even blunt beneficial training adaptations. The paper reinforces a key principle: supplementation should correct a confirmed deficiency, not replace a balanced diet. Antioxidant vitamins in particular (such as vitamin C and E) may reduce markers of oxidative stress, but excessive intake can interfere with the body’s natural adaptive response to training. Similarly, fat-soluble vitamins taken in excess can accumulate and carry health risks. More vitamins do not automatically equal better performance. A well-planned, energy-adequate diet remains the foundation, and supplements should be used strategically, based on individual assessment, blood work when appropriate, and a clear rationale. 🕵🏻♀️ Retail Finds*This week's product review: Coles Perform Whey ProteinA few years ago, Coles launched their PerForm line, and I finally took the chance to try their protein powder. Features & benefits
Things to keep in mind
Final take Protein powders can be a convenient option when getting protein from food is more complicated. This is a simple, budget-friendly option that those who are comfortable consuming dairy could consider. They also have a plant-protein version that I haven't tried yet. 👩🏻🍳 Kitchen CreationsI'm committing to sending the most valuable endurance nutrition newsletter. I want to make sure that every piece of content you receive includes information that helps you on your journey toward achieving your personal best. Happy fuelling! Gaby | Endurance Nutrition Specialist 🏃🏻♂️ Want to work together?When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
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Gaby Villa
I enable endurance athletes to overcome lack of energy and gut upset so that they can fuel their bodies with confidence and race to their full potential. Subscribe to my weekly 'Fuelling with Purpose' newsletter to receive endurance nutrition insights directly in your inbox.
💡 Fuel For Thought Have you been training with the handbrake on? Most athletes come to me saying, “I need help with my race nutrition plan.” They want the perfect gel timing, the right electrolytes, the ideal pre-race meal. And we absolutely work on that. But nine times out of ten, the biggest gains have nothing to do with race day. That was true for Tammy. After completing 25 yards at a backyard ultra, she was determined to go further. She assumed her race plan was the limiter. But when she...
💡 Fuel For Thought The science and art of open water fuelling While much of the ultra-endurance nutrition conversation typically focuses on running, swimming is an area that deserves far more attention, especially when we shift from the pool to open water. Open water swimming brings a unique set of fuelling challenges, largely because eating and drinking in the water isn’t exactly straightforward. You can’t just reach into a vest pocket or grab a gel at a traffic light. Fuelling becomes...
💡 Fuel For Thought Your race isn't the same, so why is your fuel? “What does this race format require from me?” That’s the fuelling question that should drive every race plan, and the one most athletes forget to ask. I see this mistake across distances and formats: athletes defaulting to whatever fuelling strategy worked last time, instead of fuelling for this event. Trail vs. road. Short vs. long. Steady vs. stop-and-go. The format changes, but the fuelling stays on autopilot. Marathon vs....