Most people don't lack motivation, believe it or not.  They lack a plan.  -- They're willing to invest the time, but knowing what to invest the time in is the #1 many folks derail good intentions by the second week in February.  -- In this episode we cover three key things in developing a plan that will actually work for you this year.  I'm joined by Chantelle from Uphill Athlete for segments of it as well.  No matter where you're at or what your goal(s) are, I think everyone will find...

What a year!  We wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to you, first and foremost.  Second, we wanted to give you an idea of what's coming in 2024 and have the first chance if you're interested.  Finally, we end with a listener who reaches his goal.  This is an extension of the podcast we started with Ken H from earlier in the year when he asked me "what do you mean this is 'so simple'?"  Ken talks about what it felt like to reach his goal several months later.    Links from the...

Dave, like many folks who reach out to Valley to Peak, wanted to lose a few pounds and have better physical capabilities in the mountains.  However, it was two other goals that really drove his motivation.  One of these was a really small patch of aspens above his house.  There wasn't anything particularly special about these aspens beyond the things that propels nearly all of us to go seek adventure: "I wonder what it looks like up there..."   This is his (powerful story).  -- Interested...

Most of us will sit down to watch the Lions get smoked tomorrow after a belly-full of turkey.  Most of us will also doze off without any recollection of who won the coin toss or possession that followed.   This shouldn't be what you experience the other 364 days per year, yet it's exactly what many folks complain of.    Paul joins me this week as we explore how to better manage this and ensure it happens less often.    Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! --- Interested checking out other resources...

"I want to enjoy the celebrations with friends and family, but I don’t want to do it SO much that I find myself having to make a ton of ground up by the first of the year..."   Sound familiar?  You wouldn't be alone if so...   It’s a great question and one we’ve built a strategy for that we outline here.  We also tackle questions like:  Why does the weight go up so much after 1 meal?”  Is there really that little margin?….and what do I do with that? How do you account for stuff you didn’t...

Josh ran the WY East 50K & Standhope 30K in 2023.   In spite of dominating one race and executing the SAME nutrition plan on the second, he had entirely different outcomes.  This podcast is the result of us talking through why, what happened...and how to fix it.  I have heard your body uses water to digest a meal.  If so, how long does that process take?  Could this have contributed to my cramping at Standhope.  Any data on hydration or nutrition related to acclimating to high elevation. ...

AJ was, by most standards, the first V2P client and started his journey in May of 2019.  In this episode, AJ shares his experience (and insights) from losing and maintaining his weight + performance nearly 5 years ago.    Questions you want covered?  Email us at Valley to Peak Interested in Resources?  Check out the Valley to Peak Website

“I read about all of these supplements, teas, and things that are supposed to increase my metabolism.  Do they work or is there anything that would?”     In the second part we tackle, what proved to be, a tough question for me: "I know you’re a big fan of tracking, but what if I don’t want to?  Are there any lessons or tips you’ve learned over the years that would help someone achieve their goal without the arduous task of tracking?" ---- To learn more about our resources or working with...

The second part looks at: What’s the minimum effective dose we SHOULD be aiming for What about all the age-old wives tales with nutrition?  What’s true and what’s not?  Can I have eggs or can’t I?  What about butter?  What about meat? What IS a good dose for exercise? Is there a consequence to doing NO exercise at all? And of course- what role does nutrition play in heart health? Resources Referenced Dr. Nelson's Website (Lub-dub Doc).  Free nutrition guides on our website at...

This episode came about because of a question from me: why am I seeing so many athletes doing long-distance events dying all of the sudden?  Is there too much of a good thing?  His email reply prompted this podcast.   Resources Referenced Dr. Nelson's Website (Lub-dub Doc).  Free nutrition guides on our website at v2pnutrition.com If you’re interested in getting your meals dehydrated for the upcoming season- you can grab that on the site here.  If you’re interested in learning more about...

He had the tools- but found himself in the same spot many of us have: back to square one after having had met the goal once before.    This week Bob and I sit down to look at why exactly DO we find ourselves in this cycle of success, relapse, and success again.  Is there a way or tools we can use to simple reach the goal and stay there?   This is all about finding success, losing it all, and getting it back again.  There’s practical information and tools you can use to apply to your own life...

From Exo Mtn Gear:  Your truck won't run with an empty tank. And it also won't run well, or for long, or the wrong type of fuel. The same is true of you. To perform your best, you need to fuel properly. But what does that mean? With an overwhelming amount of nutrition information on the internet and countless "performance" products being marketed to us, how do you cut through the fluff and get solid nutrition information and recommendations on what really matters?   Kyle Kamp with Valley to...

Katie at Fish Untamed was an EXCELLENT host and asked great questions....so great that she dug up a great list of questions that I've not been asked before.      We also dive a bit deeper into the DIY Dehydration guide if you're ever been curious about what's in it.    Is there a topic YOU want to hear about?  Tell us here! (Email: [email protected])   Check out a host of free resources to help you get clarity on nutrition.   Join our Facebook group! Valley to Peak Facebook Group Opt in...

Ken B. wrote me with a question: I’m wondering how to achieve using my fat as a source fuel without consuming too much extra fat… if it’s possible.."   It's a common and excellent question- so I had him on to chat about it.    We dive through why it doesn't work the way his question suggests (i.e. you don't have to consume dietary fat to be fat-adapted per se) and some of the other often confused points on the topic.  ---- If you enjoy the episode, we'd be extremely grateful if you'd pass it...

Mike Moore joins us this week to talk about how he plans to check off 2,023 miles in 2023.  He also talks through lessons he's learned on training and nutrition doing hikes like this, ultras, training, and how gear functions best when you've been unexpectedly swept downstream in a river.    Check out Mike's gear review on Rokslide. Check out the Rewarming Drill with Sitka. Check out the Rewarming Drill with Stone Glacier ---- Interested in learning more about nutrition?  Check out our...

"Is it even possible to make chicken taste decent and not dry?  Do you have any tips at all?" --- Chicken isn't known for being a decadent protein source.  In fact- it's quite the opposite.  --- Lindsay and I share three tips on ways we've learned to make chicken breast MUCH more approachable for family meals.  --- Check out the Foundations and Foundations Plus Course(s) here.  ------ Enrollment for 1:1 coaching is available now.  If you're interested, you can check out more details and sign...

"I heard about something called 'RED-S'- can you outline what that is and talk more about how to know if you have it?"   RED-S is an acronym used to describe a complicated issue that arrises when we have ALOT of training and not enough fuel.   We answer that and look at how to know what we 'should' weigh if we really can't trust the coveted BMI charts at healthcare office.  --- Check out the Foundations and Foundations Plus Course(s) here.  --- Enrollment for 1:1 coaching is available now....

Jim started his year off at the age of 63 unhappy with where his health, weight, and fitness was at.  He knew he had an uphill challenge ahead of him and that losing battling this three areas was harder than it was at 24, but was it impossible due to his age like everyone always says? ---- Check out the Foundations and Foundations Plus Course(s) here.  ------ Enrollment for 1:1 coaching is available now.  If you're interested, you can check out more details and sign up here! Is there a topic...

Chantelle joins us again to talk all things on building a strong base and why slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.  -------- Show References:  UA aerobic/anaerboic calculator. Link to the book referenced in the show. Information on the Foundations Course (sign up) ------ Enrollment for 2023  coaching is available now.  If you're interested, you can check out more details and sign up here! Is there a topic YOU want to hear about?  Tell us here! Grab your copy of the Dehydrating Guide! Check out...

Part 1 looks at things to consider when going to higher altitudes.  What are we not doing that we should be to prepare?  What shortcuts are we trying to take that are simply a waste of time?  Have if I live at sea level and can't acclimate beforehand?   We tackle all of that and more with Chantelle Robitaille of Uphill Athlete, who has studied exercise physiology at higher altitudes.    Reach out to Chantelle here if you have questions! ------ Sign up for the all new Valley to Peak Nutrition...

"What do you mean it's 'so simple'?"   This was the question I was faced with when a listener stopped me at the Hunt Expo in SLC.  The answer to that question, with practical tips, is what your'e about to listen to....with a twist.  Ken went and put our conversation to the test for 10 weeks and returned with a follow up.  Was it truly, 'that simple?' ------ Sign up for the all new Valley to Peak Nutrition Course (Coming Soon!) ------ Enrollment for 2023  coaching is available now.  If you're...

"Can I trust the readouts on my watch to use for adjusting nutrition?" We look at how HR Zones are affected by fueling.  Do the calories spent on a watch accurately reflect what's being used? Plus, a host of other practical tips to help you get the right read outs! LINKS Exo Mtn Gear K4 EPOC Podcast (Ep #) Sign up for the all new Valley to Peak Nutrition Course (Coming Soon!) ------ Enrollment for 2023  coaching is available now.  If you're interested, you can check out more details and sign...

Where some is good, more has to be better- right?  Maybe if it's pizza and time outside, but not when it comes to fiber and 'low carb' products.  In fact, the more you eat could sabotage your progress (performance, weight, and stomach issues).     Lindsay and I tackle why in the episode the sweek. I also referenced an article I wrote on the topic that you can find linked here if you'd like to dive in deeper.  --- Stay in the loop on the new digital courses, books, and resources we'll be...

You may have never thought about how to manage the situation if you get low blood sugars in the backcountry, but you probably should.  For example: What if you train with someone who is?  Do you know how to treat them if you’re far away from help and they need it? What if you yourself have problems with low blood sugars during an event- do you know how to take care of yourself if you’re far away from help What if you run into someone else who needs help? Paul and I talk through all of these...

Nutrition, exercise, and general 'prep' is the low-hanging fruit of things to consider in the off season.  While they might be the most important, there are other things that make life alot simpler when spring, summer, and fall roll around.     In this episode, Mark and I share 2-3 things that fall under this category for each of us. --- Grab your copy of the Dehydrating Guide! We're opening enrollment for coaching in 2023 now.  Spots are limited.  If you're interested, you can check out more...