OFM - Why Metabolic Health Matters

63. Metabolic Health and Fueling for High Intensity Sports - Tito Garza’s Story

In this episode of the OFM Podcast, Host, Peter Defty, sits down with Tito Garza to share Tito’s journey of implementing OFM for high-intensity cyclocross racing. 

 

From his humble roots in Texas, battling through personal challenges and, through overcoming these challenges, becoming a restaurant entrepreneur Garza's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of metabolic health.

 

**Key Points Discussed:**

 

Introduction to Tito Garza:

• Tito bares it all, from his roots growing up in Texas, how his parents struggled with alcohol, to his own struggles and how he overcame them.
• Working a low paying job as a trainer in a gym and borrowing $70 from his girlfriend (who eventually became his wife) to start selling Mexican Food and on to his successful ventures in the restaurant industry. 
• The importance of core relationships and having people who believe in you even when you have doubts about yourself.

 

The OFM Journey:

• Garza details his journey into cycling and how he started off following the conventional high carb advice and noting the ‘unintended consequences’ of bonking, fatigue and inflammation.
• Upon getting a concussion during a race Tito dove into how to reduce inflammation and fully recover, went Keto, learning, firsthand, the performance limitations of keto. This presented a conundrum; enjoy the health and lifestyle benefits of low carb but lose being competitive in cycling.
• Reading about Vespa and OFM from “The Art & Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance” purchasing Vespa and signing up for the OFM Metabolic Reset.
• The learning curve to dialing OFM in for Tito’s individual needs and the importance of experimentation in training.
• Tito’s progression from the back of the pack on keto to winning!
• The mental focus and retention of fine motor skills benefits of Vespa and OFM
• Tito’s experience underscores the OFM’s adaptability across various sports, including cycling and CrossFit.

Business and Balance:

• Tito opens up about the challenges of juggling a thriving business and a bustling family life with his athletic pursuits and how OFM has made achieving the balance possible.
• Finding the Balance over the bifurcation to the extreme which is all to common in today’s world.
• Through focusing on metabolic health Tito feels better which enables him to perform better and be better in all areas of his life, due to his stable energy levels, mood and positive outlook on life.

 

Metabolic Health Insights:

 

• Peter and Tito delve into the science and philosophy behind OFM, discussing the impact of metabolic health on overall well-being, athletic performance, and life balance. 
• How the OFM conceptual model allows the athlete to individualize the program to their needs, sport and lifestyle for optimal results and sustainability.
• How Tito adapted OFM  to work for his personal needs.
• Perfection being the enemy of the good. The impacts of chronic mental and emotional stress. How OFM mitigates this.
• How OFM helps development of aerobic fast and slow twitch muscle fibers instead of anaerobic fast twitch fibers for both health and body composition. This, in essence, is building metabolic capacity at the cellular/mitochondrial level.
• OFM allows plenty of sugar to work with ‘strategically’ for the performance and adaptive stress.

 

Community and Support:

• The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, both in personal life and within the OFM community. 
• Tito's story is a compelling example of how belief, encouragement, and shared knowledge can drive transformation.

Tito Garza's OFM/Vespa journey is a real world example of how each of us can  overcome adversity, embrace change, and discover the profound impact metabolic health has on all areas of life. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or someone curious about enhancing your well-being, this episode offers tangible insights into harnessing your body's potential to achieve “Higher Health & Peak Performance”.

62. Your Genetics Are Not Your Destiny: How Lifestyle Choices Shape Our Health Destiny

Elite Ultramarathoner, Jeff Browning, is most often perceived as an outlier due to his extraordinary health, fitness and ability to compete at the top of the sport at the age of 52, but the truth is, Jeff has made lifestyle choices that prioritize his health rather than follow a path most people consider as ‘normal’. Truth be told, Jeff is what normal should be. Let’s dive in.

 

Jeff comes from a background that many would find surprisingly ordinary. Raised in a Midwestern farming family, Jeff's history is one not of genetic exceptionalism but of conscious lifestyle choices that have steered him away from the health issues that plagued his relatives.

 

Here are the talking points of this interview:

 

Background and Family Health History

 

• Jeff comes from a Midwestern farming family, challenging the notion that his health achievements are due to special genetics.
• He has a family history of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, with both parents and siblings initially struggling with weight and health issues.
• Despite these challenges, Jeff has made significant health improvements, demonstrating that genetics don't have to dictate health outcomes.

 

Diet and Lifestyle Choices:

 

• Jeff witnessed the negative health impacts of the standard American diet and sedentary lifestyle on his family.
• While Jeff was always physically active he was influenced by an uncle who maintained good health through regular exercise and a healthier diet. His uncle stood out among other family members because he maintained his health as he aged which left an impression upon Jeff to adopt similar habits.
• Jeff’s journey to OFM was one of transitioning through various diets, including vegetarianism, before committing to the OFM in late 2015. 
• Jeff & OFM’s emphasis is to mainly use whole, unprocessed foods with an emphasis animal products.

 

Limitations of Vegetarian Diet:

 

• Jeff was always hungry on a vegetarian diet.
• He found his body composition was drastically affected on the Vegetarian diet and this motivated him to try different animal based whole food diets.
• While OFM’s dietary recommendations center around consuming the “Whole Animal” for nutritional balance, this does not mean consuming a ton of meat. In fact, because animal based foods are so nutritionally dense, the amount a person needs is surprisingly small.

 

How OFM Transformed Jeff’s Health:

 

• With OFM Jeff has optimized his body to burn fat, which has helped him to continue competing at the highest level in his sport. 
• In addition to avoiding the health outcomes of his family, OFM got his Candida overgrowth under control and in remission. 
• OFM allows him to consume carbs on occasion and without stress to yield the health and performance benefits he enjoys without his Candida flaring up.

Exercise and Physical Activity:

 

• Jeff emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, including running, weightlifting, and outdoor sports.
• His exercise regimen aligns with natural human movement patterns and contributes significantly to his overall health.

 

Environmental and Sustainable Food Production:

 

• Advocates for supporting grass-fed ranches and local agriculture as more environmentally sustainable practices.
• Challenges the environmental impact of monoculture farming and promotes understanding of natural systems and the importance of animal products in a balanced diet.

 

Personal Health Improvements and Insights:

 

• Not only has OFM helped Jeff avoid the health issues prevalent in his family but it has kept him at the top of his sport and relatively injury free.
• He emphasizes the role of nutrition to: 
  • Avoid pharmaceutical interventions 
  • Placing conditions like his Candida into remission without pharmacological means. (note: this is conditional. When appropriate pharmaceutical interventions are necessary to correct an acute case of a certain disease)

 

Advice on Genetics and Health:

 

• Jeff and Peter make a compelling real world argument against the fatalistic view that genetics are one’s destiny through advocating for diet and lifestyle choices as tools to program our genes to work for us rather than against us.
• Jeff and Peter discuss how a balanced approach to diet,one that incorporates animal products with a reduction in processed foods and sugars, combined with regular physical activity generate robust health and enhanced performance.

 

Sustainable Eating and Environmental Impact:

 

This podcast highlights:

• The importance of whole animal eating for nutritional balance and sustainability.
• The environmental benefits of grass-fed, grass-finished livestock and the negative impacts of monoculture on biodiversity and soil health which have profound impacts on human health.
• Jeff Browning's personal journey from a familial background fraught with health challenges to a lifestyle that prioritizes health, sustainability, and active living, challenging the notion that genetics solely determine our health destiny.

With our help and guidance YOU can take control of your health and performance destiny to not only achieve your goals for 2024 but for the rest of your Life!

61. Optimizing Your Mind and Body - The Link Between Your Metabolic and Mental Health with Dr William Suave

In this enlightening episode of the OFM Podcast, host Peter Defty explores the profound connection between metabolic health and mental well-being. Joined by distinguished guest Dr. William Sauve, a psychiatrist with a unique perspective on treatment, they delve into how optimizing fat metabolism can have a transformative impact on mental health. Dr. Sauve shares his extensive experience and innovative approaches to psychiatry, offering valuable insights into the benefits of metabolic health beyond physical performance.

 

Podcast Show Notes:

 

• Introduction to the concept of optimizing fat metabolism (OFM) for enhancing both physical performance and mental health.
• Dr. William Sauve's background in psychiatry and his unconventional approach to treatment, focusing on alternatives to medication.
• How Dr. Sauve became interested in the intersection of metabolic health and mental health, inspired by personal experiences and professional observations.
• The simple fact that most antidepressant drugs only ‘work’ roughly a third of the time they are prescribed.
• Discussion on the negative effects of traditional psychiatric medications and the potential for alternative treatments, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and S-ketamine.
• Examination of metabolic syndrome's impact on mental health, highlighting the critical role of insulin resistance and inflammation.
• Insights into how improving metabolic health through diet and lifestyle changes can significantly benefit mental well-being.
• Personal anecdotes and case studies illustrating the positive effects of OFM on individuals' mental health and overall quality of life.
• The importance of vitamin D and its connection to mental health, along with practical advice for optimizing metabolic health.
• Future directions in psychiatry and mental health treatment, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes metabolic health as a foundational element.
• Closing thoughts on the potential for widespread improvement in mental health outcomes through the integration of metabolic health principles into treatment protocols.

 

This episode is a must-listen as it connects the dots of the intricate relationship between metabolic, physical and mental health, offering groundbreaking insights and practical advice for achieving optimal well-being through metabolic health.

 

The Science of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

 

STAR D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression)

 

The STAR*D Trial: It Is Time to Reexamine the Clinical Beliefs That Guide the Treatment of Major Depression

60. Metabolic Capacity: Unlocking Endurance Secrets with Jeff Browning

In this long format podcast episode with Jeff Browning, we'll explore how Jeff stumbled upon this game-changing approach, the trials and triumphs of his journey, and how OFM can not only enhance athletic performance but also impact our overall health and wellbeing. His experiences prior to adopting OFM are typical 

Jeff, also known as "Bronco Billy," is not just an ultra-endurance athlete; he's a early adopter of the OFM protocol, which has transformed the way athletes fuel their bodies and minds for extreme endurance events. From considering quitting competitive ultrarunning due to energy swings and GI issues, to, upon making the change, winning races and continuing to run and win/podium at the elite level a decade later including premiere races like the Hardrock 100 and the Western States 100 even as Jeff enters into his fifties.  

Episode Highlights:

• • Jeff’s Journey from traditional high carb (60-75 gels in a 100 Miler) to OFM
  • Jeff's Training and Upcoming Races - Jeff talks about his current training regime in Flagstaff, preparation for the Coca Cola 250, and a winter 100-miler.
  • Reflections on Moab 240 and Hydration Strategies - A discussion about Jeff's experience in the Moab 240, the importance of hydration, and how he's fine-tuned his approach over the years.
  • Sodium Intake and Its Impact on Performance - Jeff & Peter’s insights on sodium concentration levels and its vital role in endurance events.
  • The Impact of OFM on Jeff's Career and Health - Jeff discusses how adopting OFM revolutionized his approach to nutrition and training, leading to improved performance and health.
  • Recovery - Jeff expounds on the game-changing recovery benefits of OFM (including VESPA) and how OFM has enhanced his ability to bounce back quickly from races. This is corroborated by the experiences of athletes both Jeff and  Peter work with due to the fundamental shift to fat as fuel.

• Longevity: How Jeff’s longevity in sport and life has been transformed by OFM

• Ketones, Glucose & Beta-Oxidation: Throughout the podcast Jeff & Peter discuss the relevance of the various metabolic pathways and their significance and relevance to performance and health.

• The Future of OFM and Endurance Sports - A look at how OFM can shape the future of endurance sports and metabolic health.
• Jeff's Personal Experience with OFM - Personal anecdotes and stories from Jeff on how OFM has been a game-changer in his life and career.

 

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59. Fueling Success: Peter Mortimer’s Metabolic Approach to Ultra-Running, Work & Life

Introduction:

In today's podcast with Peter Mortimer, we not only discuss athletic endeavors, we  deep dive into the lifestyle that enables peak performance both in sports and in life. Peter exemplifies the concept of living life to its fullest potential.  He discusses his career in the medical device industry, highlighting the unique challenges and the dynamic nature of his work schedule. In addition he discusses his very busy athletic schedule and how his metabolic capacity enables him to do both at a high level.

Episode Highlights:

• Balancing Work, Family, and Ultra-Running

• • • Peter delves into how his metabolic health and robustness aids in managing a hectic work schedule, family life, and demanding training for ultra marathons.
    • Insights into his family life and the mutually supportive relationship he nurtures with his partner, Cisca.

• Race Highlights and Strategies

• • • Recounting his 2023 victories and experiences in races such as Mongollon Monster 100, Man Against Horse 50, and his second overall at the 268 mile Spine Race across Northern England while suffering severe jet lag.
    • Peter shares his strategies for success, including his approach to nutrition and energy management during races.

• The Impact of Metabolic Health on Performance and Lifestyle

• • • A detailed discussion on how adopting OFM transformed Peter's athletic performance and overall well-being.
    • Peter’s personal experience transitioning to OFM, the challenges faced, and the profound benefits realized.

• Coaching and Helping Others Achieve Their Best

• • • Peter talks about his passion for coaching and helping other athletes achieve their best.
    • Insights into his coaching philosophy, approach, and the personalized attention he provides to his clients.

• Future Plans and Aspirations

• • Peter shares his future race aspirations and his long-term plans involving ultra-running and coaching.
  • He expresses his desire to travel, explore new trails, and continuing to inspire others through his coaching and personal endeavors.

Conclusion:

Peter Mortimer's story is a testament to what can be achieved with the right mindset, commitment to one's goals, and building metabolic capacity. His journey from average runner to ultra-running champion, while managing a professional career and family life, is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and individuals striving for balance and excellence in their lives.

58. Metabolic Triumph: From Fat to Fit at 65 With Tim McConnell

In today's podcast, we delve into the real-world application of the OFM metabolic health principles. Our special guest, Tim McConnell, fondly known as "Mr. No Excuses," shares his inspiring journey from an extremely challenging health situation. Tim began his journey weighing over 300 pounds and a hip replacement due to a bad fall. Over the past 3 years he has gone from being another overweight American health statistic to an outlier;  65, active and without being on prescription medications. Tim actually represents what ‘normal’ health should be! 

The three most important ‘no excuses’ takeaways are:

1. He has accomplished this transformation through self-empowerment 
2. He sought and found the appropriate information, protocols and products to focus on and transform his underlying metabolism.
3. He transformed his health on an extremely limited budget.

Show Notes:

• Tim McConnell's Background:

• • • 65 years old, fit and on zero prescription medications.
    • Nicknamed "Mr. No Excuses" for overcoming a plethora of obstacles. . . If Tim can do this, you have “No Excuses” not to.
    • Overcame significant health challenges by empowering himself to take control of his metabolic health.
    • Managed to improve his health on a limited budget, proving the affordability and priceless value of OFM which includes his use of Vespa.

• Health Journey Highlights:

• • • Struggled with following standard health advice and experienced deteriorating health.
    • Empowered himself to improve his health while confined to a hospital bed.
    • Transitioned from being dependent on the healthcare system to taking charge and control of his health journey.
    • Successfully navigated his health improvement with minimal resources, debunking the myth that healthy living is too expensive and proving regaining your metabolic health is the least expensive approach on both personal and population-wide levels.

• Tim’s Diet and Lifestyle Changes:

• • • Started exercising to lose weight when he was over 300 pounds. Got down to 240, then see-sawed back up to 270 in the typical viscous cycle of exercise and diet without making the metabolic shift to ‘fat as fuel’. 
    • Adopted a ketogenic diet and soon realized the limitations.
    • Started surfing the internet to learn how to move forward Tim found Vespa and OFM. Watched and learned from OFM videos. Ordered Vespa and incorporated both OFM and Vespa into his life. 
    • Balanced his diet with limited resources, focusing on the effective and affordable solutions offered by OFM and Vespa.

• Key Takeaways from Tim’s Story:

• • Importance of self-empowerment for long term health and wellness.
  • The feasibility of achieving health goals on a budget.
  • The role of combining the appropriate dietary changes and exercise to overcome health challenges to regain robust health. 
  • Tim's story is a testament to the potential within everyone to improve their metabolic health to live Life fully regardless of age or financial constraints. 
  • We have been brainwashed into thinking ‘old age’ and chronic diseases as ‘normal’ and inevitable. Tim’s story demonstrates this narrative is not normal and not your destiny. 
• Closing Remarks:
  • Tim's journey serves as a powerful example of overcoming health challenges through self-empowerment and the right approach (OFM).
  • After watching/hearing Tim overcome his challenges you have ‘no excuses’ to take control of your health. Get started today.
  • True health is not expensive and accessible to almost anyone willing to empower themselves. 

Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how Tim McConnell defies the odds and health statistics by transforming his health on a budget proving that it's never too late for most people to regain the robust health they have locked inside.

57. From Pharmacy to Podium: A 71-Year-Old IronMan’s Health Revolution

This week we interview the inspiring 71-year-old pharmacist and endurance athlete James Hughes, and explore the intersection of healthcare, metabolic health, and endurance sports. From discussing the shifts in pharma’s priorities to revealing the power of metabolic health in transforming athletic performance, you will enjoy these insights and real-life experiences. See how James overcame metabolic syndrome via OFM and hear his unique perspective on healthcare trends. Don't miss this engaging conversation that challenges the status quo and champions personal health empowerment! 

Show Notes for the Podcast Episode:

James Hughes' Background:

• His journey in pharmacy for almost 40 years.
• Traditional pharmacy day job versus compounding and formulation for endurance athletes passion.
• Involvement in formulating products used by Tour de France teams.
• Personal experience with OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) and how it transformed his health & performance.

Discussion on Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry:

• Evolution in the focus of pharmaceuticals from curing diseases to managing conditions.
• The shift in research from cures to creating lifelong customers.
• James' perspective as a pharmacist on these changes.

James Hughes' Athletic Journey:

• Transition from running to triathlons and cycling.
• Experiences with different nutritional strategies in endurance sports.
• What eventually developed after years of following the conventional ‘science’ of sports diet and nutrition.
• Success with fat adaptation and OFM in improving performance and recovering from metabolic syndrome.

Deep Dive into Metabolic Health and OFM:

• James' transformation and management of metabolic syndrome through OFM.
• The role of fat adaptation in endurance sports.
• Discussion on blood sugar stability and its impact on athletic performance.

Personal Health Experiences:

• James' recovery from a heart attack and the role of his metabolic health in recovery.
• Insights on the use of pharmaceuticals and natural supplements in health management.

Endurance Sports Strategies:

• Nutritional approaches and their effects during endurance events.
• The importance of blood sugar management in endurance sports.

Closing Thoughts:

• The importance of metabolic health in overall wellbeing.
• James' outlook on healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and personal health management.

56. Combining Eastern & Western Medicine for Triathlon Success & Metabolic Health

In this segment, we continue our discussion with Diane, an experienced athlete with a deep understanding of the impacts of diet on performance and overall health. From the joys of smelling the flowers and post-race shopping to the intricacies of achieving metabolic health, this episode has it all.

Our Guest:

• Diane Credenda, a triathlete specializing in the 70.3 distance.
• Has been active in the sport since 1985.
• Diane is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture.
• She has worked in Reproductive Endocrinology alongside her husband, Paul Magirelli MD/PhD.
• Her expertise includes blending conventional approaches with acupuncture, eastern medicine and OFM concepts to achieve hormonal balance for successful conception for women wanting to start a family.

Episode Highlights:

Diane's Recent Achievement:

• Participated in the 70.3 World Championships in Finland.
• Finished 10th overall.
• Surprised many with her performance despite suffering a knee injury and losing 8 weeks of training.
• Detailed her training regimen, including the use of acupuncture and dietary changes to manage her injury.

Transition to Oriental Medicine:

• After facing health challenges, Diane turned to acupuncture.
• This led to a complete career change, from being an X-ray tech to pursuing a degree in Oriental Medicine and studying in China.
• Settled in Colorado Springs, near the Olympic training center, initially aiming to specialize in sports medicine.
• Evolved into reproductive endocrinology after collaborating with an acupuncturist in Denver.

Nutrition and Training:

Diane’s experience with the challenges of the traditional high-carb approach.
Being open to other ways to discover alternatives through podcasts and other alternative avenues.

Post-Race Experiences: 

• Diane's amusing recount of the sensory delight of the desert bloom at her first race using OFM & VESPA, the 2014 IronMan 70.3, St. George, Utah.
• Her recounting how she wanted to shop immediately post-race for a specific sweater she saw during her race at IM 70.3 Mount Tremblant Worlds dragging her sherpa husband, Paul, who was exhausted.

Racing and Health Evolution: 

The transformative impact of OFM & VESPA on Diane's performance and well-being. Her husband, Dr. Paul Magarelli, immediately noted the significant change in her condition and demeanor.

Race Destinations: 

• Since making the switch in 2013/2014 Diane has qualified for the IronMan 70.3 World Championships every year, often by winning her Age Group
• This includes places like Mount TremBlant, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, and South Africa in 2018 where she was 3rd in her Age Group.

The Multidimensional Approach to Health: 

Diane's unique perspective, combines her experience as a professional in both Western and Eastern medicine, to understand the human body and the impacts of diet, exercise and the modern world have on our metabolic health and well being.

Carbohydrates and Health: 

• The inflammatory effects of overconsumption of carbohydrates
  OFM’s Strategic carb approach and how she employs it
• The relationship between the gut and other body systems from the perspective of Chinese medicine.

Diane's Career and Insights: 

Diane's retirement, her time in the clinic, and her advice to people on understanding carbs, inflammation, and their impact on metabolic health.

Dietary Guidelines and Societal Impacts: 

• A reflection on the changes in societal health and the potential influences of dietary guidelines.
• Women's Health: A look into the unique challenges faced by women in terms of hormonal balance, dietary needs, and societal pressures.

Insulin Sensitivity and Health:

• How maintaining insulin sensitivity through Strategic Carbohydrate intake over chronic carbohydrate intake are key to balancing optimal health and athletic performance.
• Ideal insulin levels should be below 8 for optimal sensitivity and ideally below 6.
  Understanding PCOS:
• PCOS, prevalent among many women, impairs fertility.
• PCOS is a manifestation of insulin resistance.
• High sugar levels in the body can disrupt hormonal balance precisely because this elicits an insulin response (Insulin is a hormone).
• A potential remedy: initially sharply limiting carb intake to around 50 grams per day or less to help in managing PCOS symptoms then building metabolic capacity via OFM for carbohydrate tolerance.

Medical Interventions and Alternatives:

There's a concerning trend in prescribing drugs and procedures for weight loss.
Natural remedies, dietary shifts and physical activity can offer safer, more effective solutions.

Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) and Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal):

• One of the most common ailments for women in their late thirties to early fifties.
• The root cause is most the combination of a high carb, low fat diet and too many calories to be in energy balance. This leads to the liver converting the excess carb/energy into cholesterol which is then converted into bile. The bile is then stored in the gallbladder as part of the digestion process of fat & protein rich foods. Without the signal of fat to cause timely clearing of the gallbladder, the bile ducts start to clog.
• Regular intake of high-carb, low-fat meals can lead to gallbladder complications and clogged bile ducts, leading to gallbladder removal.

Long-Term Impacts of Dietary Choices:

• The consumption of excess sugars can have generational impacts due to epigenetics.
• Elevated sugar levels in expecting mothers can have hormonal implications for their babies.
• There's growing evidence of declining testosterone levels in men and possible connections to dietary habits.

OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) vs. Keto:

Emphasis on prioritizing fat metabolism over carbohydrate dependency.
Unlike Keto, OFM doesn't eliminate carbs. This ensures athletes get the adaptive stress signaling and performance needed for training and competition.

Role of Individual Responsibility:

• Individuals must recognize their unique needs and take control of their health.
• Importance of personal experimentation to determine what dietary and lifestyle choices work best.

Carb Intake in Endurance Sports: 

• Many Professionals and Experts are currently recommending 80 to 120 grams of carbs per hour for ultra-races and triathlons.
• The dangers of high carb consumption in the long run and the significance of optimizing fat metabolism for both pros, age-groupers and casual athletes.

The Balance of Science and Nature: 

Diane's experiences working with IVF patients, the success stories, and the philosophy that sometimes nature's approach trumps pure science.

Anecdotes from Africa: 

Tales from Kilimanjaro, the Masai tribe, and Simon Mtuy's Masai grandfather who showed surprising vitality even in his 90s.

Three Core Principles:

• Our muscle cells are meant to burn mostly fat.
• We are designed to move a lot.
• Ensuring fat metabolism is optimized and individualized to build metabolic capacity .

Holistic Approach vs. Pure Science:

• The challenges of integrating Eastern and Western medicine and the idea that nothing exists in isolation in a biological system . . . which is how science is often done today in western medicine. 
• The importance of having a practical, holistic approach to curing disease and optimizing health and performance.

55. Running The Spine: Peter Mortimer’s OFM Approach for a Podium Finish in spite of Jet Lag

In this podcast episode, long-time OFM Athlete, Peter Mortimer, is welcomed as a guest to share his insights . Although not a professional ultrarunner, Peter competes at a high level and has won some big races. His  ‘day job’ is a career in orthopedics for a medical device company, assisting and advising surgeons in operations for hip, knee, or shoulder replacements. His work schedule is erratic because it revolves around  being present at the actual surgeries. Like most of us Peter has a life partner, adolescent children and a couple of Basset Hounds. On top of it all he has even started coaching others in ultras.

 

Today’s podcast centers around Peter’s big race of the year, The 268 Mile Spine Race, which was held this past June and is billed as Britain’s toughest race. Not only does the course and distance present significant challenges to any runner but Peter had the added challenge of starting the race in a seriously jet-lagged state. 

 

In spite of all these challenges Peter found himself finishing second overall covering the 268 miles in 93 hours, 12 minutes and 27 seconds. This included a lot of racing, ultra style, during the late stages of the race between Peter and others contending for second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place when this group were all within a few hours of each other. And this is where the advantages of being OFM adapted played into Peter’s success. 

 

Our collaboration with athletes like Peter who are pushing themselves at the outer edge of Human Performance yields valuable insights we can share with you to reach your potential of “Higher Health & Peak Performance”.  So let’s dive in. 

 

Peter faced a considerable challenge from the onset due to the demands of international travel from Arizona to the UK without time to adjust. So, from the start of his odyssey, Peter was jet-lagged. Add to this, upon arrival Peter met with family (he’s originally from the UK) whom he had not seen in years. This set him up to arrive at the start line in a state of serious sleep deprivation and jet lag. 

Naturally, the physical and mental fatigue set in early, with the sleep deprivation presenting severe obstacles like sleepwalking and falling asleep unintentionally in unexpected places, including a bathroom.

 

Throughout the discussion, the theme is clear: the race's physical challenge is paired with a substantial mental one. From navigating unfamiliar trails and landscapes, dealing with fatigue and sleep deprivation, and experiencing hallucinations, the race is as much a mental battle as a physical one.

 

One specific challenge he recalled was reaching the same signpost repeatedly, despite taking different paths, which made him question his mental state. Moreover, he vividly remembers hallucinating an eerie, albino man dressed in white, on a white bicycle, beckoning to him, which startled him greatly!

 

However, as the runners went deeper into the race, Peter’s resilience from optimizing his fat metabolism, along with the support of a LOT of Vespa Ultra-Concentrates and real food, shone through allowing Peter to pull ahead of the other runners to finish second overall. 

 

They delve into Peter's journey with the Optimized Fat Metabolism (OFM) approach since starting in 2017. Prior to adopting OFM, he was a regular middle-of-the-pack runner who faced the energy swings and GI issues as he tackled longer distances. His nutrition was heavily carbohydrate and processed food-based, leaving him feeling drained. After hearing about fat adaptation and seeing other runners' success with it, he decided to start using Vespa and change his dietary approach. Shortly after meeting with Peter (Defty) in 2017 where they dialed Peter in,  his performance significantly improved, the energy and GI issues disappeared and Peter was able to consistently race stronger and stronger, often finishing on the podium and even winning races like the prestigious HURT 100 in 2022.

 

Peter's general eating philosophy centers on whole fresh foods like meats and vegetables. While he occasionally indulges, he feels the negative effects when he deviates from his usual diet. The conversation delves into the variability and individuality of the OFM approach, noting that while some, like Jeff Browning,  consume more protein and fruits, others find using more starches as their “Strategic Carb” yield better results. 

 

Also discussed is the importance of gut health, especially on the development of a diverse biome for food tolerance, immune system health and overall well-being. 

The conversation also touches on the post race emotional and mental aftermath, describing feelings of depression, which is more pronounced after longer races. The contrasting experiences between intense, prolonged endurance activity and the daily grind of life, including a sense of disconnect when returning to daily life.

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep

 

The podcast discussion revolves around the importance of the circadian rhythm and how it impacts health, performance and well-being. Podcast Host, Peter Defty, emphasizes aligning wake-up time with sunrise, noting the significant benefits it has on entraining circadian rhythm. Peter’s experience of completely upsetting his Circadian Rhythm at the Spine Race makes this abundantly clear. 

 

The Benefits of a Optimizing Your Fat Metabolism

 

The dialogue transitions into discussing the more nuanced aspects of the OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) approach. While many associate OFM with a low-carb diet, it's clarified that the approach is more nuanced, taking into account aspects like chronic stressors, circadian rhythm, and vitamin D.

 

The focus then shifts to the benefits of the OFM approach in ultra-running. The approach has enabled some runners to achieve unprecedented fat-burning rates, allowing them to run longer distances more efficiently. 

 

Peter's upcoming race, the Mogollon Monster, is this weekend (September 9&10th). After his race we plan to have him back to talk about the Lifestyle benefits he’s seen through optimizing his fat metabolism. Stay tuned!

54. Pushing the Boundaries of Athletic Innovation - A Conversation with Bryce Thatcher

“Our premise behind the company was trying to make athletes more efficient when they are trying to compete at a high level”- Bryce Thatcher

 

Introduction:

This is a captivating conversation with Bryce Thatcher, Chief of Product Development of UltrAspire, on innovation and what it means to be a true innovator and why it is important for the audience. Bryce is singularly responsible for creating the original hydration products athletes take for granted today such as water bottles and hydration packs athletes take for granted.

 

Most of today’s “innovation” is “incremental innovation”. In Bryce’s case Bryce was not so much a ‘Disruptor’ as  he was innovating to fill a void that previously did not exist whereas Peter Defty’s work on fat adaptation for performance and health is highly disruptive to the conventional high carbohydrate approach. 

 

Innovators are  misunderstood and even marginalized during the early stages of innovation.Steve Jobs was shown the door at the very company he founded, Apple and Walt Disney was thought to be absolutely crazy each time he disrupted entertainment; first with an animation short of a mouse, then a full length color animated movie of a fairy tale and finally with the creation of a theme park.

 

The discussion includes reflections on the importance of understanding the journey of innovation,  curiosity, and insights into how industries stagnate without it.  Most of all innovation comes to fruition through the innovator’s staying true to their vision and core values. 

 

The Path to Innovation is hardly predictable:

 

Bryce grew up outdoors. His passion for sports, particularly skiing and mountain running, led to the problem solving which led to starting his first company, Ultimate Direction. Yet this was a serendipitous departure from his pre-med education and career track as a Physician. This leads to a broader discussion on how innovation rarely starts from a planned pathway but as a result of curiosity, adaptation and problem solving. This is how true innovators adapt to challenges, with a constant curiosity and problem solving ethos to get to the goal and vision. 

But innovation is not limited to the product design but to constantly innovate in all areas as illustrated by Bryce's shift to overseas manufacturing due to rising labor costs and, subsequently,  his innovative approach during the COVID pandemic. Here, Bryce shares how the crisis led to a new way of working directly with his factories as well as with athletes testing equipment and providing input. These changes ultimately sped up the innovation process. 

 

Innovation means getting your hands dirty and doing the work

 

The conversation also highlights how innovators pay attention to the details, do the deep dives into those details as part of innovation. As companies seek to maximize shareholder return through lowering costs and increasing profit margins as the driver this creates a “Feeding frenzy to the bottom” where the first thing to go is R&D which is a key driver of innovation. 

 

Innovation requires the willingness to make mistakes and a willingness to get one’s hands dirty. In today’s virtual world this is lost on the modern generation who want instant gratification. 

 

Bryce also decries the lack of patience today’s generation has and how this is an innovation killer. He stresses the need for an ‘Incubation Period’ as crucial for the ‘Ah Hah’ moment. 

 

The Impact of Innovation:

 

Peter and Bryce delve deeper into how innovation shapes and drives their companies and its broader impact on society. Bryce shares how continuous innovation has not only brought success to Ultra Spire but also enriched his life and improved athletes' experiences. The conversation also includes a focus on real-world problem-solving and the importance of being deeply involved in the innovation process.

 

The Essence of Early Adoption:

 

In the final part of their discussion, Bryce explains the importance of distilling complex ideas down to their essence to reach a broader audience. The emphasis is on engaging early adopters, cultivating curiosity, and avoiding fear-based marketing. The power of relating to innovators on a personal level and seeing their human side is also highlighted, as well as the importance of staying true to one's niche.

 

Conclusion:

The episode concludes with Bryce sharing his personal journey towards fat adaptation and how a disciplined, natural lifestyle has improved his endurance activities and overall health. Bryce is looking to not only set some FKT’s but to gain optimal longevity. And, yes, Vespa is part of that equation. 

 

Bryce also emphasizes the need to form a cohesive team to be able to communicate those details of innovation by ‘distilling’ down all those details into the critical points that most people can digest and understand.  Innovators and their passion often lose people in the detail and complexity of what they are innovating.

 

The conversation underscores the critical role of curiosity, innovation, and early adoption in driving the progress of Humanity.