Laughing Through Ultra Trail Running
Ultra trail running is known for its physical and mental challenges, but what if we could add laughing along the way? In the latest Food Fight Friday At The Aid Station episode, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Adam Lee of Community Trail Running bring humor into the mix by playing a game of “Eat, Toss, or Carry.” The concept is simple: three absurd food choices are presented, and the hosts must decide which one to eat, which one to toss, and which one to carry to the next aid station. This game aims to make ultra running a bit more enjoyable while still taking the race seriously. It’s all about laughing through the tough moments!
Aravaipa Across the Years: A Unique Event
The focus of this episode is the Aravaipa Across The Years Last Person Standing event, a race where participants complete a 1.4-mile loop every 20 minutes, pushing their physical limits until only one runner remains. Jason Bahamundi, a host and participant, shares his experience from this event. To spice things up, the hosts discuss three food options presented during the race—each provided by actual participants. These include a healthy tempeh dish, a classic fast-food meal, and a vegan tuna sandwich made from chickpeas.
The Three Food Choices: A Challenge of Choices
- Tempeh with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
This plant-based option came from Tyler. While it’s packed with nutrients, Jason and Adam agree it might not be the most exciting (or easily digestible) option for a high-energy ultra event. - Two Big Macs with Fries
Levi brought this indulgent choice. Adam can’t help but share his hilarious McDonald’s stories, recounting his ability to eat 10 cheeseburgers in one sitting as a teenager. However, the real question is whether fast food can hold up during a long, grueling run. - Vegan Tuna Sandwich (Chickpeas)
Jason, who follows a plant-based diet, was offered this vegan alternative. The hosts discuss its potential to provide sustained energy and easier digestion compared to heavier food options.
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Ultra Running Nutrition: Balancing Food with Performance
Eating during an ultra race is more than just choosing food you like—it’s about timing and digestion. The episode dives into strategies for balancing food choices and performance. Tyler’s success with tempeh versus Levi’s digestive issues with the Big Macs provides valuable insights into how food can impact race performance. Jason shares how the vegan tuna sandwich worked well for him during the race, pointing out that light, plant-based options may be easier on the stomach and provide sustained energy.
Adam’s McDonald’s Stories and Food Choices
Adam’s hilarious food stories add an extra layer of entertainment to the discussion. From eating 10 cheeseburgers in one sitting as a teenager to devouring 5 Big Macs in one meal during college, Adam’s experiences make him the perfect person to explore how food can impact ultra running. His choices in this episode—eating the vegan tuna sandwich and carrying the Big Macs and fries—highlight the need to experiment with different foods to find what works best for each runner.
Results and Key Takeaways
The food choices had a clear impact on each runner’s performance. Tyler, who ate the tempeh, lasted the longest, completing 128+ miles. Levi, who went with the Big Macs, suffered digestive issues, limiting his distance. Jason, who chose the vegan tuna sandwich, finished in third place at 42 miles. The episode underscores that food strategy in ultra running can make or break a performance—whether it’s for energy, digestion, or simply for the fun of it.
Conclusion and Sneak Peek
To wrap up the episode, Jason and Adam give a preview of the next Food Fight Friday episode. Adam will introduce even more food challenges, promising even more absurdity. As the hosts show, combining laughing with the serious business of ultra trail running can make the experience even more memorable and enjoyable.
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