In this Q&A episode, I'm answering questions submitted to me by listeners. Today's questions include:

• How should I fuel before and after an evening training session if I'm running at night around 7-9pm?
• I've heard you mention that artificial sweeteners can impact gut health, can you expand on this and does that mean I should stop putting stevia in my coffee?
• I've been working on adding more carbs and have been feeling better with my energy levels and on runs, but I've also noticed some bloating and that I feel heavier. Is this normal?
• I'm a high school upperclassman and have never gotten my period, is this amenorrhea? And if so, what can I do that would help me get my period and still be a successful runner?

Thanks so much to everyone who has submitted questions! If you would like to submit a question to be answered during the next Q&A, you can go to my website www.fuelingforward.com under the podcast tab or email me at fuelingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

Links from today's episode:

• Apply for the Fall Marathon Group Coaching Program HERE
• Donate to help me raise money for Trackgirlz as a NYCM charity runner HERE!

This episode is an interview with mom of 3 and professional runner, Steph Bruce. Steph grew up in Arizona, where finding running in high school led her to a successful D1 career at USCB, including achieving All-American honors. Steph went on to run professionally, and has 3 US titles and over 30 US championship showings between the track and the roads. Steph ultimately transition to the marathon, and has an average time of 2:31 over 20 marathons. Aside from running, Steph is a mom of 3, a co-founder of Picky Bars, and the founder of Grit Running.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How losing her dad at a young age reminded Steph that life is short and it's important to focus on the things that you love
• What her transition into collegiate athletics was like and what she learned that looks don't tell the whole story
• Why having a regular menstrual cycle is so important and what that means for health and performance
• Struggling with injury going pro and co-founding Picky Bars with another injured runner
• The ups and downs of marathon fueling, and how perfecting her in race fueling plan is still a journey that she's on
• What her transition to Tracksmith has looked like and how she's giving back to the sport

You can find Steph on Instagram or X at @stephrothstein and you can learn more about her adult summer camp and coaching business at www.stephbruce.com

This week's episode is a Q&A! I answer questions that have been submitted by listeners, and today's questions include:

• What can I expect physically and mentally when returning from a period of underfueling or RED-S? How long will it take to feel normal?
• I have big goals in the sport but am not really a stand out runner. I know you were a walk on, so do you have any advice for a runner that wants to get better?
• I've heard that using sugar based gels during runs can cause gut issues and damage. How should I add fuel during my runs without increasing my risk for these things?
• I've been really struggling with a low appetite the last few weeks. What could be causing this and do you have any suggestions on how to continue to fuel even if I don't feel like eating?