This week's episode is a Q&A where I answer questions submitted by listeners. The questions I answer in this episode include:

• My hemoglobin A1C came back as high in my most recent blood test and my doctor suggested I cut back on carbs and sugar. As a long time runner, can you help put this advice into context? I want to ensure I'm fueled but not negatively impacting my blood sugar.
• I'm a high school runner currently dealing with a bone stress injury and also trying to get my period back. Do you have any advice for how to fuel and cross train for this?
• I'm a division 1 college athlete currently studying abroad and preparing food for myself for the first time. I'm noticing that I'm struggling more with my relationship with food since I have to think more about what I'm eating and preparing, and also have noticed my body shifting. It's also hard because I have non athlete roommates that I compare my food intake to. Do you have any advice on how to navigate this?
• As a high school cross country coach, what advice would you give to the parents of high school runners to help them stay healthy, have fun with the sport, and fuel themselves well?

If you would like to submit a question for the next Q&A episode, you can do so on my website at www.fuelingforward.com under the podcast tab, or you can email me at fuelingforwardpodcast@gmail.com.

If you would like to make a donation to help support my fundraising efforts for TrackGirlz as I prepare for the NYCM, you can do so HERE. Every $50 donated = 1 entry to win a race day support package that includes a pair of Hettas shoes, a t-shirt, a race day fueling strategy session with me, and more goodies from brands who believe in supporting women in sport.

This is the first ever live recorded episode of The Fueling Forward Podcast! In partnership with Hettas, I had the opportunity to travel to Geneva, OH to be a part of the Women's Decathlon World Championships weekend. I got to talk with the event founder, Lauren Kuntz, who was a D3 All-American in the pole vault while at MIT. After coaching while in grad school at Harvard, Kuntz became frustrated that she wasn't allowed to compete in the 10 event decathlon that included the pole vault because it was reserved for the men. Lauren became an advocate for allowing women into events such as the decathlon and double decathlon, which led her to create the World Championship event. Lauren is working to show that women are just as capable as men at competing in the 10 event decathlon, and belong in all spaces of the sport. You can learn more about the event HERE.

In addition to hearing Lauren's amazing story, you'll hear some track side interviews from some of the athletes competing in the event. Special thanks to the following athletes (in order that they appear):

• Amanda Pasko
• Katie Straus
• Delaney Straus
• Caitlin Fertig
• Rebecca de la Torre
• Kendra Leger
• Kiara Harrod**
• Raphaelle Rolnin**
• Anaik Precision**

** these athletes completed interviews but due to audio issues were not able to be included in the final episode.

Today's episode is a Q&A where I answer questions that have been submitted by listeners. The questions I answer in this episode include:

• I'm a college coach and my athletes just started double threshold days. What should fueling and refueling look like around these sessions, and should they be taking in carbs/electrolytes during?
• I'm a high school runner with a big appetite, and I find myself comparing how much I'm eating to friends and family and feeling bad about eating more than them. Do you have any tips on how to deal with food comparison?
• Do you have any advice on how to take gels? I've never eaten anything while running before and I'm not sure where to start.
• I have dealt with chronically low ferritin for years despite supplementation. My ferritin recently increased from 20 to 23 after 3 months, and I was hoping it would increase faster than that. Is this typical? Should I try to get an iron infusion?

Thanks so much to everyone who has submitted a question! If you would like to submit a question for the next Q&A episode, so you can do so on my website HERE.