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In episode #200 host Kyla Channell spoke with Jacquie Mannhard about her 2nd place finish at the 2026 Leadville 100 running race about recovery, fueling and the mental grind of 100 miles.
- How she approaches the unique demands of 100-mile racing, including her evolution and nutrition overhaul
- Jacquie shares the hard-earned fueling, hydration, recovery, and mindset lessons that have shaped her performances since her Leadville win in 2023
- A candid look at what it takes to keep pushing when the body is completely spent.
Please note that this podcast is created strictly for educational purposes and should never be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
ABOUT JACQUIE MANNHARD
Jacquie Mannhard is a mom, coach, and trail runner based in Boulder, Colorado. She has been an athlete through all chapters of life: as a competitive swimmer in childhood, to an NCAA All-American in cross country and track, to dabbling in triathlon, pushing the baby jogger, and now racing ultra-distances on trails. Since her 50K debut in 2018, Jacquie has tackled some of the most beautiful, challenging, and competitive races including the Leadville Trail 100, Highlonesome 100, Canyons 100, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, Black Canyons, Bandera, and Javelina. Her breakthrough win at the 2023 Leadville Trail 100 surprised almost everyone, except herself. Just last month she returned to Leadville, finishing the 100 mile race one hour faster than before, and landing on the overall podium again, this time in second place.
Jacquie loves supporting the running community through coaching all ages of athletes. Now entering her 8th season of coaching youth cross country and track, she aspires to be the coach that helps kids fall in love with running for a lifetime.
Outside of running, Jacquie tries to keep pace with her adventurous hubby and two kids while skiing, biking, rock climbing, swimming, and playing four square on the driveway. She hopes to be moving joyfully in the outdoors for many decades to come
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Meet Jacquie Mannhard and the Leadville race context
02:25 - Post-race fatigue, brain fog, and the need for a long recovery runway
03:25 - Why rushing back after a 100 miler can backfire
05:00 - Winning Leadville in 2023 and racing second this year
06:02 - How the altered Leadville course changed the effort
07:53 - A very different race dynamic in 2024
09:00 - Racing hard when the top women kept trading positions
10:23 - The mental descent of 100-mile racing
11:18 - Why Jacquie leans on Buddhist teaching for mental strength
12:14 - How repeat exposure builds endurance confidence
13:17 - Runner’s high versus the deeper, darker race-day low
13:52 - Final-mile GI distress and dynamic fueling adjustments
15:18 - Switching to Scratch hydration and lowering drink concentration
16:44 - Gel choices, including Enervit mango gels and Neversecond
17:44 - The 70 to 80 grams per hour carb target
19:01 - Hydration at altitude and avoiding thirst
19:24 - Cramping, or lack of it
19:41 - The week before a 100 miler: extreme rest and sleep banking
20:50 - Carbohydrate loading like a bear before hibernation
21:20 - Race-week meals: rice, toast, sandwiches, pasta, and liquid calories
21:50 - Sleep expectations before a 4 a.m. Leadville start
22:48 - Race-morning hydration, caffeine, and her consistent oatmeal breakfast
24:15 - Pre-start snacking and topping off energy stores
24:55 - Starting fuel intake early in the race
25:18 - How crew systems keep nutrition honest
25:55 - Heat, altitude, and the reality of racing at Leadville
26:38 - Sun protection, sunscreen, and altitude exposure
27:12 - Sweat testing and what Jacquie hopes to learn
27:59 - Salt tabs, pickle juice, and salty foods for balance
28:40 - Managing sweet-fuel fatigue on the course
29:49 - Supplements, creatine, and why she is a slow adopter
32:17 - How her nutrition protocol changed from 2023 to now
33:29 - Crew access points, aid stations, and long stretches without support
34:09 - The unique Leadville rule that lets pacers carry your gear
35:43 - Post-finish cravings, catabolic recovery, and eating hard for days
38:18 - Hot broth, Cheetos, sandwiches, and immediate recovery eating
38:59 - Mobility, foam rolling, swimming, and massage tools after the race
39:53 - Sauna work in winter and heat adaptation in summer
40:55 - Fueling advice for runners training for their first 100 miler
41:41 - How mom life and kids strengthen her training and perspective
42:59 - What Jacquie wants female runners to know
44:52 - What is next: recovery, coaching kids’ cross country, and maybe a fast road marathon
46:52 - Where to follow Jacquie and how to connect in Boulder
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