About

Our Mission

To empower ultra runners and endurance athletes with science-based nutrition planning tools that turn race-day bonks into finish-line triumphs.

The Story Behind the Calculator

Born from Experience

Ultra Nutrition Calculator was created by ultra runners, for ultra runners. After too many races ending in nutritional disaster—bonking at mile 62, dealing with severe GI distress, or hitting the wall when victory was within reach—we realized there had to be a better way.

The problem wasn’t a lack of effort or training. It was nutrition planning. Or rather, the lack of accessible, science-based tools to create proper nutrition strategies.

The Traditional Approach

Most ultra runners plan their race nutrition using:

  • Generic “60g of carbs per hour” rules
  • Trial and error during training runs
  • Copying what worked for someone else
  • Gut feelings (pun intended)
  • Advice from the last blog post they read

This approach works… until it doesn’t. And when it fails at mile 75 of a 100-miler, there’s no second chance.

A Better Solution

We combined peer-reviewed sports nutrition research with real-world ultra running experience to create a calculator that:

  • Accounts for individual differences (weight, pace, conditions)
  • Provides personalized recommendations
  • Considers scientific principles of absorption and timing
  • Makes complex calculations simple and accessible
  • Helps athletes test and refine their strategies

What We Believe

Science + Experience

Evidence-Based Nutrition. We base all recommendations on peer-reviewed research from:

Real-World Testing Theory meets practice. Our formulas have been:

  • Tested in races from 50K to 100+ miles
  • Refined based on athlete feedback
  • Validated across diverse conditions and terrains
  • Used successfully by runners at all levels

Personalization Matters

No One-Size-Fits-All. Your nutrition needs depend on:

  • Your body weight and composition
  • Race distance and duration
  • Effort level and pace
  • Weather conditions
  • Altitude and terrain
  • Individual tolerance and preferences

Your Strategy, Your Way. We provide the framework, you make it yours:

  • Customize to your preferred fuel sources
  • Adjust based on your experience
  • Test and refine in training
  • Save multiple strategies for different scenarios

Accessibility is Key

Free Tools for Everyone. Every runner deserves access to quality nutrition planning:

  • Free calculator with essential features
  • No credit card required to start
  • Educational content for all
  • Community support and resources

Premium Features for Serious Athletes: Advanced tools for those who want more:

  • Unlimited saved nutrition plans
  • Dual-carb source optimization
  • High-altitude adjustments
  • Caffeine and electrolyte planning
  • Real food alternatives

Our Story

The Beginning

Founded by a group of ultra runners who were tired of DNFing due to nutrition failures, Ultra Nutrition Calculator started as a simple spreadsheet shared among friends.

The Catalyst After a particularly brutal race where three of our team members dropped due to nutrition issues—despite months of training being perfect—we decided something had to change. We spent the next six months researching, calculating, and testing.

The Evolution

Version 1.0: Basic carb and fluid calculations

  • Launched with essential features
  • Shared within our local running club
  • Received overwhelming positive feedback

Version 2.0: Advanced features added

  • Dual-carb source optimization
  • Altitude adjustments
  • Saved nutrition plans
  • Premium subscription model

Today: Comprehensive nutrition planning platform

  • Thousands of athletes worldwide
  • Used in major ultra races globally
  • Continuous improvements based on user feedback
  • Growing community of successful ultra runners

The Impact

Races Completed: 100+ nutrition plans created, Athletes Helped: Runners in 20+ countries, Success Stories: Countless PRs and first-time finishes. 
DNF Prevention: Hundreds of nutrition-related DNFs avoided

Who We Are

The Team

Founders & Athletes We’re not just developers—we’re ultra runners who live and breathe this sport:

  • Combined 20+ ultra marathons completed
  • Experience from 50K to 100+ mile races
  • Races in diverse conditions: mountains, deserts, trails, roads
  • Personal experience with nutrition successes and failures

Advisors & Experts We work with:

  • Sports nutritionists and dietitians
  • Exercise physiologists
  • Ultra running coaches
  • Medical professionals specializing in endurance sports

Community Contributors: Thousands of athletes providing:

  • Real-world feedback
  • Feature suggestions
  • Success stories and testimonials
  • Beta testing for new features

Our Values

Athlete-First

  • Built by runners, for runners
  • Decisions based on the athlete’s needs
  • Transparent about how we work
  • Responsive to community feedback

Science-Based

  • Evidence-driven recommendations
  • Peer-reviewed research foundation
  • Regular updates as science evolves
  • Clear explanations of methodologies

Accessible

  • Free basic tools for everyone
  • Affordable premium options
  • No hidden fees or surprises
  • Educational resources are freely available

Community-Focused

  • Support fellow ultra runners
  • Share knowledge openly
  • Foster connections between athletes
  • Give back to the ultra-running community

The Science Behind Our Calculator

Research Foundation

Our calculations are based on established sports nutrition research:

Carbohydrate Recommendations

  • Standard guidelines: 30-60g/hour for moderate intensity
  • Dual-source optimization: Up to 90g/hour with glucose + fructose
  • Duration-dependent adjustments
  • Intensity-based modifications

Hydration Guidelines

  • Sweat rate estimations based on effort and temperature
  • Electrolyte loss calculations
  • Weather-adjusted recommendations
  • Individual variation considerations

Sodium and Electrolytes

  • Baseline sodium requirements: 500-700mg/hour
  • Adjusted for heat and sweat rates
  • Advanced electrolytes: magnesium, potassium, calcium
  • Prevention of hyponatremia

Caffeine Strategy

  • Performance-enhancing dosage: 3-6mg/kg body weight
  • Timing recommendations
  • Tolerance considerations
  • Avoiding overconsumption

Why It Works

Individualized Calculations

  • Based on your specific body weight
  • Adjusted for your race duration
  • Modified for effort level and conditions
  • Personalized to your needs

Proven Formulas

  • Validated by sports scientists
  • Used by professional athletes
  • Refined through real-world application
  • Continuously updated with new research

Practical Application

  • Easy to understand results
  • Actionable hourly breakdowns
  • Specific product recommendations
  • Real food alternatives

Our Commitment

To Athletes

We Promise To:

  • Provide accurate, science-based recommendations
  • Keep improving based on your feedback
  • Maintain transparent pricing and policies
  • Protect your privacy and data
  • Support your ultra running journey

We Will Never:

  • Sell your personal data
  • Make medical claims we can’t back up
  • Hide features behind surprise paywalls
  • Ignore your feedback and suggestions
  • Compromise on scientific integrity

To the Sport

Supporting Ultra Running

  • Sponsor local ultra races and events
  • Provide free tools to race directors
  • Support trail conservation efforts
  • Partner with running clubs and organizations

Education & Advocacy

  • Publish free educational content
  • Promote safe nutrition practices
  • Share success stories and case studies
  • Contribute to the ultra-running community

Continuous Improvement

We’re Always Evolving

  • Regular feature updates
  • New research integration
  • User-requested improvements
  • Platform enhancements
  • Mobile app development (coming soon)

Your Voice Matters

  • Feature request voting
  • Beta testing opportunities
  • Community feedback integration
  • Direct communication with founders

Success Stories

What Athletes Are Saying

“This calculator saved my Western States run. For the first time in my ultra career, I didn’t bonk. The dual-carb calculations were spot-on.” — Sarah M., Western States 100 Finisher

“As a coach, I use this for all my athletes. It’s become an essential tool in our race preparation arsenal.” — Mark T., Ultra Running Coach, 15+ years experience

“I went from DNFing at Leadville to finishing in under 25 hours. The altitude adjustments made all the difference.” — James K., Leadville 100 Finisher

“Finally, a tool that explains the ‘why’ behind nutrition recommendations. Educational and practical.” — Lisa R., 50+ ultra marathons completed

“The free version alone helped me PR my first 100K. The premium features are worth every penny.” — David C., First-time 100K Finisher

By The Numbers

100+ Nutrition plans created, 20+ Countries represented, 95% User satisfaction rate 87% Would recommend to others.

Join Our Community

Get Involved

Use the Calculator

  • Create your free account today
  • Start planning your race nutrition
  • Share your experience with others

Connect With Us

  • Follow on social media
  • Join our newsletter
  • Participate in community discussions
  • Share your success stories

Contribute

  • Suggest new features
  • Report bugs and issues
  • Beta test upcoming releases
  • Provide feedback and testimonials

Support the Mission

  • Upgrade to Premium subscription
  • Refer friends and training partners
  • Write reviews and testimonials
  • Spread the word about science-based nutrition

Looking Forward

Our Vision

Short-Term Goals

  • Mobile app launch
  • Integration with popular training platforms
  • Expanded educational content
  • Enhanced community features

Long-Term Vision

  • Leading nutrition planning platform for all endurance sports
  • AI-powered personalized recommendations
  • Integration with wearable devices
  • Global community of supported athletes

Innovation Pipeline

  • Real-time nutrition tracking during races
  • Predictive analytics for nutrition needs
  • Collaborative tools for crews and pacers
  • Multi-sport expansion (cycling, triathlon, adventure racing)

Stay Updated

Follow Our Journey

  • Newsletter: Monthly updates and tips
  • Blog: Educational content and case studies
  • Social Media: Daily tips and community highlights
  • Product Updates: New feature announcements

Get Started Today

Ready to transform your race nutrition strategy?

Free Account

  • Create your first nutrition plan
  • Access basic calculator features
  • Start optimizing your nutrition

Premium Subscription

  • Unlock all advanced features
  • Save unlimited nutrition plans
  • Get priority support
  • Join thousands of successful ultra runners