<p>The MidPacker Pod is part of the Freetrail network of Podcasts.<br></p><p>Join the Newsletter at:<a href="https://troymeadows.substack.com/?r=2gjcgs&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> ⁠MidPack Musings SubStack⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheMidPackerPod" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠Support the MidPacker Pod on ⁠Patreon⁠.⁠</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/collections/midpacker-pod-merch" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check Out MPP Merch </a></p><p><br></p><p>Make sure you leave us a rating and review wherever you get your pods.</p><p><br></p><p>Looking for 1:1 Ultra Running Coaching? </p><p>Check out <a href="https://runtraillife.com/pages/rtl-coaching-services" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Troy’s Coaching Page<br></a></p><p><br></p><p>STOKED TO PARTNER WITH</p><p>  </p><p><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>HYPERLYTE LIQUID PERFORMANCE</strong></a> - 10% off your order</p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>TRAINING PEAKS</strong></a> - 20% off a premium annual subscription</p><p><br></p><p>USE PROMO CODE <strong>MIDPACKER</strong> FOR A SWEET DISCOUNT</p><p><br></p><p>“Sometimes it’s not about the finish line. It’s about finding joy in the messy middle.”</p><p><br></p><p>On this episode of the MidPacker Pod, Troy sits down with trail runner, race director, registered dietitian, and mom: <strong>Kayla Fitzgerald </strong>for a deep, fun, and relatable conversation about how she juggles it all while still chasing big goals in the ultra world.</p><p>Kayla shares her shift from road racing to trail running after realizing the road scene just didn’t vibe with her. What she found on the trails was community, connection, and a whole new way to push herself. From leading group runs to organizing local races under her brand <strong>Palmetto Ultras</strong>, Kayla has become a cornerstone of her local running community in South Carolina.</p><p><br></p><p>We dive into:</p><ul><li><p>Balancing parenting, coaching, and 200-mile race training</p></li><li><p>Her experience as a registered dietitian and helping runners dial in their race-day nutrition</p></li><li><p>Upcoming races like <strong>Southern States 200</strong>, <strong>Barkley Fall Classic</strong>, and a possible go at <strong>Barn Creek Backyard Ultra</strong></p></li><li><p>Her story of pushing through the <strong>Beast of the East 50 Miler</strong>—with Troy jumping in as an impromptu pacer!</p></li></ul><p>Whether you’re a trail veteran or just dipping your toes into the dirt, Kayla’s perspective on doing what you love <em>while doing life</em> is refreshing and real.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Athlete Spotlight: Kayla Fitzgerald</strong></p><ul><li><p>Registered Dietitian, Nutrition coach, and mom</p></li><li><p>Race director and founder of <strong>Palmetto Ultras</strong></p></li><li><p>Focused on inclusive, sustainable community building through trail events</p></li><li><p>Training for <strong>Southern States 200</strong> and the <strong>Barkley Fall Classic</strong></p></li><li><p>Advocate for fueling smarter and training with joy</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Kayla&#39;s Links</strong> </p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/palmetto.ultras/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">@palmetto.ultras</a></p><p>Website: <a href="http://palmettoultras.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Palmettoultras.com</a></p><p>Nutrition Coaching Site: <a href="http://endurance-nutritionist.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Endurance-Nutritionist.com<br></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Relevant Links</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.southernstates200.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Southern States 200</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=4327" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Barkley Fall Classic</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=105420" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Barn Creek Backyard Ultra</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133648" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Beast of the East 50 Miler</a></p></li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Partner Links: </strong></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hyerlyte Liquid Performance</strong></a><strong> - </strong><a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com</a></p><p>Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.</p><p>More Carbs, More Dirt, More Miles.</p><p>Check them out at <a href="https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">hyperlyteliquidperformance.com</a></p><p>Use the code <em>MIDPACKER</em> for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/ZZmeB4qub_U?si=BGUk1qTGOB1fWUjr" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">“The Kid” Hans Troyer Documentary</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Training Peaks</strong></a> - <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/<br></a>A training app as versatile as you. Start your free trial at  <a href="https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.trainingpeaks.com/midpacker/</a></p><p>Use MIDPACKER at checkout for 20% off an Annual Premium Subscription</p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a></p><p><a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Run Trail Life</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://runtraillife.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://runtraillife.com/<br></a>Find Official <strong>MPP Merch</strong> on RTL!!</p><p>Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase. </p><p>Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T&#39;s.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠<strong>Freetrail</strong>⁠</a> - <a href="https://freetrail.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://freetrail.com/</a></p><p>Visit Freetrail.com to sign up today.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Kayla Fitzgerald, trail running, ultrarunning, Barkley Fall Classic, Southern States 200, Barn Creek Backyard Ultra, Beast of the East, race director, Palmetto Ultras, nutrition for runners, mom runner, balancing life and running, Freetrail, MidPacker Pod</p><p><br></p>