There’s an overwhelming sense of curiosity that comes with the unknown. And yet, leaning into can feel deeply uncomfortable — especially when you’re knowingly walking straight into it.
When I opened my computer and refreshed my TrainingPeaks calendar, I did a double take. Not in all my years of training have I had such a visceral reaction to a training block — a full-body “can I do that?” moment.
That week, I was heading to Patagonia, Arizona for a six-day training camp in preparation for Unbound XL, a 360 mile gravel race in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Under the guidance of the GU Energy Performance Lab, I wasn’t just putting in miles, I was testing science-backed strategies designed to push the limits of what I am capable of, and to remove the guesswork on race day.
This training camp wasn’t just about logging big hours. It was a structured experiment in endurance performance — with a focus on preparing for the specific demands of Unbound XL; duration, heat, and overnight riding. Some of the core performance strategies we tested included:
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Sustainable fueling for 360 miles in the Flint Hills
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Purposeful heat exposure to dial hydration and heat mitigation
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Night riding to fine-tune late-race fueling and mental clarity
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Caffeine protocol testing to optimize timing and alertness
What we’re learning is that peak performance isn’t just about fitness. It’s about training the gut, fueling the brain, and preparing the body for stress; all areas where the GU Energy Performance Lab is actively innovating. With the support of Roxanne and the GU team, I adopted fueling habits that felt like a full-time job — but it was also where confidence started to replace uncertainty.
Over the course of the camp, I took it one day at a time, checking off hours and intervals as the week progressed. I consumed more grams of carbohydrates than I ever thought possible, purposely rode the most exposed climbs in the heat of the day, and planned my schedule so that I’d spend hours riding after dark.
As someone who likes to have all the details figured out, to control each situation and know what to expect, Unbound XL is way outside my comfort zone. In preparing for this race, I’m learning to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, on a whole new level. Curveballs are inevitable. I need to be ready for them, and also double down on the parts I can control, the ones I can prepare for and execute with clarity on race day.
My fueling and hydration plan is one of those controllables. And while no one can predict what will happen at hour 19, we can plan with intention, have a backup (or two), and lean on everything we’ve practiced to problem-solve in the moment.
Working with Roxanne and the GU Energy Performance Lab has helped me remove the guesswork. Together, we’ve built strategies to mitigate heat, fine-tuned my caffeine intake, and developed fueling protocols that meet the demands of a 360-mile ride; the ultimate bike buffet.
Unbound XL is an unsupported event. And while I’ll be riding alone-no aid stations, no follow car-I won’t be out there on my own. Cycling may look like an individual sport, but it’s not. Preparing for Unbound XL has revealed how much it’s a team effort. And on race day, I’ll carry with me the strength of this partnership, the support of a brilliant community, and the joy of being part of something bigger than myself.
If you’re chasing a big goal this season - whether it’s your first gravel race or an ultra-endurance effort - know that performance isn’t just built on miles. It’s built on preparation, fueling, and the willingness to experiment. The GU Energy Performance Lab is doing the work to back athletes with real science, smart strategies, and a deep understanding of what it takes to go long. I’m grateful to be part of that process and even more excited to carry those lessons with me into Unbound XL at the end of May.