Brady Nankervis – Q&A

Brady Nankervis on endurance, mental health and why simple food fuels his biggest runs

Brady is also an ambassador for Maple from Canada, where he shares practical tips on fuelling performance with real, minimally processed foods. As both a nutritionist and endurance athlete, he regularly incorporates pure Canadian maple syrup into his training and recovery and enjoys helping others discover simple ways to support their health and performance. 

Below, Brady talks about the mindset behind extreme endurance, the role of nourishing food in mental wellbeing, and why pure Canadian maple syrup has become one of his most reliable fuels. 

Q: You recently set the Australian record for a debut Backyard Ultra. How did that achievement feel once you crossed the line?

A: Honestly, it was hard to take in at first. When you finish something that lasts 68 hours you are completely spent, so the reality of it hits later. But earning a spot on the Australian team off the back of it is something I am incredibly grateful for. 

Q: How important was your nutrition strategy during those 457 kilometres?

A: It was everything. In an event that long, nutrition is not a support act. It determines how long you last. If your fueling is not consistent, you fall apart physically and mentally. The body cannot perform at that level without the right fuel going in. 

Q: You speak openly about anxiety. How much does movement support your mental wellbeing?

A: I think it is the most important thing a person can add to their routine. Getting outside, moving, being in nature, feeling present. It lifts your mood and shifts your headspace. It also builds confidence and community. That is what I love most about running. It is never just about the running. 

Q: How does eating simple, nourishing food support your mental health alongside training?

A: For me, it’s a lifestyle. When you eat well, you give your brain and body what they need to function. I notice straight away when I eat a lot of processed food. My energy drops, my sleep suffers, and my digestion goes off. It all affects how I feel mentally. 

Q: You often talk about minimally processed foods. Where does pure Canadian maple syrup fit into that approach?

A: Minimally processed foods are closer to what the body recognises. They carry more nutritional value and less inflammatory load. Maple syrup fits well because it is a whole food sweetener with a natural glucose and fructose profile. I use it around training because it digests easily and sits better in my stomach than a lot of commercial gels. 

Q: What is one anti‑inflammatory meal you rely on?

A: A salmon bowl with rice, cucumber, avocado and a bit of soy or tamari. Salmon is rich in omega 3s which help manage inflammation from training. Avocado adds healthy fats. It is a meal that genuinely supports recovery. Maple syrup has its place too, but more as a fast carbohydrate source around sessions. 

Q: You have shared your maple syrup and baby food combo online. How does carb loading work for you?

A: Carb loading is about maximising glycogen stores before a race. In the two or three days before an event, I shift to fast digesting, low fibre carbohydrates. Maple syrup works well because it is simple, quick to absorb, and gentle on the gut. When you are deep into a marathon, the last thing you want is stomach issues. 

Q: How do you adjust your carbohydrate intake when your training load changes?

A: It depends on what I am asking my body to do. High mileage means I need a lot more carbohydrates. Rest weeks or off season means less. Maple syrup is a performance carbohydrate for me. I use it when demand is high. On lower volume days I lean on slower digesting whole foods like oats, sweet potato, and rice. 

Q: You have shared pre‑race snacks like Rice Krispies with chocolate milk and maple syrup. How do you think about balance?

A: It looks like a childhood snack, but it makes sense nutritionally. Rice Krispies are fast digesting carbs. Chocolate milk gives you carbs, protein, and sodium. Maple syrup tops it up with simple sugars. It digests quickly and fills your glycogen stores without a huge volume of food. Balance is about context. It serves a purpose at a specific time. 

Q: What advice would you give aspiring marathon or ultra runners about fuelling?

A: Practice your race day nutrition in training. Your gut is trainable. Keep it simple. Real food works. You do not need to spend a fortune on gels. Maple syrup, bananas, rice balls, dates. These have fueled athletes for a long time. And stop under fueling. If you can work up to 60 to 90 grams of carbs per hour during long runs your performance and recovery will improve dramatically. 

Follow Brady’s journey here: https://www.instagram.com/the_other_brady/  

Discover delicious maple syrup recipes here: https://maplefromcanada.au/