Episode 31: Coaching Considerations Regarding Disordered Eating with Guest Brant Stachel

All Things Endurance

In this episode of All Things Endurance, host Rick Prince chats with running coach and psychotherapist, Brant Stachel. Regarding his work as a psychotherapist, his focus is on sports performance and disordered eating. As both an endurance coach and disordered eating specialist, Brant brings a unique and very informed perspective to this very important topic.
Below are some of the main topics that Brant discusses:

1. Could you tell our listeners about your background?

2. Disordered eating is becoming more of a topic these days. What does disordered eating encompass?

3. Do you think that endurance athletes have an increased chance of having an eating disorder due to the desire to lower their body weight to become more competitive.

4. Are there any signs that coaches should be aware of in regard to disordered eating?

5. If a coach believes that their athlete may have an eating disorder, how should a coach proceed – both in terms of what to say to them, and what should be the first person that they are recommended to?

6. As a therapist who focuses on individuals with eating disorders, do you work closely with registered dietitians?

7. What should a coach do if an athlete does not admit to having an eating disorder, and/or admits to it but won’t seek help?

8. What can a coach do to best help and support an athlete that has an eating disorder?

9. A lot of endurance athletes are type A personalities. As such, do you find that many of them have addictive personalities and that instead of being addicted to drugs or alcohol, some are addicted to exercise and disordered eating?