Comment by desmosxxx

So I'm not sure about everest climbers, 20k sounds pretty crazy.

But I can speak first hand as a former athlete who has had access to NFL players and Olympians. 8-10k during peak active training happens all the time

Long term average might be 4-5k.

You have to remember that these people are often on PEDs that allow them to train all day.

Shit I was a serious powerlifter back in the day and would routinely eat 6-7k calories (weighed) during 2adays depending on how my weight was fluctuating. Add some more height, PEDs, and cardio and I'm almost there.

I think the difference between what is mentioned in the article is #1 obviously PEDs #2 body breakdown and recovery, which might be more in e.g. lifters and swimmers than long distance runners