Nutrition practices of female triathletes at the Ironman World Championships 🏆
An insight into fuelling at the top level of endurance.
From Intention to Execution: Pre-Race Nutrition Behaviours, Influences, and Performance Outcomes in Female Endurance Athletes at the IRONMAN World Championships
Study Details
This new study compiled data from 27 female Ironman competitors to assess intention and execution of fuelling behaviours at the World Championships 🏊♀️🚴♀️🏃♀️
Here are the key findings ⬇️
Key Findings
⚠️ Only 26% of athletes achieved carb loading guidelines (8 - 12 g/kg)
🍞 Average carb loading days were only 6.4 g/kg
⏱️ Higher carb intake correlated with faster finishing times
🌾 Higher fibre intake was associated with greater GI distress
The primary influencers of fuelling behaviours were…
🧠 Perceived behavioural control - their perception of their ability to control pre-race preparations
✈️ Travel logistics
🎚️ Emotional regulation
💭 Athlete identity (“competitors” = better fuelling vs “completers”)
Conclusion
Understanding athletes as individuals, their barriers and beliefs can significantly influence nutritional success ✅
Interesting to see how many athletes fail to achieve recommended carb intakes (just like the majority of other sports).
Reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42274547/
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