Long-distance triathlon glossary·Fuel

Fueling : race energy intake strategy

Intensity

Active management of carbohydrate, sodium and fluid intake during long-duration effort.

Fueling refers to the complete nutrition and hydration strategy during racing. In Ironman, the carbohydrate target is 60-90 g per hour (trainable to 100-120 g/h with practice). The main window is the bike : where you can eat without GI distress. On the run, intake drops but remains critical. Good fueling prevents the wall, compensates sodium losses and sustains mental focus to the finish.

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, the fueling strategy is calibrated to your estimated race duration (calculated from your current fitness). Long session and race simulation cards include fueling cues to train your gut before competition.

Related terms

  • Dropbag : gear bag staged in the transition area
  • Race nutrition : fueling effort without crashing
  • Transition : T1 (swim-to-bike) and T2 (bike-to-run)
  • Cramps : Muscle cramps during racing
  • Heat management : Thermoregulation in racing
  • Energy gel : concentrated carbohydrate fuel