Long-distance triathlon glossary·Race nutrition

Race nutrition : fueling effort without crashing

Intensity

The strategy for taking carbohydrates, water and electrolytes during a triathlon to avoid bonking and cramping.

In an IM triathlon, glycogen stores are insufficient for the 8-14 h race without external fueling. Target 60-90 g of carbohydrates per hour (mixed carbs: glucose + fructose 2:1 for max absorption), 600-800 ml of water per hour, and sodium (400-800 mg/h depending on sweat rate). One gel = 20-25 g of carbs, spaced every 20-30 min based on heat and effort.

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, race nutrition isn't yet dynamically prescribed (V2 feature). But long sessions (>2 h bike, >1 h 30 run) include a nutrition reminder in the session description, based on your target distance and the heat window of your race.

Source Jeukendrup, 2011 : Nutrition for endurance sports: marathon, triathlon, and road cycling

Related terms

  • Dropbag : gear bag staged in the transition area
  • 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
  • Electrolytes : mineral salts for hydration