During a triathlon, an athlete needs to maintain energy levels throughout a prolonged period of over 2.5 hours. What is the best carbohydrate intake strategy during the event?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

In endurance events lasting several hours, carbohydrate fueling strategy is crucial for maintaining power and delaying fatigue.
Option 1: 'Consume 60-70g of carbohydrate per hour, increasing to 90g if tolerated.' This aligns with established guidelines for prolonged aerobic activity, providing a steady supply of glucose to muscles and the liver and allowing for gradual adjustment to higher intakes if the athlete tolerates it well.
Option 2: 'Consume a large carbohydrate meal every hour to maintain energy.' During a race, a large meal per hour is impractical and can cause GI distress, fullness, and slower gastric emptying, making it an ineffective strategy for continuous fueling.
Option 3: 'Restrict carbohydrate intake to 30g per hour to prevent spikes in blood sugar.' Fifty to sixty grams per hour is often recommended, and 30g per hour is generally considered insufficient for sustained energy demands in a 2.5+ hour event, potentially hastening fatigue.
Option 4: 'Focus solely on hydration and consume minimal carbohydrates.' While hydration is essential, neglecting carbohydrate intake deprives muscles of needed glucose, which can impair performance and increase fatigue during extended exercise.
Overall, the per-hour fueling range in Option 1 reflects a balanced, practical approach that athletes often use, with the caveat that individual tolerance and gut health may lead some athletes to adjust upward to 90 g/hour as needs and tolerance allow.

EDGU1003 (ND) Quiz 2- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

During a triathlon, an athlete needs to maintain energy levels throughout a prolonged period of over 2.5 hours. What is the best carbohydrate intake strategy during the event?

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EDGU1003 (ND) Quiz 2- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

During a triathlon, an athlete needs to maintain energy levels throughout a prolonged period of over 2.5 hours. What is the best carbohydrate intake strategy during the event?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Simply rinsing carbohydrates through the mouth, without ingestion, has been shown to have no effect on performance.

The primary purpose of the precompetition meal is to provide fluid for hydration and what else?

Application-Level Multiple-Choice Items How can endurance athletes best postpone fatigue during their activity?​

Taking vitamin or mineral supplements just before competition will help to improve performance.

Question at position 18 Illini Fuel video Based on the "dietary supplements for athletes" video from Illini Fuel, a well balanced diet is enough to provide nutrition that maximizes athletic performance safely.TrueFalse

Athletes should always consider food first before taking a supplement.

Which of the following is true about sugar-free sports drinks?

During prolonged training or competition in combination sports, which nutrients should be prioritised?

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Making Your Study Simpler

Application-Level Multiple-Choice Items How can endurance athletes best postpone fatigue during their activity?