How much should I eat when training for a triathlon?

A general rule of thumb is that you should aim to consume 16-30 calories per pound of lean body weight —men and endurance athletes generally require the upper end of that scale. Conversely, some triathletes may eat too much, especially after heavy workouts.

How many calories should I eat while training for an Ironman?

Most people should aim to consume 60-90+ grams per hour, or 240-360+ calories worth. This is by no means a ceiling, as many are able to tolerate 400-500+ during Ironman races while on the bike.

What should I eat when training for a sprint triathlon?

At least 2.5-3 hours before the race, aim to consume around 80-100g (320- 400 calories) of easy-to-digest carbohydrates, like a bagel, pita bread, waffle/pancakes, granola, or oatmeal with around 5-10g (20-40 calories) protein/fat (think: nut butter, egg, yogurt), along with ~16-20 ounces of fluid.

What should I eat while training for an Ironman?

Your carb needs can easily increase from 5 grams per kilogram per day to 8-plus grams when training jumps from an hour to two or more hours a day (a jump from 350 to 580 grams of carbs per day for a 160-pound athlete, and from 275 to 430 grams of carbs per day for a 120-pound athlete).

What should you eat the day after a triathlon?

Meals will generally include good quality protein such as chicken, fish or lean beef, some carbs from rice, pasta or potato and plenty of salad and veg – chicken fajitas with peppers, guacamole and dirty rice (cooked with meat and spices) are a favourite.

What supplements should I take for triathlon training?

For triathletes there are two: caffeine and nitrate. For endurance athletes competing in short events – 10 minutes or less – there are two more that can be useful: beta alanine, and sodium bicarbonate. There is one more supplement that generally has a lot of benefits for athletes: creatine.

Do you eat during an Ironman?

What and how much should you eat? As a general rule of thumb, endurance athletes should aim to eat 60-90 grams of carbohydrate per hour during IRONMAN events, with athletes typically able to consume more calories and fluids during the bike leg and fewer calories during the run portion of the event.

How many calories do triathletes burn a day?

Team sport athletes, in sports such as basketball and soccer, consume anywhere from 3,000 to 4,500 calories a day, while sports such as sailing and kayaking require fewer calories at 2,500 to 3,500 per day. 6

What should I eat during half Ironman triathlon?

Carbohydrates. – Aim for 30–60 grams of total carbohydrate per hour during the race. – Count carbs you will take in through your planned sports drink. – Add gels, energy chews or even carb-based energy bars (think Clif or similar) on the bike.

How many days rest before a triathlon?

A successful strategy is to take off two days before the race to rest. Complete your final workout the day before the race. In that workout, if it is possible to swim on the race course, try to get into the water at the same time your swim wave will go off on race day.

What should a triathlete eat for breakfast?

What to eat on race day Pre-Race Breakfast

• White toast with honey/jam and sliced banana.
• Quick oats with dates, honey or maple syrup.
• Low fibre breakfast cereal and milk e.g. cornflakes, rice bubbles, Nutri-Grain.
• Fruit smoothie or liquid meal replacement e.g. Up & Go or Sustagen Sport.

What should you do the night before a triathlon?

If you think it’ll ease your mind, run through a final gear check before you head to bed. Remain hydrated throughout the day, using water rather than sports drinks. Eat light, balanced meals containing carbs, protein, and a small amount of fat. Have an early lunch and eat your dinner long before bedtime.

Can I train for an Ironman in one year?

One Ironman in a year is difficult, two is very challenging, and three would require a pro- triathlete’s commitment to training and focus (although it can certainly be done, especially by very experienced triathletes). During the alternate years, focus on 70.3 Ironman races and work on getting faster.

How many calories do you burn in an Ironman triathlon?

According to Shutt, if you’re training about 20 hours per week (standard for most athletes preparing for an Ironman), then you’re burning an average of just 2,500-4,500 calories per day, depending on your size, metabolism, gender, and type of training.

How do you eat like a triathlete?

Eat Like A Pro Triathlete

1. Plan properly. Plan your meals and shopping.
2. Ditch the excuses. Don’t make training an excuse.
3. Play your carbs right. Time things so that you eat complex carbohydrates either side of training.
4. Get hungry again. Avoid grazing.
5. Mix it up. Eat a wide variety of foods.
6. Drink carefully.
7. Eat lighter later.