MARATHON
Nutritional management for the marathon and other long distance athletic events like the triathlon, biathlon and ironman have been Be-Well's specialty for over 20 years. For the same number of years, Brian Welsby, Be-Well's founding sport nutritionist is looking after the nutrition of the British elite of women long distance running. Among them are several Olympic gold medalists and the current marathon world record holder.
The nutritional needs of endurance athletes and specifically of marathon runners are complex. Marathon athletes are limited in the number of events they can compete in. It takes months to prepare for each race requiring them to vary their nutrition and training intensity, relative to the stages of their preparation for major events and post-event training.
The marathon runners diet and training in the period prior to a race is designed to control weight, optimise health and delivering the perfect body composition on the starting line.
Tapering, a 3 week period of reducing training time (but not the intensity) before a big race, should be part of the preparation. As you reduce your training you take away the need to have a high level of fuel in your body. This fuel will be stored in your body as extra. Tapering will also allow the body to repair (micro-)muscle damage while still preserving strength in preparation for the big event.
The marathon diet
The marathon runner’s diet is aimed to optimise:
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Immune function for protection against infections.
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Muscle strength.
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Muscle, joint and tendon flexibility.
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Total body weight and lean body weight percentage.
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Glycogen energy stores.
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Fluid status.
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Energy and water-electrolyte intake during training and races.
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Recovery after training and major events.
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General nutrient status of the body.
Sport Nutrition for marathon and long distance running
Be-Well has developed a product range specifically for Marathon runners.
- B.Active - Multinutrient drink for optimum health and a strong immune system.
- B.Flex - Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin and other nutrients for maximum joint, muscle and tendon health and flexibility.
- B.Load - High carbohydrate formula for extra carbo-loading prior to major events.
- B.Fuel - Complex carbohydrate, electrolyte and nutrient drink for extra energy and fluids during events.
- B.Slot and B.Gain - two specialised products for extra muscle strength and optimal recovery after events.
On top of these powdered drinks Be-Well has a wide range of vitamins, minerals and other supplements for specific needs for athletes:
- Feminine Balance to regulate hormonal balance
- B.Sport Iron for extra iron supplementation
- B.Sport Multivitamins, Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, etc.
- B.Sport Selenium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, etc.
Personalised advice and nutritional programs
Be-Well is able to build the best nutritional program for every marathon runner on an 1-to-1 basis. Mail us and we will provide you with personalized advice about diet, sport nutrition and supplements.
