Red Beet Vinitrox

5 consigli di nutrizione per un Ironman

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5 Ironman Nutrition Tips for the last few days before the competition

The optimal nutrition during the long distance triathlon is a big challenge. The needs of the athletes can be very different, so everybody has to find his own strategy on the day of the competition. However, the days before the long race day have a decisive influence on how your regime will ultimately turn out nutritionwise. Here below you find the most important tips of professional triathlete Ruedi Wild and more about optimization possibilities as well as possible stumbling blocks:

Carboloading
Due to the reduced training in the taper phase, the body needs less carbohydrates than during usual training phases. Therefore, the usual intake of carbs already leads to an increased replenishment of glycogen stores. Too large amounts of pasta, rice etc. on the pre-race day additionally burden the stomach for the competition and may lead to a feeling of fullness. Soft drinks are unsuitable because of fructose. Therefore, I use CARBO LOADER, basically after each main meal on the pre-race day to maximally fill up my glycogen stores.

Electrolytes
The electrolyte level, in particular salt (or rather sodium), is an elementary factor in race nutrition. It is crucial that the electrolyte balance is optimally prepared on the day of the competition. Except with main meals, for me pure water is taboo the last days prior to the race. Especially during training sessions, as it further dilutes the sodium concentration in the blood. During main meals I generously use salt, while instead of pure water I dissolve ELECTROLYTE TABS in the drinks or take SALT CAPS (approx. 1 salt cap per 0.5l).

NO Loading
Initially known as an insider tip, nitrogen oxide loading (NO loading) has spread widely in recent years, especially among professionals, thanks to broad scientific support. Among other things, it aims at increased oxygen transport and improved blood flow. In the pre-competition week NITROFLOW PERFORMANCE and RED BEET VINITROX belong to my daily supplements.

Dietary Fibre
The last two to three pre-race days I pay attention to a low intake of dietary fibres, because they put additional strain on my stomach during competition. My usually preferred foods such as vegetables, fruits or wholemeal products are practically completely eliminated and replaced by white bread, plaited loaf or rice.

Fructose
The high content of fructose in soft drinks and most available sports drinks has spoiled many of my long-distance competitions in the beginning. Stomach cramps or flatulence were the most frequent consequences. Even on pre-race days I do not take any soft drinks, fruits or fruit juices, while on race day the ULTRA COMPETITION is my favourite competition drink.

Have a look at the graphic overview about triathlon nutrition on race day and read the article about triathlon nutrition in a middle distance.

Author: Ruedi Wild, professional triathlete

Flusso sanguigno

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The peripheral blood flow is crucial for the oxygen supply of the muscles

The peripheral blood flow, i.e. circulation in the outer zones of the body, is decisive for the oxygen supply of the muscles. Studies have shown that especially plant extracts rich in anthocyanins lead to blood vessel relaxation and expansion, and thus improve microcirculation. This effect positively influences substrate availability during competition, performance and the athletes' ability to recover.

Literature
Willems M. et al. (2014): NZ blackcurrant improves cycling performance and recovery in trained endurance athletes. 11 (Suppl 1):P14 https:doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-11-S1-P14

Peripherer Blutfluss

Der periphere Blutfluss ist entscheidend für die Sauerstoffversorgung der Muskulatur

Der periphere Blutfluss, also in den äusseren Zonen des Körpers, ist entscheidend für die Sauerstoffversorgung der Muskulatur. Studien haben gezeigt, dass vor allem die reich an anthocyanin-haltigen Pflanzenextrakte zu einer Blutgefässentspannung/-erweiterung führen und so die Mikrozirkulation verbessern. Dieser Effekt hat einen positiven Einfluss auf die Substratverfügbarkeit während des Wettkampfs, auf die Leistung sowie auf die Erholungsfähigkeit der Athleten.

Literatur
Willems M. et al. (2014): NZ blackcurrant improves cycling performance and recovery in trained endurance athletes. 11 (Suppl 1):P14 https:doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-11-S1-P14

Alimentazione maratona

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Important nutrition tips for running a marathon

Basic nutritional recommendations for marathons

The nutrition strategy before and during a marathon is basically a very individual matter, especially for longer running distances. Nevertheless, there are important guidelines to follow in order to get through the competition optimally. Special attention should be paid to the following three parameters:

• Fluid balance: Drink regularly and according to your thirst.
• Energy: Use easily digestible carbohydrates as the main source of energy, approx. 60-80 g per hour. Sports drinks and energy gels are particularly practical during marathons.
• Electrolytes/salt balance: Preferably use sports drinks and additionally take electrolytes (salt capsules) if the race lasts more than three hours. Especially, if pure water is drunk and warm temperatures prevail.

» The graphic marathon nutrition illustrates what runners need to pay attention to when it comes to nutrition within a marathon.

No experiments in competition!
Prior to use during competitions, we recommend testing all products in advance during training under competition-specific stress. Because even though optimal digestibility of the products is a central development component of SPONSER®, there are always individual and situational factors that have to be considered. Many an elite athlete has had to learn the hard way in this regard. Rule number one is therefore: No nutritional experiments on the day of competition or immediately before!
Ideally, your nutrition concept should be tested during long runs. Experienced athletes start them in a sober state and start later with the competition specific energy supply (after about one hour). Like this strategies, ingestion and tolerance can be tested under realistic conditions.

BEFORE COMPETITION

Activation of NO metabolism
Formerly a secret tip, the so-called nitric oxide activation has spread in recent years thanks to broad scientific support. In addition to professionals, this concept is also used today by numerous ambitious amateur athletes. The activation of the nitric oxide metabolism (NO) aims, among other things, at increased oxygen availability and improved blood flow. The most efficient products are NITROFLOW PERFORMANCE² and RED BEET VINITROX.

Carboloading
The longer the competition, the more the body's limited carbohydrate reserves and absorption capacity become the performance-limiting criteria. As a rule, marathon runners therefore benefit from carboloading prior to a marathon. Efficient carboloading means filling the body's various carbohydrate stores to the maximum. Study results suggest that one to two days of carboloading before competition is the adequately efficient. However, large amounts of food on the eve of a competition often lead to an unpleasant feeling of fullness or even digestive problems, and are therefore not recommended.
Consequently, in addition to a generally carbohydrate-rich diet immediately before the competition, we recommend taking the specially developed CARBO LOADER on pre-race days. CARBO LOADER is a highly concentrated, carbohydrate-electrolyte drink without free fructose. Ideally, one portion should be taken after each main meal.

The advantages of such a carboloading are:

• Maximally filled glycogen stores.
• No feeling of fullness and less flatulence.
• Practical handling: CARBO LOADER, especially in a portion bag, can be easily taken at any location.

Electrolytes
The electrolytes balance should be maintained before the race start. A little extra salt during the last meals is a suitable measure in this respect. Ideally, you should take one or two salt capsules (SALT CAPS) or dissolve ELECTROLYTE TABS in a water bottle. If you want to take carbohydrates at the same time, take a sports drink (COMPETITION®).

Breakfast and last hour before competition
The last meal should preferably be eaten about 3 to 4 hours before the start. It should be easy to digest (as little fibre as possible!) and rich in carbohydrates. POWER PORRIDGE is ideal as such a pre-race breakfast. It is also advisable to drink regularly (but not excessively) until the start of the competition. Ideally not only water, as it does not contain electrolytes. It is recommended to take half a tube of LIQUID ENERGY GEL with some water about 5-10 minutes before the start.

IN COMPETITION

Energy
For almost all marathon runners, carbohydrates are the main source of energy in competition. However, their absorption capacity is physiologically limited. As a rule of thumb: Consume between 60-80 g carbohydrates per hour or approx. 1 g carbohydrates per kg of body weight.
Provided that carboloading has been carried out, you should start taking 60-80 g carbohydrates per hour (gels/drinks) about 30 to 60 min into your run. Without previous carbolading, carbohydrate ingestion should be started at the latest starting from 30 min run duration. In principle, it does not matter whether the energy intake is achieved through sports drinks or gels. Intake intervals of 15 to 20 minutes would be ideal. If too much energy is absorbed, this can lead to flatulence or digestive problems.

Fluid and electrolytes
Not only fluid but also electrolytes are lost through sweat. Therefore, it is important to drink regularly right from the start and to pay attention to the feeling of thirst, which is the most reliable indicator according to scientific findings. For nutritional and physiological reasons, we recommend taking COMPETITION®, LONG ENERGY or ULTRA COMPETITION carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks. The advantage: These sports drinks provide the body with valuable electrolytes, fluids and, of course, the necessary energy in hypotonic form. The drinks are also acid-free, provide a broad carbohydrate spectrum and are only discreetly flavoured, which makes them optimally tolerated.

Practical implementation
In practice, it is rarely possible to carry your own drinks during a marathon. Organizers rarely make an individual catering zone available, as it is known in professional sport. For this reason, we recommend carrying some LIQUID ENERGY GELS (attached to the running belt) in order to standardise energy and electrolyte absorption. As a rule of thumb: 1- 1.5 LIQUID ENERGY gel tubes or 60 to 80 g carbohydrates distributed over one hour. Ingest the major part preferably shortly before arriving at the refreshment stand in order to cover the concomitant fluid requirements with water.
The choice of gels (LIQUID ENERGY PLUS, BCAA, PURE, or SALTY) is individual and can be varied at preference. The LIQUID ENERGY SALTY gel is a good change in heat - not least from a taste point of view. It contains more salt, tastes spicy-salty and less sweet. With increasing competition duration, high temperatures and a tendency to cramp, we recommend the use of SALT CAPS as an additional electrolyte source (approx. 1-2 caps per hour).

Performance Optimizer
If you tend to cramp with increasing competition duration or in general, you can use the MUSCLE RELAX shot as a remedy. The pickle juice-like, sour-sharp drinking solution activates neurosensory receptors and helps to normalise muscle function.

AFTER COMPETITION

Fast regeneration pays off
The regeneration phase begins immediately after the finish line and is particularly decisive. The faster, the better for the body, even if there is usually no feeling of hunger at this point.

The following three factors are central to your rapid regeneration:

• Replenishment of glycogen stores through easily digestible carbohydrates.
• Rehydration with fluid and electrolytes.
• Restoration/repair of the muscles with protein.

Elite athletes consume a professional regeneration drink with a protein content of approx. 20 to 30 g within 30 minutes after passing the finish line in order to cover all important elements easily and efficiently. PRO RECOVERY, RECOVERY SHAKE or WHEY ISOLATE 94 are used most frequently. The RECOVERY DRINK (combined with a flask AMINO 12500) has also proven itself in practice thanks to its practical portion size.

Author: Remo Jutzeler
Head R&D SPONSER SPORT FOOD
Ing. Applied Food Sciences FH
MAS Nutrition & Health ETHZ

Alimentazione maratona mountainbike

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Important nutrition tips for racing a bike marathon

Basic nutritional recommendations for marathons
The nutrition strategy before and during a mountainbike marathon is basically a very individual matter, especially for longer distances. Nevertheless, there are important guidelines to follow in order to get through the competition optimally. Special attention should be paid to the following three parameters:

• Fluid balance: Drink regularly and according to your thirst.
• Energy: Use easily digestible carbohydrates as the main source of energy, approx. 60-80 g per hour. Sports drinks and energy gels are particularly practical during marathons.
• Electrolytes/salt balance: Preferably use sports drinks and additionally take electrolytes (salt capsules) if the race lasts more than three hours. Especially, if pure water is drunk and warm temperatures prevail.

» The graphic MTB marathon nutrition illustrates what you need to pay attention to.

No experiments in competition!
Prior to use during competitions, we recommend testing all products in advance during training under competition-specific stress. Because even though optimal digestibility of the products is a central development component of SPONSER®, there are always individual and situational factors that have to be considered. Many an elite athlete has had to learn the hard way in this regard. Rule number one is therefore: No nutritional experiments on the day of competition or immediately before!

BEFORE COMPETITION

Activation of NO metabolism
Formerly a secret tip, the so-called nitric oxide activation has spread in recent years thanks to broad scientific support. In addition to professionals, this concept is also used today by numerous ambitious amateur athletes. The activation of the nitric oxide metabolism (NO) aims, among other things, at increased oxygen availability and improved blood flow. The most efficient products are NITROFLOW PERFORMANCE² and RED BEET VINITROX.

Carboloading
The longer the competition, the more the body's limited carbohydrate reserves and absorption capacity become the performance-limiting criteria. As a rule, long distance mountainbikers therefore benefit from carboloading prior to a marathon. Efficient carboloading means filling the body's various carbohydrate stores to the maximum. Study results suggest that one to two days of carboloading before competition is the adequately efficient. However, large amounts of food on the eve of a competition often lead to an unpleasant feeling of fullness or even digestive problems, and are therefore not recommended.

Consequently, in addition to a generally carbohydrate-rich diet immediately before the competition, we recommend taking the specially developed CARBO LOADER on pre-race days. CARBO LOADER is a highly concentrated, carbohydrate-electrolyte drink without free fructose. Ideally, one portion should be taken after each main meal.

The advantages of such a carboloading are:

• Maximally filled glycogen stores.
• No feeling of fullness and less flatulence.
• Practical handling: CARBO LOADER, especially in a portion bag, can be easily taken at any location.

Electrolytes
The electrolytes balance should be maintained before the race start. A little extra salt during the last meals is a suitable measure in this respect. Ideally, you should take one or two salt capsules (SALT CAPS) or dissolve ELECTROLYTE TABS in a water bottle. If you want to take carbohydrates at the same time, take a sports drink (COMPETITION®).

IN COMPETITION

Individual parameters
The longer the duration of the competition, the more important it is to keep individual parameters in balance in order to maintain optimal performance. The most important factors to keep in mind are: energy, fluid and electrolytes.

Energy
For almost all mountainbikers racing a marathon distance or more, carbohydrates are the main source of energy in competition. However, their absorption capacity is physiologically limited. As a rule of thumb: Consume between 60-80 g carbohydrates per hour or approx. 1 g carbohydrates per kg of body weight.

If too much energy is ingested, digestive problems may occur. Flatulence or digestive problems, for example, are two such indicators. In principle, it does not matter whether the energy is ingested through sports drinks, gels, bars or the like. In addition to the competition route (topography), individual experiences and preferences play a decisive role here. We recommend a combination of the different sources. The longer the competition, the greater the need for solid food. In this respect, our HIGH ENERGY BARS have proven to be the most suitable. For ascents and with heavy breathing the energy is preferably taken via liquids. Intermittent energy shortage can optimally be countered with LIQUID ENERGY gels.

The choice of gels (LIQUID ENERGY PLUS, BCAA, PURE, or SALTY) is individual and can be varied at preference. The LIQUID ENERGY SALTY gel is a good change in heat - not least from a taste point of view. It contains more salt, tastes spicy-salty and less sweet. With increasing competition duration, high temperatures and a tendency to cramp, we recommend the use of SALT CAPS as an additional electrolyte source (approx. 1-2 caps per hour).

Fluid and electrolytes
Not only fluid but also electrolytes are lost through sweat. Therefore, it is important to drink regularly right from the start and to pay attention to the feeling of thirst, which is the most reliable indicator according to scientific findings. For nutritional and physiological reasons, we recommend taking COMPETITION®, LONG ENERGY or ULTRA COMPETITION carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks. The advantage: These sports drinks provide the body with valuable electrolytes, fluids and, of course, the necessary energy in hypotonic form. The drinks are also acid-free, provide a broad carbohydrate spectrum and are only discreetly flavoured, which makes them optimally tolerated.

Performance Optimizer
To ignite one's supercharger in the second half of the competition, the use of ACTIVATOR is beneficial. The small 25 ml ready-to-drink shot with 200 mg of caffeine corresponds to about 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Caffeine activates and improves endurance performance, concentration and alertness. It also has a positive effect on motivation. As with all products, it is advisable to test ACTIVATOR for individual digestibility in the run-up to the competition.

If you tend to cramp with increasing competition duration or in general, you can use the MUSCLE RELAX shot as a remedy. The pickle juice-like, sour-sharp drinking solution activates neurosensory receptors and helps to normalise muscle function.

AFTER COMPETITION

Fast regeneration pays off
The regeneration phase begins immediately after the finish line and is particularly decisive. The faster, the better for the body, even if there is usually no feeling of hunger at this point.

The following three factors are central to your rapid regeneration:

• Replenishment of glycogen stores through easily digestible carbohydrates.
• Rehydration with fluid and electrolytes.
• Restoration/repair of the muscles with protein.

Elite athletes consume a professional regeneration drink with a protein content of approx. 20 to 30 g within 30 minutes after passing the finish line in order to cover all important elements easily and efficiently. PRO RECOVERY, RECOVERY SHAKE or WHEY ISOLATE 94 are used most frequently. The RECOVERY DRINK (combined with a flask AMINO 12500) has also proven itself in practice thanks to its practical portion size.

Author: Yvonner Forster Nigg
dipl. eng. food sciences UAS
dipl. dietitian HS

Intervista Jan van Berkel

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Ironman athlete Jan van Berkel about his nutrition

Swiss pro triathlete Jan van Berkel is going to race Ironman Switzerland 2019, the very race he was able to win the year before. We were lucky to meet him and ask a few questions before the big day.

Jan, the first highlight of your season is about to start. How do you feel before the Ironman Switzerland?

I have been fully concentrated on this race for months now and I am very much looking forward to race. I am in a good shape. If someone wants to grab my title, he has to perform well - and deserves it.

What is special in your nutrition before a competition?

A NO-Loading with NITROFLOW PERFORMANCE² and RED BEET VINITROX is very important for me. Also, I try to reduce the dietary fibres a bit. I increase the carbohydrates three days before the race, but not excessively.

What are the most important food aspects in a long-distance competition?

Individuality: What works for me can be completely wrong for another athlete. And flexibility: In an Ironman there are always unknown situation that throw a nutrition concept overboard. If you stay within a rigid nutrition concept, failure will be guaranteed.

Your biggest nutrition misadventure ever?

At the Inferno Triathlon I used a bottle on the bike that was a bit mouldy. Since the bike has to be parked in the transition zone the day before the race, you can't get to this transition zone on the morning of the race. So, my bottle with the COMPETITION sports drink has already turned acid. When I opened it during the race, the liquid came out like shaken champagne! I therefore stopped at a fountain in order to stay hydrated on my way up to Kleine Scheidegg.

What are your favourite SPONSER products in your everyday life?

1. WHEY PROTEIN 94: High-quality proteins are the cornerstone of my regeneration.
2. PROTEIN LOW CARB BAR Chocolate Brownie: I dip it into homemade peanut butter and get probably the healthiest «Snickers» in the world.
3. ACTIVATOR: Because sometimes there is no good coffee around and sometimes you just need a caffeine boost!