DIET
If you have chosen to become a triathlete, it is because you have sport in your blood, because you possess within you that determination that compels you to train. You have given a gift to your body, and to yourself. A great gift. The caloric consumption in a triathlon is one of the most immense possible. The energy invested by a triathlete is substantial, and therefore it is always necessary to accompany the sport with a suitable nutritional plan.
The first two elements are linked to your physical characteristics, lets say they depend on you. There are accurate calculations that establish the caloric expenditure during a triathlon, although such data should not be interpreted literally. There is always a margin of error, dependent upon individual metabolism and the physical characteristics of each athlete. In this sport, there are also other variables to take into account, such as temperature.
The caloric consumption in a triathlon is one of the most immense possible. The energy invested by a triathlete is substantial, and therefore it is always necessary to support the sport with a suitable nutritional plan.
From this formula it appears that during a race a triathlete (weighing approximately 70kg) could burn:
- 672 calories during a one hour swim (0,16 x 60 x 70)
- 714 calories during a one hour cycle (0,17 x 60 x 70)
- 840 calories during a one hour run (0,20 x 60 x 70)
But how much does an athlete consume during a triathlon race?
The average man of a height of 175cm and weighing 70kg has a caloric expenditure during a triathlon race, of:
- 700-800 kcal for a 3,8km swim;
- 2800-3200 kcal for a 180k cycle;
- 3000 kcal for a 42km run;
Totalling approximately 7000-7500 kcal
