Nutrition practice of the race across America winner: A case report

Abstract

The Race across America or RAAM is a physical and psychological challenge for every racer. After the racer’s first stop, after 36 h from the start without any rest, and after 1,041 km on a bike to the end of RAAM competition, the competitor starts fighting for survival on a bike. Nutrition, fluid balance, overuse syndrome, chronic pain, sleep deprivations and emotional problems are the most important factors for success. Nutrition and tactics of the RAAM winner are introduced. A competitor who has won three RAAMs efficiently transferred all his experience of nutrition and training principles from road cycling to ultra-marathon racing. Carbohydrate food and sports drinks are the base of nutrition in training and on the RAAM road. Careful planning of energetic needs and regular intake of real food with sports drink were made. Every hour, a competitor must take about 500 ml of sports drink and eat about 500 kcal of energy. In the desert, a competitor must take enough sodium, firstly, because of the loss of sweat, and secondly, because sodium is great on the first day of RAAM. Gastrointestinal discomfort on a bike can limit sufficient intake of fluids every hour. Sodium can be better replaced with real food. Competitors’ preparation with mild sodium and fluids overload 1 day before the start was a successful prevention of dehydration on the first day of racing. Analgesics and antibiotics in prevention and therapy in special circumstances could be helpful. Supplements are not the key to success in ultra-events.