Energy supply | Triathlon

Energy supply

In order to be able to train effectively for a triathlon, knowledge of the energy supply is of fundamental importance. The distance that is swum, ridden and run in a triathlon is less of a problem than the change of load types. Especially after cycling, the subsequent running is much more difficult.

The training for a triathlon therefore aims not only to improve the individual disciplines on its own, but especially to improve the change of the stressed musculature. Running a marathon is essentially easier because the rhythm is much easier to find than in a triathlon. In a triathlon, the change in the type of load inevitably leads to a change in the energy supply.

There are 3 different types of energy available to the muscle for endurance work: For triathlon training, it is especially important to train the change of the 3 types of energy supply. A specific interval training can be used for this.

• If the body needs a lot of energy in a short period of time (for intermediate sprints, final sprints), the muscle uses the carbohydrate storage (sugar/glucose) and burns this KH without oxygen (O2).

  This leads to an accumulation of lactate, which causes an unpleasant feeling in the muscles. One speaks of an overacidification.

• At less strenuous activities (individual heart rate between 120-150) the body also synthesizes its energy from carbohydrates, but this is done by consuming oxygen. This is the energy range that is of utmost importance for an endurance performance such as marathon or triathlon.

  In order for the body to be sufficiently supplied with carbohydrates, training must aim to increase this storage and replenish it with the right amount of nutrients.

• The energy supply through fat burning (fettutilisation) becomes important during sporting activities, if body fat is to be burned in a targeted manner through training, or if the storage for carbohydrates has been completely emptied through sporting performance. The latter is often fatal for endurance athletes during competitions because the energy provided is not sufficient for fat burning. Consequences of this are a reduction in running speed or abortion. This type of energy supply can and must also be improved by training.