Author(s): AKTITIZ, S., Institution: HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY, Country: TURKEY, Abstract-ID: 552

INTRODUCTION:
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, considered one of the worlds toughest endurance races, is an Ironman-distance triathlon characterized by cold waters, challenging mountainous terrain, and a marathon that concludes with a climb to the mountain summit. Despite the crucial role of sports nutrition for ultra-endurance performance, no documented case studies addressing nutrition of the Norseman or other extreme-triathlon have been identified. This case study describes the nutrition plans and intake of a recreational male triathlete focusing on the race-day nutrition planning based on scientific recommendations.
METHODS:
The recreational male triathlete is 39 years old, with 8 years of training experience, and body fat percentage of 18.1% (DXA, GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin, USA). Food and fluid intakes were recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS:
For race-day nutrition planning, individualized carbohydrate (CHO)-loading strategies were implemented 72 hours prior to the race, involving a CHO intake of 6 g/kg/day and ˜2900 kcal/day, with a macronutrient distribution of 67% CHO (481 g), 17% protein (123 g), and 16% fat (50 g). However, the athlete consumed equal or slightly fewer CHO than planned leading up to the race, with intakes of 6.1, 5, and 5.1 g/kg/day, respectively. Additionally, despite the planned CHO intake of 2 g/kg in the last 2 hours before the race, the athlete consumed only 1.3 g/kg. On the race day, due to extended swimming times caused by countercurrent conditions, the intake of gels 5 minutes before and during the swimming stage emerged as a crucial strategy. For both the cycling and running stages, CHO intake of 60 g/h was planned, determined based on the athletes tolerance during training. However, on race day, the athlete consumed 47.4 g/h during the cycling stage and 39 g/h during the running stage, both of which were below (82% and 72%) the planned intake. During the latter part of cycling stage, a challenge was encountered in opening gel or solid food packets due to adverse weather conditions and leading to sports dietitian to incorporate gels into water bottles as a solution. The total CHO intake during the race (46.7 g/h), though slightly below (%78) the planned intake (58 g/h), remained within the recommended range (30-90 g/h). Furthermore, the athlete consumed ˜9.5 L of fluid (700 ml/h) and ˜4300 mg of sodium (300 mg/h), closely aligning with the planned fluid intake (800 ml/h) and slightly below the planned sodium intake (500 mg/h), yet remaining within the recommended range for ultra-endurance athletes (450-750 ml/h for fluid, 300-600 mg/h for sodium).
CONCLUSION:
The first case study on extreme-triathlon nutrition aims to contribute to the development of strategies for maintaining optimal performance and overall health in future extreme-triathlons. By emphasizing the significance of a planned nutrition strategy considering race conditions and individual tolerance, it also highlights the necessity for flexible solutions to unexpected challenges during races.