Ultra-endurance Athlete Research Articles

100 Long-Distance Triathlons in 100 Days: A Case Study on Ultraendurance, Biomarkers, and Physiological Outcomes.

This study aims to describe and analyze this single athlete's performance, physiological biomarkers, and sleep parameters throughout the 100LDT. An ultraendurance athlete completed an LDT (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon) each day for 100 consecutive days. Physical work, physiological biomarkers, and sleep parameters were recorded each night using a wrist-worn photoplethysmographic sensor. Clinical exercise tests were performed before and after the 100LDT. Time-series analysis assessed changes in biomarkers and sleep parameters across the 100LDT, and cross-correlations considered the associations between exercise performance and physiological metrics at varying time lags. The swim and cycling performances varied across the 100LDT, while the run was relatively stable. Resting heart rate, heart-rate variability, oxygen saturation, sleep score, light sleep, sleep efficiency, and sleep duration were all best characterized by cubic models. Additional post hoc subanalyses suggest that the first half of the 100LDT most influenced these dynamics. The 100LDT resulted in nonlinear alterations to physiological metrics. This world record was a unique event but allows valuable insights into the limits of human endurance performance.

On the Road to Camarón: The Sleep of an Ultra-Endurance Athlete Cycling 10,000 km in 24 Days

The impact of sleep on performance is fundamental for ultra-endurance athletes, but studies on this issue are rare. The current investigation examined the sleep and performance of a cyclist engaged in a simulated 10,000 km tour. The sleep behavior of the athlete (age, 57; height, 1.85 m; mass, 81 kg) before, during (i.e., 23 nights), and after the tour was monitored using a reduced-montage dry-electroencephalographic (EEG) device. The daily performance (i.e., number of kms) was recorded throughout the race. The cyclist set a new world record, completing 10,358 km in 24 days with a mean daily distance of ≈432 km in approximately 16 h, i.e., an average speed of ≈27 km/h. Sleep duration throughout the tour (5:13 ± 0:30) was reduced compared to the baseline sleep duration (7:00 ± 1:00), with a very large difference (ES = 2.3). The proportion of N3 during the tour (46 ± 7%) was compared to the measured N3 proportion during the baseline (27 ± 5%) and was found to be systematically outside the intra-individual variability (mean ± 1 SD), with a very large difference (ES = 3.1). This ultra-endurance event had a major influence on sleep-duration reduction and a notable modification in sleep architecture. The increase in slow-wave sleep during the race may be linked to the role of slow-wave sleep in physiological recovery.

Consistency Is Key When Setting a New World Record for Running 10 Marathons in 10 Days.

Background: We describe the requirements and physiological changes when running 10 consecutive marathons in 10 days at the same consistent pace by a female ultra-endurance athlete. Methods: Sharon Gayter (SG) 54 yrs, 162.5 cm, 49.3 kg maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) 53 mL/kg−1/min−1. SG completed 42.195 km on a treadmill every day for 10 days. We measured heart rate (HR), Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), oxygen uptake (VO2), weight, body composition, blood parameters, nutrition, and hydration. Results: SG broke the previous record by ~2.5 h, with a cumulative completion time of 43 h 51 min 39 s. Over the 10 days, weight decreased from 51 kg to 48.4 kg, bodyfat mass from 9.1 kg to 7.2 kg (17.9% to 14.8%), and muscle mass from 23.2 kg to 22.8 kg. For all marathons combined, exercise intensity was ~60% VO2 max; VO2 1.6 ± 0.1 L.min−1/32.3 ± 1.1 mL.kg−1.min−1, RER 0.8 ± 0, HR 143 ± 4 b.min−1. Energy expenditure (EE) was 2030 ± 82 kcal/marathon, total EE for 10 days (including BMR) was 33,056 kcal, daily energy intake (EI) 2036 ± 418 kcal (20,356 kcal total), resulting an energy deficit (ED) of 12,700 kcal. Discussion: Performance and pacing were highly consistent across all 10 marathons without any substantial physiological decrements. Although overall EI did not match EE, leading to a significant ED, resulting in a 2.6 kg weight loss and decreases in bodyfat and skeletal muscle mass, this did not affect performance.

Web Alert.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Social Series Available online or wherever you download podcasts Description: The NCAA Social Series is a weekly show featuring host Andy Katz and a variety of experts in the college sports world who provide an in-depth look at issues and current events impacting college sports. The program's first episode was in March 2020 and the podcast has focused largely on the athletics environment during COVID-19 and how the sports world continues to navigate the pandemic. It is a good resource to stay up to date on current events facing the NCAA, especially regarding the impact of COVID-19. Shows run on official NCAA social, video, and podcast channels each week. Links are available at the web site. http://www.ncaa.org/about/ncaa-social-series Cost: Free Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine Podcast Available wherever you download podcasts Description: The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine (CJSM) blog serves as a community platform for discussion, sharing, promotion, and dissemination for all things sports medicine. It offers topical and timely blog posts as well as podcasts highlighting current “hot topics, cutting-edge practice, and ideas looking toward the future.” CJSM is a well-respected source for ongoing issues and areas of research in sports medicine, and their podcasts are typically released on a monthly basis. Cost: Free The Sideline Guidelines App Available on the iOS and Android app stores The Sideline Guidelines App is a fantastic tool for any sports medicine provider who treats athletes on the sidelines. It is an easy to use, easy to navigate compendium of sports medicine sideline conditions and treatments. Conditions are categorized broadly (i.e., “Medical,” “Upper Extremity,” “Pediatric,” etc.), and include pertinent history, physical examination, workup, treatment, and return to play guidance. The tool cites its information when possible and is otherwise the summary of a “national faculty's” expert knowledge. The information is highly structured and searchable, and the content is quickly and easily accessed, allowing the provider quick access to critical aspects of management to aid in an informed medical decision. Cost: Free The Peter Attia Drive Podcast Available wherever you download podcasts Peter Attia is a former ultra-endurance athlete and surgical oncology fellow at the NIH, and has spent years seeking mentorship in such fields as lipidology, endocrinology, and sleep physiology. He currently focuses on the applied science of longevity and hosts a weekly podcast dealing with wide-ranging but interconnected topics, such as nutrition, exercise physiology, sleep medicine, and emotional and mental well-being. This podcast is a must for any sports medicine practitioner, or anyone interested in the science of longevity, health, and wellness. It can be found on his web site or anywhere you download podcasts. https://peterattiamd.com/ Cost: Free WeatherFX Available on the iOS and Android app stores WeatherFX is an app that helps estimate the effects of warm weather on human physiology. The data it provides includes current international weather conditions, a map with location and closest weather station, a heat flag condition, and fluid consumption and work rest ratios. The app uses GPS to retrieve temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity, and importantly provides the wet bulb and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). Any sports medicine provider would be happy to have this helpful sideline tool in their pocket at any time when determining if practices or athletic events are safe to take place. It gets 3.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store. Cost: $0.99

Mental Toughness and Associated Personality Characteristics of Marathon des Sables Athletes.

Mental toughness (MT) is commonly referred to as an important prerequisite for sustained athletic achievement. The increased research focus on MT has led to the development of a consistent debate centered around whether the construct is a unidimensional or multidimensional trait, and whether it can be differentiated from similar constructs such as hardiness. In order to move toward more clarity of MT, the present study is exploratory in nature, using athletes who have competed in the Marathon des Sables (MdS) ultra-endurance event. The MdS is a timed 250 km race in the Sahara Desert that takes place over 6 days in temperatures exceeding 40°C. Forty two British MdS competitors were recruited via the United Kingdom organizing company. Each participant completed the NEO PI-R as a measure of the five major domains of personality, as well as the six traits or facets that define each domain. Additionally, they completed the Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ). The MdS sample’s NEO PI-R results were compared against general population norms, and results showed a distinct ultra-endurance athlete profile characterized by significantly higher levels of extraversion and openness to experience. Additionally, the MdS sample’s SMTQ scores were higher than the normed sample consisting of a collection of athletes representing multiple sports. Finally, linear regression analyses indicated a convergence between the two measures, supporting the argument that MT may in fact be measured by a general personality questionnaire such as the NEO PI-R.

Central and peripheral pain sensitization during an ultra-marathon competition.

Background and aims The participation in ultra-marathons and other ultra-endurance events has increased exponentially over the past decade. There is insufficient data on variation in pain mechanisms in exercise overall but especially in the ultra-endurance athlete population. To further understand peripheral and central pain sensitization we have investigated pressure pain threshold and conditioned pain modulation during three separate ultra-marathon competitions. Methods Each ultra-marathon investigated was held in the state of Florida, USA, over flat, sandy and paved surfaces under generally warm to hot, humid conditions. Pressure pain threshold was measured utilizing a Baseline © Dolorimeter. The blunt end of the dolorimeter stylus was placed onto the distal dominant arm, equidistant between the distal radius and ulna, three times in a blinded manner to insure that the testing technician did not influence the subject's responses. Conditioned pain modulation was measured immediately after the PPT measures by placing the non-dominant hand in a cool water bath maintained at 15°C. The same dolorimeter measurement was repeated two more times on the dominant arm while the non-dominant hand remained in the water. Data was analyzed with a paired t-test. Results Pressure pain threshold was significantly decreased (p<0.05) at 25, 50 and 100 miles. Conditioned pain modulation was also significantly decreased (p<0.05) at 25, 50 and 100 miles of an ultra-marathon competition. Conclusions Together these data suggest an increased peripheral and/or central pain sensitization starting at 25 miles and continuing throughout an ultra-marathon competition run in these conditions. This is the first study that provides evidence of a decreased peripheral pain threshold and decreased central pain inhibition from ultra-marathon running. Decreases in both the peripheral pain threshold and central inhibition may result from nociceptor plasticity, central sensitization or a combination of both. Implications Based on previous research that has indicated a central sensitization resulting from inflammation and the well-documented inflammatory response to the rigors of ultra-marathon competition, we suggest the decreased peripheral pain threshold and decreased descending pain inhibition results from this inflammatory response of running an ultra-marathon.

Sources Of Nutrition Information And Knowledge In Ultra-runners (the SNIKR Study)

With the recent increase in ultra-endurance competitions, the role of nutrition in performance has garnered significant attention. While the ACSM, AND, and DC have a joint position stand on nutrition for endurance performance, recent data has demonstrated that many ultra-endurance athletes do not meet the recommendations for athletic performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand common sources of nutrition information among recreational ultra-endurance athletes, and determine how this information is used in their training. METHOD: Recreational ultra-endurance athletes were recruited to participate in one of two focus groups (N = 8, mean age = 38.2 years), which followed pre-scripted questions to guide discussion. Participants also completed a demographic questionnaire. Focus group data was transcribed and reviewed by multiple researchers, and common themes were identified. RESULTS: The sample was 50% female, 100% white or non-Hispanic, 68% attained a college degree or higher, and 62.5% are married/partnered. Regarding their perception of the ideal diet for an ultra-endurance athlete, 87.5% of respondents discussed a “whole foods” diet with little processed food. Most of the participants (62.5%) were aware of the ACSM recommendations, but did not follow them. The most common reason was a belief in individual responsiveness to diet (50%) or the perception that it was too difficult to follow (50%). The most commonly used sources of nutrition information were through experienced athletes (87.5%) or personal relationships (62.5%), followed by magazines and non-academic books (50%). CONCLUSION: Overall, the focus group discussion revealed that recreational athletes, while aware of the dietary recommendations, do not believe they are accessible or worth their effort. As many participants look to personal relationships and successful athletes for advice, researchers and dietitians may reconsider how nutritional information is most effectively disseminated.

Effects of Training for a 439 Mile Endurance Run on Performance and Energy Balance

Running for extreme distances or time has become increasingly popular, however, little is known about the training process needed to successfully complete an ultra-endurance event. PURPOSE: This case study examined 28 weeks of training on physical performance, training volume, and energy balance in a 51 year old firefighter preparing for an 11-day, 439 mile solo run across Texas. METHODS: A maximal treadmill exercise test and body fat assessment via plethysmography was conducted at baseline and 28 weeks later. Nutritional intake was recorded biweekly via food diary. Exercise training data were recorded via a heart rate/GPS monitor for all workouts. Resting heart rate and morning body weight was self-reported weekly. Training consisted of running, tire dragging, and stair repeats in the fire station. RESULTS: VO2max improved by 5.19% (52.0 vs 54.2 ml/kg/min; 4.17 vs 4.38 L/min (4.94%)), while percent body fat increased 2.54% (23.6 vs 24.2%) following 28 weeks of training. Subject consumed 13731±2578 kcals per week (~1962 kcals/day) and expended 2658±1518 kcals per week (~380 kcals/day) from exercise. At the end of training, the subject had lost 2.17 kg from baseline weight, however weight fluctuated throughout the 28 weeks (77.63-82.54 kg). There was no correlation between weekly weight change from baseline and calories consumed (r=0.264, p=0.384) or weekly exercise caloric expenditure (r=0.385, p=0.748). CONCLUSION: Twenty-eight weeks of training resulted in improved maximal aerobic capacity in this 51 year old ultra-endurance athlete. Energy balance is important for sustaining the high training levels required for ultra-endurance events. However, the athlete was not able to consume enough calories to remain in energy balance. Nutritional needs assessments during training and competition should be an integral part of the preparation for participation in an ultra-endurance event. Supported by Valdosta State University Faculty Research Seed Grant

No damage of joint cartilage of the lower limbs in an ultra-endurance athlete – an MRI-study

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is an increasing burden in an ageing population. Sports, especially when leading to an overstress of joints, is under suspicion to provoke or at least accelerate the genesis of osteoarthritis. We present the radiologic findings of a 49-years old ultra-endurance athlete with 35 years of training and competing, whose joints of the lower limbs were examined using three different types of magnetic resonance imaging, including a microscopic magnetic resonance imaging coil. To date no case report exists where an ultra-endurance athlete was examined such detailed regarding overuse-injuries of his joints.Case presentationA 49 years old, white, male ultra-endurance athlete reporting no pain during training and racing and with no significant injuries of the lower limbs in his medical history was investigated regarding signs of chronic damage or overuse injuries of the joints of his lower limbs.ConclusionDespite the age of nearly 50 years and a training history of over 35 years, the athlete showed no signs of chronic damage or overuse injuries in the joints of his lower limbs. This leads to the conclusion that extensive sports and training does not compulsory lead to damages of the musculoskeletal system. This is a very important finding for all endurance-athletes as well as for their physicians.

Changes in body core and body surface temperatures during prolonged swimming in water of 10°C—a case report

BackgroundThis case report describes an experienced open-water ultra-endurance athlete swimming in water of 9.9°C for 6 h and 2 min.MethodsBefore the swim, anthropometric characteristics such as body mass, body height, skinfold thicknesses, and body fat were determined. During and after the swim, body core (rectum) and body surface (forearm and calf) temperatures were continuously recorded.ResultsThe swimmer (53 years old, 110.5 kg body mass, 1.76 m body height, 34.9% body fat, and a body mass index of 35.7 kg/m2) achieved a total distance of 15 km while swimming at a mean speed of 2.48 km/h, equal to 0.69 m/s, in water of 9.9°C. Body core temperature was at 37.8°C before the swim, increased to a maximum of 38.1°C after approximately 20 min of swimming, and then decreased continuously to 36.3°C upon finishing the swim. The lowest body core temperature was 36.0°C between 35 and 60 min after finishing the swim. Sixty minutes after the swim, the body core temperature continuously rose to 36.5°C where it remained. At the forearm, the temperature dropped to 19.6°C after approximately 36 min of swimming and decreased to 19.4°C by the end of the swim. The lowest temperature at the forearm was 17.6°C measured at approximately 47 min before the athlete stopped swimming. At the calf, the temperature dropped to 13.0°C after approximately 24 min of swimming and decreased to 11.9°C at the end of the swim. The lowest temperature measured at the calf was 11.1°C approximately 108 min after the start. In both the forearm and the calf, the skin temperature continuously increased after the swim.ConclusionsThis case report shows that (1) it is possible to swim for 6 h in water of 9.9°C and that (2) the athlete did not suffer from hypothermia under these circumstances. The high body mass index, high body fat, previous experience, and specific preparation of the swimmer are the most probable explanations for these findings.

High Energy Deficit in an Ultraendurance Athlete in a 24-Hour Ultracycling Race

This case study examined the nutritional behavior and energy balance in an official finisher of a 24-hour ultracycling race. The food and beverages consumed by the cyclist were continuously weighed and recorded to estimate intake of energy, macronutrients, sodium, and caffeine. In addition, during the race, heart rate was continuously monitored. Energy expenditure was assessed using a heart rate-oxygen uptake regression equation obtained previously from a laboratory test. The athlete (39 years, 175.6 cm, 84.2 kg, maximum oxygen uptake, 64 mL/kg/min) cycled during 22 h 22 min, in which he completed 557.3 km with 8760 m of altitude at an average speed of 25.1 km/h. The average heart rate was 131 beats/min. Carbohydrates were the main macronutrient intake (1102 g, 13.1 g/kg); however, intake was below current recommendations. The consumption of protein and fat was 86 g and 91 g, respectively. He ingested 20.7 L (862 mL/h) of fluids, with sport drinks the main fluid used for hydration. Sodium concentration in relation to total fluid intake was 34.0 mmol/L. Caffeine consumption over the race was 231 mg (2.7 mg/kg). During the race, he expended 15,533 kcal. Total energy intake was 5571 kcal, with 4058 (73%) and 1513 (27%) kcal derived from solids and fluids, respectively. The energy balance resulted in an energy deficit of 9915 kcal.

Nutrition Update for the Ultraendurance Athlete

Participation in ultraendurance events has been increasing. Appropriate nutrition in training and fueling while racing within the confines of gastrointestinal tolerability is essential for optimal performance. Unfortunately, there has been a paucity of studies looking at this special population of athletes. Recent field studies have helped to clarify appropriate fluid intake and dispel the myth that moderate dehydration while racing is detrimental. Additional current nutrition research has looked at the role of carbohydrate manipulation during training and its effect on macronutrient metabolism, as well as of the benefits of the coingestion of multiple types of carbohydrates for race fueling. The use of caffeine and sodium ingestion while racing is common with ultraendurance athletes, but more research is needed on their effect on performance. This article will provide the clinician and the athlete with the latest nutritional information for the ultraendurance athlete.

Energy balance during two days of continuous stationary cycling

This study examined the capabilities of an ultraendurance athlete to self-regulate their diet during an attempt on the record for the longest period of stationary cycling. The attempt required the athlete to complete at least 20 km/hr, with a 15 minute break allowed every eight hours. Laboratory tests determined a heart rate-oxygen consumption regression equation enabling calculation of energy expenditure from heart rate during the attempt. Energy intake was determined by a non-weighed dietary record collected at the time of consumption. The athlete completed 46.7 hours, covering 1126 km, at a speed of 24 ± 1.6 km/hr. He expended 14486 kcal and consumed 11098 kcal resulting in an energy deficit (-3290 kcal) and a weight loss (-0.55 kg). The carbohydrate (42 ± 32 g/hr), water (422 ± 441 ml/hr), and sodium (306 ± 465 mg/hr) intake were all below current recommendations. The athlete was unable to self-regulate his diet or exercise intensity to prevent a negative energy balance.

“Fat adaptation” for athletic performance: the nail in the coffin?

endurance athletes have a high capacity for the oxidation of fat during exercise as a legacy of their training. Therefore, it is intriguing that this capacity can be easily upregulated by the chronic consumption of a low-carbohydrate (<2.5 g·kg−1·day−1), high-fat (∼65–70% of energy) diet.

Training Principles and Issues for Ultra-endurance Athletes

Ultra-endurance competition is defined as events that exceed than 6 hours in duration. The longer events rely on long-term preparation, sufficient nutrition, accommodation of environmental stressors, and psychologic toughness. Successful ultra-endurance performance is characterized by the ability to sustain a higher absolute speed for a given distance than other competitors. This can be achieved through a periodized training plan and by following key principles of training. Periodization is an organization of training into large, medium and small training blocks which are referred to as macro-, meso-, and microcycles, respectively. When the sequencing of training is correctly applied, athletes can achieve a high state of competition readiness and during the months of hard training, avoid the overtraining syndrome. A plan is executed in accordance with the following principles of training: all-around development, overload, specificity, individualization, consistent training, and structural tolerance. Training relies heavily on the athlete's tolerance to repetitive strain. Today's ultra-endurance athlete must also follow appropriate nutritional practices in order to recover and prepare for daily training and remain injury free and healthy. Rehydration after exercise, together with the timing and method of increased food intake to cope with heavy training, are essential for optimal performance. Furthermore, the treatment of soft tissue after training or racing is necessary to control inflammation.

Energy Requirements for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Energy Requirements for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Fat Adaptation/Loading for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Fat Adaptation/Loading for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Fat Adaptation/Loading for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Fat Adaptation/Loading for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Protein Requirements for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Protein Requirements for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Protein Requirements for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete

Protein Requirements for the Ultra-Endurance Athlete