Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
ISSN: 1303 - 2968   
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©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2017) 16, 112 - 116

Case report
Applied Sports Nutrition Support, Dietary Intake and Body Composition Changes of a Female Athlete Completing 26 Marathons in 26 Days: A Case Study
Chris J. McManus , Kelly A. Murray, David A. Parry
Author Information
Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, The University of Essex, UK

Chris J. McManus
✉ Room SC1.11, Human Performance Unit, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK
Email: cmcman@essex.ac.uk
Publish Date
Received: 06-10-2016
Accepted: 06-02-2017
Published (online): 01-03-2017
 
 
ABSTRACT

The aim of this case study is to describe the nutrition practices of a female recreational runner (VO2max 48.9 ml·kg-1·min-1) who completed 26 marathons (42.195 km) in 26 consecutive days. Information relating to the nutritional intake of female runners during multi-day endurance events is extremely limited, yet the number of people participating year-on-year continues to increase. This case study reports the nutrition intervention, dietary intake, body composition changes and performance in the lead-up and during the 26 days. Prior to undertaking the 26 marathon challenge, three consultations were held between the athlete and a sports nutrition advisor; planning and tailoring the general diet and race-specific strategies to the endurance challenge. During the marathons, the mean energy and fluid intake was 1039.7 ± 207.9 kcal (607.1 – 1453.2) and 2.39 ± 0.35 L (1.98 – 3.19). Mean hourly carbohydrate intake was 38.9 g·hr-1. 11 days following the completion of the 26 marathons, body mass had reduced by 4.6 kg and lean body mass increasing by 0.53 kg when compared with 20 days prior. This case study highlights the importance of providing general and event-specific nutrition education when training for such an event. This is particularly prudent for multi-day endurance running events.

Key words: Athletes, body composition, carbohydrates, diet, running, sports nutritional sciences


           Key Points
  • Multi-day endurance running (MDER) events are increasingly prevalent among recreational and elite runners, as such, reporting the practices of populations underrepresented in the literature are important.
  • This case study reports nutritional practices of a female recreational runner undertaking 26 marathons in 26 consecutive days.
  • This case study highlights the importance of providing general and event-specific nutrition education when training for such an event. This is particularly prudent for MDER events.
 
 
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