Sports nutrition research opportunity for competitors
Nutrition strategies and energy balance of ultra-endurance mountain runners
If you have a confirmed entry to the Dragon's Back Race, would you also like to participate in valuable sport nutrition research? If so please complete the registration form at the bottom of this page.
The aim of this observational study is to measure competitors’ energy and nutrient intakes during the event and examine relationships with energy expenditure, performance and recovery.
The principal investigator is Heather Ohly, a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) who is married to Shane Ohly, Race Director. Heather is an experienced researcher and has previously conducted nutrition research at mountain marathons* and other ultra-endurance events.
If you agree to participate, this is what you will be asked to do:
Complete two short questionnaires (one before and one after the event) about your nutrition strategies, preparation and recovery.
Meet Heather at the catering van before each breakfast and evening meal so that she can weigh/ record your meal, and also after each meal so that she can weigh/record your leftovers.
Save all of your food wrappers during the event (including foods and supplements consumed whilst racing and at the campsites) and give them to Heather at the end of each day so that she can analyse your energy and nutrient intakes during the race.
Provide an estimate of the amount of water consumed at the end of each day (including any supplements added to the water).
Allow Heather to weigh you at the start and the end of each day so that she can estimate fluid loss.
You will not be placed at any risk by participating in this study. All of the data we collect from you will be treated confidentially and you will not be named in any publications relating to this study.
In return for participating, you will receive an individual nutrition assessment after the event, showing your energy and nutrient intakes during the event. This may be interesting or useful when it comes to planning your nutrition strategies for future events. You will also receive a summary of the overall study findings when they become available.
Heather Ohly is employed by the University of Plymouth and has applied for ethical approval for this study from the Faculty of Science and Technology Human Ethics Committee.
*Clark, H R, Barker, M E, Corfe, B M (2005) Nutritional Strategies of Mountain Marathon Athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 15 (2), 160-172.