Sports Training & Nutrition: Sample Resources

All About Energy Drinks
This website offers an array of articles about sports drinks. Many products marketed as energy drinks contain high concentrations of carbohydrate and some caffeine. Some energy drinks contain herbs, amino acids, protein, and other substances, usually in such small amounts that they are unlikely to have any noticeable effect on performance. The content of some of these energy drink products may result in inefficient absorption of fluid and nutrients from the intestine, with the possibility of gastrointestinal distress and problems. Energy drinks are quite costly sometimes and, because of their composition, are not suitable for use by athletes. Athletes should be educated about these products and guided towards other foods and fluids that will not pose potential risks, according to one article on the website.

Triathlon Training Nutrition for Bikers, Swimmers and Runners
What you eat before a triathlon has a lot to do with your performance in the running, biking and swimming arms of the race. The author of this article believes in the 70% carbohydrate, 20% protein and 10% fat philosophy. He eats breads, cereal, milk, yogurt, cheese, meat, poultry, eggs, nuts and fruit. There is also a link to see exactly how many calories one burns during triathlon training.

Water: The Best Sports Drink?
This article discusses water as being the most critical for growth, muscle development and overall health. Since muscles are nearly 70 percent water, even a small loss of fluid will affect their function. Nerves control muscles. The electrical stimulation of nerves and contraction of muscles occurs due to the exchange of electrolytes dissolved in water across the nerve and muscle cell membranes. If you are low on water or electrolytes, as many triathletes run low in a race, muscle strength and control are weakened. A water deficit of just 2 to 4 percent of your body weight can cut your strength-training workout by as much as 21 percent, and your aerobic power by as much as 48 percent. Water is integral, as is electrolyte replacement for athletes.

Staying Hydrated While Biking and More
Geared towards women, this article discusses preventing and dealing with hydration. Dehydration is probably one of the most common, and least appreciated, health problems if you're active in the outdoors. Each time you're active - biking, swimming, running and more -- body releases excess heat through sweating. Sweating is useful; in a dry climate, the sweat evaporates and helps cool you down even more. In a humid climate, of course, you just "glow". Staying hydrated will help your endurance, help prevent heat problems, assist your body in working efficiently, and help prevent injuries, as you are more prone to injury and heat stress when you're dehydrated.