Preparing for a triathlon requires dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach. Whether you are a seasoned triathlete or a newcomer to the world of multisport events, understanding the crucial aspects of training, nutrition, and recovery is paramount to your success. 

In this article, we’re turning to science to better understand how certain nutrition and recovery strategies can impact training for a triathlon. From

custom recovery blends

to nutrient timing and more, we’ve got you covered so you can boost your performance and feel confident all the way up to race day.

So, lace up your running shoes, inflate your bike tires, and let’s dive headfirst into the world of triathlon training. 

What is a triathlon?

A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event that includes swimming, cycling, and running, with athletes transitioning from one to the next as quickly as possible. Participants often train extensively in all three disciplines to prepare for the race and transition smoothly between each stage.

There are various types and distances of triathlons (such as a super sprint triathlon, sprint triathlon, Olympic triathlon, half Ironman, and full Ironman triathlon) that cater to different skill levels and fitness abilities.

How long is a triathlon?

Triathlon distances will vary depending on the type of triathlon you want to do. Here is a breakdown of the distances you can expect from each one. 

Mini triathlon 

Super sprint triathlon distances

• 400m swim

• 10km bike

• 2.5km run

Sprint triathlon distances

• 750m swim

• 20km bike

• 5km run

Olympic triathlon distance

• 1.5km swim

• 40km bike

• 10km run

Half Ironman distance

• 1.9km swim

• 90km bike

• 21.1km run

Ironman triathlon distances

• 3.8km swim

• 180km bike

• 42.2km run

Let Elo Smart Recovery be part of your triathlon training plan

When training for a triathlon, your nutrition and recovery needs are paramount. And since we all have different nutritional needs and goals, you need a product that will work for you, not against you. 

That’s where

Elo Smart Recovery

comes in. Your custom recovery product is tailored to your body’s needs to drive outcomes and support your triathlon training plan, as well as your unique health and fitness goals. Think of it as a supplement and protein powder in one scoop, uniquely designed for you and your recovery needs.

Your personalized blend is made precisely for you with functional boosts (like supergreens, turmeric, and probiotics) to meet your nutrition needs. It is optimized to deliver the right amount of protein and key amino acids after each workout to help you recover faster. 

Want to know how your custom recovery product fits into a triathlon training plan?

Get started today

. 

What should you eat when training for a triathlon?

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in training for a triathlon as it fuels your body, aids in recovery, and supports optimal performance. Here are some key considerations for your nutrition plan when training for a triathlon.

Disclaimer: It's important to remember that nutrition needs can vary for everyone. Consider consulting with a sports nutritionist or registered dietitian who can assess your specific needs, training intensity, and dietary preferences to create a personalized nutrition plan. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are king when it comes to fueling your triathlon endeavors because they are the only macronutrient that can be broken down rapidly enough to provide energy during higher-intensity (anaerobic) exercise [

1

]. 

Working muscles can also utilize carbs both fast and efficiently. Given this, the availability of carbohydrates in the body can profoundly affect your energy levels, endurance, performance, and even recovery. Not having enough carbs on board can have detrimental effects on your body composition, physical performance, and recovery — whereas increased carbohydrate intake before, during, and after exercise can have performance and recovery benefits [

2

]. 

With Elo Smart Recovery, there are two types of carbohydrates for boosts: branched cyclic dextrin and oat starch. Both types can be helpful for athletes looking to replenish energy stores during and after exercise. The amount of each you receive in your blend will be determined based on your energy levels, activity data, and questionnaire answers. 

Dosing recommendations

Endurance athletes training two or more hours/day will likely need to consume >60% calories from carbohydrates (5–8 g/kg/day) [

3

]. It’s also important to consume the right amount of carbs at the right time. While this can get a bit convoluted, here’s a brief breakdown of what you need to know about carbohydrates and nutrient timing. 

• Pre-workout: If you plan to exercise for one hour or longer, aim to consume 1-4 g of carbs/kg of body weight 1-4 hours before exercise [

  2

  ]. 

• During exercise: For 1-2 ½ hours of exercise, athletes will benefit from consuming 30-60 g of carbohydrates/hour, and for events lasting >2 ½ hours, up to 60-90 g/hr may be sufficient [

  4

  ]. 

• Post-workout: Athletes should aim to consume 1.0-1.2 g/kg per hour for the first 4-6 hours of recovery [

  3

  ]. 

Learn more about how many carbs you should eat before, during, and after exercise in

this informative article

. 

Dietary sources

By including the right types and amounts of carbohydrates in your diet, you can maintain stable energy levels and promote overall well-being while fueling your fitness goals. Some dietary examples include:

• Simple carbohydrates (such as honey, fruit juice, sports drinks, gels, energy bars, and refined grains like bread, rice, and pasta)

• Whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, rolled oats, and 100% whole grain bread or pasta)

• Fruits containing fiber (such as bananas, apples, and berries)

• Starchy vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn)

• Legumes (such as beans and lentils)

Protein

Protein has several key benefits for endurance athletes. For example, it can improve endurance, reduce muscle damage and soreness, enhance muscle recovery, improve body composition,  and enhance satiety [

5

,

6

,

7

,

8

]. 

Consuming adequate amounts of protein helps the body meet the increased demands of endurance exercise, repair and build new muscle tissue, prevent injury, and promote overall strength [

9

]. 

Dosing recommendations

Endurance athletes need more protein than the average individual because these activities increase metabolic needs and break down muscle tissue [

10

]. As such, experts recommend anywhere from 1.4 to 2 g/kg/day [

11

]. 

With Elo Smart Recovery, you will get precise dosing recommendations to help refuel after each workout. Your unique blend is determined using your data from wearables and activity apps and your dietary preferences and goals. Your information is then matched with the latest scientific research to determine a blend of ingredients that both maximizes post-workout recovery and supports your health goals. 

Dietary sources

Experts recommend endurance athletes focus on whole food sources of protein that contain all of the essential amino acids, as these are key to stimulating muscle protein synthesis and recovery [

11

]. 

Foods that contain high-quality protein include:

• Eggs

• Dairy

• Lean meat

• Poultry

• Fish

• Beans 

• Lentils

• Peas

• Soybeans

• Tofu

Hydration

Studies continue to show that maintaining proper hydration levels is paramount for athletes and active people alike, as it plays an essential role in performance, injury prevention, and recovery [

12

]. Since even a minor level of dehydration can impair physical and cognitive function, thermoregulation, energy levels, and muscle strength, it’s important to monitor your fluid intake to ensure you’re hitting your hydration goals. 

Learn more about the importance of hydration in this article.

 

Dosing recommendations

Experts have found that an adequate fluid intake for men is ~15.5 cups (3.7 liters) and ~11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women [

13

]. However, these numbers could change depending on your activity levels, climate conditions, body size, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to stay hydrated

You can stay hydrated by drinking post-workout beverages (preferably with electrolytes), consuming hydrating foods, carrying hydration packets, and replenishing fluid stores before, during, and after a workout. 

Elo Smart Recovery has electrolytes as a functional boost to help you stay hydrated and promote normal muscle function, contraction, and relaxation.

Importance of post-workout recovery for triathletes

Studies show that strenuous physical activity (including strength training, high-intensity exercise, or prolonged endurance exercise) damages muscle fibers, depletes energy and fluid stores, increases inflammation, and dampens your immune system [

14

]. These may put you at greater risk for soreness, injury, and illness. 

However, with proper recovery practices, you can help your body recover more quickly and effectively between workouts while maximizing those all-important training adaptations that make you stronger, faster, and fitter. When done right, recovery can also help prevent injury and reduce exercise-related inflammation and immune suppression.

Check out these articles to learn more about how to recover better. 

• The best nutrients to speed up muscle strain recovery

   

• 10 important do’s and don’ts for muscle recovery

• The most effective strategies for cyclist recovery

Other helpful articles to read when training for a triathlon

• How to build lean muscle for endurance athletes

   

• The ultimate guide to post-workout nutrition

   

• The best muscle recovery supplements, according to science

• Are you getting enough post-workout protein? 

• The best supplements for cyclists

   

• The 7 best joint health supplements

   

• Post-workout drink, meal, and snack ideas

   

Summary

Preparing for a triathlon requires more than dedication and training – studies continue to show that specific nutrition and recovery strategies are also paramount to optimizing performance during triathlon training. 

By getting enough protein, carbohydrates, and fluids while training, you can achieve faster recovery times, reduce the risk of injury, and further drive outcomes. Other recovery strategies include foam rolling, rest days, taking certain supplements (like

Elo Smart Recovery

), and eating more anti-inflammatory foods. 

Disclaimer: The text, images, videos, and other media on this page are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace personalized medical care.