By Coach Fred Matheny The key to riding long distances is food and drink. Sure, training is important—but nutrition and hydration are even more vital. According to renowned former ultramarathon rider and Coach John Hughes of Boulder, Colorado, “Nutrition, not necessarily training, is the limiting factor in endurance cycling.” The reason? Even the best-trained riders…
By Coach Fred Matheny Andy Pruitt’s name has become synonymous with sports medicine for cycling. As director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, Pruitt has made a career out of treating world-class riders. He has served as chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Cycling Team and is an elite athlete in his…
Question: Several years ago, I heard Coach Fred talk about his participation in the Team Race Across America. He mentioned how he and his three teammates had planned to eat carbs but craved fat and even started wolfing down potato chips. What’s the scoop on nutrition for ultras? Are fatty foods necessary? — Joe F.
Question: Last winter I adopted a low-carbohydrate diet and lost 20 pounds. I’m continuing the diet but wonder if lack of carbs is the cause of my struggles on the bike. While I’ve improved my average speed on solo rides, I can’t keep up with my friends on Sunday morning. I’m fine when the pace is…
Question: I’m new to road riding after years of BMX racing and mountain biking. I get pain in my knee when I ride long and hard. It’s the patella that hurts, not the tendon. What’s the cause? — David C.
