Compare the timing of carbohydrate intake requirements for short-duration events (40-75 minutes) versus long-duration endurance events (over 180 minutes). (5 marks)
--- 15 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
Show Answers Only
Similarities
- Both event durations require pre-performance carbohydrate intake to optimise muscle and liver glycogen stores before competition.
- Each type benefits from high glycaemic index carbohydrates when intake is needed during performance for rapid glucose availability.
- Both require post-performance carbohydrate replacement to restore glycogen levels and support recovery processes.
Differences
- Short-duration events lasting 40-75 minutes only need small amounts of carbohydrate at 20-30 grams per hour during performance.
- These shorter events may use carbohydrate mouth rinse techniques rather than actual consumption to boost performance without digestive issues.
- Long-duration events over 180 minutes require substantially higher carbohydrate intake of 30-60 grams per hour during competition.
- Extended events need continuous fuelling through sports gels, drinks, bananas and sports bars to maintain blood glucose levels.
- Longer events place greater emphasis on preventing glycogen depletion through sustained carbohydrate replacement strategies.
- Therefore timing becomes more critical for extended events due to greater fuel demands and depletion risks.
Show Worked Solution
Similarities
- Both event durations require pre-performance carbohydrate intake to optimise muscle and liver glycogen stores before competition.
- Each type benefits from high glycaemic index carbohydrates when intake is needed during performance for rapid glucose availability.
- Both require post-performance carbohydrate replacement to restore glycogen levels and support recovery processes.
Differences
- Short-duration events lasting 40-75 minutes only need small amounts of carbohydrate at 20-30 grams per hour during performance.
- These shorter events may use carbohydrate mouth rinse techniques rather than actual consumption to boost performance without digestive issues.
- Long-duration events over 180 minutes require substantially higher carbohydrate intake of 30-60 grams per hour during competition.
- Extended events need continuous fuelling through sports gels, drinks, bananas and sports bars to maintain blood glucose levels.
- Longer events place greater emphasis on preventing glycogen depletion through sustained carbohydrate replacement strategies.
- Therefore timing becomes more critical for extended events due to greater fuel demands and depletion risks.