Badwater135

Line is an experienced ultra-runner who was well-prepared for the gruelling conditions of Death Valley, where temperatures rose above 40 ºC (104 ºF) for a large part of the race. Line was initially off to a good start with a carb intake close to 90g/h through a combination of PF Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix, PF 30 Gels, and PF 30 Caffeine Gels. This high intake fuelled her well for the first few hours of the race, but ultimately, the combined effects of the heat and her lack of gut training above 75g/h meant that Line suffered from some GI discomfort later on in the race. Her GI discomfort remained until the finish which ultimately meant she couldn’t keep her carb and fluid intake high enough in the last few hours, and subsequently, her energy levels suffered. However, her excellent crew alleviated her GI discomfort slightly by reducing the carb concentration of her PF Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix bottles. This brought her carb intake down to more manageable levels. Line will benefit from performing some more structured gut training and potentially starting her next event at a more modest carb intake to prevent the GI issues she experienced to ensure she can sustain this across the race.

Line got the majority of her electrolyte intake through a combination of PH 1000 (Tablets) and PF Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix carried in handheld flasks and topped up with plain water where needed. Despite not feeling too thirsty throughout the race, Line made an effort to increase her fluid intake at points, especially when her GI discomfort was prevalent and managed to stay on top of this to support her losses. It would be beneficial for her to carry some more Electrolyte Capsules to ensure that if she drinks more plain water, she avoids diluting the relative concentration of sodium in her drinks too far below her sweat losses. At most aid stations, she was able to douse herself with water and ice to further help avoid overheating and reduce her sweat rate to prevent the onset of dehydration.

Although Line’s caffeine intake throughout this race was above the recommendations for performance-enhancing benefits, for a race of this duration, this amount of caffeine works well for her and with no associated issues, we wouldn’t recommend she changes this. By ensuring the PF 30 Caffeine Gels are spaced sensibly throughout her intake, she will consistently reap the ergogenic benefits of the stimulant.