PTO US Open

Much like the other athletes competing in the US Open, Matthew chose to extend his normal pre-race carb load due to the later start time (4:15pm). Beyond breakfast time, Matthew took in carbohydrate-rich foods which would bolster the glycogen stores in his muscles and liver. In the immediate build up to the event, Matthew also consumed several supplements he has found to be personally beneficial in training, including tart cherry juice, sodium bicarbonate and beetroot powder. During the race, Matthew frontloaded his carb intake on the bike (~121g/h), providing him with plenty of available energy to crush the run course in just 1:04:28 (taking an impressive 105g/h!). The fact that Matthew could comfortably stomach no less than 9 different products during his race is a testament to his rigorous gut training and experimentation to improve his overall energy availability while maintaining gastrointestinal comfort.

As a medical school student with an extensive knowledge of human physiology, Matthew understands that there’s a constant balancing act in the body between blood electrolyte and fluid levels. Prior to the 4:15pm race-start, he drank several electrolyte drinks, including a PH 500 (Tablet) to induce some degree of hypervolemia (increased blood plasma volume) and start his race optimally hydrated. To get the most out of his bike’s hydration system, which allowed him to drink from a straw while staying in an aerodynamic position, Matthew primarily used a highly concentrated electrolyte and carbohydrate mix. He averaged just over 1.5L (48oz) of fluid per hour on the bike, dropping to ~844ml (30oz) per hour on the run, where he relied on the aid stations for energy drinks and water. He supplemented his fluid intake throughout the race with electrolyte capsules to ensure he maintained a relative sodium concentration of ~410mg/L, which closely matched his sweat sodium concentration (655 mg/L) as determined by a Sweat Test.

Matthew’s caffeine intake sat just over the recommended intake of 3-6mg/kg of bodyweight. As he didn't experience any negative side effects from slightly high caffeine intake, we wouldn’t suggest he makes any major changes to his current plan.