Hello to all you sports scientists, dedicated athletes, and those intrigued by the world of endurance sports!
Allow me to set the scene: Picture me, post-pregnancy, on a mission to reclaim my former silhouette, especially that stubborn baby belly. Enter Uwe and Sabine from Schork Sports Diagnostics, my trusty workout partners-in-crime, ensuring my every gym session was, well, no walk in the park.
After spending hours intently gazing at the photos on Uwe and Sabine’s walls that showcased their marathon achievements, I found myself pondering, ‘Being deeply immersed in the world of product management for Palatinose™, could this sugar be an add-on to their training regimen? Exhausted post-training and juggling between work and kids, I rarely had the time for extended conversations. Yet, after numerous sessions, Sabine’s curiosity about my profession led our discussions naturally towards nutrition and Palatinose™.” Without diving too deep into the scientific details, Uwe quickly embraced the concept.
Why just ponder the possibilities when we could put it to the test? And thus, our Palatinose™ journey kicked off.
Stick around as Uwe and Sabine share their candid take on incorporating Palatinose™ into their endurance training. Trust me, the insights they shared with me in the below interview are as energizing as the product itself!
Understanding Carbohydrates in Athlete Nutrition: Interview with Uwe & Sabine
Klaudia: Today, we’re speaking with Uwe and Sabine, expert sports diagnosticians and endurance training coaches, about the critical role of carbohydrates in athlete nutrition. Could you start by explaining how endurance athletes consume calories during training?
Uwe & Sabine: Endurance athletes burn a significant amount of calories, particularly during their training sessions. They derive energy from various sources like fats, proteins, carbohydrates or sugars, and fluids.
Klaudia: How do training goals affect energy consumption?
Uwe & Sabine: The energy consumption varies significantly based on the training objective. For instance, fasted training, tempo training, and foundational training differ in their intensity and duration. This variation impacts how athletes consume carbohydrates and fats. Other factors like temperature or prior exertion also play a role.
Navigating the Energetic Landscape
Klaudia: What happens with sugar consumption under strain?
Uwe & Sabine: When the body continuously expends more energy than it has available, it doesn’t always resort to fat reserves. It seeks the “easy route” – it craves sugar (carbohydrates). Preferably quick, simple sugars to counteract the deficiency.If this strain continues without compensation, the body risks hypoglycemia, which can lead to performance drops and even life-threatening situations. Depending on the training intensity, athletes should consider whether they need to consume additional energy to avoid a deficit.
Klaudia: When should athletes supplement their energy during sports?
Uwe & Sabine: For short training sessions up to about 60 minutes, additional food intake isn’t usually necessary, but hydration is essential depending on the temperature. For more intense sessions lasting more than 90 minutes, external energy sources like gels, carbohydrate-rich drinks, fruits such as bananas, apples, dried fruits, and possibly salt become necessary.
Klaudia: What about long, calm training sessions?
Uwe & Sabine: In such cases, energy is drawn not just from glycogen stores but also from fat metabolism. Here, external energy intake isn’t essential, but adequate hydration is crucial. For very long, relaxed sessions, nutrients from fats and proteins can be utilized such as nuts, cheese, sausage, plus salt, depending on the pace.
Challenges on the Carbohydrate Trail: Navigating Pitfalls in Sports Nutrition
Klaudia: Are there any issues with carbohydrate intake during sports?
Uwe & Sabine: Yes, carbohydrates consumed during sports should be easily digestible and not cause rapid blood sugar drops. Athletes frequently report problems with gels, describing them as “sticky, intense, and monotonous in flavor.” Some complain about sticky residues or “not knowing where to dispose of the packaging.” Even more common are reports of poor digestibility of fruits or bars. After long distances, the digestive system may “shut down,” preventing the athlete from digesting and metabolizing anything. The caffeine shots popular among endurance athletes provide a short-lived energy boost but can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels – a potential disaster during training or competition.
Klaudia: Finally, could you tell us about your experiments with Palatinose™?
Uwe & Sabine: Palatinose™, as a disaccharide sugar, has proven to be well-tolerated, easily usable, and causes a gradual rise in blood sugar levels. The blood sugar level remains stable for an extended period and drops slower than with simple sugars and fructose. For those with fructose intolerance, Palatinose™ has been a great support!
Klaudia: Thank you, Uwe and Sabine, for this insightful conversation on carbohydrates and athlete nutrition.
Athletes’ Unfiltered Feedback on Training and Palatinose™
As we conclude our interview with Uwe and Sabine, let’s hear directly from the athletes they’ve trained. These individuals have incorporated Palatinose™ into their nutrition as part of Uwe’s training plans. Their feedback provides a genuine look into the practical application and results of the strategies and nutritional advice offered by Uwe and Sabine. Here are some of the insights shared by the athletes.
Pia W., Ultrarunner, German Champion AK 100km Road Race
“I tested the product during long training runs and then used it during the competition (Berlin 100km at the World Championships). Throughout the more than 8-hour competition, I consumed Palatinose™ at regular intervals. It’s neutral in taste and very digestible. Even after several hours of exertion, I could easily consume it. I never felt my blood sugar levels drop or my performance wane. It’s also vegan-friendly – making it the perfect companion for my ultra-runs.”
Artur F., Long-distance Triathlete, “Ironman”, Specialist in Cardiology and Internal Medicine
“The taste is excellent, slightly sweet, which is very tolerable. I’ve found the optimal dosage for me to be 80 g/l, significantly higher than the recommendations. The rise in blood glucose levels is very slow (intentional), so I always drink the solution about an hour before starting training. This helps me achieve a glucose level of about 150mg/dl at the start of training. For foundational training, you can maintain a stable glucose level with no insulin secretion through continued Palatinose™ intake. However, during high-intensity training (e.g., interval runs on the track), there’s a sharp initial rise in glucose levels (due to increased glucagon secretion), followed by a rapid drop that can’t be offset by Palatinose™. For competitions, I see Palatinose™ as an addition since it’s very digestible. Its mild taste makes it easy to drink as a fluid on the bike in addition to gels. For running, I can imagine using it in a higher concentration in a small bottle.”
Rudolf H., MTB Endurance Cyclist/Alpine Crosser
“I use Palatinose™ for sessions longer than 2 hours and also for intensive or developmental sessions. I’ve been mixing at a 1:2 ratio, 50g to 1L of water. At this concentration, the inherent taste is minimal, and it’s stomach-friendly. It doesn’t feel sticky, I don’t get excessively thirsty, and it’s pleasant to drink. I feel less hungry afterwards. Unlike other foods, I’ve had no issues like stomach discomfort or cramps with Palatinose™ and always feel well-nourished. I also take Palatinose™ before short, high-intensity sessions to have some energy – which is also a mental boost.”
Steffi R., Marathon and Ultra-trail Runner
“I have a fructose intolerance and often struggled to nourish myself during long training sessions or competitions. This led to several DNFs in the past – I couldn’t finish. Since I started using Palatinose™ three months ago, I haven’t had a single such incident! I’m ready for the competitions.”
As we conclude this enlightening journey with Uwe, Sabine, and their dedicated athletes, it becomes clear that words can only convey so much. The true essence and effectiveness of their training philosophies and the incorporation of Palatinose™ into an athlete’s diet are best understood through personal experience.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or simply someone looking to optimize your fitness routine, stepping into this world of tailored training and nutrition might just be the key to unlocking your full potential.