Meredith's long game preparation for Ironman World Championship Nice

How does one go from never planning to run to conquering the Ironman World Championship? Join us as Meredith McKenzie shares her incredible journey and the pivotal role of nutrition in her success.

Meredith's passion for triathlon started unexpectedly during a difficult period in her personal life. She joined a biking group for the emotional outlet it provided and found it meditative. Her friends encouraged her to participate in the Lava Man triathlon in Hawaii, an Olympic-length event. Despite initial resistance and never having run before, she eventually gave in to their persuasion, attempting her first triathlon.

From there, it wasn’t long before Meredith was signing up for more events, including 70.3 races and full-distance Ironman competitions.  Despite frequent headaches and low energy levels, Meredith thought she was doing alright with her diet. It wasn’t until she started the academy's program that she realised the importance of a well-structured nutritional plan, not just on race day, but every day.

One of the first things she noticed was that she wasn't fueling her body adequately for her training sessions. Her appetite simply wasn’t matching her fueling needs, but she struggled with the idea of eating more food when she wasn’t hungry. However, strategic consumption, like including smoothies in her diet, helped her manage the volume without feeling overwhelmed.

Meredith continues to learn and adapt her nutrition strategies. She listens to old sessions from the program and refines her approach, focusing on different aspects of nutrition as needed. The beauty of a year-long program is that it allows you to gradually build a solid foundation, making you adept at troubleshooting your own needs

Now, with her sights set on the Ironman World Championship in Nice, Meredith has had to adapt her race nutrition plan once again. She’s discovered that what worked for a flat course like Ironman California doesn’t necessarily apply to a hilly course. This adaptability is crucial in triathlon, as each race presents unique challenges. Meredith switched from solid foods like sandwich stacks to gels and chews, which are easier to digest during demanding hill climbs.

For those hesitant about investing time and money into a specialised nutrition programme, Meredith has a clear message: the investment is worth it. Her only regret is not committing to a structured nutrition plan earlier. The TNA program offers a comprehensive understanding of day-to-day and race-day nutrition, empowering athletes to make better choices independently.

If you're looking to refine your nutrition, remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. From understanding the importance of daily nutrition to adapting your race day plans to fit the specific conditions, every small change adds up to significant improvements over time.

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