Nutrition
and Gastric problems are usually the cause of poor performances and
DNFs (did not finish) in triathlon, especially in Half-Ironman and Full
Ironman distance races. Your stomach can "shut down" during the race
for the following reasons: -Eating too much and/or too fast before and
during the race -Not eating/drinking enough -Taking more calories than
the body can absorb per hour (usually when exercising, the body can
only absorb around 60% to 65% of the calories burned) -Too much solid
food. Ideally during the race stick with a "liquid" diet (getting most
of the calories from energy drinks/gels) -Not alternating enough water
with the energy drinks and/or gels -Becoming hyponatremic (low blood
sodium level) caused by drinking too much water. This is the opposite
of Dehydration. Experiment with different energy drinks, gels, bars
during training, and once you find what works for you stick with it on
race day.