Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate (CHO) is the body's preferred source of energy during exercise and is stored in the body within the muscle and liver as glycogen. When you work out, especially for long periods of time, you deplete your glycogen stores. When this happens, fatigue sets in and your level of performance will drop.

Supplementing your carbohydrate intake when exercising helps to ensure the muscles have sufficient energy to maintain a high work rate for the duration of your activity.

I compete in every distance from 100m to marathon, so it's vital I'm specifically prepared for each event. In terms of endurance, there's always a point when the lungs are burning and fatigue sets in, that’s when it's vital that I have the carbohydrates I need to power through the pain.

David Weir - Paralympic athlete