90. Fuelling QOM at Three Peaks Challenge with Meredith Andrew

Imagine race the Three Peaks Challenge at Falls Creek and getting a 46 minute personal best and QOM because of some tweaks to your cycling nutrition strategy?

Gemma welcomes client Meredith Andrew to discuss her nutrition journey. Meredith shares her experiences transitioning from inadequate fueling to a comprehensive nutrition plan, leading to significant performance improvements and better overall health. Their conversation covers the importance of proper fueling for training, carb loading, and breaking past misconceptions about diet. Meredith's story emphasizes the impact of balanced nutrition for both athletic performance and daily life.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or watch on Youtube.

Enjoying this podcast

Access weekly ask a sports dietitian resources and learn how to fuel before, during and after cycling with the Fuelled Cycling Nutrition Team.

TRANSCRIPT

Unleashing Your Peak Performance: Meredith's Journey to Nutritional Mastery

Introduction:

Welcome back to 'Fuelled' with Gemma, your go-to for all things nutrition and performance! In today's blog, we're diving deep into the transformative journey of Meredith Andrew, one of my esteemed clients. Meredith’s story is a testament to the power of informed nutritional choices, not just for racing but for everyday life. Buckle up as we explore how Meredith redefined her approach to nutrition and her subsequent performance improvements.

The Catalyst for Change:

Our nutrition journey together didn't happen overnight. Meredith first reached out to me back in 2022, spurred by her ambition to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge. At this point, she was grappling with gaps in her nutritional knowledge, particularly during intense cycling events. Although initially she didn't take action, the seed for change was planted. Fast forward to late last year, she reconnected, determined to break free from unproductive cycles of diet restrictions and inconsistent training outcomes.

The Journey and Key Realisations:

Meredith's journey was not just about shedding a few kilos. It was about transforming her entire approach to nutrition — a process that has ultimately allowed her to enjoy significant improvements in performance. A major shift was understanding the necessity of energy management, both on and off the bike. Through consistent fuelling strategies that included around 90 grams of carbs per hour on race day, Meredith discovered the profound impact of preparation, not just for the event but as part of her daily routine.

The Carb Loading Revelation:

One of Meredith's standout revelations was the benefit of carb loading. Jumping into practical changes, Meredith embraced traditionally ‘off-limits’ foods like rice bubbles and crumpets. These became essential during her intentional carb loading days, reshaping her perspective on what it means to fuel properly for intense physical exertion.

The Impact on Performance:

Meredith's dedication bore fruit when she clocked in over an hour faster at her most recent Three Peaks Challenge compared to her debut in 2022. This improvement wasn't happenstance; it was the culmination of strategic nutritional planning, consistent training, and a newfound confidence built on informed choices. 

Beyond the Bike: Everyday Life Improvement:

Nutritional adjustments extended beyond sporting events, significantly impacting her everyday life. Consistent meals and strategic carb consumption allowed Meredith to overcome energy dips that were previously fueled by quick fixes like sugar and caffeine. This holistic improvement emphasized a critical truth: well-managed energy intake enhances not only athletic performance but also day-to-day living.

Conclusion: Meredith’s Words of Wisdom:

As Meredith gears up for her participation in the World Championships later this year, her journey serves as a beacon of insight for anyone on the fence about prioritizing nutrition. Her final words of advice? Don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance on your nutritional journey. It’s a game changer.

Final Thoughts:

In wrapping up, Meredith’s narrative highlights the transformative power of understanding and applying nutritional science to both personal health and athletic ambitions. If you're ready to reframe your relationship with food and unlock your potential, remember: small, sustainable changes can lead to significant improvements.

Thanks for joining us today on this deep dive into Meredith’s inspiring journey to peak performance. Until next time, stay fuelled and committed to your goals.