Going the Distance: Fueling Strategies for Endurance Athletes

This is a Health Subject Spotlight with Ray Spradlin from Johnson & Wales University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Health.

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In this Subject Spotlight, we dive deep into the science and evolution of endurance fueling with Ray Spradlin, exploring how nutrition has transformed how athletes approach long-distance events. From the early days of dangerous concoctions like egg whites, brandy, and strychnine, to the groundbreaking innovations of sports drinks and dual-carb products, we’ll cover it all. Across four episodes, Ray examines the development of the science behind fuelling strategies - understanding the importance of research and development. Ray considers how fuelling strategies have become a critical aspect of performance, with modern athletes using cutting-edge technologies like continuous glucose monitoring to optimise their nutrition during races. Learning from examples of elite endurance athletes who have redefined fueling with precision-based, data-driven strategies that allow them to push their physical limits, Ray will support you in considering how sports science can provide an edge for overcoming any wall.

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About Johnson & Wales University

At Johnson & Wales University (JWU), we believe that learning by doing is one of the most effective and high-impact ways to learn. From collecting and analyzing data through research and fieldwork to interning with companies and events related to your field of study, JWU's approach to experiential education puts students on a path to success. Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit NECHE-accredited institution with more than 8,000 students from over 65 countries. JWU offers 100+ undergraduate, graduate, online, continuing education and accelerated programs in healthcare, business, culinary arts, hospitality, technology, education and more. More than 128,000 alumni are forging successful careers in exciting industries.

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Ray Spradlin

Dr. Ray A. Spradlin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Johnson & Wales University in the Exercise and Sports Science program and the College of Health and Wellness. Originally from South Florida, Dr. Spradlin moved to Gainesville, FL, to pursue both his undergraduate and doctoral studies at the University of Florida. While attending UF, he studied how endurance exercise affects mitochondrial bioenergetics of prostate tumors and the role insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays in muscle disuse atrophy, function, metabolism, and exercise adaptations. In 2020, Dr. Spradlin left Florida to work for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, studying extracellular vesicles (EVs) and assisting in developing a novel approach to confer exercise benefits and combat muscle wasting utilizing EVs. Since joining JWU in Fall 2023, Ray has been excited to teach students about exercise science and its important role in a healthy and fulfilling life. He is currently working with other faculty and collaborators pursuing research interests related to human performance.

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

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