Going the Distance: Fueling Strategies for Endurance Athletes | UCAS

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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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