Alumnus Paul prepares for epic Enduroman Arch2Arc triathlon

Paul Robinson completing a physiology assessment at Loughborough University.

Paul Robinson (Chemistry 2005) recently visited our performance physiology lab on the Loughborough campus to perform fuel utilisation physiology assessments whilst running and cycling.

This testing is in preparation for his Arch2Arc which he will be taking on in September.

The assessments provided measures of VO2max, lactate thresholds (with corresponding heart rates) and the additional detail of the amount of fat and carbohydrate oxidised during exercise.

The metrics attained built a comprehensive picture of his physiological performance providing the necessary insight into what intensity should be sustainable for the different components - running, swimming and cycling - of the Arch2Arc triathlon.

The fuel utilisation data also provides detail on how much carbohydrate and energy Paul will require to fuel his challenge. In combination this has refined Paul’s event strategy, hopefully setting him up for success in his epic challenge.

Performance Physiologist, Steve Harris said:

It was great to have Paul in the lab to provide insight into his physiology and performance ready for the Arch2Arc. Paul has been putting in a tremendous amount of training which is evident in his data. We've provided guidance on his pacing and fuelling strategy which will hopefully support optimised performance during the event!"

Paul commented about his experience with the Loughborough Sport Physiology Team:

Visiting the Loughborough performance centre was a really important part of my preparation for the Arc2Arc ultra-triathlon as it’s allowed my coach and I to fine tune the latter stages of my training program and also fine tune my pacing strategy for the different parts of the events."

He added:

For an ultra-endurance event it’s going to be key to conserve energy through the run, in order to be successful at the English Channel swim on the 2nd day, so run pacing and fuelling is critical and Steven and Alex have provided valuable advice on these elements.”

Paul has just completed a simulation weekend in the Lake District where he ran 70km, swam 27km and cycled 50km back-to-back, to further fine tune his race plan. The weekend was a success, and he learnt about how he could further improve on certain elements and apply them to the main event. Paul’s team also practiced feeding him from a moving boat whilst he was swimming in Lake Windermere.

Find out more information about physiology services at Loughborough.