From Intention to Execution: Pre-Race Nutrition Behaviours, Influences, and Performance Outcomes in Female Endurance Athletes at the IRONMAN® World Championships

Fortis, HO, Whitehead, A ORCID: 0000-0003-0611-364X, Cronin, C ORCID: 0000-0002-1687-4437, Johnson, KO ORCID: 0000-0002-7395-5129, Shepherd, S, Hackney, A, Close, GL ORCID: 0000-0002-7210-9553 and Strauss, JA ORCID: 0000-0001-7175-2494 From Intention to Execution: Pre-Race Nutrition Behaviours, Influences, and Performance Outcomes in Female Endurance Athletes at the IRONMAN® World Championships. European Journal of Sport Science. ISSN 1746-1391 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Endurance competition preparation involves complex psychological, logistical, and sociocultural factors. This study investigated the pre-race nutrition practices of female endurance athletes, by applying a newly developed extended Theory of Planned Behaviour, including behavioural execution to the framework to capture real-world in-fluences (ETPB-X). Using a convergent mixed-methods design, 27 female triathletes competing at the 2024 IRONMAN® World Championships completed questionnaires, 48-hour food diaries, and semi-structured interviews before and after the race. Quantitative data (n = 23) were analysed for energy and macronutrient intake, while qualitative data were thematically coded using the conceptual ETPB-X framework, incorporating attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), utilitarian drivers, and behavioural execution. Only 26% (6/23) of athletes achieved carbohydrate loading guidelines (8-12 g·kg⁻¹ body mass (BM)·day⁻¹), with an overall mean intake of 6.4 ± 2.1 g·kg⁻¹ BM. Higher carbohydrate intake correlated with faster finish times (r = –0.50, p = 0.035), while fibre intake was positively associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptom severity (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings revealed that adherence to diet plans was influenced by PBC, travel logistics, emotional regulation, and athlete identity. This study provides a novel application of the ETPB-X framework to pre-race nutrition in female endurance athletes. Athletes often under-achieve carbohydrate loading targets despite awareness, with success determined as much by psychosocial and contextual factors as by knowledge. Practically, enhancing PBC, improving planning/preparation, and delivering clear, goal-aligned education, may bridge the intention-behaviour gap. Integrating behavioural frameworks into performance nutrition offers a pathway toward more effective, athlete-centred interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Article accepted for publication in European Journal of Sport Science (Wiley eISSN :1536-7290)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	0913 Mechanical Engineering; 1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences; Sport Sciences; 4207 Sports science and exercise; 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
Subjects:	T Technology > TX Home economics > TX341 Nutrition. Foods and food supply Q Science > QP Physiology G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Wiley
Date of acceptance:	22 April 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	30 April 2026
Date Deposited:	30 Apr 2026 08:38
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2026 08:38
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28491

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