Hierarchy of importance: Training vs. Nutrition in Endurance Sports

In endurance sports, the importance of training versus nutrition varies based on performance level. Athletes in the middle to back of the field should prioritize training over nutrition. However, as athletes move towards the front, nutrition becomes increasingly crucial. Faster runners operate closer to their maximum oxygen uptake, presenting a limited margin for sustainability, making nutrition more significant. Conversely, slower runners operate at a lower percentage of their VO2 max, making nutrition less critical in comparison.