Ultra-marathon endurance swimmer Ross Edgley and the sports scientists at PhD Nutrition are announcing one of the most unique and in-depth analysis of extreme endurance swimming ever undertaken.
Testing the limits of the human stomach, Edgley will undertake a brutal, world-record breaking 360km swim over 7 days at the Best Centre in Mallorca, Spain, breaking the record for the longest distance covered in a pool in a week.
The team will be collecting reports, data and metrics throughout the swim, detailing the impact of his expertly crafted, high-calorie nutritional strategy and its effectiveness. Throughout the challenge, Ross will push the body and notably, the digestive system to its limits and has already transformed his body from his Great British Swim weight of 102kg to 82kg for Mallorca. PhD Nutrition’s highly revered Smart Bars and Diet Whey products have been integral to Ross achieving as hydrophobic a body shape as possible and preparing for the summer.
The attempt will be made possible by a nutrient-dense diet supported by PhD Nutrition and comprising of Super Greens, multi-vitamins, Omega 3, Nootropics and Vitamin D3. Taking on a nutrient dense diet is in itself a feat for the human digestive system and Ross will be working closely with Performance Nutritionist, Vlad Sabou, on a range of studies evaluating the limits of the human body.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found the stomach of a competitive eater can stretch to 2 or 3 times its normal size (demonstrating the adaptability of the stomach). The stomach science concluded with researchers stating, “Future studies should focus on a number of areas, including the most effective methods to induce gut adaptations… but it is clear that “nutritional training” can improve gastric emptying and absorption and likely reduce the chances and/or severity of gastrointestinal distress problems during endurance events (thereby improving performance).” This is exactly what PhD Nutrition and Edgley want to do as they test a range of scientific theories closely and effectively by the poolside.
Ross Edgley said: “Obviously 360km will be a lot to swim, but I’m excited to see what we as a team uncover by attempting such a unique study since there’s still so much we don’t know about the science of our stomachs in sport. Which is why as an athlete, a scientist and a guinea pig, I’m excited for every kilometre and calorie in Mallorca.”
PhD’s Richard Staveley said: “Ross’s latest challenge is an immense undertaking, and encapsulates everything we strive for at PhD. Ross is of course an inspiring figure, and our team are immensely excited to be supporting him poolside as well as of course providing him with the very latest products and expertise. As a leading nutrition brand, innovation is at our core, and the upcoming challenge provides a unique opportunity to work with Ross on exploring and testing the true limits of the human body.”
Supporting Ross’s epic series of challenges will be nutritional partner PhD Nutrition, the brand playing an integral role in Edgley’s gruelling behind-the-scenes training regime as well as working by his side during the attempt. As official nutrition partner, the series will cover in depth the extensive nutritional needs of Edgley, as well as the immense mental fortitude Ross requires to attempt the challenge.
