Fairbairn Nutrition
No fads, no nonsense — just practical, evidence-based nutrition and exercise science for endurance athletes.
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Breaking down the science behind performance — energy systems, VO₂ max, lactate thresholds, and more.
Practical fuelling, hydration, and recovery advice for endurance athletes — from race-day gels to daily eating habits.
Structuring sessions, managing fatigue, and balancing training loads to work towards your next PB.
Latest article
Latest article · Nutrition
8 September 2025 · 8 min read
TL;DR
Electrolytes aren’t a cure-all for cramp. Most runs don’t require them — but for hot, long, or ultra-endurance events, they can make a real difference.
The science shows that for shorter or moderate sessions you usually don’t need to replace sodium unless you’re sweating heavily and drinking a lot. For really long days in the heat, that’s when replacing sodium becomes important.
HydrationElectrolytesRunning
All articles
TLDR: When to Take Electrolytes whilst Running? Electrolytes aren’t a cure all for cramp. Most runs don’t require them, but for hot, long, or ultra-endurance
TLDR: Are Maurten Gels Worth it? Maurten gels are fancy, pricey little sachets of sugar. Research shows they might reduce gut issues and help with
TLDR: Does chocolate milk help recovery? Yes, research shows chocolate milk can help you refuel glycogen stores, boost muscle protein synthesis, rehydrate, and even provide
TLDR: Are energy gels bad for you? Not if you’re an endurance athlete. Despite what you’ve heard, energy gels are not bad for you when
TLDR: Plenty of endurance athletes aren’t experiencing low energy availability because they don’t know better, leaving them asking how to I actually stop underfuelling? You’re
TLDR: Cramp mid-run? Heard pickle juice might help? You’re not alone. This blog sums up the science: cramps aren’t just about electrolytes or dehydration. In
Evidence-based nutrition and training advice for endurance athletes. No nonsense, no fads — just the stuff that actually works.
