Lionel Sanders' injury jeopardizes his participation in the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice.

Canadian Lionel Sanders, double world runner-up HOMBRE DE HIERRO, has seen his season compromised after suffering a mysterious glute injury that will keep him out of training for several weeks.

The 37-year-old triathlete had focused his planning on arriving in top form for the World Championships in Nice this September, but now his goal hangs in the balance.

Confirmed withdrawal from IRONMAN Lake Placid

Everything went wrong after a 20-kilometer running session that, at first, seemed to have left no after-effects.

However, that same night, she began to experience pain in her gluteal area, and the next day she was unable to walk. Imaging tests (MRI and CT) didn't detect any fractures, but the symptoms persisted.

This forced him to cancel his participation in IRONMAN Lake Placid (July 20) already taking the first full week of absolute rest in 15 years of professional career.

RED-S, the hidden cause?

After consulting with several specialists and analyzing his physical and nutritional status, Sanders has come to the conclusion that he could be suffering from relative energy deficiency syndrome (RED-S), a condition that occurs when the body does not receive enough energy to support training volume and basic functions.

"I've been eating less than I should for ten years. I was aiming for 2.000 calories more than I was burning, but I should be closer to 3.200 or 3.500," she explained in her latest YouTube vlog.

This imbalance can affect everything from muscle regeneration to bone health, which could explain a possible stress fracture that went undetected in her medical studies.

Gradual return: swimming and cycling, yes; running, no

For now, Sanders is back swimming and plans to get on the bike in the coming days, but the return to running will not come before four to six weeksA wait that puts his preparations for the World Cup in Nice in jeopardy, although he remains confident.

"If I do things right, I think I can be ready to compete in September. This might even make me better," he says.

Next steps: Louisville and Nice

Su calendar is now being restructured. The new plan contemplates reappearing in the IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville (August 17) as a first test, and then continue the preparation towards Nice.

Lionel Sanders He is also planning to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship. Marbella in November, if his recovery progresses as expected.

"I have no idea where this will take us, but I'm excited. Maybe this was just what I needed to really improve."