In my training last year, I tried the following:
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| Sport Beans |
| GU |
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| Honey Stinger Organic Waffle |
During training, I tried out all of these individually - in races, I've used either just one, or a combination, but I've never run a race without GU. Unfortunately, I think that GU is the biggest culprit in my ... uh ... tummy troubles. Taste and texture-wise, the waffles are my favorite. They're more like actual food. GU is kind of snot-y in texture, and the Sports Beans are just like jelly beans, which can be hard to chew while you're trying to run.
This year, I need to log a lot of miles. I also need to be able to log those miles without making a ton of pit stops. SO... I need to get this fueling thing figured out, ASAP.
My last half marathon was slow and shitty (pun intended - ew!), and I just can't go through that again. So, no more GU for me, and I'll see if that helps.
Anyone else have this issue? What have you done that helps?
I really, really, really like the waffles. And I love the Honey Stinger chews, but yes, they get hard to eat. However, this next race, I decided that I am taking a pair of kitchen shears, and cutting each one into 3 or 4 pieces, so that it's easier to manage in my mouth. I think that will help significantly. I keep trying GU, but... eh. I can tolerate one salted caramel one, but after that, not so much.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried the chews - I think the consistency would get to me. I'm not really a fan of gummy anything. I'm hoping the waffles will work out, but if I have issues in my next race I guess I'll have to figure something else out.
DeleteAnd that is why I don't fuel during (or before) runs!!!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, if I'm running for 2+ hours, I've got to eat SOMETHING, otherwise I'll get sick. It's a catch 22!
DeleteI used to do sports beans, but after some serious stomach distress in a half earlier this year I went back to the drawing board and came up with dried fruit. I tried a few different kinds to see what I liked and what worked for me, and now I swear by dried pineapple chunks. 6 small pieces are about 100 calories, and they're no worse to carry than a pack of beans. Might be worth a try if you get stuck? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion! I will have to try that. =)
DeleteSounds like maybe trial and error is in order, and maybe some "real" food instead of gimmicky stuff?
ReplyDelete'Real' food may indeed, be the way to go. Most of the ultra runners I know eat actual food, instead of gels and whatnot.
DeleteI love swedish fish! I also eat some gu chomps or shot blocks while running..not nearly as sweet at reg. Gu.
ReplyDeleteI have never had swedish fish! I will have to try those, thanks! =)
DeleteMaybe try a different brand? I feel like it's definitely a process to find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, like the Running Librarian, gummy candies work well also for some. I've heard people running marathons on nothing but gummy bears.
Yeah, I will be working on this all year till I find what works. Ugh.
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