Marathons
 

Good morning, folks!

I have a little over a week left before I run in my first marathon. I have the physical part taken care of as I've been training all year for it. My question for anyone who has done a marathon before or who is a long distance runner is what sort of food do you take with you to maintain energy levels during the run? I've been munching on small protien bars while training (1/2 to 1 every 45 min) but I was wondering if there was a specific bar I should eating?

Also, if anyone has any last minute tips for navigating the marathon like clothing or anything else it would be much appreciated. I'll post on the 10th and let you know how I did. Thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

i would say no to solids and stick with powerade...you want carbs for fuel.

energy gels... and lots of water. maybe salt tablets as well

I admire you. I have never run more than 10km in one go (except that time i was being chased by the cops) so i dont think i can help. Good luck!

Use what works for you. If your body is used to the bars you are currently using. Why change this close to the race?

Some people can adjust quickly. I find on my long runs I like using Gu gels, really any of the good gels that are out there will work for me. Good gels are the ones with the 4 to 1 ratio. Carb to Protein. The gels seem to not sit as heavy on the stomach during the long runs. Which I like. The gels will be absorbed faster.

But on my long bike rides. I use bars. The bars take a little more time to digest and stick around a little longer. Which is great for the longer efforts on the bike.

What has been your longest distance run using your current feeding method? How did you feel? How was your recovery after your long run? What type of carbs are you consuming during your runs? (If any?) You really do need them, as well as protein

Water, water, water.... once you realize you have not been drinking enough. It's to late. Try to hit every feed/water station.

Good luck!

I use energy gels for cycling. The trick is finding something that wont upset the stomach. Ive found that energy gels do this best for me. Eat one about 5 minutes before you start, and then one every 45 minutes to an hour thereafter. Make sure to wash it down with some liquid.

My longest run has been only about 17 miles or so, but I've never eaten while running, ever, it's not necessary for that distance. For a marathon it gets a little different, but maybe, 1 time an hour or so, go with gu. Something easy and quick to digest. Eating a bar every 45 minutes will get rather nasty as they sit there in your stomach after 4 or 5 or so.

I applaud you. I myself have not ran a marathon yet but I would like to and have been reading up on training and such. They hold a marathon where I live and the night before they hold a pasta dinner for all the contestants. I know it makes sense to carb load before the race but I have no idea what or if you should eat during the race. Good luck.