My long runs are about to start for my next marathon training. So here's the situation: I really think I'm hypoglycemic. Yes, that is a self diagnosis, but the doctor did mention something about it when I was pregnant, so maybe I'm not totally off. Although everything I've googled says hypoglycemia in a non diabetic is rare, so who knows. What I *DO* know is that I am a grazer, and I like to snack on something every hour or so. If I go any longer than that, I get: tired, lethargic, dizzy, quiet, and most of all, cranky. Ask my loved ones, it's a bit dangerous at times. The whole family knew, ever since I was little, that when Heather starts to get quiet and withdrawn, you better feed her...or else. I even remember my Dad giving this warning to an old boyfriend in high school haha.Now , obviously this has an effect on my running. If i don't eat breakfast, or basically within the hour before running, I find myself dragging. During every long distance race I've ever done, I've absolutely noticed a difference in my performance after taking a Gu/carbboom/Cliffshot/powergel. Not a huge difference, but I do notice a difference. I also notice a difference in my stomach...as in it starts to feel awful. I don't think energy gels and I mesh well. I also think I often overdo the water/Gatorade combo, because to top off the gu stomach issues, I have sloshy belly. You know, when you feel the water sloshing around in there.
So my question to all of you is how did you find what combo works for you in a long run or race? I've talked to some people who have it down to a science, others who simply alternate Gatorade and water for an entire 26.2 miles.
Do I just spend the next 16 weeks of training experimenting with different things? I'll be honest, the world of "performance products" is overwhelming. Drink mixes for before, during, and after your run. Gels. Blocks. Bars. Chews. Hydration tablets. Electrolyte tablets. Tissue rejuvenation tablets.
Am I the only one who's head starts to spin thinking about all of this? Might I mention I don't take sports nutrition in school until Spring 2010! So, help a somewhat clueless runner out...what do you do, and how did you decide that's what to do as far as race nutrition is concerned? Thanks for all of your tips and suggestions!
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I'm still pretty clueless myself, but I think the only way to figure out what works for you is to experiment. You have plenty of long runs aheasd to get it right!
I am the same way with food! I graze all day and have some kind of snack in my purse at all times. If not - watch out!
The exception for me is running. If I eat too soon before a run my "plumbing" goes in to overdrive and I am looking for the nearest port-a-potty/bush. I have found that I only need a protein type energy bar (at least 2 hrs before a long run) and then Gu's for the rest of the run.
I would say experiment on your long runs and see what works best for you. I know some runners eat a half of a banana or orange slices during their runs.
Hi Heather!
Thanks for the note and the tip! Look forward to watching your progress as well!!!
-Stephie
I experimented with a lot of stuff while training for my last marathon, and finally basically decided that while I don't really like Gu, it's the easiest to deal with and I just need to suck it up. So now I'm working on killing the gag reflex . . .
"Heather starts to get quiet and withdrawn, you better feed her..." replace your name with mine and swap withdrawn with MEAN and you have me. LOL I have to eat regularly or I am totally snarky and hard to be around.
What I have been doing for my training is writing down what I eat the night before, morning of and what I take in during my run. That way I know the right balance of food and drink. In the morning I will have half a mug of coffee, a Red Bull and some water, balanced with a wheat bagel and granola bar (I think that helps with the sloshy tummy). During my run I have one bottle with Blue Gatorade and one with water. On my runs longer than 15 miles I will carry a 16 oz water bottle. I have found this to be the right balance for me, but you are shorter than me (I think) so??? I also have a Gu (with water to wash it down) and Gu Chomps along the way. It is all a balance, my advice means nothing because you have a totally different engine. Hang in there, you will find the balance.
And once you take your class you can teach all of us..
Heather - you sound a lot like me. I am hypoglycemic. I think that it is somewhat common, with some people being more severe than others. [HypERglycemia is the diabetic thing - I am guessing that is probably what you read is rare in non-diabetics.]
Like you and other commenters have said, you have to figure out what works for you. for me, gu every 30-45 minutes (experiment until you find one that doesn't make you gag - for me chocolate gu works because it tastes like frosting/fudge). Then water throughout the run. I supplement with S-caps (salt pills) every 45-60 minutes on hot days.
Also, Gu just came out with Chomps. Those work great for me on the bike but I haven't tried them on the run yet. They are so much better than Clif shots, IMO.
Good luck!
i'm still experimenting but lately i've been drinking nuun water for electrolytes and taking gu on long runs, like every 5-6 miles or so....i tried jelly beans and chomps but didn't like them...still not sure i like gu but it's the most palatable...
I can't speak to the gels or anything. I'm such a newbie that if you gave me one, I'm not sure I wouldn't think it was lubricant...albeit flavored. That's probably TMI, but hey, I'm a nurse, and it DOES kind of look like our lubricant packets.
Let me know what you find out...I may have to borrow your plan to start.
I'm a bit like you. I had an episode in college where my boyfriend had to force feed me cheerios because I became so belligerent. Fun.
I find that for longer runs, I need a Gu about every 5 miles (Gu is the only one that doesn't upset my stomach, YMMV) and I NEED a sports drink. Water doesn't cut it for me after about 10 miles. Maybe if I had a GU every four miles that might work. But, I do a gu every 5 miles and try to get gatorade at every water stop starting at around 8-10 miles. If I'm doing a gu, I try to do it before the water stop, grab a water and wash it down and then gatorade as well. But, I think I may be unusual that way.
Definitely play with it during your long runs to figure out what your body needs.
MCM Mama
i know i'm commenting late on all your posts, i'm a slow poke. anyway sometimes nutrition stresses me out as well. so basically i drink gatorade and water when i feel thirsty, my body sometimes screams for just water so i do it. other than that i use sport beans on long runs of 12 miles or more and sometimes shot blocs (that i cut up ahead of time). no science, just feeling for me. not sure that helps, but just know you aren't alone, it does seem overwhelming. oh and i've heard when you have sloshy belly to stop drinking, that's on galloways website, because i get slosh too, blech.
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