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What to Drink?

trichicktrichick
in General Training Discussions
I'm working on figuring out nutrition for my first ironman
Is there any benefit to training with multiple brands of sports drinks and not just settling on one brand? My concern is that if I train with one type and run out during the race, I then have to use whatever is on course. I would like my tummy to be as prepared as the rest of me.

Comments

  • Stephanie HartmannStephanie Hartmann
    I'd find out what they will have on the course, and use that if possible. So many things can go wrong otherwise, especially if you are traveling any real distance to your race...ie flying. I'm going to use what I use and NOT the stuff on the course, BUT I'm driving to mine so I don't have to worry about losing anything or not being able to get it on a plane. That said, I'm planning on uisng a little of (I think it will be Gatorade) closer to the race just to make sure it doesn't make me barfy. Anything can happen out there, so I'm told, so while I'd like to think I've got it all figured out...probably I'll be wrong. image) Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
  • Michael QuintonMichael Quinton
    My suggestion would be to start with what will be offered on the course-- most likely Gatorade Endurance Formula if doing IM branded event (http://www.gatorade.com/products/endurance/endurance-formula-powder) and working from there through trial and error with longer training sessions. Personally, I like to trade off between Gatorade and water but skew more towards the sports drink in warmer outdoor conditions.

    Typically, I like to drink more water on the bike because I seem to handle solid food beter with good ole H2O!
  • Scott GiljumScott Giljum
    If the race is in the States I believe it should be Gatorade endurance. I personally just try to use what will be on the course so that I don't have to do math or have something else to worry about later. You can get the powder from Amazon so that you can train with it. If that doesn't work for you, I would then start to see what other options are or ways to tinker with it (include salt tabs if needed, etc). Otherwise I would be concerned that you will try a bunch of different options that may all be fine, but not sure about any of them. My 2 cents anyway.
  • Mariah BridgesMariah Bridges
    It is always best to start with what is on the course- this puts one more thing inside your BOX of what you can control. If you can not use what is on the course, then I suggest going with a First Endurance or Infinite where you have a "heavy" bottle and hydrate the rest with water, as you know the races will always have water. I did this for Beach To Battleship bc course nutrition is HEED and I rather drink ANYTHING else than HEED. I used First Endurance EFS and it worked PERFECTLY. However, I am now on course nutrition for this year as I am only racing Mdot races so its Gatorade and I'm actually loving it more than Perform.
  • Mariah BridgesMariah Bridges
    FYI if you chose Infinit- they are a sponsor of EN and offer discounts so be sure to check that out. If you choose Gatorade, EFS First Endurance, buy in bulk from INSIDE OUT SPORTS (also a sponsor on the team) and you get a discount plus free shipping
  • trichicktrichick
    Thank you all for the advice!
  • Jonathan BrownJonathan Brown
    Christine, I also would recommend going with whats on Course. I found it very hard to worry about packing everything and making sure it is was at the right location at the right time.(i.e. drop bag for the bike). Also you can get cold drink on course where as your drop bag will have warmer bottles.

    FYI, test the "heavy" bottle if you do not do Gatorade. I ran into issues because i drank too much of the strong stuff and not enough water. thus causing issues with the belly.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Do WHATEVER you can to "live off the land". It's just sooooo much easier. The race is catered for goodness sake. Don't bring your stuff unless you absolutely must - allergy, gluten issues, religious choices, etc.

    The logistics of making bottles race morning and then stashing bottles in special needs is just one more thing to worry about. If you can free yourself from it, you will be that much more focused on race day. Plus, if you can live off the land, you will always have access to an infinite number of resources versus juts what you can carry and stash.
  • jalesliejaleslie

    Agree with others....live off what's there if you can stomach it.  Just make sure you're hitting your caloric and sodium requirements...

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