solid fuel for marathon

drmariner

For experienced stand alone marathoners: l've always used gels for long training runs or races but lately have been testing using solid food (power bar blasts) in smaller amounts (2 pieces every 2 miles). Any advantage or disadvantage? My thought was that for the marathon it would spread the calories out more evenly but I suspect for that last 10k of the marathon when it feels like 5k effort it may be harder to get down than a gel (and maybe more complicated).
My longest runs have been 20 miles so I haven't tested anything beyond that. Also I'm not sure I can extrapolate from my IM marathons when it seems like I live on coke.

What do experts say? Thanks.

rlh2000

Solid food can be tougher on the gut when running at higher intensity, though nutrition is such an individual thing. Another option if you just want a way to spread the fuel out more would be to put gels in a gel flask and take smaller sips more frequently. Whatever you do, test it out!

tim cronk

A lot of people use blocks about 33 cal per block and they digest very well, very easy to calculate and monitor your intake... But I'm with Rachel and put my gels in a small hand held flask so that I can sip 1/2 a gel or about 50 cal at a time.....

Steve West

I'm a fan of gels. Simple, easy, no chewing. I say no chewing because of my denture, it gets loose and is a major pain for me.

I also carry a 22 oz water bottle that allows me to gel > drink when my HR & breathing allow but I do get most of my hydration at aid stations.

after 23 marathons, only the first included solid food. All the rest were either Gu or Power Gels fueled.

MattAaronson

In a marathon I'm working too hard to process solid foods. I use Gu gels.

drmariner

Thanks everyone-it looks like I'll stick with gels

Mark Hickman

Agree with the gels ~ it took me a while to find a gel that I could stomach when working hard, but now I have a go to that my stomach agrees with and I don't have any trouble digesting. Keep experimenting to find yours. (Powerbar Strawberry Banana for me ~ not as thick, and especially when warmer ~ slides right to the stomach)

Peter Noyes

If you don't go with a gel flask, I recently did a marathon with a "Running Buddy" which is a magnetic pouch that attaches to your shorts. I went with the mini version that can hold 3 or so gel pouches and it worked great.

Caltri

@Peter: bought a mini Running Buddy based on your recommendation and it works great. Thanks.