Infinit on run (HIM)?
I thought I recall a thread about how to prepare a concentrated Infinit for use on run course on race day. My search skills are seriously lacking this morning though.
This morning I realized that the RD are going to have Heed on the course at Patriot HIM which I'm racing in 3 weeks. While I'm typically one to use my own Infinit on the bike and live off the course for the run (I'm heavy enough as is that I would prefer to not strap 34oz around my waist if I don't have to; although I do this on training runs ) Heed is one of those drinks that I just can't stand. The few times I've tried it in the past the stuff just made me gag.
I've looked around for the approach to mixing up concentrated Infinit in Fuel Belt bottles and taking in smart squirts as concentrated form with water at each aid station. Wondering if anyone in the Nation has done this, thoughts, suggestions.
Thanks.
Comments
I'm with you on the Heed, double YUCK! I also usually live off the land. If it were me in your case I would use a couple of gels and drink the water on the course. I wouldn't want to carry the Infinit. Have you tried Powerbar gels? First Endurance also makes a really good gel that they sell in a gel flask, it is a subtle vanilla flavor and the flask is 400 calories which would probably be enough for you on the run. Good luck!,
I do all my races with infinit. For a half mary you're looking at needing maybe 1.5 to 2 servings. This can be done in a couple of ways. If you are concerned about weight you can make your own Infinit gel. Use a 2 cup measuring cup with maybe 3 ounces of water and stir in your 3 or 4 scoops with a fork. Pour it into your flask and add whatever water you need.
The next option would be to carry a bike bottle with your concentrate.
Then the last option would be to "strap 34oz around your waist".
With the concentrates, and for me even the 34oz option, you'll need to supplement with course water.
If you find yourself concentrating your mixture often, you might want to tune down the flavor setting on your formula. For 2 hours it's not bad, but concentrates more than that can get pretty sweet.
Mike
I've made the infinite flask super concentrate for the run in the past as well. You have to add the water slowly to the powder and be patient, but It does work. My original plan at IMWI in 08 was to add this to my cup of water and drink- but that really didn't work so well. It would be better to just use it as a type of gel- take a little nip of it with water at each aid station. However, frankly, by the time I get to the run I really do need something different and I'll likely have a different plan this year. I'm actually planning on trying out the First Endurance Gel this summer - 400 cals would be too much for a HIM for me, but it would be perfect for IM.
I happen to like Heed (I must be that oddball one in 50 who does)- but if you don't tolerate it well, I'd say Kate's suggestion makes the most sense. Just use the water and gels provided on the course- but be sure you've tried that type of gel in advance! You may also want to carry some salt tabs with you to supplement since you won't get much of that from the gel.
I have a run blend that I use with no protein and make a 250 or so calories in a small water bottle. I grab water on the go at aid stations and squirt a little in the cup....
I'm a fan of the gel flask on the run. I don't like carrying bottles on the run. I want to try the First Endurance Gel sometime too.
PS - I like Heed also, Nemo.
P
Based on everything I've seen posted I'm thinking of trying 2 scoops of a run mix I use into an 8oz bottle. I think I could get away with carrying Fuel Belt with 2 bottles and using water from the course as has been suggested. I've gone back to some old race reports to see what worked in the past. For my personal best HIM's I carried fuel belt with 32oz of regular strength fluid around my waist and supplemented with water/gel from course (pre-Infinit days). Thinking I need to worry less about the weight on my waist and focus more on making sure I have what I need so I can stay up on calories and fluid. Must avoid bonking at all cost as I'm not sure the family (who will be at this race) can take seeing me wiped out like that again. They've already said no more to IMs for me and I really don't want to have to be limited to sprints/oly's.
Thanks again.
Aaron, I just wanted to make sure everyone saw this incredibly insightful sentence. Let the weight weenies diddle over carrying a standard 8oz FuelBelt bottle or their 10oz versions (as if those 2 oz are going to keep you off the Olympic team or something!!). I think it's SO important to focus on having what you need for the race - especially if you (like me!) have a history of medical tent visits post-race.
Mike
I just carry a little 20oz water bottle of infinit and use water at the aid stations. I made a run formula with zero taste, lighter calories and some salt/caffeine for when it heats up.