Infinit - Training on your IM Race Formula

Tyler Robinson

Do folks use a different Infinit formula for training than they do for an actual IM race?  I would think an IM race formula designed for a 12-hour day would have way more complex carbs than might be optimal for a 2-3 hour training day.  So do you match your training formula to the duration of your training sessions and then switch to a race formula with more complex carbs for the race or do you just use your long course formula for the (much) shorter training sessions?  And does anyone use concentrated Infinit in a Fuelbelt on the run?  And if so, is it the same formula you use for the bike?  Most of the discussions I've come across in the forums seem to suggest switching to the on-course nutrition (Gatorade, Coke, etc.) for the run.

I've used Infinit in the past and like it but things have been pretty simple since I was doing shorter races and the training sessions were often similar in duration to the race itself.   Right now I'm still in the OS so things are easy - H20 does the trick. 

Thanks.

jwpicciotto

I would suggest that you not use a different formula for training versus racing. You have to train your nutrition just like you train other parts of of your fitness. If your Infinit Bike Mix is good enough for a 3 hour ride, it is good enough for an IM distance ride. Just like you won't go and have your bike refit the day before a race, you don't want to show up to the race and do your nutrition different than what you are use to.

On the run, it becomes more of a personal preference. I use a fuel belt with concentrated Infinit. However, my run formula is different than my bike formula. Much less protein in my run formula than bike, and I change flavors to keep from experiencing flavor fatigue. I do this because I have issues with GI distress from the protein during runs. However, this is what I train with so I am use to it. If you are going to use on course nutrition, then you should train with the same products that they are going to use at the event. My mantra is no surprises and nothing new on race day.

Coach Patrick

What John said...every long ride is a chance to train your nutrition and dial in your "situational" strategy: heat vs humidity vs cold vs wind vs whatever.

[Deleted User]

Hi, since I have been doing my long bike rides on the weekend, I have a question about my nutritonal needs on what I should consume and how often I should drink. I have used Hammer Perpetuem and Hammer Heed, combined with power bars and Hammer gels. I guess my question is not only how often I should consume the Heed, and Pepetuem and gels, but how much should I consume on a long bike IM bike ride? I am 5'10" and weigh about 143lbs. Thanks for any advice, as I want to start incorporating my nutrition training with my actual training!

penlynwilson

Hi Linda,

You can start with either about 60 grams of carbs per hour or .45 grams of carbs per pound of body weight.

I would suggest simplifying your nutrition. Trying to balance all of those things and remember to take what and when is a lot to think about come race day. Mixing sports drinks and gels can work as long as you drink enough water to dilute the gel. Otherwise, you can end up with GI distress - cramps, bloating, diarrhea. A mix of glucose and fructose is better absorbed than glucose alone and can allow you to absorb more than the 60 grams/hour.

How much you consume is based on how many hours you will be on the course.

penlynwilson

@Tyler: Race with what you train with. DO NOT do anything different/new on race day. That is a recipe for disaster.

Tyler Robinson

Thanks for the feedback, all!

I ordered two new formulas: a bike mix with 250 cal, 600mg of sodium, heavy on the complex carbs and 2g of protein; and a run mix with 150 cal, 500mg sodium, balanced carbs, no protein and a caffeine hit. Not really sure about the protein in the bike mix as I can't imagine that 2g per serving will really do much in terms of satisfying hunger and likely raises the possibility of having GI issues on the run but I'm looking forward to experimenting and seeing if they work for me - I feel like a mad scientist.

Nate Parady

@Tyler, FWIW, My bike formula is very close to yours. 250cals/2g Protein/500mgSodium/very little flavor....When I use a three hour bottle (750 Cals) for my 3 hour rides I feel great afterwards. I'm not hungry or dizzy afterward....Yesterday I experimented with a 2 hour bottle for my 3 hour ride and I was starving afterwards and felt a little "off"..I think it was the lack of sodium....
I'm 5'10'', 160lbs
Good luck..

Coach Rich

Good discussion!

Just a quick reminder to everyone to check out the Race Day Nutrition webinar in the wiki, in the Race Execution section.

brianrobkelly@hotmail.com

I am going to try infinit..have never used it before...i went ot the website, and it looks like you design your own drink???  can someone reccomend the proper mix...caffine/no cafine..electrolytes..how much???...i am 5'10  155 lbs..doing IMOO and IMFL..the proper fueling during an ironman has been a problem for me..thanks!

 

Brian

vickaiser

If you go on their site and actually go to the shopping cart, you can order a FREE consult with a RD. I did that and the dietician that called me was INCREDIBLY knowledgeable. I gave her my password for the infinit site and she actually went in an build my custom formulas for me. She gave me one for IM bike and a different one for short course. She talked to me a lot about the whole thing, caffeine, carb mix, lytes, everything. Had some great recommendations. The IM formula worked great at IMTX.

mattsull

 I called the phone number and Michael Folan, the owner, answered. He helped me choose my initial formulas and was extremely knowledgable and helpful.

penlynwilson

Michael is awesome! Met him a few years ago when he was first getting started at Gulf Coast Half. Saw him at IMTX this year. Thrilled his company is doing so well.

jmoss70

Michael can be hard to contact sometimes.  If this is the case then do what he told me to do.  Go to the pre-mixed formulas that they have for Long Course, pick one and then adjust the sliders from there.  I have consumed a crapload of Infinit over the years and here's some things I can tell you that aren't exactly that easy to figure out.

1.  Electrolytes (Sodium) - Michael will tell you that even the heaviest sweaters should be around 400 mg.  I have mine set at 470 mg and I can tell you from experience that if you go much farther than 490 mg it's going to taste like salt water.

2.  Flavor - Be careful not to dial it up too high.  Mine is about 2/3 of the way up the slider and it's plenty.  That flavor gets more and more intense as you exercise longer.

3.  Caffeine - Michael says that the range is 0-200 mg. 

4.  Protein - I wouldn't do it.  Makes me gassy and I don't like the way it tastes when it gets warmer.

Here's what my mix looks like:

 

Supplement Facts Servings Per Container (25) Serving Size: 2 Scoops (67.51 g)	Ingredients
Amount Per Serving Calories: 250 Calories from Fat: 0 Total Fat: 0g - 0% of daily value      Saturated Fat: 0g - 0% Sodium: 471mg - 19% Potassium: 136mg - 4% Total Carbohydrate: 62 - 20%      Dietary Fiber: 0g - 0%      Sugars: 21 Protein: 0 - 0% Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene): 0 - 0% Vitamin C: 0 - 0% Vitamin E: 0 - 0% Selenium: 0 - 0% Calcium: 38 - 4% Magnesium: 28 - 7%	Maltodextrin Dextrose Sucrose Citric Acid Natural Flavors Sodium chloride Potassium chloride Magnesium gluconate Calcium gluconate Isoleucine Valine Leucine Caffeine
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

penlynwilson

You can also use the interview as a starting point. That is what I do with mu clients - have them run through the interview, adjust the sliders (particularly flavor), then slingshot it to me to review. I may make a few adjustments, send it back, and they order.

Bruce Thompson

I agree - get the free phone consult.  I made up a formula, then did the consult.  The consultant adjusted my formula and explained why.  Made sense to me.  I got both a bike and run formula and they have been working great in my training.  No hunger sensation, no GI problems, no muscle cramps on either bike or run.  Will use Infinit in 3 weeks @ IMCDA along with plenty of on course H2O.   Bike formula has 280 calories, 425 mg of sodium, 4 grams of protein but no caffeine.  Run formula has 240 calories, same sodium, no protein and small amount of caffeine.  Flavor is low on both formulas so I can concentrate them into 2 or 3 hour bottles.  I'm 6 feet and 160 lbs.