[movingon]

I've been training on PB+J and corn muffins, water and cytomax. I can't really tolerate and of the gu, gels, or bars... they run right through me... the problem you ask?? I am STARVING 3 hours into a long run, and since I think I will be out there for 16+ hours, I need some suggestions. Last long run to practice with food is this Sunday. HELP!!! BTW, dairy is not an option. Thanks!!

 

[diablita]

I have a sensitive stomach when I run and blood sugar issues, so I've had to be really cautious with my training as well. I find that I can handle Lara bars well b/c the only ingredients are fruits and nuts (plus chocolate in a few flavors) and ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ELSE. The lemon and apple flavors are the most neutral for me.<br>
Another option is oatmeal raisin cookies. I've stuffed those in my pack before.<br>
And sports beans are much easier on the stomach, but they don't give a big sugar hit.<br>
Maybe you could fit a few pretzels in your pack?

 

[Hippo]

I'm partial to shot-blocks, but you'll have to try them yourself. Perpetuem and Ensure are two things people go to if their stomach shuts down/goes pukey. Don't try perpetuem at home: it tastes like dishwater. When you truly need it the taste improves magically.<br><br>
I like little red potatoes. If you practice cooking them you can get them to just the right consistency where they are totally packable yet digest easily. They are cheap enough that you can practice a few times to get it just right and be out a whole 39 cents.<br><br>
Seedless red grapes can be awesome sometimes.<br><br>
I'm sorry that I've lost track. I've been really distracted. What are you doing and when? VT100?<br><br>
(No, that can't be it. She said 16+ hours and I'm pretty sure that VT100 would only take Carrie around 13 hours)

 

[roots]

You're right. You need something. Probably eventually something solid. (I say probably, because everyone is different and some folks go on liquid fuels alone.)<br><br>
Have you tried trail mix? Try some of the high-glycemic types, with chocolate chips or M&Ms. Packs well, cept the chocolate melts on warm days. If I needed, I could probably do an entire ultra on trail mix alone. But it would get old.<br><br>
At Laurel, have an empty ziplock handy. At the aid station, take a few items with you and keep walking on. Food will just catch your eye. Later in the race the warm foods (soup, grilled cheese, etc) are a welcome sight and go down well.<br><br>
How's your hydration? Any problems taking in water and electrolytes? Have you had any substantial training runs in the heat yet?<br><br>
You're doing good, Carrie. Keep keeping aware of what you like/dislike. You'll do great.

 

[merigayle]

That is the hardest thing about ultras. What did you do at JFK?<br><br>
I get most of my calories from Gatorade, Clif Blocks, and Ensure-- what about chocolate soy milk? Whole Foods sells juice boxes of soy milk that i put in coolers.<br>
what about fig newtons?<br>
Also, since you will be at a race, and a premier race, you will have a big choice. Gingerale and Coke are always good to settle the stomach as well during a race.<br>
Ziplock baggie is a very good idea!!!<br>
have you tried the clif blocks?<br>
I think she is doing the Laurel Highlands (70M?)<br><br>
See, sugary things kill my tummy at races-- M&Ms, etc.

 

[movingon]

Thanks Dev, Hippo and Roots,<br>
I will get a hold of some of the stuff to try. I used Perpetum during the JFK 50, I know they make a flavored one because yes, the unflavored does taste like dishwater!! YUCK, but it works. Good Idea on the empty ziploc!!<br><br>
Hippo, I am running the Laurel Highlands 70M in 2 weeks.

 

[movingon]

Hey Meri,<br>
I was hoping you'd weigh in! Ala I did at JFK was half a PBand J and perpetum, but the LH is going to be substancially longer time out there than the JFK. I think I will be nearing most of the cut off times. So 16+ hours if my goal I could be out there much longer. Luckily the cut off times are generous!!<br>
I think I might try the chocolate soy milk... I love choc milk as a post run drink so the soy might work during.<br>
Thanks guys!!

 

[merigayle]

I think as long as you somehow get 200-300 cals/hour into you, it really does not matter how you do it. A lot of people drink water and get all their cals from food. I could not stomach that. I do half gatorade, and the rest ensure and clif blocks. Have you tried clif blocks? gels and gus made me very ill, but i can easily tolerate them and there are caffienated ones as well.

 

[Durt]

Don't forget about the old standby--'taters and salt! Pretty gentle on the stomach, and a good starchy source of energy. I've found that they tend to help "buffer" some of the other junk I tend to scarf down at ultras.<br><br>
When I first started with longer distances, I found my digestive system would really just shut down. I could eat to a point (and only certain things really--which was mainly power bars), but after that it seemed like nothing would digest, and I would feel truly ill.<br><br>
Eventually, with training, I found that I could push the limit, and my system was able to keep moving. I think this really happened after my first 5+ hour training run. Only certain things were appealing at first. But I would bring a variety of foods with me and tried them in doses.<br><br>
These days, I've found myself able to handle just about anything, at least on a 50-miler. At Bull Run, I went into the "Do Loop" carrying 3 cheese quesadillas smothered with guacamole, a half a beer, and a mouthful of m&m's. After eating a few potato slices of course <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[merigayle]

My stomach never toughened up like Durts <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"><br><br>
oh!!<br>
the other things that i learned:<br><br>
1. at the first sign of nausea, eat ginger<br>
2. constant stream of calories prevents the stomach from shutting down-- eat and drink early and constantly.<br>
3. succeed! caps helped with stomach issues.<br>
4. if you suffer from nausea and vomitting during races, try the "SeaBands" which are little fabric bracelets that have a nub on them that stimulates the acupuncture point on the wrist for nausea. You can buy them at any pharmacy.

 

[merigayle]

Just thinking about that and running = <img alt="" src="http://www.runningforums.com/uploads/smilies2/blech.gif" style="border:0px solid;">

 

[movingon]

I'd have to agree w/ Meri on the face Durt!! I am a terrible eater to begin with so this is awfully difficult for me especially with one training run left. On the whole I prefer to drink my calories, yogurt smoothies, protein drinks, etc, you get the idea. But I will try the cliff blocks, provided I can find them, the soy chocolate drink and back to the perpetum. I think the potatoes are out but I could try!!<br>
Wish me luck!