This has always been a struggle with me, to figure out the right formula to keep my motor going during competitions. It is a mixture of pace, mental strength, proper taper, proper rest, but the most obvious in all of these is fueling.
The first ultra I did, it was ridiculous on the many crates filled with snacks, drinks, gels, etc. I had no idea what my body would crave, really what was going to work and not work. It was all a mystery to me. I am a true experimenter and have tried many different products. I can't say that I have mastered this, but I do know what doesn't work as well as what does...and that is a big breakthrough.
The pictures you are seeing in this write up are Endurox, Accelerade drink and gels. These have been a very popular fueling source with not only me but my local running club Ultramatters.
Here is a description of each with a little added info from me:
Accelerade: the only sport drink that contains carbohydrates and protein in a patented 4:1 ratio, provides rapid re hydration and helps athletes perform better and recover faster. - extends endurance 29%
- reduces muscle damage by 83%
- improves endurance up to 40% in a subsequent workout
the 4:1 Advantage: It is the unique ratio of 4 parts carbs to 1 part protein which fuels superior endurance, performance, hydration and recover.
My favorite: The lemonade and fruit punch. It sits well in my stomach, has a wonderful taste to it, even after mile after mile after mile....
Accel Gel: - extends endurance 13% more than regular sports gel
rapid energy, speed muscle recover.
....I love the chocolate 20% caffeine gels...but I also love the orange, lime, vanilla....not too sweet and sticks with me! And I am not your typical gel loving person...but these are AWESOME! I even have to hide them from my kids!
and finally Endurox R4:
This is typically for exercise lasting more than one hour:
Endurox contains the patented 4:1 carb to protein ratio to speed muscle glycogen replenishment and rebuild muscle protein after exercise, antioxidants to reduce post-exercise muscle damage and glutamine to help reduce muscle stress.
Although this is used for some as an after drink, I use it during my endurance runs to keep me sustained. I know this has worked for me as well as my training partners which we frequently discuss.
Fueling is something to be proactive when running endurance races - start from the beginning and be regiment throughout your race.
If you would like to read up on more info, check out their website: http://www.pacifichealthlabs.com/
I know for me, this is what has worked....and if you are still wondering what works for you, I would suggest giving Pacific Health Labs a try. The yummy flavors alone will get you hooked...and the sustained energy will keep you!
OK...going out for my run.....
Just discovered your blog. I've been following your racing career for a while; I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteI have always used endurox for post-exercise...how do you use it during? Do you sip on it while on the run or is it something you stop and take with your crew? How much would you take at a time?
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend is a big fan of accelgel, I have not tried it myself but I think I will try it out. I am assuming in a 100 mile race (ws100 will be my first this June) the added protein would help with preventing muscle fatigue.
Depending on the race Nicola (distance) I will either start out with Accelerade and switch to Endurox or soley endurox.....or even better, creating my own mixture. I love the Accelerade Lemonade with the Endurox Fruit Punch mix. Yes, the added protein is awesome for the muscles as well as sustained energy.
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