Friday Favourites – Race Nutrition
Race nutrition is a very personal thing; what works for me might not necessarily work for you but that is why you train your gut as much as your muscles.
I have been working out with nutrition for over 3 years now and the first few years of running for example, I don’t think I fuelled on anything other than water and hope. As the kilometers stacked up my need to fuel became more apparent especially the first time I basically stood still mid long run because my body just couldn’t go any further – I experienced what experts call ‘hitting the wall’.
Sports nutrition is a BIG market and attend any fitness expo or read any fitness magazine and you will be bombarded with various companies selling you the next ‘BIG thing’ when it comes to race nutrition. Be warned there is no magic product when it comes to nutrition although there are formulas and correct timing to ensure you get the most out of the nutrition you consume to see you race and finish strong. Further down the line I will go into more depth about the timings for race nutrition but for the purpose of this post, I will let you know of some of my favourite products that see me power through triathlons and ultra marathons.
Five Favourites: Race Nutrition
VFuel endurance energy gels and drink
Looking for gels that don’t mess with your guts? If you have ever experienced gut issues in race it could be that your existing gels contain fructose. The tag line for VFuel is #dumpfructose and what better place to start than your training and race fuel. VFuel is formulated to maximize each training session or race by reducing the onset of muscle fatigue, systemic damage and accelerating recovery time.
Our favourite flavours; Mountain berry and cool citrus, we are yet to try Maple Bacon and Fudge Brownie!!!
Shotz Sports Nutrition Energy gels
Fast working sustained energy minus the fructose. The objective of a gel is to deliver a high amount of calories in a small volume as quickly as possible with the least amount of energy. Shotz gels are a carbohydrate food in a semi-fluid liquid gel that go down easily and assist the body to top up carbohydrates in order for your muscles and mind to continue to perform at its peak.
Our favourite gel flavour; cola.
Nuun Hydration
Moving away from gels, our favourite now focuses on electrolytes and hydration. Nuun uses clean plant-based ingredients with a refreshing effervescent technology and key electrolyte content. This product is sugar free meaning it focuses on the ingredients that really count; sodium, potassium, Vitamin C, riboflavin, calcium and magnesium. Drinking more water can lead to increased energy levels, support healthy body function and help increase the absorption of nutrients. Water helps cushion and lubricate joints, organs and tissues. So make your water count, add nuun.
Our favoruite flavour; Lemon + Lime.
Pure Sports Nutrition Electrolyte Hydration
Once again a company who prides itself on natural ingredients, they don’t do artificial and are proud of it (and so they should be). Moving away from the sickly sweet sports drinks which are packed with sugar and artificial flavours and colours (who on earth consumes a drink that is blue?) Pure Sport Nutrition Electrolyte Hydration is made from real freeze dried fruit powder. It’s a fast absorbing sucrose and glucose carbohydrate drink with premium electrolytes; sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Our favourite flavours; Lemon and Superfruits with chia seeds.
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel
Tailwind nutrition is a fuel that is easy to digest and absorbs quickly limiting the chances of you ending up with an upset gut. Tailwind’s dextrose fuel is a form of clean glucose and is as easy as pour, shake and go. Tailwind has a full complement of electrolytes meaning this is your one stop fuel for all your electrolyte needs; potassium chloride, calcium, magnesium and sodium.
Our favourite flavours; Mandarin orange, naked and raspberry buzz (caffeinated)
Tried and Tested
It took me as long to find nutrition that works as it did to train for an ultra marathon. There are plenty of brands and products out on the market to try including Cliff, Hammer, Endura and Pro4mance to name a few. The keys to finding the right nutrition for you is training with it and always remember, don’t try anything new come race day.
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