Question about taking Gu during a marathon

[Anonymous]

On the gels - it is a science to figure out how much to consume during the race. Everyone is different. What is/was your formula for training? Consider every long run a trial run (ha) for the race. For me (I'm the 10 marathon PP) I know that I need one gel for every 30 minutes. Some people need more, some need less. If I am expecting to run a 4:30 marathon, that means I am probably going to take 9 gels. I always bring one extra because there have been times that I've lost one or one has leaked.

Chomps and other chews don't work for me when running. They get in my teeth and they are just not ideal. A good rule of thumb is "Nothing new on race day." If you don't train with it, don't try it on race day. Repeat after me: Nothing New on Race Day.

[Anonymous]

A side note if no one has already clued you in but Body Glide!!! Rub it everywhere! It will keep you in shoes the next day ( also thigh, arm, boob chafing.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Take whatever water you need. The cups are not tiny, like the bathroom size. They're mid-size.

Make sure you have run in every article of clothing--underwear, socks, bra, shirt and shorts. This is not the time to buy something new for the race.

Wear a old sweatshirt you don't mind giving up on race day. It will be chilly in the morning and you'll need it. Then after a mile or so into the race, take it off and toss it.

Remember that you just have to get to every mile marker. Focus only on that. I trained to "reward" myself with a 60 second walk at every mile marker. I needed that mental push.

Good luck! I ran my first (and only so far) in 2010. Did the Marine Corps. Loved it!

Please don't litter during these mass events. Keep your gu packets; don't just toss clothing in the gutter. Just because you're participating in a recreational sporting event is no excuse for behaving irresponsibly.

This is a common practice. There are volunteers at the big races who pick up the discarded clothing and it's donated to charity (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc)

Have to agree with the immediate PP. The courses are cleaned after the race, and they know to look for, pick up, and likely donate discarded clothing. It's not really litter. It's a controlled temporary chaos with no lasting impact. If you're that worried about it though, plan to have supporters near a certain spot and throw it toward them.

It's pleasant to think so, but whenever I walk or cycle through a running race course the day after, inevitably there's a bunch of discarded GU packets, and other crap all over the place. The idea that "someone will pick all my litter up" is a polite fiction that runners tell themselves.

[Anonymous]

As for the gu/gel wrappers, I try to hold on to them until I get to an aid station. Then I toss them or put them in a trash can.

[Anonymous]

I may have missed this but it seems that you might be running holding a water bottle rather than having it in a belt? Even in a holster holding a water bottle for that long of a run is most likely impeding your form and your balance. And definitely adding frontal resistance. Whether or not to carry water during a race is purely a personal preference. Unless it's really hot I just drink what I need at the aid stations. You should consider moving your water to a belt or Camelback. I suspect you will feel much more comfortable and will improve your pace.

GU can work great for long runs but make sure you train with exactly what you plan to take in at the race. Some folks can't handle any or too much of it and will have GI issues. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I may have missed this but it seems that you might be running holding a water bottle rather than having it in a belt? Even in a holster holding a water bottle for that long of a run is most likely impeding your form and your balance. And definitely adding frontal resistance. Whether or not to carry water during a race is purely a personal preference. Unless it's really hot I just drink what I need at the aid stations. You should consider moving your water to a belt or Camelback. I suspect you will feel much more comfortable and will improve your pace.

GU can work great for long runs but make sure you train with exactly what you plan to take in at the race. Some folks can't handle any or too much of it and will have GI issues. Good luck.

OP here.

thanks! I have tried using an amphipod brand belt in the past, but I just could never get it tight enough to stay still while I ran. It really annoyed me having it shift as I ran (and these were on relatively short runs like 8-10 miles).

I have been running with a Nathan bottle holder that is strapped on my hand for the past several months. Last week i took it on an 18 mile run and it was okay. I'm also ok with tossing it in the nearest trash can if I REALLY find it burdensome to carry.

I've found a couple favorite flavors of Gu (Salted caramel and chocolate!) that I have been using the past few weeks and will be running with those flavors only so that there are no surprises during the race.