Hi, can someone help me with the question of eating during a half marathon race? Is it necessary? I have read that it makes some people feel sick during the race when they eat and I am wondering it this is counter productive. Then there is the question of what to eat and how often? Where do you keep the food while running? As you can tell I am really new to all of this and would like to be prepared. Thanks for any advice.
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To eat or not to eat?
(7 posts)-
Posted 1 month ago #
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I've only done one half marathon, but I did not find a need to eat during the race. I was fine by alternating water and sports drinks at the aid stations. My advice would be to test out whatever you think you want to do one race day during a training run. That is the only way you will know if it works for you and avoid any surprises during the race.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Hi, I will be running in my first 1/2 marathon in 2 weeks. I am new to running and have a slow min/mile average. My goal is to complete the event in under 3 hours. In my training so far I have done a 12 mile and a 13 mile long run and all I used during the runs were water with electrolytes (lots and lots of water) and fuel (sports drink powder or gels). I experimented with different gels until I found something that agreed with my body (I can recommend Cliff Shot Blocks, not messy and convenient if you want to take your fuel in smaller doses). I have not felt the need to eat during my 3 hour training sessions. I do eat breakfast (2 slices of toast with peanut butter) about 90 minutes before I set out on my run.
Posted 1 month ago # -
I have also only run one half marathon. During that race, I did bring a power bar type snack. Many running tops and bottoms have pockets in them just the right size for a bar or small nutrition gel shot or something, and that's where I had my bar. There are also belts you can buy that store bars and gels, even small bottles. I wound up not eating anything, but felt better knowing I had the option. I have heard that full marathons are a different story, but have no experience. I would try a couple different types of drinks and see what goes down best.
Posted 1 month ago # -
I do no usuall find he need to ea, but sometimes my energy flags afterf mile 9, and a gel or shot blocks can be the thing that helps me get through. Whatever you use, keep it light and wash down with extra fluids. I find that the gels with caffeine help me, but friends tell me they give them cramps. I have aonther friend who feels she must eat after 6 miles- it's such an indivudual thing. Try eating the last part of a training run and see if it helps your energy level.
Posted 1 month ago # -
I think every person is different. I ran my first 1/2 last year. In training with a friend we tried different snacks on our long runs to see what would affect us (jelly beans made us have to stop and had upset stomachs). We both felt that just having water and sports drinks were enough to take us through the race or 2 1/2 hours of running. I would experiment with little foods, you shouldn't need much in the way of food for a half marathon though and most races offer snack stops (ours had candy to snack on).
Posted 1 month ago # -
I'm a big fan of the Shot Blocks and the Ultima electrolyte drink...I wear a belt with a zipper pack and carry a packet of sunblock, chapstick, and the Blocks....as well as three bottles, one with water, two with the Ultima...it's a lower sugar type bevvie than Gatorade.
Posted 1 month ago #
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