Fueling differences bewteen cylcing and running (Read 1288 times)

Interesting question. I have a triathlon background and have done tons of 100 mile rides and tons of very long runs. The fading in the last 5 miles of your marathon is not rare. Typically that's the point where your body has used all of the stored glycogen. Taking in gels, gatorade, etc is supposed to provide you with the extra fuel you need to complete the event. In theory that is. At that point you want something that's quick digesting such as gels, thus is the reason for their existence. Cycling, on the other hand, is different. It's easier to eat 'real' food while riding. It's also easier to drink more gatorade. If you think about a marathon, most people grab a cup of Gatorade while running and spill 1/2 of it while trying to drink it. While cycling you're drinking from a bottle that's at least 16 ounces. Simply put, you're getting more energy drinking a sports drink on a bike compared to a running event. Of course, you can walk through marathon aid stations and drink 3 or 4 cups (I did this during the Ironman). Simply put, it's just easier to consume energy on a bike compared to a running event. When I used to do really long rides I always took a couple of bars with me along with gels and 4 bottles filled with carb drinks. You can just put more fuel on board a bike. During the Ironman I had 10 packs of GU taped to the top bar on my bike and took a few packs out on the run (can't remember how many). I also ate I think three Clif bars on the bike as well. Some people while running wear those 'belts' with holders for several bottles of gels, carb drinks, etc. I know that was a very long-winded explanation but the answer to your question is that cycling does allow consumption of more complex carbs than running.

Cycling allows consumption of more complex carbs and calories at a higher rate than running. Cycling burns glycogen at a lower rate than running.

Thanks for the replies. I know my fade (I'm in denial about saying I hit the wall) is probably the result of a couple factors. Not enough miles in training and the constant ocean wind in my face,,, but on race day, there was nothing I could do to change those two things. I think I let myself down on the one thing that I could control on race day: the way I fueled my body. I thought I might find some fellow runners out there that have had success with stuff more substantial than gels and other quick sugar nutrients,, and the perspective of the cyclists out there would helpful. So thanks again for the responses. Based on my running/racing plans for the year, it will be several months before I'm doing more 20 milers. When I'm at period in my training, I'll try do a better job finding what works for me. Thanks

Ha, Jake, let 'er rip! What do you think of cycling vs. running?

Forget it, man. That's how civil wars start. But bikers should stay out of my log. I sometimes say mean things about you. You and your spandex and your beady little eyes ...

I would avoid power bars or anything with a lot of protein. Protein takes longer to digest and will do you no good during a race. It just increase your chances or cramping up or other worse intestinal issues That's why gels, sport beans, and similar products don't have any protein. I don't do a lot of long bike rides but I don't think you have the same digestion problems while biking. I can pretty much eat a regular meal and hop on my bike for an hour without much problem but I need 3 hours to digest before I go out on even a short run.

Silly pedestrian. did

Watch yourself, chamois-ass!

I still want to know what is meant by "cylcing"

I think it's like cnadybars...

MTA: I ran my loing run yesterday with just a cnadybar at mile 21...