What to eat during a marathon? (Read 3809 times)

On my last training run of 22 miles I did a gu before starting and then one at 4, 8, 12, 16, 19. I got a little tired of taking the gus though and was wondering what other people take or do they just take that many gus? I think the gus help but it would be nice to be able to switch it up some. Since I started taking the I don't feel so tired at the end of the run. I had to force myself to eat the gu at 19 and will most Likely need to take another one at mile 22 or 23 to finish the race. Is there much of a difference between the regular gu and the roctane's? Would I need less gu then?

You don't NEED* to take anywhere near that much much GU. Heck, the package even says @ every 45 minutes. I acknowledge the psychological boost of energy gels and I use them, but I;'ve also curtailed said usage through training. Four would be my MAX in a marathon. Don't know how many more training runs you have, but try scaling back to every six miles. Maybe even try not having one til say, mile 8. You pump that much GU (or any gel) into you, it's soon gonna emerge quickly and in roughly the same form. Roctane: Tasty, but not worth $1 more. * I'm sure Trent or someone else will soon jump in w/ the body's ability to burn glycogen and fat as relating to pace.

I like burgers, hot dogs, and beer, personally.

I do not believe you have ever eaten a hot dog during a marathon.

But I've seen you eat a hot pocket.

My marathon is this Sunday and I am only taking four Gu's in case one or two fall when I'm trying to take them. I have only used 1 or 2 (even on my longer training run of 22) so am planning on taking one around mile 7-8, then again at 15, if needed mile 22-23. However I will not be drinking any sports drink with mine, only water in addition to my Gu's. I agree with dnephin, I think you are taking too many. Do you ever get sick to your stomach?

I always start off with two gus and consume them around 10 and 20. I can't resist when they hand them out at the aid stations so sometimes I finish carrying more than I started with. They can be a nice distraction if i get bored late in a race, I am not convinced that they help me any. One of my racing friends has been known to eat dried mango and she always beats me, so that might be worth a try sometime. Seems like lots of folks were using the sport beans recently, but I don't like the way they rattle in my pocket.

At Marine Corps, I ate sport beans. I was dying for a toothbrush around mile 20. I really like the orange slices that are often put out on the course. The best on-course treat ever was the Zinfandel Sorbet at the Napa Valley marathon.