For those that did the Goofy or Marathon...what worked for you (electrolyte-wise)

[escape]

I've seen several posts from some of you more experienced runners/walkers regarding getting the right electrolyte balance for doing the WDW full or Goofy. What worked/works for you?

I just completed the WDW full the other day but I'm still not sure what actually works for me. I think I just kind of got by with what I did but I'd like to experience other options. I've decided that Powerade is just a little too sweet for me. I think I like Gatorade better and Gatorade seems to have more sodium....maybe a better thing? I don't know.

For this marathon, I actually ended up taking 2.5 salt packets (like those you find at a fast food place) throughout the course. I also took a few sport beans and those new electrolyte strips that I got at the expo. In addition, my Powerbar gel had a high sodium level - for a gel. I think all of this helped because I mainly just drank water at the stops. Maybe I took in too much sodium/electrolytes. ???

What do you do for electrolytes?

 

[AmyBeth68]

Susie...

I gel every 40 minutes/4 miles with 8 oz. of water. That works for me...but I have a very sensitive stomach and can't take gatorade or powerade. I can do sport beans...but I prefer gels. I didn't cramp or feel like my electrolytes were off...I know others who plan to use the salt packets next year though. The humidity can play havoc. GREAT question .

 

[ultramickeymouse]

First thing is everyone is different and sometimes the same thing that works for one doesn't for another.

I used to use mostly Cytomax as my beverage. I would make small one serving baggies that I packed and mixed in my bottle. The last 2 years I use Endruolytes(made by Hammer Nutrition). I take 2 pills every hr for the last 2 Goofy's. They have worked so well that I just drink water around them. They are more chemically balanced than taking straight salt. I used to get nausia and sick to my stomach doing ultras(mostly hot 50 milers) before one of my ultra friends turned me on to supplements. They have worked great since. Try them during training to see how you react.

 

[escape]

Amy and Robert - thanks for your input.

Amy - do you take a gel before you start the race? My DH does but I haven't tried it yet.

Robert - I'd like to try those supplements sometime. When the weather starts warming up, I'll try them then. I do realize that what works for one person may not for another. I just need to try different options - especially when it gets hot and really humid here.

 

[gsu1988]

For me the key was the Endurolytes. I took one every hour and never had the slightest hint of a cramp. I would also take a gel the water stop before I took the Endurolyte. Each time making sure I drank plenty of water at that stop to wash down both.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Amy and Robert - thanks for your input.

Amy - do you take a gel before you start the race? My DH does but I haven't tried it yet.

Robert - I'd like to try those supplements sometime. When the weather starts warming up, I'll try them then. I do realize that what works for one person may not for another. I just need to try different options - especially when it gets hot and really humid here.

I take the endruolytes before the race. Remember if you drink too much water compared to normal days before the race, you can leach out your salts as well. Keep hyrdated but not overly. I take the pills for the few days before when I know it will be hot and humid.

Don't fear races but respect them

 

[scuba diver]

First thing is everyone is different and sometimes the same thing that works for one doesn't for another.

I used to use mostly Cytomax as my beverage. I would make small one serving baggies that I packed and mixed in my bottle. The last 2 years I use Endruolytes(made by Hammer Nutrition). I take 2 pills every hr for the last 2 Goofy's. They have worked so well that I just drink water around them. They are more chemically balanced than taking straight salt. I used to get nausia and sick to my stomach doing ultras(mostly hot 50 milers) before one of my ultra friends turned me on to supplements. They have worked great since. Try them during training to see how you react.

Endurolytes for me too. I start with 3 about 1 hr before the race and then 2 per hour during the race. I forgot a few during the Full because it was not that hot. I was not sweating the salts out. About mid-point I started them back up.

I also Gu ever hour. I've been experments with Accel Gel and like it

 

[KelNottAt]

Gu with water at miles 4, 9, 14, 18, and 22. Powerade in between.

The bananas and candy on the course were great, but I would have liked to see something salty, too. I've been in other races where they gave out lunch-size bags of potato chips. It was just what the doctor ordered.

I think one of the reasons I was in such bad shape for the last 5 miles of the Mickey is my sodium was running out. I'll need to plan better for that next time.

 

[MonDav]

I did the Goofy and it was my first marathon. What worked for me was I ate 4-6 Sport Beans (I had 4 flavors mixed up in small waist pack) at every water stop. When fruit was offered I had that instead. I skipped the candy bars because I wasn't sure how well they would mix with the beans. I had noticed that when I only had water during long runs I would get headaches afterwards. Since I've been eating sport beans I haven't had that problem. I wasn't sure how it would work for two days of races, but it worked great for me.

Monique

 

[lenshanem]

OK, I'm confused about all this, too.

I'm about to start running longer runs than 6 miles, preparing for a half. Does any of this apply to a half or just the full? I want to make sure I can tolerate stuff during my training before the real deal.

The sports drinks upset my tummy. So far I found I can tolerate some oatmeal and/or a banana before my runs. Cereal and milk has upset my tummy, though. I usually drink a glass of water before heading out and sometimes a cup of coffee earlier.

I haven't tried anything yet on my runs. For this past 6 miles I drank 8 ounces of water half way during a short walk break then immediately drank my other 8 ounces on my belt when I was cooling down.

At what point do I start adding things or drinking more water?

I bought those Clif Blocks. They looked easy enough. Would these suffice in addition to water? I just don't think I can tolerate eating much while running or drinking those sports drinks. DH can eat bars, etc., but I know my tummy will get upset.

At what miles for a half would I start taking the Blocks? Maybe I'll look into the beans - do they have salt in them?