Marathon Weekend 2027

[DianaMB333]

I always thought I'd hate carrying something in my hands, but after keeping that prop umbrella for the entire MW half a few years ago, I'm starting to consider this. What brand are you using? I know @nancipants has one too -- Nathan iirc?


Details, please!

Also I can't believe I forgot about the magic of a mini Coke about halfway (or more) through a marathon!

I use this one for HM, i wear it with tte bag on the back, so it doesn't interfere with photos
It is a larger bag so i can put in sunscreen, chapstick etc

Nathan Running Belt Hydration... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSZ6NB7Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

and this one for training, as i need to carry on less things:
AiRunTech Hydration Running Belt... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QDW8T87?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[marty3d]

SAFD on Monday:

I don't have much to add to what's been answered already. I've learned a lot of what works for me when it comes to fueling from these boards. I will reiterate that you should try various fueling strategies during training so you know what works for you on race day.

One of the most important fueling tips for me is to eat/ fuel properly before a long race (and what "properly" is will be different for everyone). I made the mistake of not taking my own advice the morning of the marathon this MW. On marathon morning, I usually have an uncrustable and a banana when I get up before taking the bus and then I'll grab a bacon & egg grilled cheese from the food truck on my way to the meetup. This year I just wasn't hungry the morning of the marathon so I skipped the food truck. That was a mistake and I never really could make it up with gels, etc and it definitely impacted me later in the run. Lesson learned.

BTW - am I the only one where autocorrect keeps trying to change fueling to feeling? Good thing I re-read my post.

 

[nancipants]

I always thought I'd hate carrying something in my hands, but after keeping that prop umbrella for the entire MW half a few years ago, I'm starting to consider this. What brand are you using? I know @nancipants has one too -- Nathan iirc?


Details, please!

I use an 18 oz Nathan Pinnacle soft flask during short training runs. For long runs or races, I use a 20 oz amphipod. I prefer the amphipod because it's easier to "feel" and see how much liquid I have left, plus it has a larger opening so it's easier to refill. I honestly feel weird when I don't run with something in my hand anymore, haha.

 

[PrincessV]

I always thought I'd hate carrying something in my hands, but after keeping that prop umbrella for the entire MW half a few years ago, I'm starting to consider this.

I’ve used a 12oz Amphipod handheld for more than a decade - it’s ergonomic and basically disappears on my tiny hands: I don’t need to grip it at all and am totally unaware of its existence while running. (I got the insulated kind with a neoprene sleeve, which makes it “stick” to my hands even better.) The 12oz size keeps the weight low and I just refill it every 5-6 miles (at water fountains on training runs, water tables in races.) Plus it has a roomy pouch that keeps my lip balm handy, and can store some single-use hand sanitizers, a couple cough drops, a tab or 3 of Nuun, and a safety pin or two, just in case.

 

[nancipants]

SAFD: After swearing by Tailwind, I'm reevaluating my fueling. I had stomach issues my past two races, which is really frustrating because I had dialed it in to where I no longer needed a bathroom stop during a half. I'm still going to try Tailwind during my next few long runs and see what happens. I don't eat much before training runs, so I wonder if eating more than usual before my last race affected my stomach, or if it was just something else/nerves/etc.

I need to figure out my pre-race nutrition. It's hard for me to practice because when I have long runs, I pretty much get up, get ready, and get out the door. I don't understand the eating a full meal two hours before a long run on a weekend. No thank you, I need sleep. I heard someone on the Rise and Run podcast recently who said she drinks a coke before a run/race, and I was like, omg, that's brilliant, I need to try it. Carbs and caffeine - what more do you want? So I'll definitely be doing that before my next long run!

I also recently ordered some Huma gels to try. I am pretty gel averse, and research led me to Huma as the most like "real" food. Since I use applesauce pouches, I hope I'm able to tolerate them. Because as much as I'd just use applesauce, they are a lot bigger for fewer carbs.

I also like Honey Stinger waffles, but don't usually bring them for a race because I worry they'll get squished! Anyone have suggestions for how to carry them? Or should I just break them up before hand?

I wish I could force myself to like Nerd clusters and Sour Patch Kids, but I cannot tolerate gummy texture. Too bad, because we buy them in bulk for the kid. If they weren't guaranteed to melt, I'd use fun-size M&Ms!

 

[radiodome21]

SAFD: At our local 5k Turkey trot on the NW side of Chicago not a single water table was seen. Plenty of people handling out Miller Lites though! And about a quarter mile into the race there were some ladies handing out shots of Fireball. It was a cold thanksgiving t so that helped.

I do a majority of my runs M-F due to work and my son’s volleyball schedule. And I always do them in the mornings. I hate running in the afternoons now. I usually run fasted for the maintenance or tempo runs and drink only water for those. However for the long runs I take a gel before I head out, along with some coffee. I’ll take a gel every 30-40 minutes and alternate between caffeinated and non caffeinated. I buy individual packets at my running store and then a large order from the feed. I love Tailwinds too but also use GU tablets that I picked up at REI, and I do like those. In the winter I decided to run laps on my long runs so I could take advantage of using the bathroom and refilling my water bottle. And warming up. Now that the weather is warmer and our trails have thawed I’ve gone back to doing one long route and take my Salomon running vest. I love it. I like chews but found out that they turn into bricks during cold runs, and I thought it was going to rip my crown out the one and only time I tried those in March.

For the HF I did before Easter and the SS 10k I didn’t drink anything before the race other than a half cup of coffee. I used to have a water bottle before my races but I found myself having to go the bathroom very early in the race. My wife kidded that I have the bladder of a 2 year old. I do eat a toasted peanut butter sandwich before my races too. At the SS this year my kids were dumbfounded to find the toaster and a jar of PB in the bathroom.

 

[KCO5988]

I used honey stinger gels every 20-25 minutes. They worked great during training, however my last half and full marathon I had nausea in the back half and idk if its related to not digesting as well due to effort. I need to really figure it out this "off season". I tried one time putting a diluted carb mix into my handheld to sip on but combined with the gels it didn't sit well. That run went horribly, and idk if it was from my fueling or something else but I never tried it again. I have a very sensitive GI tract due to years of undiagnosed celiac. Which while the damage is mostly healed now, the residual GI issues are still sticking around. I'm planning to try out maurten, SIS and precision gels over the summer before I start training for NYC, but they're so dang expensive compared to honey stinger.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I have a very sensitive GI tract due to years of undiagnosed celiac. Which while the damage is mostly healed now, the residual GI issues are still sticking around.

Have you tried Hüma gels? They might be a fit for you with your sensitive stomach.

 

[rick1zoo2]

Following along and picking up some great tips!

What I have been doing is: For races (longer than 10k) Breakfast of bagel (or uncrustable), banana, and coffee about 1.5 - 2 hours before the race, then a Honey Stinger waffle 15 minutes before start, then alternate between Maurtens gel and Untapped gel about every 30 minutes. For regular training runs it's the same if its going to be longer than 90 minutes.

After the Springtime Surprise 10 miler and getting cramps towards the end yet again, I am revisiting my hydration situation and based on advise over in the running thread I ordered some Precision products and will try pre-hydrating with that the night before and morning of a race when its going to be warm out. I don't have that issue when its cool out.

 

[KCO5988]

Have you tried Hüma gels? They might be a fit for you with your sensitive stomach.

I haven't, I think my local running store carries them so maybe I'll give them a shot.

 

[PrincessV]

I also like Honey Stinger waffles, but don't usually bring them for a race because I worry they'll get squished! Anyone have suggestions for how to carry them? Or should I just break them up before hand?

I’ve tried the waffles during runs and the breakage and crumbs were otherworldly - more than I could stand, but my tolerance for crumbs is pretty much nil lol! My bigger issue was that I struggle to open those waffle wrappers standing still: I could not get them open neatly at all whilst moving. So my advice is to definitely take them out of their wrappers and stow in an easy-open baggie pre-run. Then proceed with caution and pinch off small bites at a time if they aren’t already broken down.

 

[Dopey 2020]

I’ve tried the waffles during runs and the breakage and crumbs were otherworldly - more than I could stand, but my tolerance for crumbs is pretty much nil lol! My bigger issue was that I struggle to open those waffle wrappers standing still: I could not get them open neatly at all whilst moving. So my advice is to definitely take them out of their wrappers and stow in an easy-open baggie pre-run. Then proceed with caution and pinch off small bites at a time if they aren’t already broken down.

Exactly this, I love them post run but wayyyyy to dry in my mouth running.

 

[sandam1]

SAFD - My biggest tip is that, if you need to establish or tweak your fueling and hydration plan, the time to do it is NOW. Don't wait until October-November-December when you only have a couple of long runs left. There's nothing saying that you can't try out some new products, flavors, etc. on your shorter runs. Are you going to want to try them again on the longer runs? Absolutely! But there will be some products that you will immediately eliminate based on on flavor, texture, ease of use, etc. and it's better off to do that now.

Which leads me to Tip #2 - The Feed is an amazing resource to buy single servings of products to test. It took me years before I discovered them and I was like "why didn't anyone tell me about this before now?"

As I start ramping up my training for the Chicago marathon, I would like to test some higher carb options and see how I tolerate them. In the second half of the marathon, I have trouble making myself chew things so I'm pretty limited to liquid options (no gels, can't stand the texture). Applesauce, maple syrup and Coke have been my go-to items, but finding something that is easier to carry would be ideal.

I'm also focusing more on pre and post race nutrition. One of the major reasons that I don't like running marathons is that I feel a low grade nausea (not enough to throw up, but enough to make me worry about eating) for about 24-36 hours afterwards, which is unpleasant. It has been suggested to me (and it kind of makes sense) that I need to hydrate more going into the race and fuel better coming out of it. So I'm going to work on being more intentional and see what happens. My goal for Chicago is to be able to get a pizza post-race and to feel good about eating it.

 

[sandam1]

I also like Honey Stinger waffles, but don't usually bring them for a race because I worry they'll get squished! Anyone have suggestions for how to carry them? Or should I just break them up before hand?

HS does sell waffles that are more bite-sized. They are the larger bags and are available in limited flavors, but that is an option. But personally, I would just cut the regular ones up into pieces and put them in a baggie.

Another thing that I do is cut the gummies up into quarters. They require much less chewing and are easier to get down when they are in smaller pieces.

 

[GollyGadget]

I need to figure out my pre-race nutrition. It's hard for me to practice because when I have long runs, I pretty much get up, get ready, and get out the door. I don't understand the eating a full meal two hours before a long run on a weekend. No thank you, I need sleep.

I used to be like you. I would just get up and run. I still do if my run is only 30 minutes .

I still don’t wake up two hours early, there’s no way that is happening. On weekdays, that would mean a 3 am alarm! Anyway, I would suggest you find something you can gobble down quickly so at least you don’t have an empty stomach. I usually toast a Kodiak waffle while I get dressed but you could sub for regular toast, graham crackers, etc.

 

[The Expert]

basically disappears on my tiny hands

Oh... this! I need this! I also have tiny hands and all these bottles seem HUGE to me.

I heard someone on the Rise and Run podcast recently who said she drinks a coke before a run/race, and I was like, omg, that's brilliant, I need to try it. Carbs and caffeine - what more do you want?

Assuming the bubbles don't mess with you, yes! I find I can't have a Coke on an empty-ish stomach, but halfway or more through the race, after I've got my system working, it's perfect. YMMV.

I also like Honey Stinger waffles, but don't usually bring them for a race because I worry they'll get squished! Anyone have suggestions for how to carry them? Or should I just break them up before hand?

Yep, as a few others have said, open them and break them into pieces to carry in a snack size ziplock. They will still crumble some, but they are much easier to deal with this way.

 

[nancipants]

I used to be like you. I would just get up and run. I still do if my run is only 30 minutes .

I still don’t wake up two hours early, there’s no way that is happening. On weekdays, that would mean a 3 am alarm! Anyway, I would suggest you find something you can gobble down quickly so at least you don’t have an empty stomach. I usually toast a Kodiak waffle while I get dressed but you could sub for regular toast, graham crackers, etc.

Oh, I always have something before a run - lately it's been a cookie, but in the past I've had toast or dry cheerios. But before races - especially Disney races, since I have to wake up so early - I often have something more substantial. I realize I should probably stick to the same type of food and amount before long runs and races.