Marathon Weekend 2027

[Baloo in MI]

SAFD:
Fueling, runDisney focus. Pre-race meal is usually a tortilla with some peanut butter and water with Liquid-IV. Race fueling is a bit tricky for me as things either leave me with dry mouth or a queasy stomach so no gels or waffle things. Many years ago I started using Pure Organic fruit bars (get them at Costco) they are small and easy to eat and digest for me. Generally I eat one while in the corral/walk up and then I eat one about every 2-3 miles depending on race distance. They taste good and offer 60 calories/15 grams of carbs each. I do have to stay on schedule, but when I do it works out perfectly for me. Post race means choc milk! Well, choc almond milk. It is a good source of protein and calories post race, and I love it. The trick is for the half marathon or marathon bring it in a soda bottle that you freeze over night and then wrap in a towel and put in the gear bag. Post race is it mostly melted, super cold and wonderful!

 

[smrt1]

I always carry a water bottle with me for my runs. On a run of 16 miles or longer I carry a water bottle (or two, depending) full of white cherry Gatorade. I use the powdered mix as it is much cheaper. For races I always carry Gatorade as a supplement to the on-course hydration, in case I miss a water stop, etc. I’ve never gotten into the fancy sports drinks as I figure as long as it has sugar in it it’s all the same. At rD races I’ll usually eat whatever they are handing out as long as it is vegan (I liked those chews from this year’s races). I can’t stand chocolate so I always skip that. I’m also not a fan or bananas while running, so I don’t take those, either. At the Philly Marathon there’s usually someone handing out soft pretzels, which are amazing. One of the greatest meals I’ve ever eaten was at around mile 21-22 of Philly and I was given an ice cold can of Coke and a soft pretzel by two different spectators. For ultras I’ll eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, usually about halfway through, along with whatever else they are giving out at the aid stations. Lots of hard pretzels and boiled salted potatoes, Oreos and soda. Got a 50-miler in less than two weeks, can’t wait for the aid stations!

 

[GollyGadget]

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.

Ahh, as long as you’re eating something. I actually don’t think it needs to be the same on race day as long as it’s something you know works for you. At least, that’s what I’m going to keep telling myself so I can continue indulging in my pre race pop tarts for destination races.. ..

 

[jmasgat]

I need to chew mint gum while I run

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

 

[Erika10021]

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

Chewing gum while running is a non-negotiable for me too! For anyone who gets a dry mouth from running, it is a game changer. And you don't have to chew it all the time, it also works to just move it around your mouth while you run. During the marathon on MW, I had 8-10 pieces of gum just for that one race.

 

[lahobbs4]

SAFD: under-fueler here so I have no advice. Hoping to learn more nutrition-wise during this marathon training cycle. I have a weird stomach so I generally stick to Tailwind. I pack a few pb crackers, sometimes tootsie rolls (they warm up as you run so they aren't as hard to chew), and Huma packs. Wish I could be a Nerds cluster girl but EWW.

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.

This is me 100%.

 

[Naomeri]

I know there’s some witty/punny comment to make here about walking and chewing gum at the same time. Calling @Mr_Incr3dible.

But seriously, I’m impressed. I have never had a race/running experience where I could tolerate chewing anything while moving. Even the chocolate they used to give out at the entrance to the Studios portion of the old marathon course.

Chewing gum while running is a non-negotiable for me too! For anyone who gets a dry mouth from running, it is a game changer. And you don't have to chew it all the time, it also works to just move it around your mouth while you run. During the marathon on MW, I had 8-10 pieces of gum just for that one race.

A fresh piece of gum can also help trick my stomach into thinking it's getting food when it's not time to actually eat anything yet

 

[jrsharp21]

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.

One of my favorites for early morning long runs is eating an Uncrustable before going out. Pretty simple and easy, and don't have to wake up early! Not a fan of jelly that early in the morning, so I have been using the Uncrustables with peanut butter and Nutella or peanut butter and honey. It sounds like I was on the right track with the Nutella. At the IronMan race I just did, I learned that the pros eat crazy amounts of Nutella leading up to the race.