Any tips what drinks 2 take during a marathon

[francis]

I'm running the Edinburgh marathon for cystic fibrosis on the 31st May. . i went out a 2 hr run yesterday and decided to try out sachets of Go gel. . found it thick and disgusting!. . has anyone got any suggestions of any alternative gels that may b more liquid like or any other forms of drinks that may be practical to store in your pocket during a marathon?

P.S. If anyone would like to kindly sponsor me it would be gratefully appreciated it!. .the reason we're running for the cystic fibrosis charity is because my friend's child was born with this illness two years ago! Thanks Francis

[tonimac]

Hey Francis, well done on the long run! I think Lucozade Sport provide the drinks for Edinburgh so you would be as well trying that out in training to make sure it agrees with you then you don't have to worry about carrying anything in the actual race. If you don't want to carry it with you on long runs I used to hide some behind a hedge or something and do a few laps so you can pick it up and have a swally each time you pass. Failing that I sometimes stash a few jelly beans in my bra!!

[ConnellD]

Hi Francis,

A couple of tips from a novice. Take a couple of gels with you for emergencies. I used one during a marathon as I couldn't get close enough to the energy drink stop to grab a bottle. Hi-five aren't as thick as lucozade but I didn't mind either. You can get belts to hold them so they don't get in the way.

2nd tip, If you and Toni are doing the same marathon, could you not train together?

Just a thought.

CD

[grawup]

Hi Francis

I noticed CD's post some time ago and meant to add to it but forgot - anyway, what I wanted to add is: If you're thinking about gels, do some training where you use them - BEFORE the marathon. Some folk have stomach aches when they first use gels whilst running. Generally, the body quickly gets used to them but not much fun if you get a reaction first time out - and that's during the marathon.

Personally, I only use water. However, I also take in salts through what I eat on a very long run (over 30 miles).

I also agree with Toni (except the bra bit). I generally wear shorts that have a small pocket for the jelly babies.

So, to sum up. Gels if you get used to taking them, water if not and jelly babies a must.

Cheers

[ConnellD]

Apr 9, 2009 9:44:39 GMT grawup said:

Hi Francis

I noticed CD's post some time ago and meant to add to it but forgot - anyway, what I wanted to add is: If you're thinking about gels, do some training where you use them - BEFORE the marathon. Some folk have stomach aches when they first use gels whilst running. Generally, the body quickly gets used to them but not much fun if you get a reaction first time out - and that's during the marathon.

Personally, I only use water. However, I also take in salts through what I eat on a very long run (over 30 miles).

I also agree with Toni (except the bra bit). I generally wear shorts that have a small pocket for the jelly babies.

So, to sum up. Gels if you get used to taking them, water if not and jelly babies a must.

Cheers

Hi Alex,

Thanks for that. I forgot about the "BEFORE the marathon" part, but that's probably the most important point . I also agree that just taking water is fine, as long as you take on the salt (that you also mentioned). I know guys that got bad cramping during the marathon because they didn't take isotonic drinks (which contain salt).

Francis, Edinburgh is meant to be fast course and your target is a lot slower than your capable of achieving. There's no pressure, so just enjoy the race .

CD