I could be way off but I do sincerely believe that race
nutrition is and individual science. I have for the last 17
or so years tried to stay on a rather low fat diet. I
started out on the Nathan Pritican diet which only allowed
10% fat and very small amounts of red meat. A year on that
plan and my body fat dropped to a measured 4%. I never ran
nor cycled faster since that period nor have I felt quite as
spunky. It is a very difficult level to maintain so I now
attempt to stay at 15% cal from fat.
When I began doing long distance cycling and running 17
years back I only used water. I would cycle 120 miles or do
20 mile runs with no food intake other than water. I worked
up to those levels from a "O"miles background in endurance
over a period of two years. I think my body adapted to that
stress and learned how to metabolize body fat rather well. I
never seemed to bonk nor cramp. Of course I was only 50
years old then so just a kid. I continued that training and
racing up until my first Ironman. That was Ironman Hawaii
where I took liberty to treat myself and took two powerbars
with me on the bike. Yep, a measly 450 cal for the entire
112 bike leg in blistering heat and wind. During that race I
was alternating Gatorade and water for fluid. I did take in
a couple bananas during the run but I competed with very
minimalistic nutrition. I did this because I was ignorant of
scientific nutrition requirements and my body had been
trained to survive on itself. During that very first Ironman
Hawaii race I set a PR which I have never beat. I went in to
finish and did not know if I could. I did not have any
thought of placing. My longest race was the Qualifier,
Windward Triathlon, a race of less than half distance. It
was a one mile swim, 49 mile bike and 10 mile run so well
under. Much to my surprise I finished second in my age group
at IMH on my first attempt.
Since that beginning at ultra distance I have learned much
about nutrition. I began training with scientific amounts
and types of foods. After a few months of that I learned
that I could no longer do long distance without it. My body
now absolutely required it to get home from a long day on
the road. I started racing with meticulously calculated
calories and fluid consumption. Now that I am educated and
spend hours and hours preparing the perfect race foods my
times have dropped slightly though I have had a few first
place finishes. It could be that I am a little older and
that is what I like to think but it might also be that too
much science has developed a need within my body that
requires the extra nutrition. I now bonk, get cramps and
all the other stuff if I falter even slightly from my plan
or "habit".
So, in conclusion, do in racing what you habitually do in
training. Just remember to train hard, learn the feeling of
bonk now and then but race a maintainable pace slightly
lower than what you train. The bonks should be rare,
however, I believe intensity should be high but of a
duration that leaves you wanting to do a little more when
you call it a day.
My two cents which has value to me but could be worthless
to others.
"Ironic" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have seen a lot of references to drinking "Ensure" in
> triathlon. I would be interested in hearing
> opinions/combinations with gels, etc. Also, how do you
> tote it?
>
> Greg
