Using what instead of water in water bottles for Sprint Distance?

jsnowash - 2010-02-16 8:28 AM

How long do you expect to be out on the course? I agree with others that anything under about 1:30 - 2:00 water alone should be fine. If you feel like you might need some calories, you can use a sports drink on the bike - diluted would probably be a good idea. The choice of sports drink is very much a personal preference kind of thing. What works wonderfully for one person might not be the best choice for you. The key is... NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!! Only use a sports drink if it is something you have used in training and you know won't cause you any problems (some people experience stomach cramping or other intestinal issues with various sports nutrition products). If you have used gels in your training, you could also take a gel about 15 minutes before your race start, and maybe another one 45 min. or an hour into your race. Again, only do this if you have used the product in training. If you use gels, make sure you wash them down with plenty of water. Really, water alone should be fine, but since it's your first race, you might feel better having a few calories available just for your own peace of mind. Like I said, just make sure it's something you have used in training. If you haven't used any kind of sports nutrition products in your training up to this point, you should probably stick with water.

Lilac J - 2010-02-16 7:38 AM If you don't want water a sports drink will help you stay refreshed and could even help with your recovery.  I tend to take Accelerade in one bottle, but this may be too much sugar for you.  Other options are Heed or Gu Electrolyte Brew.  Both should keep you quenched and no dehydrated, particularly if you aren't going to take anything on the run. 

For me, I'll take on Gu before the race and one mid-way through the bike, or about 45 min later.  This keeps my energy up.  I have no problems swimming with this but definitely try it out before you attempt it in a race.

Recovery drinks should be taken immediately after your workout.  These have carbs/protein and help the muscles heal so you won't be so sore in the following days.  I like Gu Recovery Brew or Fluid, but everyone has their own preference.  Here's some general help on the different products out there:

http://www.sportsbistro.com/articles/recovery-drink-review-and-round-up.html

merlin2375 - 2010-02-16 6:54 AM Agree with the above:

1) water or gatorade is fine (not sure where you heard gatorade is bad, it's pretty widely used in virtually all tri distances).
2) Don't over think the whole thing.
3) Nothing new on race day. Try and stick to products you've tried before and know won't upset or throw your stomach off.

spjon25 - 2010-02-16 2:52 PM

I heard that information from my brother who does HIM and has a degree in chem. His concern is that the calories consumed by Gatorade are more sugary specifically from the HFCS. The HFCS does not metabolize properly, and therefore is not used to its full potential. He said that Accelerade, Carboom, etc are much better for tri's and in the long run can be cheaper. I know he is speaking from his experience, and such, but I did not want to sound like an idiot when I talked with him as the days get closer.

spjon25 - 2010-02-16 2:52 PM
I heard that information from my brother who does HIM and has a degree in chem. His concern is that the calories consumed by Gatorade are more sugary specifically from the HFCS. The HFCS does not metabolize properly, and therefore is not used to its full potential. He said that Accelerade, Carboom, etc are much better for tri's and in the long run can be cheaper. I know he is speaking from his experience, and such, but I did not want to sound like an idiot when I talked with him as the days get closer.