Run nutrition that doesn't give the s?$!ts

Have you tried just taking in calories through liquids? Not sure how far you are running beyond 9 miles, how long that takes, or what your race goals are. My answer might be different if you were training for Ironman or just working up to a half-marathon. For the latter, you'd be fine just getting some calories from sports drink. I have done all my marathons as well with nothing other than sports drink and/or defizzed Coke. For IM, I defer to those with experience at that distance. There are some people who take in most/all of their calories for iron distance with various liquid nutrition products, though.

As for whether it has to be a "sports" product, not necessarily. On my HIM run, in addition to one gu, I had several pretzel sticks and orange slices. Bike food in training has included bananas, dates, my dad's fig Newtons, almonds, granola bars, PB sandwiches, dried fruit, etc. But I'm not sure how portable those would be on a long run, or how well your body would tolerate it. I've successfully eaten fruit leather as fuel in a tri run, and when I lived in China, where no gu was available, I used to carry dates or haw rolls (similar to fruit leather) in a waist pack on long runs up to 3 hours. That might be a starting point to experiment if you want something natural but reasonably portable.

ETA What's in the run products is mainly simple carbs (sugar)--it gives an energy boost. Some also contain electrolytes and/or caffeine. What's in the snacks I mentioned above is also mainly simple, easily digestible carbs. Most people get electrolytes from sports drinks anyway. I use some gus with them as I occasionally do races in Asia where only water is offered on the course.


Edited by Hot Runner 2014-06-13 5:21 AM

I started using Tailwinds Nutrition and have had NO stomach issues. It has a light flavoring but not overpowering, similar to Skratch flavor. Tailwinds has all the stuff you need right inside. No need to carry anything else.

http://www.tailwindnutrition.com

I only consume Infinit during races and long training.  I have only had GI issues once.

Also, before all races and long training, I try to start with the lower half of my digestive tract emptied out.

(Note: I am also the type of person who performs really well in donut / beer races, so I may NOT be a good lab rat).

Edited by pga_mike 2014-06-13 7:12 AM

Skratch labs sports drink is pretty good. I have lots of GI issues so I can empathize.

Dietary fat, if you are inclined to join the dark side. but the transition to fat adaptation is rough.

I don't have I issues very often, so I tried many different products and stick with those that I like the most. However, there are few products that I had and didn't sit well on my stomach. One of them is GU gels, I have no idea why, but I had it once and I didn't feel good (maybe it was some other variable that made me feel sick, who knows). I use powerbar gels and I do not only like them more because they are more liquid than GUs, but also never had an issue with them.

Try Bonk Breakers. I am willing to tolerate GU, but Bonk Breakers sits better in my stomach.

another nod to infinit as a liquid alternative. The only side effect I have seen is minor. After, not during, but literally 15 mins after my workout I am RAVENOUSLY hungry regardless of how many calories I have taken in. a few bites of real food and it subsides.

I goofed and ordered 2 bags of orange... I'm a little over orange after 1.5 bags.