Advice for keeping up energy

[Oggy2401]

I've signed up for a 10 mile race at the end of March and am following a BUPA 10 mile training plan. I have been running 10k with no water or food (no problems) but I'm concerned that I can't do 10 miles with no feed or drink. Anyone got any ideas on what sort of snacks or how much fluid to take with me as I'm not sure there are water stops. I prefer simple options if possible thanx x

[Hidden]

There are lots of snacks you can take from gels, jelly babies, flapjacks, babybel/cheese, dried fruits etc. Much of what you take will depend on how you will carry it and what agrees with your stomach. Some people are really sensitive to foods on the run resulting in rather urgent consequences! Therefore try your food on training runs. I tend to find high5 aquagels are good for me and will have one at 5 miles then another at 8 miles on a 10 mile run. As for water, I carry it in my camelbak or have used water on the race stations. Some runners like tailwind or electrolytes in their water. Again it may depend on what you can tolerate.

[Lordi Marathon]

Some people are more sensitive to the "bonk" or energy dip. You will only get an idea of how your body reacts as you run longer distances. Take more stuff than you think you will need. It can always go back in the cupboard. Fluids. Gels. Nuts n raisins. My favourite is toffee nut bars. Banana chips are mega.

[Lordi Marathon in reply to Lordi]

Forgot to add that up to 16k should not be an issue energy-wise for most runners (food).

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Gels are easier I find as I can’t eat when running! I also like high 5 aqua gels. They’re bigger than normal gels as they are more liquid. The regular ones are good too but you need some water with those.

[misswobble Marathon]

I started eating before 8k today. i think it was cos it was freezing as I don’t usually 😋

There’s a recipe in here for Peanut power bars. They’re fantastic. I have some in the freezer wrapped in foil ready to pop in my pocket I would take one for a 16k race for sure I would take water with half a high 5 zero tab dissolved in it

Haribo’s, and I like nuts. Brazil’s, walnuts and almonds, but you do need a drink with them Fig rolls are nice too 😋

It’s trial and error. You evolve what suits you over time 😋👍😃

[Oggy2401 Half Marathon]

Thank you for your replies. I'm not keen on nuts but love jelly babies. I'll start experimenting with them on my next longer run x

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Which race are you doing? I'd have thought theyll have have at least one water station...

[Oggy2401 Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

The grim up north Leeds Canal canter. Doesn't seem to say anything about water stations tho xx

[Snuffy_T Half Marathon]

I tried dates for this morning LSR, which I had bought for making a xmas pud that didn't happen. Have to say worked well, they didn't have stones and melted in my mouth easily. Better than sweeties which I normally use.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

I run before breakfast mostly and have run 17-18k with no water or gel/snack. There's is a lot of conflicting advice out there on what and when. I suggest you use your training runs to test what (if anything) you do need for yourself

I think its a shame when people fuel because they feel they should do as gels, etc are very overpriced. However, we are all different and it may just be the kick you need.