Marathon Help

[Lucy]

I'm attempting my first marathon in February (26.2 with Donna Breast Cancer Marathon) and need help fueling up during my long runs. I'm a penguin so will finish in the back somewhere between 6-7 hours. I'm crashing on my long runs and have to fight just to finish them. Gatorade works better for me than water but I need suggestions as to what I can eat during my runs. Gu is good but anything gummy is not - ugh! I will take any help/suggestions I can get. I've completed 8 half marathons so this eating-on-the-run was never an issue.

[like2bike]

Lucy,
Bill Pierce is your man. He is a great coach and avid runner. Bill? You around anywhere?

[Pink]

Bill, for sure...he's currently helping me with my first 1/2.

Also SpinBob is getting to run his first marathon...he may also have some tips.

[sandy]

I've tried those FRS chewys that Lance is a spokesperson for. Their more palatable than Gu I think and give you a little lift.

[jsejt]

Where is Bill....maybe he's working on his glutes. Bill is "the man" and the best coach!

[SpinBob]

Lucy,

I'm running the Marine Corp Marathon in two weeks. I've been using a combination of Cliff shots and shot blocks, but you said you don't like gummy. Bill turned me on to Gatorade Endurance formula. They sell it at running specialty stores, so you need to check out Gatorade's website to find a dealer in your area. Another thing I like are ProBars, they are 100% organic and vegan, if that's important to you. They sell them at Whole Foods and Eastern Mountain Sports, but you can get them online or find a store in your area.
http://www.theprobar.com (http://www.theprobar.com/)

[megale3]

Where is Bill....maybe he's working on his glutes. OK -this is making me want to scratch out my inner eye:o

Meg

[Lucy]

Good luck with your race Spinbob and I'll look into the Probars. I live in southern Alabama and our grocery stores are not good. Publix is coming in the Spring but that is a l-o-n-g way away. I send my husband to Whole Foods whenever he is in Jacksonville to stock up on bars/gels for me.

[SpinBob]

Good luck with your race Spinbob and I'll look into the Probars. I live in southern Alabama and our grocery stores are not good. Publix is coming in the Spring but that is a l-o-n-g way away. I send my husband to Whole Foods whenever he is in Jacksonville to stock up on bars/gels for me.Thanks, you can always order online, their website is actually very nice.

[Lucy]

Thanks for the support and advice. Just a small update on my training.... I ran the Twilight Tower of Terror 13K in Orlando 2 weeks ago and hit a snag at mile 3. The back of my knee seized up forcing me to stop. I couldn't stretch it because it hurt to move my foot which moved the sore spot. However, I could pinch the spot enough for it to release and actually finished the race running/walking/pinching. My leg was sore that night and wouldn't even support my weight during the night. It was better enough to slowly walk/limp around Universal Studios Sunday afternoon. I took these past 2 weeks off and am stretching, using heat pads, Biofreeze, and massages. My massage therapist thinks I have hypertonic (extremely tight) calves and hamstrings. I'm going to try running again Monday (30 mins) and hopefully get back into training mode. Does this make sense to anyone or is this an injury only I would get?!

[SpinBob]

I would suggest seeing a doctor to get the best diagnosis for what's wrong with your leg.

[Lucy]

I'm tired of doctors. I just finished all my annual appointments and I'm tired of being poked and prodded. :(