What to eat/drink? - Triathlon Week

zlarin · 05-22-2005, 05:59 PM

My first tri is fast approaching and i've been told to eat/drink certain things by different people while in the process of the race, but i have no clue what to consume. What do the rest of you usually eat and drink while in the process of running you triathlons?

Bucky · 05-22-2005, 08:26 PM

Hi zlarin,

What distance is your event, as this would likely influence what you take with you?

During races I'll consume a "PowerBar-Power gel" premixed 50/50 with water, and I have one water bottle with water and one with Gatorade on my bike, so I have a choice. During the runs I'll take water versus Gatorade at the aid stations. Going back to my first point, I've only raced sprint distance to date, but I don't anticipate wanting or needing more when I do my first Olympic this year.

I suspect the main advise anyone would give you here is not to consume anything pre/during a race which you haven't trained with beforehand. I learnt this the hard way with the gels, on two occasions. The first mistake I made was using a Clif shot during a race when I'd never tried them before, and then using a different flavour of Power Bar gel during another race. Not to knock Clif shots, but in both cases the flavour and/or sweetness didn't agree with my stomach.

Good-luck with your race!

julian · 05-23-2005, 05:33 AM

I asked a similar question before my first tri and went with the advise left by pyschosyd the morning of the race I have been eating peanut butter and sliced apple on toast(sounds nasty) but I love it!
I have brekfast at least twp hours before the start, up until then I make sure I have plenty of water and sip it regularly. Whilst racing personally I can only drink water as some the energy drinks make me feel sick but i'm ok whith the power gels. Its all about personal preference what you do, but do not try anything new on race day.
Good luck with the race and let us know how you get on
Cheers.
Julian.

athletekitch · 05-27-2005, 06:47 AM

Hi Z

Check out my article in 220 Triathlon magazine (issue 182 this month) - all your questions are covered there. I can also provide fact sheets on any other info you require re: nutrition and triathlon.

Many Kind Regards

Jason