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2011-03-24 12:37 PM

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Subject: nutrition help for a first timer

I'm guessing this topic has been talked about at great length but....here goes

I am doing my first HIM distance race this summer.  I'd like to start working on my race day nutrition.  I don't want to go overboard, but I want to be smart.  Is there a rule of thumb as to how many calories you need to consume?  Right now I'm drinking HEED on my long bikes and Recoverite when I'm finished.  It's working for now, but my rides haven't been very long. 

Any advice would be much appreciated!



2011-03-24 12:44 PM
in reply to: #3412528

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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer

A rough rule-of-thumb is probably about 250-350 cal/hr on the bike and about 100-200 cal/hr on the run.  That includes any calories you take in drinks (like Heed or Gatorade).  Larger bodies generally skew up and smaller down on the scale, but there is wide variablity and much of it is simply related to what your body is able to process smoothly while working at your race effort.  That's why it's a good idea to do some trialing during training--ideally, at or above your race effort for longer workouts.

If your rides aren't that long, there's no need to use Recoverite or any other recovery drink (except maybe for convenience).  Eat a snack when you are done.

2011-03-24 1:21 PM
in reply to: #3412528

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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer
I wouldn't go just on calories.  Look at your food labels and shoot for 60-75g of carbs as well.  Some foods are very calorie rich, but don't provide a lot of carbs.  If it's a hot race, you may get most of your carbs/calories from your sports drink.
2011-03-24 2:05 PM
in reply to: #3412631

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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer

ballyard7 - 2011-03-24 2:21 PM I wouldn't go just on calories.  Look at your food labels and shoot for 60-75g of carbs as well.  Some foods are very calorie rich, but don't provide a lot of carbs.  If it's a hot race, you may get most of your carbs/calories from your sports drink.

Almost all your calories should be from carbs.  You don't need any fats or proteins.

2011-03-24 3:20 PM
in reply to: #3412528

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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer

Agree with JK... not just because of his great initials either.  As a reminder, it's better to do too little than too much, generally.  But just a personal anecdote... I consume WAY more than those numbers on my long course efforts.  About 400/hr on the bike and 250-300 on the run.  I'd recommend starting around the numbers he posted, and then trying to do a little more and see how you react.  Over time, if you pay attention, you'll develop a sense for what you can do.

Hint - it depends in part on how hard you are going, and on the environmental conditions.

2011-03-24 3:34 PM
in reply to: #3412528

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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer
Thanks everyone.  Am I correct in assuming that my size also plays a role in how many calories I need?  I'm 5'5" and weigh 128 pounds.  Guessing I'd need less than a 200 pound man.


2011-03-27 4:13 PM
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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer

I know there are several ways to figure out your needs on the bike and run. You can find a link to calcualting bike and run calories at the bottom of the page http://www.infinitnutrition.us/information/#general-info; I know nothing is an exact science, but it gives you a general idea.

Train with what you plan to  use on race day, as I am sure that is advice that has already been given. 

Have fun at your HIM

 

 

 

2011-03-28 6:59 PM
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Subject: RE: nutrition help for a first timer
I'm going to go a bit against the grain on this one.  I tried to follow some of the guidelines above, but I'm prone to stomach issues.  I stick to the rule of just not letting myself get hungry on the bike (granted this is for a full IM) which seems to work well FOR ME.  During the run, I eat real food that is on the course such as bananas as the thought of eating one more sports nutrition product makes me feel like barfing!
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