Protein during IM

You don't have to take protein.  Some people do and some don't.  Give it a try in training and see if it works for you.  btw, it gives me epic gas and my training mates put a stop to it.

You can add a protein powder to your normal sports drink or eat a protein bar.

eta: protein helps some people feel full while drinking all the fluids.  It's not something necessary like water, calories, and electrolytes.  

Pros of protein: reduces hunger

Cons: potential GI issues and cals you don't really have an immediate need for.

All up to you.

If you read some of the studies out there, ultra endurance athletes perform better with a mix of protein and carbs than carbs alone during the race.  There is no exact ratio for the benefit though.

That said, 20g per hour is likely way too much.  Most ultra endurance commercial drink mixes with protein run about 5-7g per bottle/hour.  I can't imagine chocking down 20g of protein an hour.

Also, it is recommended that you limit the protein intake to the bike as it is easier to digest while pedaling than running.

I know it "looks" expensive, but check out http://www.infinitnutrition.us/.  Their stuff really works (and tastes good).  Compared to other ultra endurance drinks like Hammer Perpetuem, it tastes like heaven.

Yap, I agree on this... when doing powder in training sessions, it gets me bloated up I have hard time especially during run. To prevent hunger, I have some protein bar, any kind, with high amount of protein. It's solid food, don't have to eat the whole thing at once, and prevents hunger, which is my problem most of the time during/after long(er) training sessions. 

+1 on this.

My IM plan is to start with a bottle of Accelerade on the bike and then move to Perform and live off the course.  I will pick up a 2nd bottle of accelerade in special needs bag.  I feel it has a little more substance to it than drinking perform all day.  I have even toyed with the idea of taking a bottle out on the beginning of the run...

Twinlab Endurance Fuel is another mix with a 4:1 ratio.  I have used it for running and spinning with good results.  I don't know if its mental or actual, but I seem to have better leg muscle recovery/less soreness afterwards when I use it than when I go straight carbs.  Downside is when mixed it is still a bit "gritty" or "textured" which can be a turn off.

If you have been using it in training I would not worry about it.  I am accelerade fan and I have used it for all but one of my IMs.  That said I do have an iron stomach most of the time....seriously I could eat a tuna sandwich and I would be fine....Just saying everyone is different but I don't think accellerade would still be around if it made people sick

I agree with the others that it can cause tummy issues.

Accel also has gels with protein.  I am a big fan of their Second Surge with 100mg of caffeine.  I have used this up to the half marathon distance.  During the IM I will probably hold off until the second half to make sure the tummy is good and I am sure when it gets dark the caffeine will come in handy.

Use what you used in training.  You will be fine.  If your stomach starts to feel bloated or upset, slow down for 30 mins or so and let it work through the issue.  Waiting until it's a full blown problem never ends well.  

Have a great race!