How to Fuel for a Marathon
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Fueling for a Marathon Doesn't Have to be Complicated
Using Tailwind during a marathon makes fueling simple. Below are a few simple points to help you plan for your 26.2, no matter the terrain or race time.Dial In Your Base:
Regardless of mileage, sport, or time, we recommend the following mixing guidelines for Endurance Fuel:200 calories (2 scoops or 1 stick pack) in 24 oz of water per hour
Depending upon intensity and heat, the total amount you drink may need to be adjusted up or down. Train with this ratio and listen to your body’s hunger and thirst cues to dial in your exact amounts.Calculate Your Fuel:
Estimate the total time you plan on running your marathon. Using the ratio above, calculate your total caloric needs. For example, for a four hour marathon:A four hour marathon will require a total of 800 calories (8 scoops or 4 stick packs). Each hour, you will need to consume approximately 20-24 oz of your Endurance Fuel and water mixture.
Choose Your Carrying Method:
No matter how you choose to carry your fuel, simply fill your vessel with enough Endurance Fuel to get you to the next aid station or drop bag. Carry your Endurance Fuel powder in your pack and mix when you refill water. We realize marathon runners are trying to carry as little as possible. When carrying capacity is limited we recommend making an Endurance Fuel concentrate. We will continue with the 4 hour marathon example:Using a small handheld or flask (4-6 oz), create a super concentrated Endurance Fuel gel with your total calories (in this case, 8 scoops or 4 stick packs). Using a permanent marker, add lines to indicate one hour’s worth of fuel. For a four hour marathon, you will need a total of four portions marked on the bottle.
Click here to learn more about how to make a concentrate.Use Your Fuel:
For a bladder or large bottle, sip continuously as you run. Remember to consume approximately 20-24 oz an hour. If you are hungry, drink more; if you are full, drink less. If you are racing with a concentrate, sip a small amount each time you’re within sight of an aid station. At each aid station, drink enough plain water to get a total of 20-24 oz per hour. If your stomach is upset, you probably need more water.For a four hour marathon, make sure you are drinking a fourth of your concentrate each hour. The average marathon cup contains 3-4 oz of water, so aim to drink about 6 of those each hour.
