How to Create a Tailwind Concentrate
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How to Mix Endurance Fuel
When consuming Tailwind, our standard mixing recommendation is 200 calories of Endurance Fuel (2 scoops or 1 stick pack) per hour of exercise mixed with 24 oz of water.
For example, if you anticipate your activity will take 4 hours, you would want to consume 800 calories (8 scoops or 4 stick packs) mixed with 96 oz of over the course of your exercise.
How to Make a Concentrate
We know there are many times you simply can’t (or don’t want to) carry a lot of liquid: marathons, ultras, ironman races, etc. We get it!
For longer distances, when carrying capacity is limited, we recommend creating a gel-like Endurance Fuel concentrate. You will still want to consume 200 calories per hour of exercise (100 per half hour), but you can adjust the amount of water you mix with your Endurance Fuel based on your carrying capacity.
- First, calculate the total time of your event to find your total Tailwind needs.
- Then, mix your total Tailwind in a small bottle of choice with just enough water to make it viscous.
Pro tip: If you’re having problems mixing, use a measuring cup so the powder is thoroughly dissolved and pouring is easier.
For example, if you anticipate your event will take 4 hours, you would still want to consume 800 calories (8 scoops or 4 stick packs).
Using a concentrate is also super simple:
- Mark your bottle according to your total race (or activity) time.
- After sipping your concentrate, drink plenty of plain water.
- As you drink your concentrate, aim to consume the appropriate ratio of water to Tailwind. We recommend 24 oz of water per every two scoops (or one stick pack) of Endurance Fuel.
Drink Extra Water!
Did we mention to drink extra water?! Each 100 calories of Endurance Fuel requires 10-12oz of water for your body to process, so it is really important to drink extra water.
If you don't drink enough water your body will suck water from your bloodstream and carry it to the GI system, accelerating dehydration and potentially causing stomach issues.
Don’t Overthink It
Endurance Fuel is super effective because the ratio of dextrose (glucose), sucrose, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium is designed to replace exactly what your body sweats out during endurance exercises. It truly is “All you need, all day. Really.”
If you’re struggling getting your nutrition dialed in, follow the advice above and try not to overthink it. As long as you’re supplementing with plenty of extra water, especially in warmer weather, your nutrition should stay on point!
Listen to Your Body
Everyone’s bodies are different, so listen to your body and don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Endurance Fuel used depending on your calorie needs. If you’re feeling hungry with low energy, that’s a sign you need to increase your calories. If you’re hungry, but your energy levels feel good, you might just need to nibble on something.
We recommend practicing your fueling strategy during long training sessions to make sure your strategy is dialed in before race day!
Happy Fueling!
We’re always here to help, so shoot us an email at supportcrew@tailwindnutrition.com if you have questions and, as always, consult your physician for medical advice.
Hopefully our fueling tips will help you develop a strategy that works for you. Happy fueling!
1 comment
Hi. I am using tailwind training for an Ironman in 6 weeks. I was told to use 3 scoops per 750ml of water. Its a full ironman. I see on the website it states 2 scoops, but i was told to use 3. Which should i use. I am always urinating a lot, however I’m training in Ireland and its not that warm yet and also training to low heart rate so not sweating a lot. Looking for advice please, and thanks
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Tailwind Nutrition replied:
Hi James! Thanks for your question. Our general usage guidelines are to use 2-3 scoops (200-300 cal) of Endurance Fuel per 20-24oz of water per hour. There is some variation in usage depending on the person, effort, and environment. When people start out with our Endurance Fuel we suggest starting with 2 scoops an hour, and if they feel a bit drained or do not feel satiated we have them slowly increase EF to find their perfect amount. It is rare that people consume more than 3 scoops an hour. The environment (temp, humidity, etc.) that you are exercising in will impact the amount of water you want to consume, not so much the calories. If 3 scoops an hour is working for you and you don’t feel overly full or slightly bloated then I wouldn’t change a thing. If you feel like you could dial it back then you could start with 2.5 scoops an hour. Hope this helps! If you ever have any questions feel free to email supportcrew@tailwindnutrition.com.