"What will you have at the aid stations?" is a question that we are asked every single race. After you've spent months of training for a half marathon or ultra, it's a question you rightfully want the answer to. We'd also want to know if we were in your shoes (though, it's unlikely that we wear the same size).
All of our half marathons and Trailfest events have Gnarly Hydrate at the aid stations. Our ultramarathons are supplied with Fuel20 at the aid stations. Why the difference? To put it simply, longer distances put more stress on your body and Fuel20 is specially formulated to give your body what it needs for those longer distances. The half marathon distance isn't as intense, so the nutritional needs are different. These two products are formulated to meet the specific needs of each type of race and runner. Of course, every body is different and we all start begin endurance efforts with different energy stores and may use that energy differently throughout a race, so keep this in mind as you make your nutrition plans leading up to a race.
Gnarly Hydrate is perfect for everyday athletic hydration during and after exercise. We stock it at our half marathons because it appropriately loaded with electrolytes and B vitamins to get you through those tough miles.
Gnarly Hydrate contains 250 mg of sodium and 90 mg of magnesium to help with muscle function and hydration. Hydrate contains Just enough sugar to help with electrolyte transport without causing gut rot.
Gnarly Hydrate is available in three flavors: Orange Pineapple, Raspberry, Ruby Red Grapefruit. If you're running a half marathon with us, give Gnarly Hydrate a try before your race. It's always nice to know what you're getting into before you do!
Quick Gnarly Hydrate Facts:
- 30 calories
- 250 mg sodium
- 90 mg magnesium
- 4 g sugar
- 400 mg folic acid
- 2 mg vitamin B6
- 10 mcg vitamin B12
Vacation Racers can get 15% off their order with code Vacation15.
Unlike Hydrate, Gnarly Fuel20 contains extra calories to energize you on those longer endurance efforts. Each 12 oz serving contains 100 calories derived from sucrose and dextrose, two carbohydrates that are easy to digest during a race. Why the two types of carbs? Research supports that a combination of sucrose and dextrose increases carbohydrate absorption during exercise more than if a single carbohydrate were consumed. Hooray for efficiency!
Bonus fact! For our nutrition geeks, Fuel20 has a high glycemic index.
While providing calories, Gnarly Fuel20 also replaces electrolytes that are lost while you sweat. Fuel20 delivers 250 mg of sodium per serving. These electrolytes come from a blend of chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Fuel20 also helps minimize muscle protein breakdown (this is what causes post-training soreness).
If you are running one of our ultras, we recommend sampling Gnarly Fuel20 before the race. It is available in three flavors: Tropical, Limeade, and Cherry Cola (caffeinated).
Quick Fuel20 Facts:
- 100 calories
- 250 mg sodium
- 90 mg magnesium
- 125 mg calcium
- 135 mg chloride
- 5 mcg vitamin D3
Vacation Racers can get 15% off their order with code Vacation15.