12 hour race chow question

[jbell]

I am doing my first 12 hour mountain bike race in 2 weeks. Im not new to mountain biking or riding hard for extend periods of time but this is taking it to the next level for me. Even more so because I am doing the race solo on a singlespeed bike. My plan is to never be off the bike for more than 10 min at a time, just to top off my H20 and grab some chow. So my question is about chow during the race. What do you (those who have done similar events) suguest for chow during the event. I am able to stage a container for my gear at the start finish line and each lap should take me hopefully 55-65 min. I will have a bottle on my bike and a 100oz bladder in my camelback. I can carry some small energy type food with me like gu packs ect. I am planning to pound as much water as I can at all times in addition to cerasport and a protien type drink that I can grab at the start finish line. I was thinking I should have some solid food to eat from time to time like PB&J sandwich and boiled eggs, both quick and easy with some good nutritional benefits. What are your thoughts? Thanks - Jesse

 

[Awesymoto]

Re: 12 hour race chow question

I ride mostly single track, not endurance, XC, however, I would suggest that due to such a long race, your body would start needing more carbs than you can "pack" the night before. Eat proteins and whole grains the morning of.

I highly recommend you do not kill that camelback every lap. There would be a high chance you will become hyponatremic. I have done several all day movements with a ruck on, and can say that if you don't replace some kind of sodium in your body you will have a horrible end.

As for race time, Gu is good, so is a protein mix. Try and eat foods loaded with easy to digest proteins and carbs. aim for 300 calories per hour, and somewhere around 25oz of water per/hour.
Try and get as much energy/calories from semi liquid/ liquids, Hard foods can cause stomach issues, as well as digestion problems mid race.

bottom line, you need to replace and supplement the amino acids, and sodium you loose when you sweat and exercise hard.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[jbell]

Re: 12 hour race chow question

Thanks for the info. I wasnt planning on drinking 100oz per hour, I just ment that hydration would be covered. I do plan on keeping up with the sodium, and amino acids with a mix that I will alternate with the water through out the race. I was mainly looking for brands or food ideas. I havent ever had any digestion issues during long endurance type events with some basic solids but I keep hearing that from everyone so I guess its going to be more semisolids.

I cant wait for the race, its 2 days away now. The bitch is I have had a nasty head cold for 2 weeks and it still isnt completely gone. Oh well, it will keep it interesting!