OK, so I've learned that I can down a couple of cheeseburgers and a couple of beers and go out and swim 4K no problem -- even feels good. But I'm trying to find the "sensible" solution for either a 10K or longer swim or the shorter 3K-5K days on extremely hot days.
Last year I swam a 3K in 90+ weather after driving two hours in my non-A/C Jeep to get to the race. Thinking I should hydrate, I made sure I had plenty of gatorade before starting the swim. I felt nauseous and my legs turned to rubber 1K in. On the cooler 3K-5K races, I do nothing but drink some water before and have always done fine as long as I have the beer waiting at the end. But by the end of 5K I always feel like I need something more if I want to go any longer than that.
In prepping for eventually entering a 10K, I began to experiment with gels. I've tried two. 10 minutes after eating gu or PowerGel, I got light-headed and legs turned to rubber. I researched previous threads and saw that some folk just drink water for anything less than 8 miles or so. Anyone think differently? Any alternatives?
I'm not sure I want to stuff cheeseburgers and beer in my suit. . . but they might work for the 10K postal.
I think if the event is over 90 minutes in length you may benefit from fuel during the competition.
Whatever you choose to try just be sure to use it in practice and be sure it doesn't upset your stomach or make you jittery.
I personally do not like sugary type things; some people they work for though.
My favorite is torn-up whole wheat bagel bits, gel-blocks (a little too sweet), and power bar "energizer" bars.
I think if the event is over 90 minutes in length you may benefit from fuel during the competition.
Whatever you choose to try just be sure to use it in practice and be sure it doesn't upset your stomach or make you jittery.
I personally do not like sugary type things; some people they work for though.
My favorite is torn-up whole wheat bagel bits, gel-blocks (a little too sweet), and power bar "energizer" bars.
