fueling during "long" runs.

bwright9752

I'm training for my first 1/2 marathon and have run 13.1 a few times now. I'm trying to run 3 short (5-6 mile) runs each week and then run 13.1 every other Sunday with 7-8 mile runs on the other Sundays.
During my 13.1s I do a Goo at 4 miles, then a couple Cliff Bloks every 2-3 miles after that. When I do my 7-8 mile runs I don't really need to fuel but I'm wondering if I should keep the same schedule just so my body gets used to it, or, should I not fuel at all?

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.

tbrain1989

i would keep a similar fuel intake as what your comfrotable with,

jelly beans work really well for the inbetween miles when your doing more then ten, particularly if you know your run well or have a way of keeping track,

2 jelly beans per mile is my motto, seems to work for me

BrianSharpe

You'll get a wide range of opinions on fueling while running.

Personally I'm not convinced that it's absolutely necessary for half-marathon distances (I've run with gels and without and haven't noticed a huge difference either way - but I'm also pretty slow).

If it makes you feel better (it doesn't matter if it's real or placebo effect) I'd keep to same schedule.

CarsonRuns

I prefer deprivation training. No fuel except for a couple practice runs. No water either unless it's over about 75 and the run is over 16 miles. Get the body accustomed to going without and then the additional fuel will have a greater impact on race day.

tbrain1989

I prefer deprivation training. No fuel except for a couple practice runs. No water either unless it's over about 75 and the run is over 16 miles. Get the body accustomed to going without and then the additional fuel will have a greater impact on race day.

this is excellent advice, i only fuel for events, try and run as free from any help as possible whilst training

bwright9752

Thanks. I'll try my next 13miler without any fuel - not sure I will skip the water though, I cramp up if I don't hydrate. I normally stash 3 bottles of water along my route, one at 4, one at 6.5 and one about 9.

Lyerin

I think I would be more apt to skip the food than the water. If you know you cramp up, keep drinking the water during your longer runs. Getting dehydrated isn't pretty at all.

CarsonRuns

Thanks. I'll try my next 13miler without any fuel - not sure I will skip the water though, I cramp up if I don't hydrate. I normally stash 3 bottles of water along my route, one at 4, one at 6.5 and one about 9.

There is no scientific proof that there is any relationship between dehydration and cramping. Additionally, if you are going to dehydrate, it's not because you didn't drink during the run, it's because you didn't drink in the days preceding it. Proper hydration doesn't occur in the hour or two you are out pounding the pavement. If your urine is between clear and light straw in color, then you are properly hydrated.

Recent research shows that there are but two reasons for cramping, heredity and over-exertion (of the type of asking your body to do something it is not accustomed to doing).