Fueling long runs with grapes???

kelsully
kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
I was just snackng on some grapes with my son and wondered if anyone has used grapes during a long run to fuel. I don't like gels and hit the wall during my marathon ike I was a train at uncontrolled speed...it was a big crash for me....I fnsished the marathon but couldn't believe how horrid I felt..LOL...I didn't do an real fueing during the marathn minus the sips of gatorade at every other water station...think that might have been my problem...so what about grapes. what if I popped a few grapes every few miles? Any thoughts out there on this?

Replies

  • Alysgrma
    Alysgrma Posts: 365 Member
    Bump: Always wanting to learn new ideas :smile:
  • FrenchMob
    FrenchMob Posts: 1,167 Member
    Grapes would work, but in my case, I wouldn't have enough room to carry the amount I would need to adequately fuel..LOL. They would also need to be seedless...I couldn't see myself fighting with seeds while running. :huh: :laugh:

    I know some races actually have them at the aid stations.
  • cmw9696
    cmw9696 Posts: 123
    I am no where near marathon training like you are Kelly, but I have had a cup of grapes before a work out, and like the "quick sugar" rush I feel...I think it makes alot of sense, because it is natural and quickly digested...
  • itschristina
    itschristina Posts: 6
    This sounds like a great idea.. I'm going to have to try it out! ..maybe I should sign up for a half a marathon first lol
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    well...I had some grapes before a 7 miler....the sugars didn't bother my belly so that is good...I felt good running...I worry about orange slices and the acid in the belly...orange juice burps hurt when you are running so I thought grapes might be ok. I think I could put some in a fanny pack for a 10 miler and see how that goes...anything longer than that I think I might have to make an aid station for myself to restock the grape supply...surely I could convince DH and the kiddos to meet me half way and resupply the stash...that is if the 8 and 3 year old don't eat them all first...LOL I don't have anything longer than 10 planned for a while but I will keep you all posted.
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    I was just snackng on some grapes with my son and wondered if anyone has used grapes during a long run to fuel. I don't like gels and hit the wall during my marathon ike I was a train at uncontrolled speed...it was a big crash for me....I fnsished the marathon but couldn't believe how horrid I felt..LOL...I didn't do an real fueing during the marathn minus the sips of gatorade at every other water station...think that might have been my problem...so what about grapes. what if I popped a few grapes every few miles? Any thoughts out there on this?

    My thoughts are this.

    There are approximately 4 calories in a single grape.

    At an average of 100 calories per mile you will burn 2620 calories during a marathon.

    I mean honestly, do the maths.:huh:

    You hit the wall because you didn't fuel your mara well. Grapes are just not going to do it. I know you say you don't like gels but have a look at the load in them and then calculate how many grapes you would have to eat if you were serious of fuelling a mara on grapes.

    A handful of grapes is fine if you're heading out of the house for a quick 5k, but it's not how you fuel a mara.

    These links might help you in getting your head around mara nutrition.
    http://www.marathon-training-schedule.com/marathon-nutrition.html
    http://www.marathonconsultancy.co.uk/nutrition.asp
    http://www.marathontraining.com/marathon/m_nutrit.html
  • Tribix
    Tribix Posts: 12
    Grapes may work as a kind of "pick me up" when things get bad in a marathon - which you should be trying to avoid anyway, so bringing grapes along (to me) is sort of defeatist .

    I only say that because I seriously doubt grapes could provide sufficient calories in the marathon.

    Hammer Gel and Cliff shot make gels that are more like jelly and easily washed down with some water - chomps are a nice too - I usually take a piece of gum or two with me on a marathon in case things go bad and I need a sugar boost - I've also been experimenting with the Jelly Belly Energy Beans which seemed to work well in last weekend's 1/2 marathon
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    Very valid point about the number of cals...I tried a gu and I promptly vomited...the gummy energy things weren't bad so might try those again but I ate those immediately after a run once and my sugar levels got all weird. I am wary of ruining a long training run and not accomplishing the miles because of fueling wrong.....maybe the grapes might be good for pre race snack and even a refreshing treat during a run but not a good "fuel" source.....will have to keep working on it
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