| miguelangelo |
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So last year in my first marathon i took a gu every miles - so 4 gus: mile 5, 10, 15, and 20. that worked pretty well but at mile 24 i still think i hit a kind of bonk. i was thinking i would to do a similar thing this year, but i was wondering if there was any benefit to concentrating to gu more towards the end. for instance, does a gu at mile 5 prevent the onset of glycogen depletion as well as maybe skipping that one and then taking them say at 17, 20, and 23? Does this concentration at then perhaps work as fumes to run on? any input on how other people manage their fuel intake during the marathon is appreciated/. Thanks |
| blaznbison24 |
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That's the usual method I do as well. But I think sometimes the focus is too much on race fueling instead of preparing your body to be efficient at burning fuel. With more mileage and more steadier running, you'll be able to store more glycogen. How is your race pacing? Is the second half of the course traditionally more difficult than the first? |
| miguelangelo |
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For this particular course, I would say the second half is about equal or maybe a bit easier. I have a pretty good idea that my pace should be around 2:45. That's around 6:18 pace. I think i will go out more conservatively at 6:20 pace, however, i've read that you are more efficient in the first half of the race (using slow twitch rather than your recruited fast twitch muscles) and therefore a small positive split is the best idea. i think i used up too much glycogen at the beginning (or at least up until mile 24) by doing the positive split too much in the first marathon. Ran 6:08 pace the first half when 6:15 was probably my overall pace fitness level. any words of advice toward being conservative to conserve glycogen versus running a bit quicker to be the most efficient with your fast and slow twitch muscles? |
| MarathonMind |
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It's doubtful that anything you take in (besides water) as late as miles 20 and 23 is going to help you during the race. Recovery yes- race, no. |
| miguelangelo |
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ok. ill stick to my old plan then. get them in early.. at 5, 10 and 15 and then another at 20 and maybe 23 just because i have heard getting the sugar/ caffeine at that stage can at least help you refocus a bit |