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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer

JackM

Nov 19, 08 5:08

Post #1 of 13 (389 views)

Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer	Can't Post

I've always used Hammer products in my long rides, runs and tri's. Espresso gels, Heed (if it's short), Perpetuum (if long) and Recoverite afterwords. I take their electrolyte pills and have tried some other concoctions. I'm pretty happy with them, but I've struggled with a spell of nausea in my IM's (mainly over the last :30 of the bike and first :45 of the run). I thought I might experiment with some other products and am looking for suggestions.

Here's what I like about Hammer: mix of carb & protein in Perpetuum; no processed sugars in anything; right amount of caffeine in espresso gels; ability to mix extra-thick perpetuum so that I don't have to carry too many bottles on the bike.

Suggestions for other products? Pros/cons? I've heard Infinit mentioned a lot...any advice on what to try would be appreciated. Thanks.

matti58

Nov 19, 08 5:20

Post #2 of 13 (383 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've never used Infinit, but many folks speak highly of the product. That would be something to try. FWIW, I never had stomach problems on long rides. But this year, I focused specifically on training for ultramarathons and I found that what worked on the bike didn't work so well on the really long runs. It turns out the culprit was not enough water (or so it seems). I used to use Gatorade Endurance, water, gu, and other stuff. Once I tried going with just water as the only liquid I consume (along with salt tabs for my electrolytes), my nausea and stomach issues went away. I still eat the regular solids, though: gu, pb sandwiches, bananas, beef jerky, or whatever. Good luck.

jaretj

Nov 19, 08 5:50

Post #3 of 13 (369 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

What do you mean by processed sugars?

Maltodextrin is processed from rice, corn, potatos and wheat.

jaretj

http://jaretj.blogspot.com

JackM

Nov 19, 08 6:00

Post #4 of 13 (354 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [jaretj] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm just recalling the Hammer marketing claims. Are you saying that there's not really a difference between the sugars used in the different products? Hammer seems to emphasize the fact that the simple/processed/whatever sugar in things like Gatorade or ClifShots affects the body's ability to absorb calories and nutrients. Does this claim hold water?

jaretj

Nov 19, 08 6:05

Post #5 of 13 (346 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

There is a difference between simple and complex carbs but their claim that only complex carbs should be used for exercising doesn't hold water.

I recommend you get the book "The Lore of Running" and read through the first 4 chapters with special attention to Chapter 3.

It will change the way you think about nutrition during exercise.

jaretj

http://jaretj.blogspot.com

Mr_Pink

Nov 19, 08 6:33

Post #6 of 13 (316 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [jaretj] [In reply to]	Can't Post

x2 on Noakes' Lore of Running. A must have and incredible reference.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!?!

spr-2-cus

Nov 19, 08 9:53

Post #7 of 13 (253 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I concur with what Jaretj said. I too have used Hammer products and a downside for me is that they contain very little sodium which when lost in large amounts reduces the bodies fluid absorption rate and can lead to nausea. I have a high sweat and sodium loss rate, much more than the average person and this past season paid a price for using the wrong electrolyte products.

jaretj

Nov 19, 08 10:18

Post #8 of 13 (239 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [jaretj] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd like to note that I think Hammer makes great products and they work great for many people. Their articles are a bit biased toward their own products just like many other companies are.

Personally I don't use Hammer products except for Hammer Gel that is given away at races. I use other products that work better for me.

jaretj

http://jaretj.blogspot.com

kdw

Nov 19, 08 10:24

Post #9 of 13 (233 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"protein in Perpetuum"

Protein taken during extended excercise is a pretty high-risk low-return option, imo. If you are having stomach problems, that would be the first thing I would eliminate to see if it helps your issues.

NateC

Nov 19, 08 12:28

Post #10 of 13 (187 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [kdw] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Protein taken during extended excercise is a pretty high-risk low-return option, imo. If you are having stomach problems, that would be the first thing I would eliminate to see if it helps your issues.

Do you have any more info, or a source where you got this from? I have a friend who's been having stomach problems during events and I wonder if this might be the problem. I'd like to look into it more.
_______________________________________________________________
The question is not how far. The question is, do you possess the constitution, the depth of faith, to go as far as is needed? - Il Duce; Boondock Saints

nathansfixations.blogspot.com

roadie gal

Nov 19, 08 17:30

Post #11 of 13 (133 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would definitely try Infinit. They have premade mixes or you can customize your own mix. It sounds complicated, but it's not. They have a questionaire that you fill out first. It then comes up with a suggested mix that you can tweak. You pick your own mix of calories, slow vs fast burning carbs, protein (or not) and flavor strength. You can email or call them if you have any questions.

aarondavidson

Nov 19, 08 18:20

Post #12 of 13 (118 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [JackM] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Infinit. I just got my new shipment today. However my stomach can tolerate just about anything in moderation, so I turn to Infinit for ther custom blends. I use the Iron Distance Formula with extra sodium
-- Aaron

TriBri00

Nov 19, 08 18:32

Post #13 of 13 (106 views)

Re: Off-season nutrition experiments--alternatives to Hammer [NateC] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I switched to carbopro this summer once it got hot and preferred it over sustained energy, especially for running or bricks. I mixed the powerbar drink powder for flavor and salt plus carbopro to achieve the desired amount of calories.

Now that its cold I like the SE better, but I'm not using much b/c my workouts are shorter.