I’ve noticed a trend in regional triathlons this year that concerns me. At three of these events, there was only water supplied on the run course. No Gatoraide or Poweraide, just water. Have these two companies stopped supplying their product to race directors?
I assume they provided either free or discounted Gatoraide or Poweraide in previous years. I assume that because their product name is usually on the T-shirt I get. Have they cut back?
Or, are the Race Directors just cutting costs and opting not to supply an energy drink on the run.
The spint races are not a big issue, but in a two+ hour Olympic distance race, I like Gatoraide or Poweraide during the run. Only water was available at an Olympic distance race I did this weekend.
Do you need calories on the run? I would think if you have Gatorade/whatever on the bike, maybe a final swig at T2, water should be fine during the run. So far I’ve only done sprints so I know it’s not quite the same, but I assume that any calories I take in on the run won’t hit my bloodstream until the race is over.
Then again, maybe a caffeinated gel at mile 1 could give you a little extra boost at the end?
I would tend to agree. For Oly’s I’ll generally drink one botle of Gatorade and a Gu with water in the hour before the race, then carry one bottle of Gatorade on the bike. I only drink water on the run because if I try to digest anything while running that hard I tend to cramp up.
I can’t speak for your situation, but our distributor is wonderful. I’m race director for a small half-marathon. The local oil refinery sponsors the race and all proceeds go to our local United Way. I request a donation from our local Coke distributor for Poweraide and cups for the aid stations. I also request Poweraide, sodas, bottled water, cups and coolers for the post-race BBQ the refinery throws. The distributor has always been exceedingly friendly and generous.