Hi,
I have read often that people lean on Ensure before a long course race. I just read in the thread that TJ Tollakson has two prior to an IM.
For those that do, is it the protein that you are trying to get in? Or just more liquid caloires?
I am 100% dairy free, so wondering if anyone knows of a non-dairy option that would serve the same purpose.
I believe it is a total nutrition drink and they are looking for the quality liquid calories. As for a non dairy option I would look to Vega One. I have found it works very well as a liquid meal replacement and is very easy on the system. Avoid the Chai flavor as many dislike it.
diffrent then what they would get from a Pb and J sandwich or oatmeal? These are ready made drinks. Vega would require blending I believe. I am aware of this brand, but not sure if its offering same benefits: http://www.drinksvelte.com
just trying to get high quality calories. pretty well balanced between carbs, protein, as well as relevant vitamins, minerals.
Like everything else, try before you race. I trained with it a few times, with some decent success. I overdid at IMLP 2012 and had two that morning. I was bloated for about 60 miles and had no desire to hydrate, lol! Still finished 10:35 but it was not pretty.
Really, it is a personal breakfast choice. Ensure is readily available. I have done a shake before races and I have done rice, potato, kale and eggs. It’s really what you have used in training and what works for your body. Like was said before try it a few times before racing with it.
I had the same experience. Tried it before and felt bloated.
Being the complete knucklehead I am, decided to have it in my special needs bag anyway at the inaugural Pineman race in '99 for the marathon. I hadn’t found anything working for me calorie-wise in training and was still experimenting. Proof of knuckleheadedness - decided to drink not ONE can of Ensure Plus, but TWO at the 13 mile mark. At the 14 mile aid station manned by a cub scout pack, I shocked and horrified the kids and adults with a volcanic eruption out of my mouth the chocolate delight that had been consumed the prior mile. After continued experimentation the next year, I finally found food and calories that worked.
I use it to supplement a bowl of cereal + almond milk as breakfast. Mainly to keep the fiber count low in breakfast to try and reduce the risk of a deuce later on in the day.
so my dairy free option www.drinksvelte.com would make sense as a similar thing then I am guessing…I am going to try it out.
I take 1 ensure + breakfast 2-3hrs pre race/training. As with any concentrated calories, you need time to digest it. Try it out in training. I’ve tried taking it 30 min prior to a long bike, but felt bloated for the 1st hour.
I use it as part of my race day breakfast routine. Easy to find, easy to drink in the car if need be, balanced calories and my GI system tolerates it great.
So, for me, easy liquid calories. No idea on a dairy free substitute.
I use it too before long training days and races coupled with usually a bagel w/ nutella. seems to work for me so I can get some more calories in without eating too many solids before a race- nervous stomach and solids dont mix well for me
I woke up at 2am and drank 4 before an IM this summer. worked well for me–easiest way to get that amount of calories in and go back to sleep.