I am looking for a comprehensive nutrition system for the IM. I would like help as far as exactly what and how much and how often I should be taking in. I have been told to look into Hammer nutrition, I did, but still, not clear on exactly what I should be doing… I would love your input on any suggestions.
Hammer Gel and their other nutritional stuff are pretty good in my opinion. I’ve just started using their new Perpeteum powder for my long stuff and like it a lot. I’ve used sustained energy powder from them in the past with success too. One of those and gels should be enough to take care of all your needs. I’ve also found that defizzed pop and candy bars are a nice change of pace and a cheap alternative. Hammer nutrition will send you a small booklet with your first order that will answer some of your questions.
Do you have specific questions? Have you read their fueling guides on the website? There is a ton of information on that site including a fueling guide for IM races
Agree with 5280 above. I read through all their info and then experimented on my own to find out what worked best for fueling and hydrating my humungous Clydesdale sized body. Did a lot of weighing before and after long rides to guage hydration levels in heat and humidity as well as what my stomach would tolerate. IMO their system works but you need to tweek it for your body and you need to do so under conditions similar to what you face on race day. Worked for me anyway at IMF in 2001. Best of Luck to you.
PS–My favorite combo is to mix their chocolate and rasberry gel.
See if Hammer Nutrition will send you their free little booklet on endurance nutrition. It is really good.
I went and spent a lot of time looking at it online. they have a section on triathlons and I read the Ironman part. is that what you are talking about? Now, that’s a lot of stuff to buy. Do you guys just go ahead and buy it all? How about the difference between sustained energy and perpetum? If I take my own vitamins, do I still order all their supplements?
Also, I was wondering… They keep saying things like 2-6 endurolytes per hour, how do you carry all that on the bike and not mix all your capsules? Plus carry the sustained energy AND the gel… Might be a silly question but I am really curious. Thanks
You can download their booklets from their web site:
I highly recommend the “Endurance Athlete’s Fueling Handbook” and the “Secrets to Triathlon Success” (which you can download directly at http://www.e-caps.com/downloads/trisuccess.pdf).