Long Course 7%, 8%, 15% Carbo:Water?

Triathlon Forum
1

Any experts out there that can explain the correct ration of carbo:water in a “during-event” fueling drink?

I have heard the best ratio is ~7% carbo to water (i.e. normal Gatorade or Accelerade). But it would seem to me that, given a long course need of ~ 24 oz. water and ~ 550 grams carbo, that drinking the “recovery” drinks (Endurox) would be a more convenient way to get lots of calories at the same time as water…

I have been using Endurox on the bike portions and it seems to have worked “ok”. I have heard others use high carbo drinks for the same reason. But I am wondering if I would be better off going to a sports drink and (lots of) gels combo.

Any input?

2

Read the nutrition articles on this site.

For 1/2 IM bike I mix up a bottle of maltodextrin with 480-720 cals in one bottle. I’ll sip from this bottle and drink straight water. This way I get all the cals I need in one bottle and can regulate the mixture by simply drinking more or less water from my aerodrink.