What does my "fueling" look like now?

My fueling should not look like your fueling. Your fueling should not look like mine. Based on my age, weight and height I had a carb goal in mind and stuck to it.

The 3 days before St George marathon, I followed my registered dietitian, Meghann Featherstun’s advice and took down between 400 and 450 carbs a day. I ate grahams, pretzels, bagels, bread, etc. I also hit my protein goal based on my own size and age.  

Day of, I had 5 grahams and coffee when I woke up around 4am.

I had another 3 on the bus despite feeling super nauseous with nerves. This taught me that it is very important for me to get the bulk of the grahams in me before getting on the bus.

I had a pack on Bonk Breakers 15 minutes before the start to really top the carbs off…

Then, as planned, I had one gel every three miles until I got to mile 20. I realized that I had carried an extra gel so decided I was going to get all three down within the last 6.2 miles because my legs and brain needed the glucose. So, I had one at mile 20, another at mile 22.5 (I was taking one every three so wanted to see how my body would react by taking another one after just 2.5) then I took another at 24. 

HYDRATION was Next Level (if I do say so myself!) 

I carried two handhelds. Each had one Skratch Hydration + Skratch everyday mix. My body soaked up the first one within the first 6 miles (My Coach, Mary Denholm, called suggested that I add the 2nd handheld. I was Very Skeptical that I could take down an entire handheld within the first 6 and shocked myself when it was empty). I later refilled Both handheld with water at least 1.25 times for a total of about 82 oz of fluids or 20.5 oz an hour.

Total carbs 273 including my pre race chews.

Immediately after the race I took a piece of bread and butter at the finish knowing that it is important to start recovery right away. I took my time so I would not get sick. I also had a Fairlife protein drink in my drop bag which was actually perfect because it gave me protein + electrolytes in a fairly easy way.

I was pretty nauseous the rest of the day, but tried to eat small bites every couples hours. I ate bread and butter and was able to get a nice piece of salmon for dinner. Overall, I am pretty pumped and happy with my ability to train the gut to take down what it needed to race well.

One day later, I am able to get food down again “normally” and very grateful I don’t have to take another gel for a while! I am craving some fat and protein so I will honor that over the next few days and listen to my body.

One more thing that I want to note: if you have been following along you know that I recovered from Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) last year. After regaining my period after not having it for 3+ years, I am now very regular. It got a little light at the end of my training and it was a reminder to increase my food intake. I am so pleased to say that one day after my marathon I got my period. This is a very vulnerable thing for me to share, but I am sharing because is not “normal” to lose your period when training. It is “normal” to have a period consistenty if you are honoring what your body needs.

I swear Utah has the BEST bread!