1/2 Marathon - Hints/Tips for Diet & Hydration Please

HI - this is my first post on this Forum and hope that some of you can help.

I've just signed up for my first 1/2 marathon in Feb and plan to walk/run it.

I had a VSG in March this year and live in Dubai so it's relatively hot all of the year - and will be in the 80's in Feb.

Please share tips on how to keep hydrated for the race - I can only manage 4 swigs of water at a time

& any nutrition tips for the day - I'm tending to eat high protein, followed by veg and finally good carbs - I dump on sugar so don't touch the sweet stuff.

Thanks so much.
Debbie

Debbie,

Congrats on your commitment to your new life and for finding this forum.  The men and women on this site our very inspirational.  They have been through it all so don't be afraid to ask.

I have run 4 halfs and 2 fulls and have some of the same issues you do. 

I usually carry G2 with me because I too am sensitive to sugar.  I sip periodically during the run and haven't had any problem staying hydrated since my first full.  I use a GU gel about every four miles for nutrition.  I have to be careful not to drink to much Gatorade with the gel pack or I will dump.  I also take a couple of electrolyte pills every two hours and they help quite a bit.

The most important thing is to try everything you want to do during the race in practice runs.  That way if you bonk you can fix it before the big day.

Good luck on the training for your run and congratulations on a new healthier you.

Darrell

How exciting! Congrats on putting your goal in motion!!!

I am probably not a good example, because I didn't stop at the aid station or practice with water while running. I drank lots leading up to the race and lots after wards. I found it hard to drink on the move (lap band and sometimes you have to drink somewhat slower than normal). I read somewhere that it was okay up to 13 miles, if you felt you didn't need the water or extra fuel. However, it was cold when I ran too. I drank a protein shake before runs and followed up with a good hearty breakfast after wards. 

 I would suggest practice the race over and over. Try out what works for you and go with that. Some people have great success with sports beans and gels. I'm training for the marathon now and I know I must figure out my own hydration and fuel plan. I'm really nervous about finding what works best for me. I sometimes take in too much air when drinking on the run so it will be a "work in progress" for me.

Best wishes to you! Please come back and keep us in touch.

Thank you for your feedback.  I've just started my training so will be sure to try out lots of different things to see how I can best keep hydrated and energised.

I think the water stations are every 2.5k's which shouldn't be too far - but as I can only take 4 gulps of water at a time, think I'll have to carry extra with me - am thinking of having a camelback water system on my back if it's not too hot.

Realistically I'll probably be jogging/walking fast for my first 1/2 marathon so shouldn't be too bad (famous last words !)

At least by starting training now whilst it's hot and humid - it should be better on the day - the race starts at 7am so hopefully it will be a comfortable temperature.

I'll post back from time to time.

Thanks again.
Debbie

I carry my own nutrition and use the aide stations to supplement. I also can't drink a lot of liquid at once so I just drink often. I have a Fuel Belt system. I found the Camelbak to hurt my back too much. Plus, for a half-marathon, you probably don't need that much liquid.