Fueling is a skill
Fitness is only half the marathon. Execution is the other half.
If you under-fuel, you don’t just “feel bad” — you slow down, your form collapses, and cramps/GI problems become more likely.
The simplest plan that works
- Pick a starting carb target you can tolerate.
- Turn it into a schedule (every 15–30 minutes).
- Practice it on long runs until it’s automatic.
How to practice (without blowing up your gut)
- Practice at easy-to-steady effort first.
- Keep the same products for a few long runs before you change anything.
- If you get GI issues: reduce dose size, increase spacing, and simplify.
Hydration: avoid extremes
Drink enough to stay stable, but avoid over-drinking. Practice a plan in training and adjust for heat and sweat rate.