Tailwind Nutrition

I have been using High 5 ISO Gels (changing with powerbars/cliff bars) with High 5 Zero for the last four to five years now. In the last my last two long distance races, that being Staffordshire 1/2 Ironman and The Outlaw. I have had stomach cramps more than halfway into the race. I decided that I wanted to try something new before my next race.

Searched the internet read reviews and I had it whittled down to Tailwind nutrition. I ordered the mix box on Thursday and it very promptly arrived the next day. I had arranged to meet one of my running buddies (Alan) to go for a longish run on the Saturday 15-16 miles and I decided that I wanted to use this as a testing platform for my new nutrition.

So one sachet into my 700ml water bottle (Lemon) and I was ready to go. I was only taking one water bottle with me. I started to sip it before we went a run but nothing significant. Off we set I usually sip on the water as I run couple of mouthfuls usually every mile or so. The first time tasting it is seemed a bit chalky, it was due to the powder sitting at the bottom of the bottle gave it another shake and all was better. The lemon flavour was subtle but not over powering as some can be. Was easy on the palate and no after taste................bonus. First time in a while I have to agree that I never had any stomach problems or lagging in energy. Just my legs were knackered not me. (I did do a seven and a half mile run the day before). By the time I had finished my run the bottle was empty and I was feeling good.

Tailwind sachets are not cheap if you buy them individual it is £1.50 or in a mixed box of 10 it is £13.50. To High5 Zero which is 20 tablets for about £5 which even at the strongest mix level they recommend you would get 10 750ml water bottles. Tailwind do bags for 30 (£19) and 50 (£29) servings which is much better priced. The sachets to me is more of a try before invest in it.

Overall I could change to this nutrition for long distance running. I would still need to use banana's (which you normally get at a water station) as I still like to have something in my stomach apart from fluids but I will be able to cut down considerably on the gels i.e. 1 every 3-4 miles to 1 every 13-14 miles. It will be more mind set than anything else, "I normally take a gel now so I should take one". Remember using I have been using gels for over 4 years now and now I want to try to either reduce or do not use them at all. So I will try at the D33 (33 mile run) in march to use no gels and see how I progress.  At the weekend that was one of my mistakes, I had a small breakfast and never took a banana before the run. All I had for nutrition was the Tailwind and I managed to do the 15.5 miles in about 2hrs 10min. For me that is good going.

For Half Ironman distance races and up I believe there would still be the need for that extra boost on the bike leg and on part of the run leg. Tailwind would not be able to sustain you the whole race................before anyone asks no High5 Zero cannot sustain you aswell. You need to calorie count in these long distance races.

So this year I have started down a new path of nutrition and see where it takes me.

Wish me luck.