Masa Harina is my Friend

Dispatch from Yakima WA. Training Update

WARNING-Some may consider the following to be TMI (too much information). Read at your own risk, preferably not during a meal.

With just 10 weeks to go before the first of my two 50k trail races in May, I may have finally figured out my nutrition. Ultra-runners are familiar with the term “runner’s trots” describing gut issues encountered during long runs. Ever since training for my first marathon way back when, I have had off and on issues with this annoying problem. When I did long training runs on pavement I would plot my course to ensure I passed porta-potties, gas stations and other public facilities, just in case.

On wilderness runs I always carry pack out bags for emergencies #leavenotrace. An inordinate amount of time has been wasted in Honey-Buckets during races, making my overall pace that of a snail.

Well, on my long run last week, 22 miles, I had NO issues, and it suddenly hit me…I’ve been over fueling! I had been following fueling guidelines informed by my nutrition counseling certification, advice from coaches and exhaustive online research. And guess what? Most of it didn’t really work for me. I did the math and consumed copious calories based on the figures and felt as though I HAD to fuel up before long runs. I would get up hours before an early run to make sure my stomach had settled in before hitting the trails.

For the 22-mile run, I decided to forgo my protein shake, my vitamins (high in C) and skipped the coffee. Instead, I ate 2 corn tortillas heated up with a bit of an organic non-dairy butter spread. On the trail, I had a couple of my pinole chia biscuits and my homemade yam goo and I felt fantastic, didn’t hit a wall and didn’t have to crawl into the bushes wasting time and energy.

Of course, I did consume my vitamins and my protein and recovery drinks immediately following the run and I ate a huge meal later, but prior to and during the run it just wasn’t necessary.

Yesterday I did 10 miles using the same formula, two tortillas made from masa harina, with the same success.

Next Friday I have a 24-miler planned and I hope it works out as well. I’ll be sure to post an update as I’m sure everyone just can’t wait to hear the latest news about my digestive health.