Trip-Tips

I am receiving so many great questions! Thank you. I have recently improved my site so that I can more quickly post answers here so please keep sending them via email.

Gluten Free on the Road?

[update: March 20, 2007]

A year ago I was diagnosed with celiac. You talk about being on a gluten free diet – I find it to be a big pain dealing with post race parties and meals on the road during race weekends. How much do you worry about gluten contamination and stomach problems eating while traveling for races?

-Jeanne

I know this can be a big challenge so I travel with food to all of my races. I pack rice bread and bars in my bike box and when I get to the race town I load up on fruit at the grocery store. I have even traveled with sweet potatoes in my bike box on several occasions! I skip the pasta parties and go out to dinner in places I know will serve rice.

Gluten Free Bars?

[update: March 20, 2007]

I had a question about gluten-free race nutrition. I just found out that I have a gluten intolerance, and I was wondering what you like to take in on the bike and the run during long workouts and races. It seems like the GF energy bars are just really high in fiber and have little to no sodium (ie Lara Bars). Do you have any advice?

-Christine

I wanted to ask you about the wheat/gluten free diet. I also have that allergy but I love powerbars and such – they work well with my schedule between breakfast and lunch, and again between lunch and dinner. Plus, I love the taste. However, they don’t seem to work well with me. Is there a good alternative other than natural foods? I’m looking for a bar that won’t have anything that I don’t need in it.

-Spencer

Christine and Spencer,

I prefer Lara bars, Tri 3 bars (www.tri3bar.com), Think Organic Bars and Clif Nectar bars. These bars are all gluten/wheat free and made with natural ingredients. I take them with me on training rides and use them in Ironman races as well. I rely on other sources for sodium, ie sports drink and endurolytes.

Nuun on the run?

[update: July 27, 2006]

How do you drink Nuun on the run? - Billy

HI Billy, You have to put Nuun in a water bottle and have it either in a fuel belt- in an ironman race you could put it in a water bottle for your half way bag or mix it with a more bland tasting carb drink (such as carbo pro) and it will add both flavor and electrolytes.