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.

Half Ironman Nutrition

[update: February 28, 2007]

What do you do for nutrition during a half ironman- say buffalo springs? i am trying to nail down my nutrition and have not had any luck so far. thanks,

-jenny

My half ironman nutrition usually consists of one strong bottle of electrolyte drink on the bike. I take sips from this bottle every 20 minutes or so and follow it with water, I grab water from each aid station, drinking as much as possible if it is hot. I have about 800 calories in this bottle. I will also take in four gels on the bike, totally about 1200 cals total on the bike. On the run I take in water, gatorade and coke at the aid stations, again as much as possible if it’s hot. I will also take in another 2-3 gels here depending on how I am feeling and what the weather conditions are like. It is important to take in more water and electrolytes is it hot (obviously) and more calories if you are shivering and racing in the cold. Hope this helps…