lymansmtt

I'm am getting ready to do my first triathlon, a sprint consisting of a 1/3 mile swim, 16.1 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. I was wondering what kind of nutrition and hydration i should prepare to have. I planned on stashing a pack of sport beans and half a bannana in my jersey. But what liquids? I was planning on having a water for the bike, but should i also consider a sports drink (gatorade, powerade, etc.). And is it normal to see people carry a bottle during the run? I know everyone is different, but I just wanted to see what the normal was? Thanks everyone.

travelmama

I would take the beans and water only. That distance is too short to be concerned with anything else. If the course is well equipped with water stops, you need not carry water with you. To be on the safe side, it would not hurt to carry it.

deadprez012

+1 on advice above.

Key note--if you've trained well for this, you'll be plenty fine throughout the race without food. Water is a must, but if you sip on the bike with any regularity or carry your bottle on the run, that will be plenty sufficient.

This race isn't long enough to worry about calories burned/calories in while in race mode and if you're going to hit the wall it will be from pushing way too hard, not from being drained.

lovestoride

if there's aid stations on the run you dont need to bring anything other than a pre race water bottle. the race will most likely supply water and a little bit of food for afterwards.

DtotheJtotheH

The banana may be over kill. Most people have a gel on their bike ride, or mix a little electrolyte powder into a water bottle and have it on the bike. If you can stomach gels, it's convenient to tape it to your top tube so you can just rip it off and start sucking instead of opening it with 2 hands. And the electrolyte is probably even more convenient as it's the same as drinking water (which you will already be doing)

As far as carrying water on the run, most people do not. There is usually at least 1 water station (occasionally 2). If you are going at a fast pace, it's nealy impossible to drink during the run, usually I just splash it on my face and try to hit the trash can with the cup.

Crack Monkey

We're talking about <1.5 hours of effort. Water or sports drink on the bike should be plenty. Take a gel halfway through the bike - it's probably all mental, but whatever, it won't hurt you any.

Make sure to hydrate well the day before and morning of. Pop a gel before the start.