Heed vs Perpetuem for Ultra Races

[Ken B]

I have a question for all you ultra athletes out there. I have been considering experimenting with another electrolyte other than eload for my training for and running of the JFK. What are your thoughts on which is better for a 12 hour adventure - Heed or Perpetuem? Also - what about S!caps? Are they something I should try as well.

Thanks in advance!!
Ken

[Strider]

I rely on S!Caps and Water solely and they haven't steered me wrong since I started using them. 1 Cap per hour, 45min if hot or sweating a lot. I stay away from most Electrolyte drinks while running (cause some stomach issues) but use them after. I did use some G2 (sugar free) during Sulphur without any issues. Coconut water (pure) is something to try too.

[trailzen]

I'm with strider,water and s-caps. I usually start with e-load until I don't want it(around 50 miles)then straight water and s-caps.

[Ken B]

Sounds good. Thanks. I seem to be able to take eload for about 3 1/2 hours and then my stomach rebels a bit.

Where can I buy s!Caps?

[UltraQueenga]

Same here. When it comes to hydration, I run my races on water, Lavasalt tablets and the occasional other drink at aid stations like coconut water, ginger ale, coke, Heed/Gatorade/eLoad... if the spirit moves me. I used to drink Heed and eload and such, but in the last couple of years I've switched to water for 3 main reasons:
1.) it's easier to gauge my electrolyte and calorie intake
2.) it tastes better when it's warm
3.) I know what's in it. Sometimes aid stations mix the energy drinks inconsistently (too strong/weak).
Additionally, I can use water as wound or eye rinse when my eye ball collides and 'swallows' up a bug...

Experiment with a few different products and see what works for you.

[Spirit Unleashed]

http://www.succeedscaps.com/

Their Amino drink is good too.

[West Grey Runner]

http://www.eload.net/what-are-zone-caps--s14726+ Water.

[Spirit Unleashed]

If you are a caffeine addict (like me), make sure you provide a caffeine source, or your head will be hurting.

[West Grey Runner]

Those folks in Texas have it all figured out.



http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-06-24/news/17925817_1_dunkin-donuts-iphone

[Johnny M]

I switched to Salt Stick capsules from Succeed because the international shipping costs for S-Caps can be fairly high and you can get Salt Stick here in Canada at places like RunningFree. I take 1-2 an hour depending on the temperature and just take them with water. I think using straight water is easier on your stomach when you're eating gels as well. I'll take some sips of coke or ginger ale at aid stations later in a race.

[Ken B]

I switched to Salt Stick capsules from Succeed because the international shipping costs for S-Caps can be fairly high and you can get Salt Stick here in Canada at places like RunningFree. I take 1-2 an hour depending on the temperature and just take them with water. I think using straight water is easier on your stomach when you're eating gels as well. I'll take some sips of coke or ginger ale at aid stations later in a race.

I've been thinking about trying that as well. Either Salt Stick or Lava Tabs. I will visit Running Free in Milton and check them out.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I have decided to go with just water and salt tabs or caps . I'll use gels and other sources of carbs and proteins for the next several long practices and see how that goes!

Thanks again,

Ken

[Mid_Packer]

Last time I order S!caps I got them from
http://www.runjunk.com/electrolytes.aspx

The price with shipping was lower than from

http://www.succeedscaps.com/

Shippping is $4 vs $ 23

Dave

[Edward]

Interesting thread. I have always used Infinit as it has calories and salt in it. I must say that caps and water is something that I have never tried but it does have a lot of benefits, mixed drinks are really hard to carry and a pain to mix during a race when you are not really with it.

I have used Salt Stick as additional tablets, may try to just use them.