Hi Fjordrunner,

Well, I reckon you can take a couple of things from this thread.

The first thing is that you must have noticed that various people have different things they do - but it all works for them and they have experimented with it during training. Don't try and do something before the race or during that you have not tried before - especially gels. You don;t want to get a stomach problem halfway in.

Definately eat something no later than about 1 hour before you LEAVE for the race to allow your body to work the stuff through and allows you time to get a last visit in to the loo. Personally I enjoy 2 pieces of toast and scrambled eggs - I have found that I need the protein.

21k is normally not enough for your body to NEED energy as you normally only start running towards the wall at about 27km. As was said above, this varies, but it is a good average to work on.

I don't necessarily agree with increasing the base mileage - it depends what your goals are. I run easy HM's with only about 30 km training per week and I run a HM almost every week-end.

Make sure you hydarte enough - I'm not sure you are taking in enough fluids during the race.

Good Luck!!

Fjordrunner,

just one comment... Are you used to running with a Camelbak - I mean 21k distances. If not, I'd rather suggest to leave it at home and rather take a waterbottle that you can carry in your hand and just refill every now and again, if necessary. Old trick that works for me is to drink a mixture of coke and water. Mix it half coke, half water and then keep the waterbottle with you. Drink at the watertables, but sip.

I run with my Camelbak one longer self sustaining runs, but only if over 25km in distance. It takes some getting used to and if you are 5 k's into the race and then find out that the thing is bothering you... wel, you get my drift.