Fuelling for the Lighthouses Challenge: When and How to Optimise Your Nutrition

Are you gearing up for the Lighthouses Challenge this weekend? Whether you’re taking on the 50-mile or the 100-mile challenge, fuelling your body with the right nutrition is crucial for optimal performance. In this blog, we’ll outline a detailed nutrition plan to help you stay energised throughout the race. Let’s go!

50-Mile Challenge:

Hour 1: To kickstart your race, hydration is key!  You could mix 500ml of water mixed with 1 x OTE Hydro Tab. This will replenish your electrolyte levels and prepare your body for the exertion ahead. Additionally, you could consume 1 x Clif Bar, a nutritious and energy-dense option, to provide sustained energy.

Hour 2: As you progress into the second hour, replenish your energy stores with 1 x sachet of Maurten 160 mixed with 500ml of water. This innovative drink mix offers a high concentration of carbohydrates, promoting efficient absorption. Pair this with 1 x OTE Anytime bar, a versatile snack rich in slow-release carbohydrates.

Hour 3: Sustain your energy levels with 1 x OTE Super Gel, which delivers a quick and convenient source of carbohydrates. Supplement this with 1 x Maurten Gel/Caff 100 gel for an added caffeine boost, enhancing mental focus and reducing fatigue. Lastly, maintain hydration by consuming 1 x OTE Hydro Tab with 500ml of water.

100-Mile Challenge:

Hour 1: Similar to the 50-mile challenge, begin your race by hydrating with 500ml of water mixed with 1 x OTE Hydro Tab. This will ensure proper electrolyte balance. Fuel your body with 1 x Clif Bar for sustained energy and a carbohydrate boost.

Hour 2: Continuing into the second hour, consume 1 x sachet of Maurten 160 mixed with 500ml of water. This powerful fuel source will provide a high concentration of easily absorbed carbohydrates. Accompany this with 1 x OTE Anytime bar for sustained energy release.

Hour 3: Sustain your energy levels with 1 x OTE Super Gel and 1 x SiS Go Isotonic gel. The combination of these gels will deliver a quick release of carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep you going. Additionally, consume 1 x OTE Hydro Tab with 500ml of water to maintain hydration.

Hour 4: As you enter the fourth hour, replenish your energy stores with 1 x OTE Anytime bar. These bars offer a balanced mix of macros providing sustained energy. Complement this with 1 x SiS Go Isotonic gel for a quick carbohydrate boost.

Hour 5: In the fifth hour, consume 1 x sachet of Maurten 320 mixed with 500ml of water. This higher concentration of carbohydrates will help fuel your body for the extended effort!

Hour 6: To finish strong, fuel yourself with 1 x OTE Super Gel and 1 x Maurten Gel/Caff 100 gel. These gels will provide the necessary carbohydrates and caffeine to boost your energy and mental focus, helping you power through the final stretch.

After you cross the finish line, do not forget this is the prime opportunity to fuel your body with protein to aid recovery and help repair.  Take a quick visit to Stella: Cycle 360’s lil sis and your favourite cafe on wheels for all things proper coffee and hot food.

Remember, nutrition is highly individual, so it’s essential to experiment with different products and strategies during your training to find what works best for you. Additionally, ensure you stay properly hydrated throughout the race by regularly consuming fluids, electrolytes, and hydrating supplements.

The Lighthouses Challenge is an incredible test of endurance, and by fuelling your body strategically, you’ll optimise your performance and increase your chances of success.

Good luck, and enjoy the ride! We can’t wait to greet you at the finish line.