Ultra Trail Running Protocol - by Noël Minet

Christmas Minet's nutrition protocol during his latest Ultra Trail adventure 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Here are a few prerequisites regarding Christmas Minet's situation during the race:

- nausea during exertion,

- no longer wanting to hydrate or eat,

- sugar upsets his stomach.

Regarding the race:

➡️ Infernal Trail des Vosges: 130 km - 6,000 m elevation gain 

Estimated duration: +/- 30 hours

7 aid stations approximately every 20 km and an aid station base halfway through 

Start at midnight

➡️ Nutrition plan:

"With a midnight start, it's a little complicated; I'm not really used to starting so early / late," Christmas Minet tells us. He decides to have a final meal around 7 p.m., consisting of 3 fried eggs and a slice of whole-wheat bread before his last nap.

He wakes up at 10 p.m., gets dressed, rehydrates with still water, and begins mentally preparing for the race.

At 11 p.m., he sets off for the start. He drank his first serving of Maurten 320 in small sips during the hour before the start.

"In my bag, I planned 2 Baouw purées (Sweet Potato-Carrot-Pepper Timu) and 1 SaltBar chocolate bar between each aid station," he tells us, adding: "I have 3 stages before the aid station base, so I have 6 Baouw, 3 chocolate SaltBars (which works out well since there are 3 flavors available ) and 2 Baouw bars in case I feel like having something else."

Although the Atlet sweet potato purée doesn't agree with him (a grainier texture and an overly pronounced almond flavor), it is also highly recommended for long efforts, especially Ultra Trails.

Regarding hydration, Maurten's sweet flavor is too heavy to absorb during the race, in his opinion, which is why he divides the Maurten 320 sachet into 2 zip bags. At each aid station, he refills 1 soft flask (500 cl) with Maurten 320 and another flask with water. "I noticed that the outside temperature and the water temperature influenced how well the Maurten dissolved, so I'll pay close attention this time," he noted during his race.

Christmas is also very well organized during his race, with a large hydration bag on the left containing 2 half servings, a large nutrition bag on the right, and a trash bag behind him. But in addition to that, he has this little extra that can make a difference: "20 km between the first aid stations is a long way, a very long way. I have a third flask on my back with a filter that allows me to drink any water."

➡️ The race:

"The protocol is followed well, even though it feels strange to eat salty / sweet foods during the night. I eat earlier during the race than I usually do, and this allows me to manage things well until the first aid station," he says. When he reaches the first aid station, he reviews the situation and decides to stick to the same organizational plan until the second aid station. "The night wasn't cold, there was no rain, and I arrive at R2 feeling calm, although I can feel a slight fatigue setting in. I continue with this protocol until the aid station base (approximately halfway through the race)," he continues.

➡️ Aid station base:

When he reaches the aid station base, Christmas Minet has consumed almost all his food.

"So I take the second bag for the rest of the race. I take the opportunity to eat steamed potatoes and rehydrate more than necessary with water (that's exactly what you shouldn't carry with you)." As for drinks, he skips Maurten for the rest of the adventure, but still leaves with 2 x 500 cl of Maurten 320 (diluted).

➡️ Let the race continue:

When he leaves the aid station base under the sun, he continues with his plan: 2 purées / 1 chocolate bar. Although the chocolate melts in the heat, it retains its consistency and does not disintegrate in the packaging. "That's quite a discovery," he adds. At the fourth aid station, he deviates slightly from his protocol by allowing himself a piece of cheese. The reason is simple: the fifth aid station is only 9 km away, and it is almost entirely downhill. At this fifth aid station, he allows himself 3 pieces of ham... hard to resist. As Christmas Minet approaches 100 km and 24 hours of racing, his hydration is still perfect, with no risk; he continues with plain water. 

When he reaches the sixth aid station, he tries the soup and adds his "homemade" sushi. Before reaching the seventh aid station, he continues with the same setup: water, purée, chocolate bar. But once he reaches the aid station, he allows himself more indulgence by consuming a bowl of broth, ham, and cheese (but still no fast-acting sugar). 

Christmas Minet finishes explaining his race plan by saying: "So I completed these 130 km without any gastric problems, nausea, or intestinal issues. Thanks to JC for the many tips and areas to work on. I'm not yet at the stage where I calculate the number of calories I need to consume; I work more by feel and by listening to my body. The only advice I would give is: Test as many products as possible in training, never during a race "

Thank you to him for his trust and loyalty!