Free Shipping
on all orders
Delivery TimeShipping Method
1 - 5 business daysFREE Standard Delivery
2 business daysFedEx 2Day
1 business dayFedEx Overnight

Carriers

fedex shipping logoups shipping logousps shipping logo
Orders under 1lb or to APO/FPO & PO Box destinations: These orders will ship with USPS and typically take 1 to 2 days longer than the Standard Delivery estimate. Free Shipping Offers: Only valid within the contiguous USA. Future subscriptions will renew with free shipping if the renewal amount is $49 or higher otherwise shipping will cost $7.95.
 
  • Hydration
    Hydration
    • All Hydration
    • Workout
      Workout
      • All Workout
      • Caffeinated
      • High Carb (>60g)
      • High Flavor
      • High Sodium (>750mg)
      • Low Flavor
      • Low Sugar (<5g)
      • Neutral
    • Daily
      Daily
      • All Daily
      • Caffeinated
      • Effervescent
      • High Sodium (>750mg)
      • Powder
      • Stevia Free
    • Pre-Workout
      Pre-Workout
      • All Pre-Workout
      • Caffeinated
      • Caffeine Free
    • Electrolyte Boosters
    • Cramp Solutions
  • Carbs
    Carbs
    • All Carbs
    • Gels
      Gels
      • All Gels
      • Caffeinated
      • High Carb (>40g)
      • High Sodium (>100mg)
      • Isotonic
      • Maple Syrup
      • Neutral Flavor
      • Nootropic
      • Real Food
    • Drinks
      Drinks
      • All Drinks
      • Caffeinated
      • 40g to 79g of Carbs
      • Over 80g of Carbs
    • Chews
      Chews
      • All Chews
      • Caffeinated
      • High Sodium (>100mg)
      • Neutral Flavor
      • Sour Tasting
    • Bars
      Bars
      • All Bars
      • Gluten Free
      • High Carb (>40g)
      • Kids
      • Meal
      • Nut
      • Oat
      • Protein (>10g)
      • Real Food
      • Rice
    • Waffles
      Waffles
      • All Waffles
      • Gluten Free
      • Thin
  • Protein
    Protein
    • All Protein
    • Whey
      Whey
      • All Whey
      • Chocolate
      • Vanilla
    • Clear Whey
    • Collagen
      Collagen
      • All Collagen
      • Peptides
      • Skin & Nail Health
    • Isolate
      Isolate
      • All Isolate
      • Clear
      • Whey
    • Protein Bars
      Protein Bars
      • All Protein Bars
      • Low Sugar (<4g)
      • Plant Based
      • Vegan
      • Workout (>20g)
    • Plant
      Plant
      • All Plant
      • Brown Rice
      • Hemp
      • Pea Protein
      • Soy
      • Vegan
    • Night Protein
    • Recovery Shakes
    • Blenders & Shakers
  • Supplements
    Supplements
    • All Supplements
    • Formulas
    • Vitamin & Minerals
      Vitamin & Minerals
      • All Vitamin & Minerals
      • Vitamin B
      • Greens & Reds
      • Gummies
      • Immune Support
      • Iron
      • Magnesium
      • Multi-Vitamins
      • Omegas
      • Vitamin C
      • Vitamin D
      • Women Specific
      • Zinc
    • Creatine
    • Athlete Performance
      Athlete Performance
      • All Athlete Performance
      • Adaptogens
      • Beta-Alanine
      • Bicarb
      • Caffeine
      • Creatine
      • Ketones
      • Nitric Oxide
      • Pre-workout
    • Strength
      Strength
      • All Strength
      • Aminos & BCAAs
      • Peptides
    • Sleep
      Sleep
      • All Sleep
      • Go to Sleep
      • Magnesium
      • Melatonin
      • Stay Asleep
    • Recovery
      Recovery
      • All Recovery
      • Aminos & BCAAs
      • Beets
      • Collagen
      • Injury
      • Joint Support
      • Tart Cherry
      • Turmeric
    • Gut & Biotics
      Gut & Biotics
      • All Gut & Biotics
      • L-Glutamine
      • Lactic Probiotics
      • Probiotics
    • Longevity
      Longevity
      • All Longevity
      • Brain Health
      • Glutathione
      • Heart Health
      • Liver Health
      • NAD
      • Resveratrol
      • Stress
    • Focus
    • Hormone Support
    • GLP1 & Weight Loss
      GLP1 & Weight Loss
      • All GLP1 & Weight Loss
      • Blood Sugar Regulation
      • Metabolism
    • Other
      Other
      • All Other
      • Apple Cider Vinegar
      • Copper & Silver
      • Energy
      • Keto
    • Ketones
      Ketones
      • All Ketones
      • Bulk Bottles
      • Ready to Drink
      • Shots
  • Gear
    Gear
    • All Gear
    • Packs & Vests & Belts
      Packs & Vests & Belts
      • All Packs & Vests & Belts
      • Accessories
      • Bladders
      • Hydration Pack
      • Insulated
      • Running Belts
      • Running Vests
      • Soft Flasks
    • Technology
      Technology
      • All Technology
      • Cooling
      • Headphones
      • Heat Sensor
      • Hydration Sensor
      • Sleep
      • Swim Goggles
      • Watches
    • Recovery Gear
      Recovery Gear
      • All Recovery Gear
      • Accessories
      • Back
      • Compression
      • Cooling
      • Cupping
      • Feet
      • Heat
      • Massage & Percussion
      • Muscle Stim
      • Red Light
      • Rollers
    • Bottles
      Bottles
      • All Bottles
      • Branded
      • Cleaning
      • Daily Hydration
      • Insulated Bottles
      • Running
      • Shaker
      • Soft Flasks
      • Water Bottles
    • Socks
      Socks
      • All Socks
      • Compression
      • Feed Branded
      • Run & Ride
    • Hats & Headgear
      Hats & Headgear
      • All Hats & Headgear
      • Beanies
      • Bucket Hats
      • Cooling
      • Headbands
      • Running Hats
      • Sweat Trapping
      • Visors
    • Bags
      Bags
      • All Bags
      • Bike
      • Day & Gym
      • Hike
      • Medical
      • Travel
    • Body
      Body
      • All Body
      • Anti-Chafe
      • Foot Care
      • Pain Relief & Recovery
      • Shaving
      • Skin & Hair
      • Sun Protection
    • Feed Gear
      Feed Gear
      • All Feed Gear
      • Clothing
      • Cycling Kits
      • Training Gear
  • Superfoods
    Superfoods
    • All Superfoods
    • Super Drinks
    • Functional Gummies
    • Mushrooms
    • Beets
    • Tart Cherry
    • Meat Snacks
    • Bone Broth
    • Snacks
    • Oatmeal
    • Pancakes
    • Granola
    • Baking
    • Coffee
  • Feed Prime Day
    Feed Prime Day
    Shop All Hot Deals
  • Insider
  • New
    Shop All New
  • Brands
    Top Brands at The Feed
    View All 175+ Brands
Top Brands
Feed Prime DayInsiderNewBrands
LoginCreate an account
Change country
All undefined
All undefined
The Feed Insider
Cycling
Running
Triathlon
How to Fuel
Feed News
Training Tips
Athlete Stories
Product Highlight
How to fuel for the Leadville 100 Run
  1. Home
  2. The Feed Insider
  3. How to Fuel
  4. Leadville 100 Educational Series: Fueling the L100 Run
Aug 7, 2023

Leadville 100 Educational Series: Fueling the L100 Run

By The Feed.

The Race Across the Sky is just over the horizon and it's time to start dialing in your nutritional and fueling plans. Coach Charlotte has prepared a four-part educational series for the upcoming Leadville 100 Run & Ride. The third installment guides you through a proper nutrition strategy for the L100 Run..

The fight for a belt buckle at the finish line. This is not the only reason you’ll brave the incredible Leadville 100 course, but it’s likely going to be one of the top memories as you cross that finish line.

Considerations for Leadville

As individuals train and prepare for this fantastic course, there are quite a few considerations. First and foremost, the altitude. You start around 10,000 feet and reach heights of 12,600 feet. In total, the course elevation gain/loss is roughly 18,000 feet. Wow. With this type of course, you’ll need to ensure you’re hydrating and fueling more so than you typically would.

For my ultra-runners out there, I know you are already (hopefully!) taking in quite a bit, but we’re going to up that even more. You may be asking yourself what needs to change at these heights and with this type of terrain? You’re losing more fluids every hour, your body is working harder every hour, and therefore, you’ll need to increase fluids, electrolytes, and fuel (carbohydrates) you take in. Aim for the higher end of the nutrient (hydration and carbohydrate) ranges you set yourself throughout the course.

In addition to this, you must be prepared for changing temperatures. It might be cold at one point and hot at another. Pack options for fueling and hydration to account for this. At aid stations, if it’s a bit cool or you’re feeling a bit cold, try and grab some broth or quick noodles if available. This packs in nutrients like sodium and fluids, but will also help to warm you up. As temperatures rise, look for icy beverages. Add ice to your hydration packs to ensure you keep your body temperature from overheating.

There are a total of 12 aid stations on course at the Leadville 100 run, 2 of which only have Coca Cola and water. These are placed roughly every 10 miles or so and some aid stations allow crew and some do not.

Of note: Mayqueen is a new aid station this year.

Outbound

Aid 1: Mayqueen at 12.6 miles

Aid 2: Outward Bound at 23.5 miles

Aid 3: Half Pipe at 29.3 miles

Aid 4: Mini Mount Elbert (Coca Cola and Water ONLY) at 35.4 miles

Aid 5: Twin Lakes Village at 37.9 miles

Aid 6: Hope Pass at 43.5 miles

Aid 7: Winfield (turnaround point)

Inbound

Aid 8: Hope Pass at 56.7

Aid 9: Twin Lakes at 62 miles

Aid 10: Mini Mount Elbert (Coca Cola and Water ONLY) at 70.3 miles

Aid 11: Outward Bound at 76.9 miles

Aid 12: Mayqueen at 87.4 miles

Nutrition Strategy

When it comes to nutrition strategy, you want to ensure you’re taking adequate fuel and hydration to get you from one aid to another, but to also ensure you’re not packing way more than you’ll need. Carrying too much fluid and/or fuel can get heavy really quick... especially later on in the race when even lifting your feet one step or chewing on one more thing feels like it might be too much.

Fueling

Typically for ultra running, you can comfortably sit around 60 grams of carbohydrates every hour and be ok due to the lower intensity level but longer duration of activity. However, that is not the case for a race such as Leadville due to the many complexities of the course, including intensity of the course, altitude, and temperature. As a result, you want to aim for the higher end of the 60-90 grams of carbohydrates range every hour that you are out there. Try to get as close to 90 grams as you can, especially earlier on to keep the tank high.

This could be through a combination of drink mixes, savory options like rice cakes (Styrkr Bar 50), bars (Maurten SOLID), quick cooking noodles that just need boiling water like ramen (which doubles from a sodium and possibly fluid side of things!), as well as gels/chews. Some options may be better consumed at the aids like the noodles; however, drink mixes with both sodium and carbohydrates will be your best friend to reduce the amount you need to carry, open, and chew on.

Hydration

At altitudes as high as 12,000 feet, you’ll need to ensure hydration is a well-oiled machine. This is because you will be losing more fluids at these heights than you do at sea level, for example, through the air you breathe and the hard work your body is doing to achieve the unimaginable. As a result, aim for the higher end of the 16-24 ounces of fluid per hour each hour you’re out there. I know this sounds insane, but you’ll likely be looking for even more than 24 ounces of fluid an hour. In the heat at sea level, I am someone who needs at least 30 ounces of fluid an hour, so really, what I am trying to say here is that you want to be sipping on your hydration constantly to stay adequately hydrated aiming to consume at least 24 ounces per hour.

The other factor to consider is electrolytes. This is mainly going to be sodium as this is what we lose the most of in our sweat when compared to the other electrolytes. For healthy individuals with no prior medical conditions, we recommend starting around 300-600mg of sodium per hour. Some great examples of this are Skratch Labs Hydration, Victus During (02), and Flow Formulas. For Leadville 100 - aim for at least 600mg of sodium to start.

For my salty and heavy sweaters out there, you may even go upwards of 1000mg of sodium per hour. That would be made possible through using a higher sodium drink mix or supplementing with PH Packets or Capsules. If you’re out there and you’re starting to cramp or feel a bit fuzzy, this is likely a sign you need more hydration (both electrolytes and fluid) so bump it up. Always be sure to let someone know if this is what you’re feeling too as you may need further assistance.

For anyone out there running Leadville 100, or anyone out there with a big ultra race or race at high altitude on the horizon, what are you fueling and hydrating with?

Lastly, one final tip I have (that I learned through trial and error myself) is to always back some lip balm with SPF. I know this sounds super simple, but your lips are going to get dry/sticky as you’re out there and this can make it hard to want to continue drinking and eating. Continue to reapply hour after hour to ensure that you’re able to get in all the much needed nutrients your body will require while out there on course.

What are some of your favorite “hidden” tips that you’ve learned from trial and error?

The Feed.
About Us
Careers
Feed Insider Blog
NSF Certified for Sport®
All Products
Mobile App for Android
Socials
Instagram
YouTube
Strava
TikTok
Facebook
Twitter
Policy
Privacy Policy
Satisfaction Guarantee
Returns & Exchanges
Subscription Policy
Terms of Service
Cookie Policy
Email Us
hello@thefeed.com
Text Us*
+1 (720) 864 0086
Call Us
+1 (720) 864 0086

Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm MT

Address
12303 Airport Way #350,
Broomfield, CO 80021
USA

*By texting us, you consent to receive texts messages from The Feed at the mobile number you used to text and you are opting-in to receive future messages or a phone call at the number you provided. Message and Data rates may apply. Reply STOP anytime to opt-out.

About The Feed

We are athletes like you. We have experienced how eating smarter can make a meaningful difference in our training. Improving your nutrition is one of the quickest ways to see meaningful improvements in performance.

Subscribe

Get the latest new products, pro tips and be first to know about sales and special offers.

Change your country
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. (FDA Disclaimer)
image