When gearing up for an ultramarathon, fueling your body the right way can make or break your performance. Long runs require sustained energy, and the right foods can keep you going, mile after mile. For many runners, caffeinated oat bars have become an essential snack, combining the slow-burning energy of oats with the boost of caffeine. Let’s explore why these bars are perfect for ultrarunners and how they can fit into your ultra marathon diet.
Why Nutrition Matters in Ultramarathons
Training for and completing an ultramarathon takes more than just physical endurance—it requires smart, well-timed nutrition. When running long distances, you need to keep your glycogen stores filled with energy. This is where complex carbohydrates come in, as they release energy steadily over time, keeping you fueled for the long haul.
Before the race, the goal is to "carb-load" with foods like oats, rice, and pasta. During the race, however, you'll need foods that digest quickly and provide instant energy without upsetting your stomach. Enter the caffeinated oat bar like Deadline Bar.
Caffeinated Oat Bars: A Runner’s Best Friend
Caffeinated oat bars are not your average snack. They combine two critical elements for endurance: sustained energy from the oats and quick mental clarity from the caffeine. Here's why they work so well:
- Slow-release Carbs for Endurance: The oats in these bars are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a slow and steady release of glucose. This helps avoid the sugar crashes that come from simpler snacks.
- Caffeine for Extra Push: Caffeine has been shown to improve endurance by promoting fat oxidation and sparing muscle glycogen. This means you'll last longer before hitting that dreaded energy wall. Plus, caffeine keeps your mind sharp during those late-race miles when mental fatigue can take over and those “maybe I should quit” thoughts start to creep in.
- Easy to Digest: One of the biggest challenges during an ultramarathon is finding food that doesn’t upset your stomach. We all know a guy (or have been that guy) who had nature call on mile 6. Oat bars are typically easy to digest, for on-the-go calorie intake.
- Portability: Ultramarathons require easy-to-carry food, after all, there’s only so much space in your pack, Camelbak, or vest. Toss them in, and you’re good to go.
During the Race
As you run, your body burns through energy stores quickly. Eating the right food during an ultramarathon is crucial to maintaining energy and avoiding “bonking” (that sudden, debilitating fatigue). Experts recommend consuming about 200-300 calories per hour. Deadline Bar has 300 calories to make this as simple as possible. Make sure to combine them with electrolyte drinks and water to stay hydrated.
Incorporating Caffeinated Oat Bars into Your Ultra Marathon Diet
Incorporating these bars into your ultramarathon training nutrition is simple. Eat them during long training runs to see how your body reacts and make them a part of your pre-race routine. They provide a balance of carbs, fiber, and caffeine, making them a go-to snack for runners who want to maximize both physical and mental endurance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're training for a 50K or tackling a 100-mile race, caffeinated oat bars are a smart addition to your race-day fuel plan. If you’re prepping for your next big race, make sure to have these oat bars on hand to help you cross the finish line feeling strong—they may just be the best food for ultramarathons.
