I'm also training for a marathon in april and new to the zone. I have been using various sports drinks and energy gels on long runs (over 9mi.), I'm sure these are not zone friendly. Are there any suggestions for fuel sources to use on long runs, say 13mi. + or should you just worry about hydration and use water. I've been using high carb gels every 3mi. or so when I go over 9mi. and it may be psychological but I look forward to my next gel interval. Appreciate any suggestions, thanks.

Hello, I'm new of the forum and I write from Italy, (so, sorry for my english :? ) On the Italian zone forum we have spoken a lot about zone and sports of endurance, like maraton and cycling. For many athletes (of us) we had hypoglycaemia problems and a decrease of performances with the pure zone. We made many experiments and seems that the best solution (more used from us) is to eat a small snack in zone 1 hour before the race, then one snack every hour and drink liquids carbohydrates during the contest. It is not perfect zone but we have obtained the best performances, is in bicycle that in the running maritek (cyclist of about 12.000 km/year)

I am a 47-year-old male and have been following the Zone program for over seven years. In past two years, I have trained for, and complete, five marathons and improved my performance in each event. When training – usually five days per week – eat ½ of an Omega Zone bar (1 block) about ½ hour before each run. On runs that exceed 12 miles, I usually consume another ½ Omega Zone bar with water every six miles. Within an hour of my runs, which are always in the early morning, I refuel with a four-block Zone breakfast or smoothie. I have never used a carbohydrate supplement or a sports drink in training or during a race and this training method has proven successful.