How to Fuel a Rare Runner!

On Saturday morning before the Philadelphia Marathon,  I woke up early to bake & pack.  Yes, I said bake.  I made some low protein banana muffins to take with me up to Philly.  These work as a great snack or pre-race breakfast.

It's common knowledge that what you eat on the days leading up to an endurance event can help or hurt your performance on race day.  Many people have asked me how I fuel up for a marathon on such a restrictive diet.  (I'm limited to 15 grams of protein a day from regular food). My answer is simple, I'm still learning.  There are lots of books out there about running & nutrition.  I've read some interesting things about runners who follow a plant based, vegan or fruitarian diet, which is very similar to what I eat.  

If you're interested in learning more about these diets, check out these links:

1. The Fruitarian 

2. No Meat Athlete

3. Eat and Run

These resources have been great finds for me, and give me hope that I can improve my race times with better management of my diet.  However, what I haven't found yet is a guideline for how a person with a metabolic disorder should nutritionally prepare for a race.  Although my diet is similar to a vegetarian, it is even more restrictive, and it can be a challenge to make sure I'm getting everything I need before, during, and after a big event.  So, I thought I'd start sharing with you this part of my race day preparation.

How to fuel a rare runner:

1. Formula - 

Everyone needs protein, even someone with HCU.  Because I have to avoid foods that are high in protein, I have to drink a special formula that contains all the amino acids I need except methionine (which is the amino acid my body can't break down).  There are several options available for formula.  I made a switch to HCU coolers a few years ago mainly because of the convenience.  I used to have to measure a powdered formula on a scale & then blend it daily.  The coolers are ready to drink (no measuring or blending involved) & they're easy to transport.  I no longer have to pack a scale & blender every time I go on a trip.  I'm supposed to drink 5 coolers per day, which is sometimes a struggle.  They are not the tastiest beverage.  Trust me, I'd much rather be getting my protein from another source.

2. Vitamins - 

I take several vitamins every morning to supplement my diet.  These vitamins include: B6, B12, folic acid, D, C, and also a baby asprin.  There is also a current study involving the benefits of taurine supplementation for HCU patients.  Ironically, I've also read that taurine can help a runner's performance.  So, this may be something I add to my routine in the future.

3. Medication -

I take a medicine called Cystadane (or Betaine) twice daily.  This helps keep my homocysteine levels low.  This medication is not cheap - about $900 for a 22 day supply for me.  Fortunately, my insurance covers all but $50 of this once I meet my deductible for the year.

4. Medical Foods - 

These are specially made low-protein breads, pastas, baking mixes, cheese, and meat alternatives.   You won't find these products in restaurants or a regular grocery store.   I have to order these foods from special low-protein food companies.  Like everything, there are pluses and minuses to these products.  On the plus side, these products are healthy alternatives to regular foods. Instead of having to avoid all breads, pastas & rice (which often have too much protein), I can consume these foods without worrying about my levels getting out of control.  On the minus side, the taste is not the same (some products are better than others) & they are expensive ($11 for a 17.6 oz bag of pasta plus shipping charges).  

5. Low Protein Food Finds -

I've added this category because recently I've been discovering some low-protein foods in my local grocery store.  I work across the street from a Whole Foods which is an awesome place to discover low protein variety.  I've found that many gluten free products are also low in protein.  

Not all gluten free products are low in protein, and I still have to read labels, but I hope this gluten free craze continues because it's making my diet management easier and more convenient.

6. Free Foods -

There are some foods that have minimal or no protein.  These foods are considered "free" and I can consume as much as I want of these foods.  Fortunately, Gatorade and GU gels fall into this category.   

Over the next few months, I'm going to try to share my favorite low protein meals/recipes/finds.  Who knows, maybe this will help another aspiring rare runner :)