Just thought I’d share my experience here, in case anyone is doing something similar. I’ve been using Huel since 2019, I use Huel Black currently and take two scoops twice a day in place of Breakfast and Lunch between Monday- Thursday. I eat regular snacks on top of this and eat regular meals in the evening and weekends. I’ve been running Marathons for around 10 years.
Currently I run around three half marathons a year, and then a few more marathon on longer races.
I’ve found using Huel has helped me stay on top of my nutrition during my training. Last year I pushed my Marathon time down from 3:45 to 3:05. I think a big part of this was getting nutrition right and developing more consistency in my running. Huel let me be quite specific in making sure I was hitting calories during intense training periods.
Just to be clear I used Sport nutrition products during races and actual running, but I used Huel for my dietary needs around the running.
That’s awesome, thanks for sharing. Do you think that the macros of the regular huel powder might be more beneficial for marathon running due to the increased carbs?
Good point. I started with regular Huel, but I found Huel Black sat better with me more generally. I agree carbs are the main focus for endurance runners and I do have carby snacks during the day. I forgot to mention that I also have the Huel bars, for half of the month and Cliff bars for the other half of the month.
The higher protein (with strength work and managed progression) helps with the muscle repair, which has helped me stay on the rightish side of injury most of the time.
Thanks! Mainly Europe (Vienna and Valencia marathon, last year, ultras: Verbier and UTMB Saint Jaques). I’m working towards getting my stones for a UTMB OCC entry next year I’ve got 4 so far. Fingers crossed!
I found with tracking my weekly mileage, ascent and duration running stats going into my macros was a bit much. The nice thing about Huel is that you don’t need to worry about if you’re getting the right balance of nutrients, then just go off how you feel for taking on more calories or carbs.
When I talk about it with other runners they’re always surprised that I use Huel. But it’s just so convenient especially when you’re training a lot and eating enough to keep you ticking over can be expensive and difficult to plan.
Totally agree! I tried to make myself a post workout smoothie yesterday and it was a disaster - spent ages measuring out flax, walnuts, protein powder… and it tasted foul! I concluded that I should have just had a Huel!
Yeah deffo carbs aren’t bad, like Bananas before hard workouts like David Goggins done. If someone else thinking of cutting then completely isn’t worth it.
I concluded that I should have just had a Huel!