When I’m racing across the ridgelines of Snowdonia (Eryri)—whether it’s a stage of the UTS, a mountain marathon, or an Always Aim High event—nutrition is just as important as footwear or weather prep. I’ve learned over time that you can’t wing it when it comes to energy on the trail. You need a strategy, gear you can trust, and products that work well with your body.
At Crib Goch Outdoor, we stock Näak nutrition because it’s the real deal—fuel made by endurance athletes for endurance athletes, with sustainability built in.
Why Nutrition Matters in Eryri
Any run that goes beyond 90 minutes burns through your body’s glycogen stores. That’s when your performance can plummet if you’re not replenishing with carbs, electrolytes, and (in longer races) protein. The infamous “bonk” isn’t just a mental wall—it’s a physiological one, and it hits hard. Trust me—I’ve been there.
Näak helps prevent that by giving me a steady stream of fuel that’s easy to digest, effective over time, and kinder to the planet.
What Makes Näak Different?
- Cricket Protein & Sustainability
Näak’s use of cricket protein gives their bars a full amino acid profile and excellent iron and B12 content. It’s also far more eco-efficient than traditional animal protein—using less water, space, and feed. That matters to me, especially on these protected trails. - Pro Athlete Tested
These products weren’t whipped up in a lab—they’re tested on mountain courses by real ultra runners. That shows in the performance: no stomach surprises, no sugar crashes, and no filler ingredients. - Macronutrient Balance
Näak strikes a good balance: carbs for fuel, protein for recovery, electrolytes for hydration. It all adds up to longer, stronger runs—especially in ultra distances like UTS 100K.
What I’m Currently Using
Here’s what I pack in my race vest or training belt, based on terrain and duration:
🧃 Naak Ultra Energy Drink Mix Bag – Watermelon (720g)
My go-to for longer sessions. Each serving has clean carbs, electrolytes, and amino acids. Easy to sip from a soft flask and gentle on the gut.
🍫 Naak Ultra Energy Caffeine Bars (50g)
Ideal for mid-race boosts. I use these when I need focus and calories—great halfway through a long climb or during a lull.
🧇 Naak Ultra Energy Waffles (30g)
A softer, easier-to-chew option for early race stages or training runs. Compact, tasty, and comforting when solid food is hard to stomach.
🍫 Naak Ultra Energy Caffeine Gel – Chocolate (57g)
This gel delivers fast energy with a caffeine hit. I save it for those deep fatigue moments—late in a long race or at the top of a slog.
🍓 Naak Ultra Energy Bars (50g)
Solid, steady energy in compact form. I rotate flavours for variety. Good for predictable fuelling every 45 minutes.
💧 Naak Ultra Energy Drink Mix Sachet (72g)
Perfect for shorter efforts or top-ups. Toss a sachet in your vest or drop bag—it mixes easily and gives you just the right amount of carbs and electrolytes.
My Trail Fueling Rules
- Start fueling early – within 30 minutes, even if you don’t feel hungry.
- Small and steady – every 30–45 minutes, something simple.
- Hydrate constantly – drink mixes double up your fluid and fuel.
- Practice with what you’ll race with – every product above, I’ve trained with.
- Place snacks where you can reach them – front pockets or waist belts only. No digging required.
Why Trail Events in Eryri Demand More
Unlike flat road marathons, races like the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, the Snowdon Skyline, and Always Aim High’s Legend Series involve steep climbs, technical terrain, and unpredictable weather. That means longer times on your feet, more focus on technical terrains and higher calorie burn—even when your pace slows.
I build a nutrition plan based on:
- Elevation profile
- Aid station spacing
- Weather conditions (heat or rain impacts absorption)
- Personal tolerance (what works under stress)
Näak is consistent, compact, and doesn’t melt or fall apart in rain or heat—another reason I trust it.
Responsible Running = Packing Out Waste
Every event in Eryri has strict environmental policies, and for good reason. These trails are beautiful but fragile. All wrappers go back in waist belt —no exceptions. I pre-cut bars and gels and use reusable zip bags where I can. A clean trail is part of race etiquette.
Final Thoughts
Fueling right has changed my relationship with trail running. It’s taken me from bonking halfway up Tryfan to finishing strong at long mountain races.
Näak lets me stay strong, eat sustainably, and recover better. If you’re prepping for a trail race or looking to dial in your nutrition plan, swing by Crib Goch Outdoor—we’ll help you build a system that works for your goals.
— Nathan, Crib Goch Outdoor Team & Trail Runner in Eryri
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