{"id":937,"date":"2025-06-27T13:38:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T12:38:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/?p=937"},"modified":"2025-06-27T14:56:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T13:56:08","slug":"how-i-fuel-for-big-days-in-the-mountains-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/2025\/06\/27\/how-i-fuel-for-big-days-in-the-mountains-running\/","title":{"rendered":"How I Fuel for Big Days in the Mountains Running"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When I\u2019m racing across the ridgelines of <strong>Snowdonia (Eryri)<\/strong>\u2014whether it&#8217;s a stage of the <strong>UTS<\/strong>, a mountain marathon, or an <strong>Always Aim High<\/strong> event\u2014nutrition is just as important as footwear or weather prep. I\u2019ve learned over time that you can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Crib Goch Outdoor<\/strong>, we stock <strong>N\u00e4ak nutrition<\/strong> because it\u2019s the real deal\u2014fuel made by endurance athletes for endurance athletes, with sustainability built in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Nutrition Matters in Eryri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Any run that goes beyond 90 minutes burns through your body\u2019s <strong>glycogen stores<\/strong>. That\u2019s when your performance can plummet if you\u2019re not replenishing with carbs, electrolytes, and (in longer races) protein. The infamous <strong>\u201cbonk\u201d<\/strong> isn\u2019t just a mental wall\u2014it\u2019s a physiological one, and it hits hard. Trust me\u2014I\u2019ve been there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>N\u00e4ak helps prevent that by giving me a steady stream of fuel that\u2019s easy to digest, effective over time, and kinder to the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes N\u00e4ak Different?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cricket Protein &amp; Sustainability<\/strong><br>N\u00e4ak&#8217;s use of <strong>cricket protein<\/strong> gives their bars a full amino acid profile and excellent iron and B12 content. It\u2019s also far more eco-efficient than traditional animal protein\u2014using less water, space, and feed. That matters to me, especially on these protected trails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pro Athlete Tested<\/strong><br>These products weren\u2019t whipped up in a lab\u2014they\u2019re tested on mountain courses by real ultra runners. That shows in the performance: no stomach surprises, no sugar crashes, and no filler ingredients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Macronutrient Balance<\/strong><br>N\u00e4ak strikes a good balance: carbs for fuel, protein for recovery, electrolytes for hydration. It all adds up to longer, stronger runs\u2014especially in ultra distances like UTS 100K.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"710\" height=\"397\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/Naak_variety_packs_1600x.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/Naak_variety_packs_1600x.jpg 710w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/Naak_variety_packs_1600x-300x168.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What I\u2019m Currently Using<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what I pack in my race vest or training belt, based on terrain and duration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\uddc3 <strong>Naak Ultra Energy Drink Mix Bag \u2013 Watermelon (720g)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf6b <strong>Naak Ultra Energy Caffeine Bars (50g)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ideal for mid-race boosts. I use these when I need focus and calories\u2014great halfway through a long climb or during a lull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\uddc7 <strong>Naak Ultra Energy Waffles (30g)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A softer, easier-to-chew option for early race stages or training runs. Compact, tasty, and comforting when solid food is hard to stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf6b <strong>Naak Ultra Energy Caffeine Gel \u2013 Chocolate (57g)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This gel delivers fast energy with a caffeine hit. I save it for those deep fatigue moments\u2014late in a long race or at the top of a slog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf53 <strong>Naak Ultra Energy Bars (50g)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Solid, steady energy in compact form. I rotate flavours for variety. Good for predictable fuelling every 45 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udca7 <strong>Naak Ultra Energy Drink Mix Sachet (72g)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perfect for shorter efforts or top-ups. Toss a sachet in your vest or drop bag\u2014it mixes easily and gives you just the right amount of carbs and electrolytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Trail Fueling Rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Start fueling early<\/strong> \u2013 within 30 minutes, even if you don\u2019t feel hungry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Small and steady<\/strong> \u2013 every 30\u201345 minutes, something simple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hydrate constantly<\/strong> \u2013 drink mixes double up your fluid and fuel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practice with what you\u2019ll race with<\/strong> \u2013 every product above, I\u2019ve trained with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Place snacks where you can reach them<\/strong> \u2013 front pockets or waist belts only. No digging required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Trail Events in Eryri Demand More<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike flat road marathons, races like the <strong>Ultra-Trail Snowdonia<\/strong>, the <strong>Snowdon Skyline<\/strong>, and <strong>Always Aim High\u2019s Legend Series<\/strong> involve steep climbs, technical terrain, and unpredictable weather. That means longer times on your feet, more focus on technical terrains and higher calorie burn\u2014even when your pace slows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I build a nutrition plan based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Elevation profile<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aid station spacing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weather conditions (heat or rain impacts absorption)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal tolerance (what works under stress)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>N\u00e4ak is consistent, compact, and doesn\u2019t melt or fall apart in rain or heat\u2014another reason I trust it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/naak-2-1024x495.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/naak-2-1024x495.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/naak-2-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/naak-2-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/naak-2.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Responsible Running = Packing Out Waste<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2014no exceptions. I pre-cut bars and gels and use reusable zip bags where I can. A clean trail is part of race etiquette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Fueling right has changed my relationship with trail running. It\u2019s taken me from bonking halfway up Tryfan to finishing strong at long mountain races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>N\u00e4ak lets me stay strong, eat sustainably, and recover better. If you\u2019re prepping for a trail race or looking to dial in your nutrition plan, swing by Crib Goch Outdoor\u2014we\u2019ll help you build a system that works for your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2014 <em>Nathan, Crib Goch Outdoor Team &amp; Trail Runner in Eryri<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for something a little more filling? Have you heard of TentMeals? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cribgochoutdoor.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/11\/introducing-tentmeals-your-new-go-to-for-outdoor-adventure-food\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Introducing TentMeals: Your New Go-To for Outdoor Adventure Food<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When I\u2019m racing across the ridgelines of Snowdonia (Eryri)\u2014whether it&#8217;s a stage of the UTS, a mountain marathon, or an Always Aim High event\u2014nutrition is just as important as footwear or weather prep. I\u2019ve learned over time that you can\u2019t wing it when it comes to energy on the trail. You need a strategy, gear<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":157,"featured_media":965,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[166,165,49,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-937","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-running","8":"tag-naak","9":"tag-nutrition","10":"tag-running","11":"tag-trail-running"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2025\/06\/naak.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"cribgochoutdoor","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/author\/cribgochoutdoorworld\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/157"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=937"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":968,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/937\/revisions\/968"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/965"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/crgh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}