Fueling the Marathon Des Sables

Every year we get a few folk asking us about Chia Charge and MDS, the truth is over the years quite a few runners have taken chia charge to this iconic event. I hope the following information is a useful guide and helps you make your decisions in the coming weeks.

When it comes to multi-day ultra-marathons like the Marathon des Sables, choosing the right food to fuel your body is crucial. 

Here are some key points to keep in mind when considering Chia Charge bars for your race nutrition plan:

(Thanks to Adrian for the pic below when he did the MDS)

• High calorie density - In an endurance race like the MDS, you need to carry all your food with you, making calorie density an important factor in choosing what to eat. Chia Charge bars contain either dairy butter, peanut, cashew or almond butter, which are high in calories, with fats having 9 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates and proteins.

• Efficient Fuel - A 100g bar of pure sugar contains 400 calories, making it a highly efficient form of fuel. However, consuming only sugar for several hours may not sit well with your stomach. Chia Charge bars, on the other hand, offer a balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, making them a more sustainable form of fuel.

(A couple of emails below from Chia Charge customers doing the MDS)

• Versatile Options - Chia Charge offers both energy flapjacks and protein bars, giving you options to choose from based on your specific nutritional needs during the race.

• Convenient and Portable - Chia Charge bars are compact, easy to carry, and don't require refrigeration, making them a convenient and practical food choice for the MDS.

 We have just launched this Oat Based powdered drink which could be a really useful addition to your food choices

Chia Charge Pre-Charge Powdered Energy Drink:

1. Sustained Energy and Improved Endurance - The drink provides sustained energy to help improve endurance during training and races like the MDS.
2. Convenient Fueling - The drink takes the guesswork out of fueling needs, making it easier for runners to focus on their performance.
3. Natural Ingredients - The drink contains natural ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to other energy drinks.
4. Improved Performance - The drink helps runners perform at their best during training and races.
5. Easy on Sensitive Stomachs - The drink is gentle on sensitive stomachs, making it a suitable option for runners with digestive issues.

In conclusion, Chia Charge Energy and Protein Bars are a smart choice for runners participating in multi-day ultra-marathons like the Marathon des Sables. With their high calorie density, efficient fuel, versatile options, and convenient portability, Chia Charge bars are a reliable source of nutrition to help you power through the race.

As with any major race or event, you should be practising your fuelling plans before during your long runs to ensure you can use and consume everything happily and productively on the day.  Good luck