When I couldn't eat on the Northumbria 100, some kind person offered me just two teaspoons of something soft like rice pudding (maybe scrambled egg). I then had another two, then gradually got a very modest bowlful down.

As Deirdre says, this is really more about the participant and not the actual food that is available .

On most LDWA challenge events, the organizers aim to provide adequate (and usually, more than adequate) choice. Almost always a vegetarian option, and often some food that can be eaten by others on more restricted diets. But very special dietary requirements are a bit outside their remit of course. ( If you are interested or fall into this category, see the 2016 Dorset 100 Event Rules number 5 for amplification)

In many cases, there is an individual learning curve. What may be deliciously eatable at CP2 may become unpalatable or completely inedible at CP11. I have been unable to find the energy (or interest) to chew a sandwich at some late checkpoints. The unsweetened low fat yogurt went down fine though.

Should perhaps have started a new post, but some of the information on this one seemed worth resurrecting. My query is really what people have done to manage inability to eat, not what checkpoints provide.

I thought I would raise this topic again, after a post on the Dorset 100 forum, as it is of wider interest. People who are new to challenge walks (especially the longer ones) or those who have a persisting problem in being able to eat may welcome advice from others-even if to get an overview of the quirky things which might help, and to try something new. I find that I need to stay well hydrated; when I have failed, eating is more difficult. Apricots, figs and dates, of very good quality, are regular stand bys, and dark chocolate is always edible.

Good point Gary, thats the good thing about us runners we consume a lot less as we pass though the checkpoints quicker.


John

Better buy your own gels if you don't want to see entry fees rapidly rise!!

SIS Blackcurrant Gels please contains everthing i need to stave of cramps and to restore energy, all in a nice little sachet.

Pie and peas, Shepards Pie or a Chicken salad at finish to remind me that proper food is far nicer than a gel.

I have no connection with SIS other than a very satisfied user.

Hotdogs with mustard. Tuna and vinegar sandwiches please. (If you are doing sandwiches, remember that the bread will go stale pretty quickly in the sun. Fruit - bananas are my favourite. Bourbon biscuits. And then at checkpoint two......

What about Roast Pork with plenty of crackling

I agree about the savoury comments. Any ultra needs savoury options once we get beyond marathon distance. How about Marmite sandwiches? Plain tuna sandwiches are also good. Cucumber goes very well with both of those, but the extra fiddle might preclude its inclusion.

I like the idea of cheap but 1/2 a stone of spuds in the rucksack is a bit scary
David H

On very long runs i take roast potatoes, the degree of salting depends on the weather. They work for me. Easy to prepare, cheap.

potted meat sarnies, not everyone likes tuna and mayo.
Spam fritters mainly because i fancy one right now

michelle,must say it was really good of you to ask; just reiterate whats been said,generally the further the check point the more I crave savoury/salt food; my border collie also really appreciates a bowl of water.

Rebecca and Anne have it: After 40 miles and at night, vegetable hot pot or thick soup is great (not too hot!). And a choice of sweet and savoury snacks. But 'no delay' is most important.

Or the failsafe standby of tinned rice pud and fruit salad. Yummy!!!! Jane

One of the things I've enjoyed most in hot weather is jelly with fruit in - not something I'd normally eat but easy to get down if you don't feel too hungry.

Anything quick and easy. I have visited some checkpoints where they prepare the food to order such as beans on toast, and it doesn't really work if a group comes in all together - the helpers get stresses and the walkers get cold and fed up with waiting. If you intend to do hot food, something like a vegetable hotpot or pasta based soup (good low GI release)that can be left on a low heat and served up quickly, even if a large group comes in together is a great idea. Or any mix of sweet and savoury cold food. Good luck!!

Oh, and yoghurt is really good too, but don't forget the spoons!

Savoury snacks, as well as the sweet stuff. Tuna/mayo sarnies are popular and so are cut-up oranges.

Something to restore electrolytes

Jelly Babies and flapjacks Mmmmmmm

Having agreed to do checkpoint food on a challenge walk in June, just wondered if anyone has any favourites i should consider? (Hopefully it'll be hot and sunny!)