When you’re running 26.2 miles, “I’ll figure it out on race day” is not a vibe.
Courteney—our Chief Product Officer, professional fuel nerd, and self-proclaimed Fuel Control Freak—has a plan. A real plan. The kind that’s been tested, tweaked, and optimized to avoid the disaster that is seeing God at mile 18.
She’s headed to Grandma’s Marathon. Here’s exactly how she’s fueling—before, during, and after—so her legs (and stomach) cooperate.
Breakfast: The Pre-Race Insurance Policy
Purely Elizabeth + Momentous Protein
(Two hours before the start. Non-negotiable.)
Let’s be clear: this is not the time to experiment. This is the time for safe bets only. Courteney’s go-to is a Purely Elizabeth oatmeal cup blended up with Momentous protein powder and a splash of milk or water. Light. Portable. Zero drama.
Carbs for glycogen
Protein for stability
Gut-friendly because we don’t need any surprises
And bonus: these are travel-friendly. No hunting for a bagel shop in a new city. TSA approved. Easy win.
Pre-Race: Quiet Carbs Loading Up
Skratch High Carb Drink Mix
(45 minutes before go-time.)
This is where Courteney gets sneaky with the extra carbs. No chewing required. Slow-release carbs sip their way into her system while she’s standing around nervously counting port-a-potties.
It’s not a heavy breakfast part two. It’s a steady trickle of fuel to keep glycogen levels high right as the start line nerves kick in.
Pro tip: Liquid carbs > solid carbs once you're this close to race start. Easy on the gut. Easy on the brain.
During the Race: The Mile-by-Mile Fuel Game
Tailwind Rapid Hydration
(3-4 bottles total)
This is hydration + carbs working in harmony. Courteney keeps this in her bottle and sips regularly to avoid the classic dehydration bonk spiral. Tailwind gives her steady energy without needing to slam more gels than her gut wants to handle.
HydraPak SkyFlask™ Speed - 500ML
AKA: The secret weapon. Lightweight. Secure grip. High-flow valve (read: she’s not messing around trying to squeeze water into her mouth at mile 14). Hydration actually makes it into her body. Wild concept.
Untapped Maple Gels
(About 5 total)
Here’s where the real fueling happens. Untapped is pure maple syrup—simple carbs that go down easy and digest even easier. The plan is simple: take a gel right before every water station, then chase it with water (never electrolytes). Keeps the stomach happy. Keeps energy steady.
The goal: No mid-race gel regret. No “why does this taste like battery acid at mile 22” meltdown.
Salt Stick Fast Chews + Caffeine
(within the last hour)
When the finish line is close, but also… not. The Salt Stick Fast Chews give her muscles a little sodium bump to keep things firing. The caffeine? That’s for the brain. Because at mile 22, you’re not fueling your legs, you’re fueling your will to live.
Post-Race: The Recovery Flex
Gnarly Whey Protein
(within 30-40 minutes post-finish)
The sooner you recover, the sooner you can brag about how great you felt. Courteney gets protein and carbs in quick to help muscles start repairing before the soreness hits. This is the not-so-secret secret to feeling slightly less wrecked the next day.
Now it’s your turn.
Everyone’s fueling plan should feel this locked in. Because “I hope I don’t bonk” isn’t a strategy. Whether you’re prepping for your own marathon or just want to fuel like Courteney (who absolutely did her homework), we’ve got everything she’s using in one place.
Get Courteney’s Exact Fueling Plan Here
P.S. No idea where to start?
Take our Fueling Quiz — tell us your race, your goals, and your weird fueling fears. We’ll tell you exactly what to pack
