I've been trying to find Clif Shot Bloks so I have plenty for the marathon. Does anyone know where I can find some in the downtown or SE Portland area? Thanks.

Hi,

I was in Portland Running Company this weekend (off Scholls Ferry) and saw a display. They were also selling them before the run last Saturday at CNF. I think you might be able to find them at some of the outdoor stores around town.

Jess

Try REI, they have a large assortment of flavors.

Ho Ho HO.
My advice is to eat salty crackers or salty peanuts while running, if you need anything. Wash them down with a little water.
You will see that you feel great without the burning sugar rush.
HO HO HO

Thanks Extreme Walker, Doug, and Sharon. I appreciate your support and I'm sticking with the Clif Shot Bloks. They got me through the last benchmark and should get me through the marathon.

OK, I'm a natural peacemaker... but I hear everybody saying the same thing. Essentially, it all boils down to "continue to eat/drink what you've been using in training as long as it works for you". I happen to think there's some kind of mental energy you get when eating the gimmick foods, just like how you feel just a tiny bit faster when you wear your spiffy running gear made with technical fabrics.

I personally use watered down orange juice with a little salt added for my electrolyte replacement and a bit of sugar. I like boiled potatoes with salt and plain ol' gummy bears. (The latter being easier to carry around!) But I also really like Sport Beans and Sharkies, and have been known to use Ultima Replenisher.

What I *won't* do is try the latest gel the day of the race because it looks high-tech, but neither will I eschew products designed specifically for the activity I'm doing. I figure more people are running marathons, and the world record keeps getting shorter and shorter, etc., because of advances in equipment, so I should take advantage.

Let's keep the remarks on this discussion forum respectful and appropriate, everyone. We're committed to keeping this a friendly and constructive discussion forum that serves it's members. So when you post recommendations that run counter to generally accepted wisdom, please be prepared to defend your recommendations in a way that's helpful to our readers.

Thanks everyone for helping to make this discussion forum a positive force!

Yes, I agree that there seems to be a placebo effect that is the result of eating the gimmick foods. Of course, that is not really a bad thing.
I have heard that the last few miles of the marathin are the real test so I am going to eat real food. Salty peanuts with water is my choice, if I eat anything at all.
HO HO HO