Merseyventure Challenge & Adventure

Another common question - what should we eat on our Three Peaks Challenge?

Well, what you eat before your challenge can be just as important as what you eat DURING the challenge, so it's a good idea to have some pasta or similar the night before, then a good breakfast or lunch before you start. Don't drink too much the previous evening (as this will just dehydrate you) and start drinking energy / isotonic drinks a few hours before you start.

Assuming you have plenty of fuel and liquid in your body before you begin, then it's a case of trying to keep these levels topped up at regular intervals during your challenge, rather than just relying on one or two larger 'meals' during the event.

Little and often is most important, for food and liquid.

Whilst on the mountain you don't want to stop to have 15 minutes for something to eat, you don't have time. You need lots of small tasty munchies that are nice to eat, and can easily be carried in your pockets. Fun size chocolate bars, fruit, nuts, crisps, opal fruits, M&M's, etc. Some people like Babybelle cheeses or mini Pepparami type things too. Always keep some butties in your rucksac just in case you do have to stop for a while.

Drinks wise you should carry water, energy drink, isotonic drink or a 50/50 water/fruit juice mix. Ensure you carry enough to suit weather conditions and temerature.

When you arrive back at your vehicle, you may be hungry but have no real appetite..! This is where something hot and tasty comes in. Some people like a bowl of soup with crusty bread, chilli and cheese, or a small bowl of pasta. Your support team/driver should sort this for you to save time.

Remember, if you can eat it in the vehicle whilst travelling, it will save you even more time.

We often use army 24 hour ration packs, which have pre-cooked meals that just require heating in hot water for a few minutes (or can be eaten cold if desparate). These are sometimes sold in walking shops as Wayfayer foods, in the silver foil packet - http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/ishop/877/shopscr409.html

Any other ideas?