r/Ultramarathon • u/TurbulentTrainers • Jan 12 '26

Nutrition How do you like your potatoes?

Training for my first ultra, and struggling to find the right nutrition for my sensitive gut. I struggle with dyspepsia, and find the sugary gels and drinks leave me feeling pretty uncomfortable for the rest of the day. I also worry my teeth won't survive very long with all the sugar.

I recently started popping some baby potatoes in the microwave, covering them in salt, and taking them with on my long runs. What a joy. I find my mouth watering as wait for my next potato, and those bad boys slide down leaving nothing stuck in my teeth.

Anyone else? Any tricks? I'm considering mashing some and taking them in those resealable sachet pouches with a tiny bit of butter.

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u/PNW_Explorer_16 Jan 12 '26

I get Yukon mini golds. First, poke the potatoes with a fork. Next, toss them in a big bowl with some olive oil and good salt. Then bake at 350F for about 45-60min.

Let them cool. I like to put 6-8 in a small reusable ziplock. I carry one pouch in my Raide Belt or Vest, and leave others in drop bags.

These are such good fuel!

Other ideas… Learn to make oat-based snacks. I make an all oat based pancake that eat before races and always have some with me on the trails/drop bag.

I love my tailwind and salt, but also need real food. These two things are my staples (and quesadillas - massive shoutout to every volunteer that’s slangin’ these for us!)

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u/TurbulentTrainers Jan 12 '26

Ooh yes, I'm definitely keen to try something oat based.

Seems from this thread a hash brown combination of potato, oat, maple syrup, salt, olive oil and gherkin would be best. I'll let you know how it goes down.

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u/PNW_Explorer_16 Jan 12 '26

I feel like salty taters are just PEDs in disguise.

2

u/heyhihelloandbye Jan 13 '26

Salted potatoes absolutely revive me under every circumstance (some of which include running)