Fuel Plan for Trail & Adventure Running

Trail and adventure running demands more from your fuelling strategy. You’re out longer, the terrain is unpredictable, and access to aid stations is often limited. Proper fuelling, hydration, and gut training are essential not just for performance, but for safety and enjoyment.

Key Fuelling Goals
Carbohydrates: 60–90g/hour
Fluids: 500–750ml/hour
Sodium: 300–600mg/hour

Fuelling Guidelines for Trail Runners

Gut training starts with practice. Use one or two weekly long runs to simulate race-day fuelling. Start fuelling within the first 15–20 minutes and keep a rhythm every 15–20 minutes. Mix Neversecond C30 gels and drinks with Veloforte chews or bars for variety, balance, and better gut tolerance.

Use Neversecond C30 for structured fuelling — precision carbs and sodium with every serving. Use Veloforte when you want natural textures, bold flavours, and slow-release energy. Mix drink, gel, and chew formats to match your terrain and effort levels.

Hydration is just important Carry Neversecond C30 Drink Mix or electrolyte tabs in soft flasks. Avoid large volumes that cause sloshing. Aim for 200–250ml every 15–20 minutes depending on the terrain and conditions.

Match your fuelling to the terrain. On climbs, sip and chew. It’s easier to digest when intensity is lower. On flats and descents, take in gels and larger drinks. In heat or high humidity, prioritise sodium and fluid over solid fuel.

Caffeine is optional. Use 75mg (from C30+ Gels) every 90–120 minutes for a focus boost. But don’t start earlier than 60 minutes into your effort.

Sample 4-Hour Trail Run Fuel Plan Per hour:
Neversecond C30 Drink (30g carbs + 200mg sodium)
Neversecond C30 Gel (30g carbs + 200mg sodium)
Veloforte Bar or Chews (30g carbs)
= 90g carbs/hour + 400mg sodium/hour

Recovery Strategy for Consistency

Use Pillar Performance Triple Magnesium after runs to support sleep quality, muscle recovery, and energy regulation. Add Ultra Immune C during heavy training blocks or after exposure to cold, poor sleep, or stress. For consistent energy throughout the season, use Ultra B Active to reduce fatigue and improve daily resilience.

Top Tips for EnduranceKollective Customers

Don’t wait for race day to test your fuelling — practice it. Use different textures and formats to reduce flavour fatigue and keep fuelling even when appetite dips. It’s about performance, not hunger. Mark your bottles or flasks with time intervals so you stay on track, even when the terrain takes over.