About
We debated long and hard about keeping this secret for ourselves as athletes, but the only thing that is more rewarding than being on the podium at an ultra-distance event, is helping others get to their personal podium!
Over the past three years, we've had such success with this formula and fueling paradigm. It has been an integral part of the team's success at our wins of the Patagonian Expedition Race, Expedition Canada, Everglades Challenge, WA360 paddle race, and Chesley's Solo 24 national title. The longer the race (or stage), and the higher output we want/need to maintain — the more crucial it has become.
The Concept
We are firm believers in simplicity and science, and yet our experience in expedition racing has often put us into physical and emotional places that are very under-researched. There is plenty out there on how to fuel for a marathon, or an Ironman... but what about when you have to carry all your food? No aid stations. Unfathomable distance. And then we add sleep deprivation which just makes everything (fueling included) so much harder.
For our team — this product solves many problems. It eliminates choice. Having a singular primary and palatable fuel source takes the "choice" aspect away from where we get our calories. We know we are getting a "race proven" mix of easy to digest complex carbs, plant based protein, extra BCAAs, electrolytes, and natural fruit sugars.
Liquid food is much easier to digest in many race situations, allowing for endurance racers to maintain a competitive output. Bike bottles are convenient and fast to drink from, making it easy to stay fueled on the legs (bike and paddle) that generally have athletes having to choose between slowing down to eat or digging a deep caloric hole as they try to maintain speed and efficiency.
How to Mix
Front Country Option (at home)
Fill your bottle of choice 2/3 with water (we use a standard 16 or 20 oz bike bottle). Pour that water into a blender, toss in the entire powder packet and blend. Dump into your bottle, and top it off with water. Shake. Go get after it.
For long races that are not super hot, we pre-mix most bottles this way, and leave them in TA bins for up to 60ish hours and have had no problems.
Backcountry mixing (In the TA)
Fill bottle half full with water, then add half the powder and shake like crazy. Add a bit more water and the rest of the powder and shake again. Top off with water and shake as you leave the TA on the way to greatness.
Mixing notes
It is fine to mix the 4-hr fuel at less than full strength (we recommend at least 1/2 the pack, and then — Congrats, you just made 2-hour tea!), but if you are mixing just 1/4 serving in a bottle (200 cal) — well there are heaps of products out there that do that same thing and will likely taste better at that dilution.
We've mixed this formula at all strengths from 2-6 hours in a single bottle and consensus is that the 4-hour strength is the best taste/nutrition/weight ratio for us. Remember, this is high density caloric fuel! That bottle is supposed to last you for 4 HOURS. So it is not your primary hydration source. Carry a separate bottle or bladder with good old straight water.
Meet the Team
Daniel Staudigel
Fuel Designer
Team Bend Racing's Daniel Staudigel developed the initial iteration of 4-Hour Fuel after his spectacular bonk was filmed for all to see in Amazon's "World's Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji". He needed a more efficient and easy tasting fueling solution for his expedition racing.
Jason Magness
Co-Founder
Endurance athlete, adventurer, and co-founder of 4 Hour Fuel. Jason brings decades of expedition racing experience to the team and has tested the fuel across the globe in the most demanding conditions.
Chelsey Magness
Operations
24-Hour Mountain Biking Solo World Champion and endurance athlete. Chelsey keeps 4 Hour Fuel running — from operations to athlete relations. She knows firsthand what it takes to fuel long days on and off the bike.
Darren Steinbach
Fixer
Part of the 4 Hour Fuel crew helping bring endurance nutrition to athletes who go the distance. When something needs to get done, this is the guy you call.
Find Us
Bend, Oregon