The Coast to Coast is one of the most grueling multisport endurance events in the world. Spanning over 243km of cycling, running, and kayaking across New Zealand’s rugged South Island, it demands more than just physical strength—it requires a smart fueling strategy to keep athletes performing at their peak.
Proper hydration and nutrition can be the difference between hitting the wall and crossing the finish line strong. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of fueling for endurance events and how Sidekick Soda can play a role in keeping athletes energized, hydrated, and ready to conquer the course.
🔹 Hydration & Electrolytes: Finding the Right Balance
Staying hydrated is key, but it’s not just about drinking water—it's about maintaining electrolyte balance to prevent cramps, fatigue, and dehydration. When you sweat, you lose sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other vital electrolytes, which are essential for muscle function and endurance.
💡 Hydration Tips for Coast to Coast:
✅ Preload with Fluids: In the days leading up to the race, focus on drinking water and electrolyte-rich beverages. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
✅ Hydrate Smart During the Race: Aim to drink 500-750ml of fluid per hour depending on conditions, adjusting for heat and sweat rate.
✅ Don’t Forget Electrolytes: Simply drinking water isn’t enough. Pair it with electrolyte-rich drinks, natural foods like bananas, or hydration products to keep your body in balance.
Sidekick Soda’s edge? Our sodas are low in sugar and made with natural ingredients, helping you rehydrate without artificial additives. Plus, they contain honey—a natural carbohydrate source that can support endurance fueling.
🔹 Why Natural Ingredients Matter for Endurance
Athletes often turn to artificial sports drinks loaded with synthetic flavors, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup—but these can cause energy crashes, stomach discomfort, and inflammation.
Natural ingredients provide clean, sustained energy without the artificial junk. Honey, for example, is a powerhouse for endurance athletes. It offers:
🍯 Fast-absorbing carbs to provide steady energy release
🍯 Antioxidants that help reduce exercise-induced inflammation
🍯 Antimicrobial properties to support immune function
Sidekick Soda is sweetened with real New Zealand honey, making it a natural, functional hydration option without the artificial aftertaste.
🔹 How Sidekick Soda Fits Into an Athlete’s Fueling Plan
Sidekick Soda isn’t just a better-for-you alternative to mainstream sodas—it’s a functional drink that can support endurance athletes in multiple ways.
🏃♂️ When to Use Sidekick Soda During Coast to Coast:
🚀 Pre-Race Boost: Sip on a Sidekick Soda the night before or morning of the race for a light carb top-up and natural hydration.
💥 During Transitions: As you switch between disciplines, a quick swig of Sidekick Soda can provide a refreshing burst of energy, thanks to honey’s quick-digesting carbs and natural fruit extracts.
🛠 Post-Race Recovery: After pushing through 243km, recovery is just as important as the race itself. Sidekick Soda’s ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) content can aid digestion, while honey helps replenish glycogen stores naturally.
🌟 Conquer the Coast with Smart Fueling
Endurance events like Coast to Coast demand strategic hydration, clean energy sources, and electrolyte balance to stay strong from start to finish. By choosing natural, functional hydration options like Sidekick Soda, you’re giving your body the best chance to perform at its peak—without the artificial overload.
As a proud Coast to Coast sponsor, Sidekick Soda is here to fuel your adventure. Whether you're racing, supporting, or just looking for a better way to hydrate, we’ve got your back.
🏅 Ready to take on the challenge? Grab a Sidekick Soda and fuel the journey ahead!