Smuckers Uncrustables: My Road to PB&J Perfection

Lake Zurich Ultra Marathon Fueling Stop

Success in swimming doesn't just come from hours of training; it's about nutrition, strategy, and finding what works for you. For me, the answer has always been quite simple: the classic PB&J. But not just any PB&J—my recent switch to Smuckers Uncrustables has brought a new dimension to my nutritional game.

26KM Lake Zurich Marathon Swim: PB&J Put to the Test

The night before the 26KM Lake Zurich Marathon Swim in 2019, I found myself in a heated debate with two of the open water marathon swimming world's formidable forces, Martyn Webster and David Owen. We were preparing our race feeds for the next day and discussing strategy and nutrition. I laid out my tried-and-true plan: good old PB&J sandwiches, a staple of my training and race-day fueling.

Martyn and David laughed heartily at my approach. They were convinced that relying solely on PB&J would lead me to "bonk" around the six-hour mark. They pointed to their complex powdered protein mixes and detailed nutrition plans, practically guaranteeing that I would need something more substantial.

"I've even prepared a special mix for you, just in case," Martyn told me, a smirk on his face as he shook a container of his secret concoction. "You might want to consider it if you want to finish this race."

I had my goal time all planned out, aiming to break the Over-50 record, a remarkable 7-hour 35-minute feat achieved back in 2008. Martyn and David felt that I was being too ambitious, and that merely finishing should be my only concern.

I smiled, confident in my preparation, and assured them, "Don't worry, the PB&J will do just fine."

As it turned out, that day, the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich proved its worth. I not only finished the race but shattered the record by over 30 minutes. The naysayers became believers. Since then, both Martyn and David, while not completely abandoning their powdered mixes, have embraced PB&J as part of their long swim nutrition.

The experience became more than just a personal victory. It was a testament to the power of trusting one's instincts, understanding one's body, and sticking to what works, even when faced with skepticism from others. And above all, it was a delicious reminder that sometimes, simplicity outperforms complexity.

The Science and My Nutrition Philosophy

I’ve learned quite a bit and based my personal philosophy from Dr. Nick Murch. Nick is a Consultant in Acute Medicine and Medical Education including Simulation at The Royal Free Hospital in London. Nick has an interest in the science behind open water swimming; trying to demystify some of the old wives’ tales.  His blog on the topic can be found here: Nutrition in Long Distance Swimming: Bonker’s Behavior.

While many athletes lean on protein powders and drink supplements, I've always had a different approach. I eat what I trust, and I trust what I eat. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been my go-to fuel, not just because of their nutritional value but because they're a food I eat regularly.

The Transition to Uncrustables

But even a classic can be improved. That's where Smuckers Uncrustables came in.

For many, PB&J is a beloved childhood treat. But in my household, without children around for over 20 years, that section of the grocery store had become foreign territory. My routine involved crafting homemade sandwiches and dealing with the mess that comes with it.

It wasn't until an athlete-friend, aware of my passion for PB&J, pointed me in the direction of Uncrustables. "You've got to try these," he insisted, "They're a game-changer!"

Intrigued, I gave them a shot. From the very first bite, I was hooked. The familiar taste was there, but the convenience and mess-free experience were unparalleled. Uncrustables had taken my tried-and-true nutrition strategy and elevated it, aligning perfectly with my demands as an open water swimmer.

The Uncrustables packaging is ideal for marathon swimming.  Each round sandwich is seamlessly sealed into a round “pie” with no crust and no mess.  You keep them frozen until race day, and they thaw into perfection come feed-time.  I have found them super easy to chew and digest while swimming multiple hours.  And they’re YUMMY, too!

What impressed me most was how Uncrustables aligned with my values. Easy to pack, always fresh, and consistent in taste, they became an integral part of my routine. This smooth transition allowed me to focus on what matters most: swimming fast and inspiring others.

Conclusion

With Smuckers Uncrustables, I found a partner that understood my journey and complemented my goals. They have become more than just a part of my diet; they're a symbol of my philosophy: innovate, improve, but never forget what brought you success.

Swim Your Own Swim

A Challenge to Conventional Norms in Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming is not just a physical pursuit but a spiritual one. It's a journey of self-discovery, battling the elements, and forging a personal connection with the vast expanses of water. However, the community faces challenges that, despite best intentions, seem insurmountable due to human fallibility.

The Inherent Challenges

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the world of open water swimming, all the links are fallible humans:

1. Boat pilots – Often prioritizing convenience and economics over swimmers’ desires.

2. Observers – Stories of falling asleep or not showing up at all abound.

3. Governing bodies – Varying rules across organizations, inconsistencies (or total lack) in communication, and a spectrum of services offered, creates numerous challenges.

4. Swimmers – Cheating, lying, embellishing, performance enhancing drugs, bending the rules – these cracks taint the achievements of honest swimmers and shake the community's core.

5. Economics – All of these links have a financial stake further increasing the potential for conflicts of interest and ethical compromises.  There is clear collusion, restraint of trade, price-fixing, and monopolistic practices going on throughout the open water swimming world.

A Radical Idea: Swim Your Own Swim

Since humans are fallible and every link in the chain is prone to weaknesses, why not take a step back and return to the essence of open water swimming?

- Embrace Personal Responsibility: Encourage swimmers to take charge of their swims: Thoroughly research your own swim, your provider, and any support organization.

- Eliminate Third-Party Oversight: Remove the layers that add confusion and complexity, recognizing that adding more links can often create more weaknesses.

- Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Destination: Recognize that the real victory is in personal growth, connections, and memories, not just in the final outcome of a specific swim.

Conclusion

This idea challenges the conventional chain of rules and oversight. It invites us to forge a new chain, one link at a time, by returning to the heart and soul of open water swimming. 

Let's swim our own swims. Let's trust ourselves and each other. Let's recognize that a chain built on personal integrity and community spirit is stronger than one bound by rules and self-appointed authorities.