Showing posts with label fuel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fuel. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2012

TrainingTruths: A Medley

It was a mix of running partners, distances, and fuel issues. Not such a great thing going into the last week before tapering for the Manchester City Half Marathon. 




#TrainingTruth: Running outside is easy on beautiful fall days.

Since Daisy twisted her ankle and couldn't run, I came home after school and ran with my husband. We enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage surrounding the pond. I love when easy runs actually feel easy.




#TrainingTruth: It's hard to run well when you feel like you have a full stomach. 


Today was a solo run after school on one of our usual routes. I went faster than I should have (probably because I was alone) and had to walk a couple of times. Then it felt like everything I'd eaten was on the verge of, well, something.


#TrainingTruth: Not enough pre-run fuel equals not enough gas in the legs.

The night before I didn't eat a runner friendly meal and then I wasn't feeling my usual pre-run meal so I had a couple of peanut better & jelly crackers on my way to meet Daisy (yes, she's back!). A couple of miles into the run, my stomach growled. Need I say more?



How do you make sure you are fueling right?



#TrainingTruths is not just about me. We all like to see what everyone else is doing and use that information to assess ourselves. It's not judgement. It's a way to share and learn and make changes when necessary.

To participate all you have to do is share your #TrainingTruths:
  1. Tag a Twitter post with the hashtag #TrainingTruths
  2. Comment on the Running Escapades Facebook page 
  3. Leave a link to your own blog post in the comments
I look forward to reading your #TrainingTruths!




Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Fuel Experiment


February 29 - GU Energy Gels have always been my choice for fueling during training runs. Tri-Berry is my favorite flavor.


I ran the Half at the Hamptons a couple of weeks ago and found out that using energy gel for fuel during a race can be a rather sticky experience. In all my runner gracefulness I ended up with more GU on my hands than in my mouth.

As I prepare to run the Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon in May, I am looking for the perfect fuel to use during the race. I want something I can take on the run and won't be messy.

After raiding the shelves at my local Sports Authority, here is what I came home with...

Choice #1:

PowerBar Energy Blasts are gel filled chews with a liquid center. Uses C2MAX formula - "a 2:1 glucose to fructose blend found to deliver...more energy to muscles..." 190 calories per serving (pouch). Nutrition Facts: 60mg Sodium, 45g Carbs, 36g Sugars, 3g Protein, 0 Potassium. Price $2.29

Choice #2:

Sport Beans are energizing jelly beans. Quick energy replenished from carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins B & C. 100 calories in a serving (package). Nutrition Facts: 80mg Sodium, 25g Carbs, 17g Sugars, 0 Protein, 40mg Potassium. Price $1.49

Choice #3:

GU Chomps are energy chews. Sustained energy through amino acids, Vitamins A & C, and electrolytes. 90 calories per serving (4 pieces). Nutrition Facts: 50mg Sodium, 23g Carbs, 11g Sugars, 0 Protein, 40mg Potassium. Price $2.20 (2 servings in package)

Choice #4:

CLIF Shot Blocks are semi-solid energy chews. Each chew replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes during activity. 100 calories per serving (3 pieces). Nutrition Facts: 70mg Sodium, 24g Carbs, 12g Sugars, 0 Protein, 20mg Potassium. Price $2.49 (2 servings in package) 



So my plan is to try a different fuel source on each of my next long training runs. My goal is to find one that is easy to use, provides an energy boost, and tastes good!

Do you use fuel during your workouts? 
Which do you recommend?




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