On my long, hot, and hilly run yesterday I stashed a water bottle with accelerade mix at mile 7 and my maple syrup gel mix at mile 10. I think that will be the last time I use accelerade during or before a run, and probably ever, after I use up the rest of what I bought. I put in about half the recommended amount of mix and it still didn't settle well with my stomach. I was thirsty as hell (it was 90 degrees) but couldn't even finish the bottle. I think the whey protein in the accelerade makes me sick. All I could think about was cold water. The gel I made tasted fine and gave me a boost, but I probably could have gotten by without it, and definitely less of it.
Is this gel and sport drink crap really necessary? So far my approach has been when running much over an hour I like to have something, water at the very least. More than 1.5 hours some kind of caloric intake gives me a boost. However, I don't like having to go stash stuff before the run (it involves getting in my car). Carrying a water bottle is a pain in the ass, but I might look into the ones with a hand strap. Or maybe I'll just stop in a restaurant and ask for a glass of water. Not sure they'd appreciate the pool of sweat and pleasant odor though. So the question is what amount and what frequency of eating and drinking is necessary and what is optimal? I wonder if it is best to train with as little as possible to toughen up the body. Or would that be counterproductive for developing strength and stamina? I'm sure there are lots of articles on this topic, so I'll have to look into it.
2 comments:
I don't like the idea of having to get in my car and stash bottles of water or some other type of fuel at various points along my running route, either. Frankly, I think it's a waste of time (when I can be running) and unleaded gasoline--octane 87, not to mention the negative environmental effects. What's the alternative? Carry water or a sports drink, either in your hand or around your waste. I'd rather be adequately fueled than run the risk of dehydration due to self-consciousness. Besides, what's one more comment? Nothing's worse that "rock those boxers." There is a great article in August's issue of Runner's World about how to fuel in the heat. Of particular interest is the part about the amount of water we lose per hour through perspiring; therefore, the amount we should intake per hour. It might as well be that easy.
I run large loops so that I can return to my house (or car, if running on a farther away trail) every 40-50 minutes. You could also try one of those runner hip-packs. They'll hold sports bottle and gel. I don't like running with things in my hand, but I've also run with my hydration pack on long runs.
Do not try to "toughen up" by attempting to power through a long run with out hydrating or replenishing some calories. You'll totally bonk. Or become dehydrated and we'll have to come and find you in the woods. That wouldn't be pleasent for anyone. Especially you.
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