I have scoured running blogs looking for a secret recipe of water and supplement. Searched high and wide to see what successful runners eat the morning of a big race, the night before, and DURING the race. Ultimately, the consensus seemed to be water and Gu (or some related supplement).
During the first half, I attempted to run and drink water simultaneously...only to end up wearing the majority of the water. I ran the majority of the race scared to drink water, fearing side cramps. So...I didn't drink, at all, until mile 11 or 12 and by then it was too late. I was dehydrated. I had waited too long. I vowed this time to train to hydrate. Not so easy.
I headed out on a long run and attempted to drink water at about the five mile mark. Fail. Major side cramps.
I headed out for a second run and attempted to eat a Gu. I immediately wanted to vomit. The consistency and taste did not agree with me. And I got major side cramps.
The morning of our eight mile run, I tried a new breakfast: a bowl of oatmeal, half a bagel think with peanut butter, and a small Gatorade. I felt awesome going into the run. At the six mile mark, we took a Gu chomp with some water- small sips this time. NO side cramps...and I felt awesome for the rest of the run. And afterwards. I think I may have found MY winning combination. Finally.
Yay!!
ReplyDeleteI bought some Gu chomps (and new socks!) to practice with.
Right on! If you're doing a big run in the morning, try doing the majority of your hydrating the afternoon prior. Eat some salty stuff so you absorb more water. Morning of, do a little Gatoraid for the electrolytes.
ReplyDeleteWhile I didn't have any of the chomps, I will also say that having a good breakfast definitely helped. :) That was such a great run!! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to not be able to run and drink water. I'd do a triathlon w/o water or supplements. It took a ton of training to do it w/o cramps/gagging. I find that the Gu's/Gel's always give me side cramps. I love the Jelly Belly sports beans as well as only sips of water helps. I also started to overhydrate the week before, drinking a ton of water for a week before the race.
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