Running has become a part of me. Weekly I am getting anywhere from 30-40 miles of just running in. But with all that running comes exhaustion. What can you do to make sure you have the energy to get through all your long runs? Thankfully, I have found some amazing options.
Running the LA Marathon I first had GU. While running, at certain mile markers they would pass out GU shots. Created for daily training and competition, GU Energy Gel packs energy-dense calories in a portable packet to help sustain energy demands of any duration or activity. The 100-calorie packet contains carbohydrates (maltodextrin and fructose) that use non-competing pathways to help maximize carbohydrate absorption and utilization while diminishing stomach distress.
Sodium, the primary electrolyte lost in sweat, aids in hydration by maintaining water balance. The branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, isoleucine) may reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage. I instantly knew that these were a supplement that I was going to need.
They can take some getting used to because of their texture and consistency. I have found them to be super beneficial when training for races.
GU Roctane Energy Gel stands out from original GU Energy Gel with more sodium, an electrolyte that aids in hydration, and even more branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine) that reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage than our original GU Energy Gel. The amino acid taurine helps maintain heart contractility and improve cardiac output during long exercise sessions, while the amino acid beta-alanine helps promote formation of the intramuscular buffer carnosine.
Maybe energy gels don’t work for you or you just don’t like the texture. Thankfully there are other amazing options out there. This last race I did, I wanted to try some new things before my big race.
Have you ever had a Honey Stinger Honey Waffle? These are so delicious, not filling, but give you plenty of energy to get your races going. I ate one of these before my half marathon. I was expecting stomach pain because I usually don’t do well running with food in my stomach. This is so light that you don’t even feel like you ate anything. I am a fan and would use these again for sure.
I also tried out some Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans. These were my absolute favorite. They gave me just the right amount o caffeine and boost that I would eat two every so often just to have a little buzz. It says to eat then entire pack, but for me the two beans as I went was a much better option.
Sport Beans Energizing Jelly Beans are formulated to help fuel the body during intense exercise. Clinically proven to improve athletic performance, each bean is loaded with carbs for fuel, electrolytes to help maintain fluid balance and vitamins to optimize energy release and protect cells against oxidative damage. Flavored with natural flavors, including real fruit juices, and they come in a convenient resealable bag that you will love. I loved it because the beans weren’t falling out whenever I pulled the bag out of my pocket. Totally worth trying if you are a jelly bean fan like me.
I sweat a lot when I run. Like I sweat so much that just walking out the front door to start I am already dripping. It’s kind of embarrassing. Sweating you lose electrolytes and those are crucial for running.
SaltStick Caps have been formulated to provide electrolytes to help minimize heat stress and muscle cramping due to perspiration, in a quantity and form which your body can absorb. This product is ideal for athletes, outdoor workers or for use in hot conditions. Two SaltStick Caps in an hour equate to 430 mg sodium, 126 mg potassium, 44 mg calcium, and 22 mg magnesium per hour, which is the ideal ratio to keep you moving.
Really though, there are so many great energy supplements out there that you need to find what works best for you. I recommend going to RunGr8 Running Center for all your nutritional needs. Seriously, they helped me find the perfect products for me. A 20-mile run uno longer worries me because I know I will have the energy I need. When you have the right nutrients you don’t have to worry. RunGr8 gives you all the information you need and will answer any questions you have.
Check them out for all your running needs and be sure to tell them that The Modern Dad sent you.
