Gelin'?

I learned about gels recently, and I'm going to give it a try on my next llllong run. The problem is that many of them contain caffeine which is an issue for my digestive system. I'll see if I can find some that work better for me.

Here's a rundown of some other "hydration helpers" that I got from RunnersWorld.com (i.e. my running mecca!):

PRODUCT: Gels
WHAT YOU GET: Most one-ounce gels contain 100 calories; 25 g carbs; 40 to 120 mg sodium
PROS: Easier to digest than bars. Some contain caffeine. The best taste like fruit jam.
CONS: They can be messy and some runners don't like the consistency.

PRODUCT: Jelly Belly Sports Beans
WHAT YOU GET: Each one-ounce packet contains 100 calories; 25 g carbs; 60 mg sodium
PROS: They are delicious and deliver an effective energy boost along with electrolytes.
CONS: The package isn't as easy to handle as most gels.

PRODUCT: Clif Shot Bloks
WHAT YOU GET: Each serving size (3 Bloks) contains 100 calories; 24 g carbs; 70 mg sodium
PROS: They're easy to chew. All three flavors are certified organic.
CONS: The package isn't as compact as most gels, and the Bloks can be sticky to handle.

PRODUCT: Super Bites
WHAT YOU GET: Each tablet contains 15 calories; 4 g carbs; 5 mg sodium
PROS: They're easier to eat than gels, dissolve quickly, and have no messy wrappers.
CONS: It takes a lot of tablets to replenish carbs at the rate of 100 calories per half hour.

PRODUCT: Lifexpand's Lyte'N Go
WHAT YOU GET: Electrolyte Tablets Each tablet contains 13.4 calories; 2.8 g carbs; 5 mg sodium
PROS: These chewable tablets are sugar-free and less messy than gels.
CONS: Same problem as Super Bites (see above).

Another very important thing I read about this morning is hyponatremia, a form of hyperhydration. I'm really glad I learned about it, considering I'm new to this whole new hydration process during my runs AND because it could be fatal (who knew?). Edumacate yourself.

Boobs

Now that I've attracted the attention of male readers, I have to apologize, because this post is for us female runners.

Very important! ;)

First post of the year! Oops!

Happy New Year! (3 months later)

I apologize for the hiatus -- I've been busy with my life and this winter with all its precipitated glory.

It has been a huge challenge trying to be active outdoors this winter. I admit I haven't been as dedicated to my training schedule given that I'm reluctant to run on iced sidewalks, but I have been working on my core, which is always good. I've also been faithful to my Canadian roots and participated in winter sports. Hey, there has to be some way to enjoy this cold weather right? And what better way than to pull a toboggan up a huge hill or pick yourself up after a spill on the slopes? Haha!

Well, after the latest massive snowfall (I'm praying it's the last big one of the season!), I'm looking forward to the warmer weather. I'm already happy to note that the sidewalk ice has been melting very nicely by the time I get home from work, and this daylight savings thing has proved to be very motivational for a post-work run. (Even though on Monday, because of the loss of that one hour, I fell asleep on the bus, missed my stop, and decided to forego my run since I had to walk back home!)

Spring's coming!

Inspired

I had my first Team In Training meeting last week. It was so inspiring I nearly cried. Shut up, it was touching, okay?

But really, it was very inspiring. I'm excited to meet my coach, my mentor, and my honouree. I have one already, my Mom, but we'll also have one who's either fighting leukemia or lymphoma or one who's fought it and won.

Team training isn't for a few more months, but I'm going to continue to train on my own. I've set my fundraising goal and I hope I can reach it without too much trouble. I can do this.

Winter - time to cross-train

It's been a while, but I'm back for a quick post. I've been doing more indoor work as opposed to outdoor since the sunlight's limited and doesn't coincide with my availability. That, and it's getting COOOOLD!

In the winter months, I found this to be the case last year, it's more difficult not just because it's cold but because I spend more time warming up or trying to get warmed up so my times aren't as good. My body takes longer to get all the chemical reactions going and so I'm trying to spend more time indoors either with my pilates, my yoga, or weight training. Yes, I'm weight training. I'm tiny, but I'm not gonna get bulky.

I'm finding it more fun to alternate biking and running when I am outdoors though. The tough part is the snow and ice. Oh the snow. I'm only happy to see it when I'm on a slope or playing in it. The ice? I'm never happy to see it...unless it's in a rink but then I'm not trying to run or bike in a rink.

Stay warm!