Weird Science

I'm feeling compelled to write as I think about what more I need to buy from one of my favorite stores, Sports Basement. (See? I like it so much that I even hyperlinked it! Ooohh...Ahhhh...) . This all goes back to an earlier post about how running long distances is all about experimentation. Literally. What to drink and eat that won't make me cramp, have to pee every 20 steps (I know, I know, "TMI! TMI!" but don't worry - there are much worse things I could have written - ha!), or hallucinate. Yes. That does happen to some people.

For some reason, I want to share with you what hasn't worked for me. Emphasis on *FOR ME* as I've already shared that everyone's bodies work in different ways.

• Fruit punch Gatorade - Really, this should be any non-lemon or non-lemon-lime Gatorade. Just too sweet and too much. I seem to be OK with the lemon based ones. Probably a throwback to my childhood where that was like the only flavor available and all of the parents thought they should give it to us when we were playing sports. Remember AYSO days? Yeah...you know what I'm talkin' bout!
  
• Gummy Candy - Man, I learned a lesson about that. I need salt/electrolytes, not sugar or else HORRIBLE headaches later in the day. But those darn little bears just look at me at the aide stations saying, "Eat me! I'm nice and sweet!" Evil, I tell you! Just evil! :)
  
• Only water - I know. Strange. But after my headache-y long run, I realized that only water doesn't cut it. It just goes right through (so back to the "every 20 steps then pee comment") and that's not good. I need some water but other things too.
  

So, what exactly does work?

• Drinking electrolytes - Definitely during a long run, but here's the tricky part. What kind? Watered down Gatorade (lemon-y, of course) seems OK, but I'm hoping something else will be better. Maybe cytomax? Maybe Nuun?
• Eating - My snacking will need to be something salty like pretzels or for that something sweet and satisfying desire, Cliff Bars - cut into tiny pieces. I'm also going to buy and try the little Luna Moons. The gummy treat with carbs, sodium and potassium! All.."yums" :)

I'll keep experimenting. Only 3 weeks until the big run! I actually got teary eyed thinking about crossing the finish line last night. Go Team!