Surprising Gels
Wednesday, we had our longest run yet schedule for our Mini Marathon Training Program. A big 11 miler. For some reason, I was so nervous about this run. Typically, I am a morning runner/worker outer, and I am finding that when I schedule to run or workout for the evening I have all day to feel “nervous” about it.
Honestly, I know it is totally a mental thing, but sometimes I wonder if it effects how “good” or “bad” my workout is. Are there any other morning worker outers who feel a little anxiety to workout after a full day of work?
During this week’s 11 mile run, we planned to stop back at the water/refueling station after each set of around 4 miles. After the first 4 miles…I was ready to quit! My legs were tight, I was starting to feel shaky, it just wasn’t a good run. I sipped on some water, and I noticed that they had some Hammer Gels available for refueling since we were going to be running for more than an hour.
Typically, I stay away from the gels and gatorade, but I decided I would give it a try since I already was not feeling too hot. Within the first mile after taking the gel I instantly felt energized and better than I did when we first started the run! It was AMAZING and much needed.
I was able to finish the run strong, and lead the group through the rough 11 miles.
Thank goodness for the Hammer Gel!
I then came home, immediately ate a dinner of shrimp, asparagus, Ezekial Bread with peanut butter. It was delicious and much needed.
Brian then helped me put some Bengay on my calves and hamstrings and I was out like a light.
I woke up, and my legs were not sore, I felt well rested, and ready to go like any other day! Typically, I feel a little sluggish the day after, but I must have done something right this week!
Honestly, I cannot believe how well the gel worked, and now I think I need to do some experimenting for race day to see what kind works best for me! I would love some advice.
Question of the Morning:
- When distance running, do you use gels or gummies of any sort?
- What is your favorite to use?
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That’s great about the gels being able to help ya out girl. When i would run long distances I was a huge jelly bean fan — and gum 🙂
I have seen sport jelly beans!! I have eaten them as something quick before my workout but not during…I’ll have to try it, but I have never heard of gum!! What kind of gum? Is it like a special sport gum!? I am a total gum fan, so I want to know more!
I stock up on free gels when I can during a race. 🙂 Surprisingly, I thought the Clif gels in both chocolate and vanilla flavors were tasty and kept my energy level up!
Chocolate? Now, that is an interesting flavor!! I will have to give it a try 🙂 Thanks for the tip!!
I cannot believe you train med for multiple half marathons and never used a gel! Some kind of nutrition is essential to long-distance running. I take something on anything 9 miles and over. I have experimented a lot over the years, trying gels, chews and Swedish fish. You definitely have to find what works for you. Right now I use Clif Shot Bloks and nuun. Definitely try things out before race day, though. Good luck!
Now I understand the importance of the nutrition mid run 🙂 I can only imagine how it will improve my time and recovery!! Thanks for the tips! I have been looking at nuun for a while…looks like it’s time to order some to sample!
Hmm… I wonder if it might have been a placebo effect or if it really is a miracle worker?! I tend to be a mid morning exerciser. I like to get my coffee and breakfast settled in my belly then I hit the weights – luxuries of being a housewife.
Well, not sure if I would call the gel a miracle worker, but it really did help me out! Maybe it was placebo, but I loved it!!
I am a morning workout girl, and when training for my marathon last year definitely had the after work ‘workout’ anxiety 🙂 but on the gels – I cannot use the ones with caffeine in them, my #1 suggestion make sure you try them before the actual race…then get your favorite and stick to that plan for the race! Your tummy will thank you.