Don’t worry! Unlike last week’s post where I shared Deep Thoughts about vaccines, this post is all running-related! Let’s dive right in with this first one:
A few months ago I found myself craving lemonade on my hot, sweaty trail runs. Then I discovered this product. It’s like a gel, but more liquid-y. It seemed like a dream come true… until I tried it.
I hated this!!! First of all, no big surprise here but it was obviously hot by the time I was trying to ingest it out on the trail. Who wants hot lemonade? But let’s look closer at that last sentence… I was TRYING to ingest it. In other words, it was hard to get it all down. The whole point of a gel is that it’s quick and easy- you squirt it into your mouth and it’s done. This just went on and on. It was too thin, too much liquid, and too hard to drink it all. Blech.
The best part is, in my infinite wisdom I bought a box of twelve. I’m trying to think of how to use them up. Maybe squeeze one into my water bottle? But then every sip I take will be lemon flavored and that could get old. Possibly I could freeze one? After thirty minutes in the heat it will probably just be hot again. Well… I’ll think of something.
Here’s the next one:
This time, I went the other way. I initially did NOT like LMNT. It’s really, really salty and some of the flavors are bizarre (chocolate salt? Lemon habanero?) The first time I tried one, it made me nauseous. I decided to stick to my Nuun.
Then my husband bought a box of the watermelon salt flavor. It’s still a little weird, but it’s growing on me. I’ve found that if I drink half of one, it’s perfect. On a shorter run day, I’ll drink half after my run. On a long run day, I’ll drink half before my run and half after. It’s definitely working great- I used to feel a little headache-y and depleted later in the day after my long runs, and this seems to have solved that problem.
Okay, here’s the last one… shoes.
After running in New Balance for years, I decided to branch out. Well, I should specify that I usually alternate between the Hoka Cliftons and New Balance 880s. I’m always on the lookout for shoes with a wide toe box- the problem is that a lot of them are also zero drop, and I just can’t do that right now with my plantar fasciitis.
Darlene has been mentioning how much she loves her Topos, so I decided to try them! I got the Phantom 2, which is a neutral shoe with a 5mm drop. I would prefer an even higher heel to toe drop, but my Cliftons are 5mm so I knew these wouldn’t be too low. I ran in them for the first time today and I like them! They feel light and peppy, with plenty of room for my fat feet.
I do have one complaint, however… let’s look at them again.
What is up with these colors? I wish I could have been at the meeting where someone said, “How about teal, orange and fluorescent yellow?” and everyone said “Yes! That sounds perfect!” I guess it’s…. cheerful, but I think this color combination is hideous. But that’s okay- I don’t care what my running shoes look like, as long as they’re comfortable. The only thing is, when I’m done running in them I like to be able to wear them to work. I won’t be wearing these to work.
What things have you changed your mind about lately?
Do you care what color your running shoes are?
What’s your favorite running fuel?
20 Responses
I usually have to cut the strength of the powders, which is why I like Science in Sport over Nuun because it’s easier. I’d definitely try a salted watermelon one.
I’ve found I can’t do the gels either.
My current shoes are pink and yellow so.. no comment o:)
Ha… apparently pink and yellow are popular shoe colors!
I can do regular gels… just not these thinner, liquid-y ones.
Your experience with the liquid Gu reminds me of my experience with UCAN gels. I used to be the biggest fan of UCAN and was so excited when the gels came out…until I tried them. There’s something about the “liquid-ish” consistency that I find to be very nauseating. And yes the only way to try them was to buy a box. I’m going to ask around if any of my running friends want them.
Ha, that’s funny. Well, not funny that you’re stuck with a box of them. Maybe you could do a trade. I’m actually glad you told me this because I was curious about UCAN gels! I should just stick with what works.
I know. Topos have the worst colors but they are comfy. I do like cute colors but when you have pain in your feet, you have to forget about it.
I ate a Smores Gu in my last half..I felt like puking for the last few miles. Why did I not stick to Espresso and Salted caramel. Stupid me. At least I only bought one. I never buy a whole box of the same flavor…just in case.
I do not as a rule like fruity flavors…so lemon GU – Yuck! Salted watermelon is weird.
Yes, I normally don’t like fruity flavors either. I think I temporarily lost my mind when I bought a box of twelve lemonade flavor. I’ve found that the more complicated flavor of gel, the harder it is to eat. Just give me straight ahead chocolate, or espresso. FYI the chai is also awful (IMO.)
Well, I’m a color freak, so I kind of like the shoes but I just wish they weren’t so white (do they glow in the dark? LOL). Myself, I like the liquid-y gels because they go down much smoother (though they usually are “bigger” to carry and consume). I was a die-hard Gu gel gal until about five years ago. I don’t know if they changed their formula, or if my body had just had one Gu too many, but they wreak major havoc on my tummy now. I’m glad we all have options for these kinds of things, and that we have the liberty to change our minds on what works or doesn’t.
Yes, there are so many options now! So you like these more liquidy gels? I suppose it would go down smoother, if I didn’t spill it all over myself.
I actually questioned whether the shoes were meant to glow in the dark. They’re so frickin’ bright!!!
I like people who change their minds! 😊
I am running in shoes that look worse than yours. Mine are very, very white with a bit of pink thrown in. But hey, when shoes are on sale, who is going to question the hideous colours? 😄
I can’t wait for them to wear out, though…
Ha ha, that’s funny. The thing is, I never look at other people’s shoes and think they’re ugly… only my own.
It took me a while to figure out my fueling strategy. I cannot do the gels bc the texture does not work for me. Sometimes you do have to try things again. I started eating some seafood this last year and it has changed my life. I wish I had done it sooner!
I don’t know why I tried to change things up, because gels actually work for me! Live, and learn…
After my runs I only drink a simple magnesium and potassium but if I am very tired a sachet with the same elements + creatine. After a couple of hours I eat a banana too.
But the most important thing is having a well balanced diet.
I prefer to have blue or black shoes. My shoes are Brooks Ghost, I have been using this brand for several years now.
I wore the Brooks Ghost for a while. I don’t know what it is, but even Brooks (which are on the wider side) still pinch my toes. Yes, I like blue or black shoes as well.
I love LMNT! I use it on my long runs, and it really helps on hot summer days! I do not care for most gels though, and GU is my least fave, so I think I’d hate that too! I have been using Plant Bites (from No Meat Athlete!) and Muir Energy gels (cause they’re made with more natural ingredients and they have some that are nut butter-based), and that’s working me for now!
I love those shoes! Even the colors! Except I’d get that white dirty real quick! I’ll have to look into Topos bc I also have very wide feet.
The funny thing is, those colors are growing on me! But yes- that white is going to be very dirty, soon.
I remember that you use those Plant Bites- I’m going to look into them. I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard of Muir gels- will look into them as well.
I try to get colors I like in my running shoes but I’m not too picky. I bet that as you run in yours and they get dirtier the color combos won’t be as obvious!
Oh, that white won’t be white for much longer!
I thought I’d like Gu Salted Caramel. It was about 4 years ago and I swear I can still taste it …
Also I have changed my mind on how sensible it is for me to run 100+ miles a month. Hm. Good post, though.
Ha… yes, I’ve found that the simpler flavors are better! I had a similar experience with Chai.