As I said on Monday in my marathon post, my run on Sunday went really well - but it didn't get off to that great of a start.
I usually have gatorade in my fridge and fill up my fuel belt before heading out for my run. I wasn't quite as organize last weekend, so I decided to just grab some gatorade on my way to the trail. I mean, you would think that a gas station would be open at 7 am, right?
Wrongo batman.
I went to 3 different gas stations, none of which were open.
Luckily it worked out and I found a grocery store that was open. (Does it makes sense that a gas station isn't open at 7 but a grocery store is? I think not...) They didn't have any chilled gatorade so I had to settle for some room temperature gatorade. Which is really not a big deal because when you are thirsty on a run, anything tastes good.
Oh wait, I should say - most things taste good. You know what doesn't taste good? The fuel they are serving at the Portland marathon - Ultima Replenisher. Dear God, the stuff is disgusting. I tried drinking it on some training runs and I was actually dreading drinking it, it's THAT bad.
I haven't quite come up with a solution for the fact that I don't like the fuel they are serving at the marathon. I mean, it's a pretty crucial detail, but I keep telling myself that maybe on race day, it will magically taste good... I plan on carrying 32 oz. of gatorade in my fuel belt, but that's not enough for 26.2 miles, so I am going to have to drink some of the Ultima... but hopefully not much.
And while we are on the subject of fuel, I also found a post run fuel that I do NOT enjoy. The grocery store didn't have single servings of chocolate milk (my go-to post-run fuel), so I got a Chocolate Muscle Milk instead. Oh my gosh, it was so disgusting, I don't know how people drink it. I was afraid to cough after drinking it as I thought I just *might* vomit. And it was not cheap.
So here's what I've learned...
1. Buy gatorade the night before a long run.
2. Even though I am a type A person, I don't always plan so well - hence, not having a great plan for fueling on race day.
3. Muscle Milk is disgusting.
Have you ever done a race and not like the fluids being served? What is your go to drink after a work out? Does anyone out there actually like Muscle Milk?
17 comments:
I'm surprised those gas stations were all closed. Fortunately most of the ones near me are open super early and close really late! All the races I've done they offer gator aide or power aide.
Wow. Go, America! We can accomomdate our hunger at 7 am on a Sunday. But, if you're out of gas -- oh Hell now! ;)
I had been in a race where I didn't like the fuel. I don't even know what it was. But all I know if I took a drink and had to spit it out it was so nasty. Every since then, I ONLY take water. But, I know that during my marathon I will probably have to try somehting else.
Speaking of fuel - I'm about to head out for my 17 miler. I'm really dreading it for some reason. I'm having one of those moments where Im' thinking, "Did I for sure submit my registration for this?"
Muscle milk is disgusting. The only thing I can semi-handle is Whey Protein, but it has to be blended with crushed ice and diluted down with more milk.
That's crazy that gas stations were closed! Even here in the middle of no where the gas stations (and grocery stores) open up around 5ish.
Did you try a camel pack? I imagine that would be a bit cumbersome to run with though.
I've never heard of chocolate muscle milk but it sounds, less than appealing.
I just deal with whatever is served b/c I won't carry a fuel belt during a race. Just my personal preference. I usually train with that drink beforehand just to make sure it stays down.
Okay it's not that I'm laughing at you, it's just that the way you said some of these things had me cracking up. I could almost taste the disgusting-ness with you!
My go to drink post workout is a slim fast, not because it's low in calories but because it tastes so good, has milk + protein in it! I have had muscle milk, but the kind that you mix at home by yourself (my brother uses it). To me it tastes like Yoohoo or even drinkable brownie batter. I do not like their stuff that comes in cans or paper milk cartons from the store though; not sure what the difference is!
Strange that no gas stations were open at that time in the morning, but a grocery store was...doesn't really make any sense!
I've never tried the Ultima Replenisher, but I'm going to take your word that it's gross!
I have never heard of muscle milk nor the ultima stuff. i am very picky about the gatorade flavors i do like though cuzsome of them just taste like sweat with a little flavoring in my opinion.
Fueling really is tough - I know that sometimes the gels don't sit right in my stomach. Good luck with the fueling options...have you tired the GU chomps or something like that to carry with you just in case you need an extra boost?
They served Ultima for my first marathon in San Diego. I didn't like the fizzy consistency to it (though, maybe it's changed since then). I ran with a fuel belt with Gatorade. And no matter what I was drinking, I diluted it with water (because straight Gatorade is a killer on my stomach when running). Maybe adding extra water to the Ultima will help it go down? Just try not to focus on it too much ... it shouldn't slow you down!
Haha I love how you said you hope it a solution would just magically happen on race day - I'm feeling the same way! I'm going to bring the two different fuel belts I have and will maybe wear one with gatorade in it but we'll see!
That Ultima stuff is terrible. I can't believe people drink it!
Ugh, so sorry about the Ultima! That sucks that you have to worry about what you're going to drink! :(
I've never tried Muscle Milk, but they offered it after my mom's half-marathon and we just threw it away, lol. It just doesn't even sound appealing!
It is odd the gas stations were closed, we ran into the same thing last week but at night. For your marathon, maybe water would be enough to supplement the amount of Gatorade you can carry? I haven't tried the Muscle Milk but doesn't sound good!
It's true, ultima is disgusting. I'm carrying my water/gatorade mix with me as well. I've never had muscle milk but it sounds pretty gross. I've had a few fueling fails, but it's usually when I don't have gatorade with me or enough sugar to keep my mind fresh. Must make sure that doesn't happen on 10-10-10!
Have you tried using a fuel belt? I have the type with 4 bottles and I hve been very happy with it.
As far as muscle milk - agreed! That stuff is disgusting. Have you tried Athletes Honey Milk? It actually tastes good and is a much lighter texture...kinda like skin milk. My favorite way to drink it is pouring a bottle in my mini-smoothie maker with a little ice. I swear, the stuff tastes just like a vanilla shake from McDonalds.
Ok - not trying to sound like a commercial or anything, just letting you know there's a yummy alternative to Muscle Milk :)
Best of luck on 10/10...I'll be battling 26.2 right there with you in Chicago.
I tried chocolate muscle milk at the Philly half marathon expo a few weeks ago..ugh just thinking about it brings back that awful taste to my mouth!
Any chance you can have someone along the run around the half way to switch out some empty bottles for some new bottles filled with your fuel?
I don't know what muscle milk is, but it sure doesn't sound good!
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