Wow! February, where did you go so fast? It’s that time again. Time to share a few February Runfessions and confessions. I’ve always got a few! Thanks to Marcia for hosting.
February 2023 Runfessions and Confessions
I Runfess and confess…
After I successfully got into both the NYC half and the Cherry Blossom 10 miler via lottery, I figured, why not throw my name into one more. Yep, I also just got into the Broad Street 10 Miler in Philadelphia. Oops! It’s been on my bucket list for a years. It is apparently the largest 10 mile race in the US with about 40,000 runners. Now, I just need my body to hold up for all of these!
I Runfess and Confess…
I think it’s time for me to find some new fuel for my long runs. For a long time I’ve been using Honey Stinger chews. I feel like I need a little more of a boost. I’ve never liked the texture of GU so I am exploring a few other brands. I bought a few different gels to test out. Normally, I find the consistency of the gels hard to get down but I am going to try this week. I have also ordered some Maurten bars to try. With my first race just a few weeks away, it’s probably not ideal timing to switch things up. Living on the edge over here! If you have any suggestions on different brands to try, I’d love to hear them.
I will update on next week’s Coffee Date!
Go you! I ran those 3 races back to back to back last spring and my body held up! Although I had to let go of any expectations with the last one when it hit 83 degrees. I wasn’t counting on that!
I have no suggestions for fueling. Every time I think I find something that works, it stops working for me. I’m going to try Uncrustables for my upcoming trail race. I’ll let you know how that goes.
that is an interesting choice! Interested to see how that goes for you
Ooh, when is the Broad Street Run? That’s hilly, right?
Have you tried applesauce pouches? Maybe not as engineered for running as gels, but they do provide simple carbs and are easy to slurp down.
The Broad Street run in April 29th so probably no GW for me. It is straight down Broad street a net down hill
I’ll be interested in your feedback with those gels. I’m also trying some different things. I tried Clif blocks and some Gu little chewy things (can’t remember what they’re called) and wasn’t a big fan. It’s too much trouble to do all that chewing- I’d rather just have a gel. But gels do get monotonous. I’ve never tried Maurten and didn’t know they made bars. Let us know how you like them!
i’m excited for all your races! Your body will hold up- you train smart and do all the other things like stretching and strengthening. Good luck with them.
I will be testing out the bars tomorrow! Stay tuned
That is quite an exciting race lineup! All the best with your training. I used to be a huge Hammer Gel fan until (many years ago when I was my fastest) they literally came out and told me I was “too slow” to be an ambassador. Haha! Their loss!
I just cannot believe that! Most of us are just regular runners getting it done. Their loss indeed!
Good luck with the races! Sounds like a fun race schedule!
I still use HS chews, so sorry, no real advice. I did get some date bars that I used for some of my training last year — not really specifically for running but seemed to work for me.
I like the HS chews but feel like I need something a little more at the moment!
I like the HS chews, but my favorite fuel are SiS gels because they don’t require water (isotonic). They’re a bit watery, though, so the packaging is kind of bulky since they’re not concentrated like most other gels. Another 10-miler! That’s exciting!
I use the SIS hydration tabs and love them. I feel like I tried the gels a while back but I could again
Yay for Broad Street – definitely one I want to run. You’re on a good roll with lotteries, maybe you should play Lotto 😉
SIS gels worked well for me the year I ran the Chicago Marathon – they are bigger than other gels and can be hard to carry. I’ve used Huma but didn’t feel like I got enough of a boost. I used GU last fall and actually didn’t mind the texture.
it is challenging to find the right fuel!
Woohoo on race lotteries!
I like your nail polish. Good idea for cherry blossom too
Of your gels, I’ve done hammer. Their apple cinnamon was very tolerable. Despite us talking about it earlier this week, do you think I got sorted for tomorrow? oops
Apple cinnamon-hmm how interesting!
Have you tried the Honey Stinger waffles? As much as I like Honey Stinger’s chews and gels for fuel, I’m not crazy about the waffles, but that’s just me (I don’t like the texture). They might be worth experimenting with since the chews aren’t quite enough.
I used to use the waffles on my bike-I could revisit those too