Training Tuesday: Half Marathon Week 10

Hi, Welcome back! I'm glad to have you back to see how my training is going as well as join in our new discussion and topics each week. I wanted to make sure the updates on my training don't get boring, so I'm adding a discussion, topic or tip each week as well. I hope you will join in!

Last we we started a discussion with regard to electrolyte replacement drinks. I told you about my experience with Nuun and how I was looking for a low calorie, low sugar and natural electrolyte replacement drink. You gave me some great ideas. They range from using water to coconut water mixed with a little pineapple juice. Of course I also got the idea of using Gatorade, which I am not willing to do. I want something natural, preferable with no high fructose corn syrup and no food dyes.

I think the idea of using coconut water sounds great. It is completely natural and is supposed to do a great job. I don't like coconut, so that won't work for me, but if you like coconut, there is a simple solution for you.

One of my readers said her potassium levels got very low with running. I would think that she may want to look for a replacement with some added nutrient, but I'm not an expert or a doctor. I'm just thinking if running is causing your levels to get low, you may need an extra boost over what coconut water can offer.

I'm on a path to try some different electrolyte replacement drinks as well as an energy boost during my long run each week. If you like the idea, I was thinking of letting you know what I thought of each one. That way if you are looking for something as well, you can have one opinion about it.

This week on my long run(10.5 miles), I tried the electrolyte replacement mixes, pictured above. I got these samples free from my local bike shop. The first thing I want to say is that I am a convert to using electrolyte drinks DURING my run. In the past, I have used plain water. There was a difference for me using the electrolyte replacement during my long run. I saw a difference in how I felt during the run. I especially noticed after I stopped to refill my water bottle at about mile 9. I drank a good amount of the replacement fluid and got a 2nd wind for sure! That was really nice! I have not had that happen before where I get a second wind and especially that late in a long run. I will definitely be using some form of electrolyte replacement on my long runs and I plan to add an energy boost (without caffeine).

As to the electrolyte replacement powdered I tried this week, I won't be using it again. Obviously, it worked as I mentioned above. I just didn't care for this one. It was really hard to mix into the water even with lots of shaking or stirring with the one I used at home after my run. It also left this sickeningly sweet aftertaste in my mouth. I didn't enjoy running with the sweet aftertaste in my mouth, it actually really bugged me. I did like that it is a natural product.

I went to REI this week. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee there. I got a bunch of things to try. Nuun Was on sale and as I liked it, just not during my run, I got some to use following a run. I will try one new product this week during my long run and let you know what I think of it next week.

My training this week went well. I did what has become my usual speed training. That means on my 3.5 mile run, I pick out two spots to run as fast as I can for a specified distance. It feels good, which is still a surprise to me. It is fun to see how fast I really can run.

I couldn't complete the planned 5 mile mid week run because it didn't work with Mr. T's work schedule and our homeschool schedule for this week. I completed 3.5 instead.

My long run went well this week. My IT band hurt, but not enough to make me stop and walk a bunch like last week. Between that and the electrolyte replacement, I shaved over 15 seconds off per mile from last week. I averaged 9:56 per mile for the 10.5 miles. That is my fastest time for this length of distance. (I am faster, as in 8:15 to 8:30, for my 3.5 mile runs.) It felt good to be able to run almost all of the 10.5 miles and to complete it in a good time. I am hoping between cooler weather, speed training, electrolyte replacement and energy boosts, I can complete the half marathon in under 2 hours. I still have no idea if I can or not, but I am aiming for my goal and doing what I can to get there.

What about you, do you notice a difference of drinking water versus an electrolyte replacement drink? What about energy boosts, how long do you need to run before you need a boost? Please leave a comment with your experience.

I hope you have a fantastic week. Thanks so much for stopping by to see how my training is going.
Happy running to you!

P.S. If you are just joining in on my training, you can view my half marathon training plan here or view other weekly updates here.

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Comments

Libby says

September 14, 2012 at 5:20 am

I love reading these posts and I welcome any opinion you have on these drinks. I haven’t gotten to that point yet, but when I do I’ll have more information to consider. Thanks!

- K Coake says
  
  September 15, 2012 at 2:14 am
  
  Thank you! I’ll keep the info. coming! 🙂

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