Monday, 6/24/13: Going Long! *PLUS* another energy product trial!

Do you know that feeling you get right after a really good run?  One where you were satisfied with your distance, your pace, and you still felt good physically when you got home?  I had one of those mornings today.

Sleep beforehand: ~ 6 hours
Start time:  5:50 AM
End Time:  7:48 AM
Total Time:  1hr 58min
Total Distance: 11.14 miles
Average pace:  10:38 min/mile
Temperature at start:  ~68 degrees F
Temperature at finish: ~73 degrees F
Humidity:  ~82%  (UUGGHH!! SO STICKY!!)
Food/Drink pre run:  half English muffin with honey, 1/2 cup of coffee
Midrun food:  SunRype Fruit strips (stats below)

I walked for a bit, so that did cut my pace.  Still, my pace was better than it was the last time I ran just over 9 miles, so I'm simply going to accept the improvement!

If you're new to this blog and you're wondering why I chronicle so much seemingly trivial information, it's because I'm a math and data nerd.  When I find myself performing inconsistently, I always want to know why.  So, I figure, the more data I keep, the easier it will be to pick up on what makes me run at my best (and what drags me down, too).

*     *     *     *

Nearly a year ago, I started this blog with the intent of posting reviews of mid-run energy products.  I was preparing for my first marathon and wondered what food/drink items would provide the most bang for my buck mid-run.  Today, I begin those trials once again!

Product:  SunRype 100% Fruit/ Fruit & Veggie Strip
Stats (for one package):
 - Weight:  0.5 ounces
 - Calories:  50
Good stuff:
 - Carbs:  12g
 - Sugars:  11g
 - Sodium:  5mg

The Rundown:

I used this product on my best run in literally months (see the opening of this post), so that might skew my opinion of it. If correlation indeed implies causation, then this is a product I'll be returning to.

On the product:

First of all, these are not sold as energy products; I simply saw them in Kroger when I want shopping for gels and chews, and I thought they looked good.  Actually, that's probably why they tasted so darn good!  (If you're new to running, you'll quickly learn that most energy products taste less than stellar, usually do to high sodium content).  I ate both of these this morning (they were only 1 ounce, combined), and they kept me going for the entire run. I think the low sodium kept my mouth from feeling dried out. However, that same low sodium content might keep me from taking them on a longer, more serious run.  Even though both of these rolled up easily and fit into the tiny, ineffectual pocket in my running shorts.

Pros:
 - TASTY!  Remember Fruit Roll-ups, from when you were a kid?  Even better than that, because these are real fruit.
 - Easy to carry in shorts pocket
 - Inexpensive.  I think each strip was only $0.50 at Kroger
 - Low sodium content, didn't dry out my mouth
 - Good carbs, for being so small.

Cons:
 - Having to unwrap two of them during a run.
 - Low sodium content may lead to cramps in certain runners
 - No vitamins, minerals, or other stuff that might be needed for more hardcore athletes.

Overall rating:  9/10

I've never found myself needing massive amounts of sodium when just running, especially on just my long runs around town.  These are great to take on a run when no water is available, when the high sodium content of other chews or gels would normally leave me sluggish and grumpy. However, during a half or full marathon, when water is available, I'd probably carry a gel.

By the way, if you manage to find a pair of shorts with a decent pocket that can hold stuff without bouncing against your leg for the entire run, let me know!  I'm always looking for new stuff!