Race: Onalaska 70.3 Triathlon
Location: Onalaska, TX
Promoter: i Tri Events
Where to Register: http://itrievents.com/itrievents/
Price: $150-200
Rating: silver medal
Onalaska is a very small Texas town in Polk County, just outside of Livingston and smack in the middle of deep East Texas. Prior to my friend doing this very race in 2014, I had never heard of the town. My loss! Onalaska is charming, friendly small-town Texas. The town is very supportive of this race and even provided goodie bags for all the participants with a nice t-shirt, koozie, and information.
Back to the race. I'm familiar with i Tri Events from their annual No Label Triathlon in Katy, TX. I did that event in 2015 because my work subsidized it and hey, good beer, and ended up really enjoying myself. I did it again in 2016 and podiumed both years. i Tri Events has the feel of a small, local company with a lot of passion and less of the corporate anonymity of some M-dot and other branded races. This is a personal preference of mine, as I am a regular volunteer with our local multisport organization. i Tri Events always seems to be fairly well organized at their events, though their website and flyers could use a good editor. Tina is the director, I believe, and she's personally running every event. I like to see her passion and ownership. In terms of swag, they give decent swag. The shirts are always comfortable and attractive, the medals are very nicely done and unique, the podium awards are functional (e.g., growlers, pint glasses), and they don't overload you with crap you'll never actually use.
The race was scheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2016. I drove up the day before to complete packet pickup. Pickup was held at the race start, which gave me an opportunity to get a lay of the land and check out some of the course. There were signs in multiple spots directing me to my destination, so I had no trouble getting in to grab my packet. The volunteers were very friendly and chatted us up for fifteen minutes or so. They provided the goodie bag from the city, the goodie bag from the race, shirts, and other essential race items. After we departed, we drove just the start of the bike course and all of the run course. After that, we headed into town to eat dinner at Joe's Italian (the pesto dip is a MUST) and check in to our hotel for the night.
Transition was scheduled to open at 5:30am and we had to shuttle a very short distance from the parking lot to transition, so I arrived at the race site around 5:45am to get ready. We had plenty of time to set up and transition was not crowded since the race field was less than 150. We placed our bikes and set up our transition equipment, then moved our car to a school parking lot down the road. The shuttle very quickly brought us back to transition, which allowed us another chance to go over everything before the race started. This is always reassuring! Transition was not well lit, but I've yet to go to a race that has such an amenity. I was grateful to have packed my headlamp.
At 6:40am, the race director started announcements. She let us know that the current had moved the buoys, but they would be replaced in time for our start. She then kicked off a remembrance ceremony for 9/11, which was very nice and timely. After the ceremony, she went over last minute instructions and asked the men to line up. Since the field was so small, swim waves were divided into men and women/clydes/athenas/relays. The mens start was easily twice as big as the other start, so I was glad to be last. The swim start went smoothly with exception to the boat ramp entry, which was covered in thick algae. It was a little slippery! The water was warm and a bit choppy, but not bad. As we started swimming, I quickly noticed that the buoys were very hard to see. Fortunately, I'm slow enough of a swimmer to follow everyone else so I did just that. The water grew choppier as the race went on, but it was never unmanageable. I could tell that the buoys were all over the course and grew frustrated that it felt like I was swimming forever, but I did manage to finish under the time limit and with only 1.35 miles clocked. Many others clocked 1.5-1.6 miles. During the swim, the course was well guarded by jet skiers, kayakers, and one pontoon boat. I saw numerous athletes take a "time out" with these resources, but that is pretty normal for a triathlon.
After the swim, we had to run up an asphalt parking lot to get to transition. This sucked a little, but at least it wasn't hot yet. I made my way easily to my bike and took a few minutes to gear myself up and head out. Volunteers at the bike out recommended walking your bike to the top of a very short hill so that you could start on a flat surface and I did exactly that. The bike course started out crossing the lake we just swam in on a two lane bridge. The lanes were not closed off to us and the shoulders were in horrible condition. I stayed in the lane as much as possible, moving over for the infrequent traffic. There was a hill at the end of the bridge, then more flat roads. After six miles or so, the race course finally showed its hills. None of the hills were insanely difficult, but they were consistent enough to keep you shifting. Around mile 21, we hit the first water stop. The volunteers were friendly and offered assistance. This was also the first U-turn point. Around mile 31, we took a right turn onto a scenic parkway. There was an immediate aid station manned by another bunch of friendly, helpful volunteers. They offered to hold my bike, fill my bottles, bring me food, etc. The parkway would take us about 7 miles before hitting another water stop and U-turn. Again, great volunteers. I really enjoyed this stretch, even if the road conditions weren't ideal. It was fun, shaded, and scenic! Mile 45 had us turn right back onto the main stretch to head back in. The first segment, back on Hwy 980, seemed way worse going out than it had on the first pass. Chip seal, hills, vehicles passing too close, and no shade, not to mention fatigue and soreness. The left turn onto Hwy 190 and the last six miles were bittersweet, painful, and a little treacherous on the aforementioned horrible shoulders, but a welcome site. I flew into transition and immediately took a seat to get ready for the run.
As I sat in transition putting on my run gear, a friend who was doing the relay conveyed the very sad news that an athlete did not make it out of the water. This set a heavy tone on my heart, but I sucked it up and continued my race. The run out was deeper into the camp we were using for transition and around some RVs. We ran around a mile on roads with no shade, then turned into a neighborhood that would play host to three loops of running. There was a water stop with great volunteers immediately into the neighborhood and two more excellent water stops within the neighborhood loop. I would estimate that each loop was between 3.5 and 4 miles, though I was too incoherent to keep an accurate measure. The route was partially shaded, a little hilly, full of turns, and very low traffic. The water stop volunteers were great, refilling bottles and offering water and Gatorade. I would have liked to have seen better cooling options (i.e., ice baths, misters, cool towels) since it was in the 90s with heat index, and possibly some foods like pickles, orange wedges, and salt, but overall the run course was fine. After my second loop, I picked up a sheriff's department tail. Apparently the rest of the field behind me had dropped out, so I was the last competitor standing. An official told me that I had 15 minutes left before the sheriff's deputy would sweep me, and I knew I needed at least an hour to finish, so I just kept plugging along until I got swept. By some graceful miracle, I never did get swept. The Polk County Sheriff's deputy, who I believe was actually a sergeant, stayed with me and never pressured me to drop out. I felt terrible, overheated and depleted, but I managed to stick it out for the entire 13.1 miles.
As I rounded my way back into the camp, the sheriff's deputy played his sirens. I don't know if they were for my benefit or to alert the finish line that I was coming, but it really gave me a HUGE boost. I turned the final corner and saw that the finish line was still up, which surprised me. I was 10 minutes over course limit and way behind everyone else, so I had no expectation of them waiting for me. I was greeted with my medal, a cold towel, water, and the news that I placed first in the Athena 0-39 group. Go me! The podium and tents were even left up for me. Totally unexpected but very much appreciated.
After finish line festivities, I went to transition to recover my bike. Volunteers were taking down the rest of the transition area, so I thanked them for waiting for me. I also noticed a bike still on the rack, which I assume belonged to the lost athlete. I had a little moment for him and moved on.
All in all, I enjoyed this event for my first 70.3. My friend who has completed four 70.3 races, including this one twice, had to drop out on this second loop of the run. He said that this was easily the most difficult race he'd competed in.
Race pictures were available online within a few days, though they didn't have any photographers on the run course. Results were available same day on the timing company's website.
Silver medal awarded for: great support, difficult course, field size
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Product Review: Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix
Product: Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix
Manufacturer: Skratch Labs
Where to Buy: Skratch, Amazon, or your friendly local run/bike/tri store
Price: $2 or less
Utilization: hydration/electrolytes
Rating: gold medal
Let's just get this right out in the open: I am a salty sweater. It's the truth! I sweat and form lovely salt crystals. My sweat smells a bit like chlorine. I'm a walking freaking salt lick. Let's compound this situation with the facts that: I live in hotter-than-hell Texas, I hate most electrolyte drinks, I don't add salt to my food, I LOVE plain old water. Let's just say, if you aren't familiar with hyponatremia then read that article and avoid it at all costs.
Once I figured out what my situation was (and suffered the aforementioned hyponatremia a few weekends in a row), I bit the bullet and decided to give electrolyte replacements a chance. I tried a ton of stuff - gels, chews, beans, liquids. Gels are just ... ugh. Lukewarm pudding that tastes like air freshener. Chews are okay, but I have a sensory thing with gummy texture so one quarter of a chew lasts me an hour. Not very effective, right? Beans are okay too, just not very effective. Liquids are easy, fast, and pretty broadly available. Let's go with liquids!
I do a lot of reading and participate on numerous triathlon forums. I pay attention when people make recommendations that just "changed their life" and decide if I should give things a chance. When I feel like trying something new, I look around online for decent deals or sample opportunities. When I first checked out Skratch, it didn't seem so cost effective to ship one single serving tube. So when I went to Tru Tri Sports for packet pickup, I was elated to find boxes of Skratch single serving tubes available for purchase. I grabbed a single of Lemons + Limes Exercise Hydration Mix and the same flavor of Rescue Hydration Mix. I believe they had a few more flavors, but I'm too picky for all of that.
I first tried Skratch on a long treadmill run. The single serving packet is designed for a large water bottle. Normally I cut the powder in half, but I went full strength to give it a fair shake. The first taste was a bit sweet, which concerned me. The first ingredient is cane sugar, so sweetness is to be expected. After that, subsequent swigs were just lemony lime goodness! The flavor components are provided by legitimate lemon and lime juice, not some artificial flavoring cooked up in a lab. You can tell the difference big time! The flavor is not overpowering and remains pleasant throughout the bottle. In fact, this is the first product that I have easily consumed the entire bottle of and that speaks volumes to me.
In the end, I love Skratch Lemons + Limes. It's delicious, the single serving packs are so easy to use, and I have zero gastrointestinal issues during training and racing when using this product. I've already ordered and started sharing a case of singles!
Gold medal awarded for: convenience, flavor, effectiveness
Manufacturer: Skratch Labs
Where to Buy: Skratch, Amazon, or your friendly local run/bike/tri store
Price: $2 or less
Utilization: hydration/electrolytes
Rating: gold medal
Let's just get this right out in the open: I am a salty sweater. It's the truth! I sweat and form lovely salt crystals. My sweat smells a bit like chlorine. I'm a walking freaking salt lick. Let's compound this situation with the facts that: I live in hotter-than-hell Texas, I hate most electrolyte drinks, I don't add salt to my food, I LOVE plain old water. Let's just say, if you aren't familiar with hyponatremia then read that article and avoid it at all costs.
Once I figured out what my situation was (and suffered the aforementioned hyponatremia a few weekends in a row), I bit the bullet and decided to give electrolyte replacements a chance. I tried a ton of stuff - gels, chews, beans, liquids. Gels are just ... ugh. Lukewarm pudding that tastes like air freshener. Chews are okay, but I have a sensory thing with gummy texture so one quarter of a chew lasts me an hour. Not very effective, right? Beans are okay too, just not very effective. Liquids are easy, fast, and pretty broadly available. Let's go with liquids!
I do a lot of reading and participate on numerous triathlon forums. I pay attention when people make recommendations that just "changed their life" and decide if I should give things a chance. When I feel like trying something new, I look around online for decent deals or sample opportunities. When I first checked out Skratch, it didn't seem so cost effective to ship one single serving tube. So when I went to Tru Tri Sports for packet pickup, I was elated to find boxes of Skratch single serving tubes available for purchase. I grabbed a single of Lemons + Limes Exercise Hydration Mix and the same flavor of Rescue Hydration Mix. I believe they had a few more flavors, but I'm too picky for all of that.
I first tried Skratch on a long treadmill run. The single serving packet is designed for a large water bottle. Normally I cut the powder in half, but I went full strength to give it a fair shake. The first taste was a bit sweet, which concerned me. The first ingredient is cane sugar, so sweetness is to be expected. After that, subsequent swigs were just lemony lime goodness! The flavor components are provided by legitimate lemon and lime juice, not some artificial flavoring cooked up in a lab. You can tell the difference big time! The flavor is not overpowering and remains pleasant throughout the bottle. In fact, this is the first product that I have easily consumed the entire bottle of and that speaks volumes to me.
In the end, I love Skratch Lemons + Limes. It's delicious, the single serving packs are so easy to use, and I have zero gastrointestinal issues during training and racing when using this product. I've already ordered and started sharing a case of singles!
Gold medal awarded for: convenience, flavor, effectiveness
Product Review: 2XU Active Tri Short
Product: 2XU Active Tri Short
Manufacturer: 2XU
Where to Buy: 2XU or your friendly local triathlon store
Price: $35-70
Utilization: clothing
Rating: gold medal
When I started doing triathlons a few years ago, I wore a bathing suit for the swim and added some cheap shorts for the bike and run. Truthfully, after the disaster that was my first triathlon, I said I'd never do another! A year later, I was signed up for an Olympic to get my redemption. At that point, I accepted that some legitimate tri clothing would be smart. I bought a tri top and left it at that, swearing I'd never wear those goofy padded shorts. I don't wear cycling shorts, why would I wear tri shorts?! Ha! We know how this goes...
I made a trip to Tru Tri Sports on the recommendation of a fellow Athena. I've been burned enough buying things online that are "XL" or "2XL" but were surely cut for a child. I asked the salesperson for assistance finding any XL or 2XL tri shorts and he rather dismissively pointed me to a meager selection of 2XU products. "This is probably the only thing we have in that size." Thanks. I picked up a couple of items in each size.
Now this is key - always try on multiple products and sizes. The first item I tried was a 2XL and fit like an undersized girdle. That was disheartening. Then, I tried on the Active Tri Short in XL and they fit beautifully. I strutted around the dressing room for a bit, admiring my padded heiny, before declaring them a success.
Overall fit is great. They are compressive but not oppressive. The leg openings make a slight muffin top, but definitely nothing bad or ugly. The padding is small enough to be comfortable but large enough to be beneficial. I've raced in them several times with great comfort. The legs don't creep at all, even over my thunder thighs. I wash them on delicate or regular and hang to dry, and they haven't changed a bit in size, shape, or compression.
Gold medal awarded for: comfort, fit, compression
Manufacturer: 2XU
Where to Buy: 2XU or your friendly local triathlon store
Price: $35-70
Utilization: clothing
Rating: gold medal
When I started doing triathlons a few years ago, I wore a bathing suit for the swim and added some cheap shorts for the bike and run. Truthfully, after the disaster that was my first triathlon, I said I'd never do another! A year later, I was signed up for an Olympic to get my redemption. At that point, I accepted that some legitimate tri clothing would be smart. I bought a tri top and left it at that, swearing I'd never wear those goofy padded shorts. I don't wear cycling shorts, why would I wear tri shorts?! Ha! We know how this goes...
I made a trip to Tru Tri Sports on the recommendation of a fellow Athena. I've been burned enough buying things online that are "XL" or "2XL" but were surely cut for a child. I asked the salesperson for assistance finding any XL or 2XL tri shorts and he rather dismissively pointed me to a meager selection of 2XU products. "This is probably the only thing we have in that size." Thanks. I picked up a couple of items in each size.
Now this is key - always try on multiple products and sizes. The first item I tried was a 2XL and fit like an undersized girdle. That was disheartening. Then, I tried on the Active Tri Short in XL and they fit beautifully. I strutted around the dressing room for a bit, admiring my padded heiny, before declaring them a success.
Overall fit is great. They are compressive but not oppressive. The leg openings make a slight muffin top, but definitely nothing bad or ugly. The padding is small enough to be comfortable but large enough to be beneficial. I've raced in them several times with great comfort. The legs don't creep at all, even over my thunder thighs. I wash them on delicate or regular and hang to dry, and they haven't changed a bit in size, shape, or compression.
Gold medal awarded for: comfort, fit, compression
Product Review: 2XU Compression Shorts
Product: 2XU Compression Shorts
Manufacturer: 2XU
Where to Buy: 2XU or your fabulous local running store
Price: $65
Utilization: clothing
Rating: gold medal
I bought these shorts online after falling in love with 2XU tri shorts that I purchased at Tru Tri Sports. I have large thighs - 25" circumference and 14" inseam to knee bend - so finding shorts that accommodate girth and provide a decent amount of coverage are like unicorns. The size chart seemed similar enough, so I took a leap of faith and got the size XL compression shorts.
The shorts arrived quickly and in basic packaging. I ripped them open and gave the small appearance a sideways glance, but moved on. I'm used to running and triathlon apparel being super tight anyway, so this was to be expected. I tried them on and was immediately transformed into a super hero! The shorts are very compressive without being tight. What I mean is that I can slip into them comfortably and feel very supported, but I don't have little muffin tops at the legs.
In terms of performance, I'm very pleased with these shorts. I've worn them for everything from 45 minute to two hour runs, treadmills and on the road, moderate conditions to sweltering Texas summer heat. They stay comfortable in every single environment and help maintain muscular endurance. They do not creep up a single inch, which tends to be an issue with other shorts. There is a small waistband pocket, which I have used for a key. I've also used my RooSport pouch on these shorts with zero issues.
I've been running in these shorts for a few months now. They get washed regular or delicate cycle and hung to dry. No change in compression, size, or shape has been noticed. And I still feel like a super hero every time I slide into them!
Gold medal awarded for: comfort, fit, compression
Manufacturer: 2XU
Where to Buy: 2XU or your fabulous local running store
Price: $65
Utilization: clothing
Rating: gold medal
I bought these shorts online after falling in love with 2XU tri shorts that I purchased at Tru Tri Sports. I have large thighs - 25" circumference and 14" inseam to knee bend - so finding shorts that accommodate girth and provide a decent amount of coverage are like unicorns. The size chart seemed similar enough, so I took a leap of faith and got the size XL compression shorts.
The shorts arrived quickly and in basic packaging. I ripped them open and gave the small appearance a sideways glance, but moved on. I'm used to running and triathlon apparel being super tight anyway, so this was to be expected. I tried them on and was immediately transformed into a super hero! The shorts are very compressive without being tight. What I mean is that I can slip into them comfortably and feel very supported, but I don't have little muffin tops at the legs.
In terms of performance, I'm very pleased with these shorts. I've worn them for everything from 45 minute to two hour runs, treadmills and on the road, moderate conditions to sweltering Texas summer heat. They stay comfortable in every single environment and help maintain muscular endurance. They do not creep up a single inch, which tends to be an issue with other shorts. There is a small waistband pocket, which I have used for a key. I've also used my RooSport pouch on these shorts with zero issues.
I've been running in these shorts for a few months now. They get washed regular or delicate cycle and hung to dry. No change in compression, size, or shape has been noticed. And I still feel like a super hero every time I slide into them!
Gold medal awarded for: comfort, fit, compression
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Product Review: Gaiam Om Yoga Shorts
Product: Gaiam Om Yoga Shorts
Manufacturer: Gaiam
Where to Buy: Kohl's
Price: $28-36
Utilization: clothing
Rating: silver medal
I'm in year two of trying shorts for running instead of capris. I have thunder thighs, so the cute Nike tempo shorts and similar just don't work for me. Last year, I founded some bermuda-length shorts that worked decently enough and enjoyed having slightly less material during our 95+ degree summer runs. This year, those shorts are a little loose and creep up, so I had to find something else.
Kohl's is actually a favorite place of mine to find gear. I've procured a number of great tank tops and capris, plus a smattering of other gear, and usually at a decent price. I found these shorts in the front of the store with all of the other workout gear. They are available in sizes XS - 3X, though this review is only of the standard size option (XS - XL). Since everything at Kohl's is on sale sooner or later, I was able to get these at a discounted price. Add in my 30% off coupon and I snagged these for less than $20.
The length is just right. If they were a little shorter, I would worry about thigh chafing. Fortunately, they do not creep up when walking or running, so the length is perfect. The material has a slight give so it's not very compressive, but it goes on comfortably and stays put. The waistband is a little high, which gives a little extra tummy support. There is also a small pocket along the waistband which comfortably held my Chapstick and could have held a key or gel. The material is light but not at all see-through.
I took these out for a 120 minute bike ride today. Admittedly not the best choice, but I wanted to take them for a spin. There is absolutely no padding for the bike seat, but that's to be expected on yoga shorts. The shorts were very comfortable on the bike ride and didn't move when I got off and walked around. After my ride, I wore these while lounging on my porch and working in my yard. They remained comfortable for 8 hours of additional wear, through bending, squatting, walking, climbing, and sitting. The cut is flattering and made my butt look good, so I even felt comfortable enough to wear them to Lowe's. Twice. If I show up on People of Lowe's, it will only be because I was filthy and smelly!
Silver medal awarded for: comfort, fit, lack of compression
Manufacturer: Gaiam
Where to Buy: Kohl's
Price: $28-36
Utilization: clothing
Rating: silver medal
I'm in year two of trying shorts for running instead of capris. I have thunder thighs, so the cute Nike tempo shorts and similar just don't work for me. Last year, I founded some bermuda-length shorts that worked decently enough and enjoyed having slightly less material during our 95+ degree summer runs. This year, those shorts are a little loose and creep up, so I had to find something else.
Kohl's is actually a favorite place of mine to find gear. I've procured a number of great tank tops and capris, plus a smattering of other gear, and usually at a decent price. I found these shorts in the front of the store with all of the other workout gear. They are available in sizes XS - 3X, though this review is only of the standard size option (XS - XL). Since everything at Kohl's is on sale sooner or later, I was able to get these at a discounted price. Add in my 30% off coupon and I snagged these for less than $20.
The length is just right. If they were a little shorter, I would worry about thigh chafing. Fortunately, they do not creep up when walking or running, so the length is perfect. The material has a slight give so it's not very compressive, but it goes on comfortably and stays put. The waistband is a little high, which gives a little extra tummy support. There is also a small pocket along the waistband which comfortably held my Chapstick and could have held a key or gel. The material is light but not at all see-through.
I took these out for a 120 minute bike ride today. Admittedly not the best choice, but I wanted to take them for a spin. There is absolutely no padding for the bike seat, but that's to be expected on yoga shorts. The shorts were very comfortable on the bike ride and didn't move when I got off and walked around. After my ride, I wore these while lounging on my porch and working in my yard. They remained comfortable for 8 hours of additional wear, through bending, squatting, walking, climbing, and sitting. The cut is flattering and made my butt look good, so I even felt comfortable enough to wear them to Lowe's. Twice. If I show up on People of Lowe's, it will only be because I was filthy and smelly!
Silver medal awarded for: comfort, fit, lack of compression
Product Review: Salt (yep, just table salt)
Product: table salt
Manufacturer: earth, with a little help from Morton's
Where to Buy: literally every store you've ever been to
Price: dang near free
Utilization: hydration/electrolytes
Rating: gold medal
A few years ago, I discovered that I struggle with hyponatremia, a condition where my sodium levels get too low and I get sick. I would do a weekend long run and come home with stomach issues, which plagued me all day and left me feeling useless. It took a few frustrating weekends before I connected the dots. I do not have a taste for sugary drinks, so sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade don't hold much appeal for me. As a result, I've always been a big water drinker. Long run + Texas heat = high water intake. Factor in that I sweat salty and you've got a recipe for disaster. I started forcing myself to drink at least a little sports drink during and after my long runs and that seemed to solve the problem.
Of course, drinking something you really don't like is not the best long term solution. And as I've gotten into longer distances, I really didn't want to have to dedicate an entire hydration bottle to sugary sports drinks. I've tested a number of alternatives that I will review later, but it occurred to me that I could just keep it really simple. Salt packets! Why not? If I had a stomach ache from too much water, my option of first resort has always been to grab the salt shaker and pretend I'm taking a tequila shot. This could be perfect!
Last time we went to CFA, my husband grabbed a handful of the little salt packets. He's a salt junky, unlike me. I smuggled them home in my pocket so I could try them out on a long run or ride. Of course, I forgot them on my long run Thursday so they didn't get to come out to play until today when I did my long ride. I had120 minutes scheduled in the Texas heat. From the get go, my legs were tired and stiff. Busy weekends and not properly resting on rest days will do that to you. I made it about 45 minutes and decided to give the salt packet a try. I ripped the end off, shook about half the contents onto my tongue, and chased it with water. Salty, but not enough to make me gag. It was definitely tolerable and the salt dissolved quickly, which told me it would go right to work in my body versus having to dissolve in my digestive tract. I repeated with the second half of the packet and got back to pedaling.
Almost immediately, I noticed improved performance from my legs. The stiffness and fatigue dulled. Even though I was approaching the second half of my long ride, I still felt really good. If it weren't for poor shorts choice, I'd say this ride went great! I would have liked to have had a second salt packet for when I stopped at 1:30, but such is life. Salt is a winner!
Gold medal awarded for: convenience, ease of procurement, price, effectiveness
Manufacturer: earth, with a little help from Morton's
Where to Buy: literally every store you've ever been to
Price: dang near free
Utilization: hydration/electrolytes
Rating: gold medal
A few years ago, I discovered that I struggle with hyponatremia, a condition where my sodium levels get too low and I get sick. I would do a weekend long run and come home with stomach issues, which plagued me all day and left me feeling useless. It took a few frustrating weekends before I connected the dots. I do not have a taste for sugary drinks, so sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade don't hold much appeal for me. As a result, I've always been a big water drinker. Long run + Texas heat = high water intake. Factor in that I sweat salty and you've got a recipe for disaster. I started forcing myself to drink at least a little sports drink during and after my long runs and that seemed to solve the problem.
Of course, drinking something you really don't like is not the best long term solution. And as I've gotten into longer distances, I really didn't want to have to dedicate an entire hydration bottle to sugary sports drinks. I've tested a number of alternatives that I will review later, but it occurred to me that I could just keep it really simple. Salt packets! Why not? If I had a stomach ache from too much water, my option of first resort has always been to grab the salt shaker and pretend I'm taking a tequila shot. This could be perfect!
Last time we went to CFA, my husband grabbed a handful of the little salt packets. He's a salt junky, unlike me. I smuggled them home in my pocket so I could try them out on a long run or ride. Of course, I forgot them on my long run Thursday so they didn't get to come out to play until today when I did my long ride. I had120 minutes scheduled in the Texas heat. From the get go, my legs were tired and stiff. Busy weekends and not properly resting on rest days will do that to you. I made it about 45 minutes and decided to give the salt packet a try. I ripped the end off, shook about half the contents onto my tongue, and chased it with water. Salty, but not enough to make me gag. It was definitely tolerable and the salt dissolved quickly, which told me it would go right to work in my body versus having to dissolve in my digestive tract. I repeated with the second half of the packet and got back to pedaling.
Almost immediately, I noticed improved performance from my legs. The stiffness and fatigue dulled. Even though I was approaching the second half of my long ride, I still felt really good. If it weren't for poor shorts choice, I'd say this ride went great! I would have liked to have had a second salt packet for when I stopped at 1:30, but such is life. Salt is a winner!
Gold medal awarded for: convenience, ease of procurement, price, effectiveness
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