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Daniel N.PRO
Daniel N. Sendmail

What do you drink on your long runs?

posted over 2 years ago | Report

I know there is a large HEED delegation on dailymile, but I have yet to try it. I have, however, tried a few others.

Gatorade Endurance - started with this for my first marathon. I don't think it provides enough of a balanced blend for me.
Accelerade - this is a 4:1 carb to protein drink. I find that it's great for long bike rides and for recovery, but it's too heavy on my stomach for runs.
EFS - Lance's sponsor. It has a great electrolyte mix. I'll be trying it this week.

What do the rest of you drink on your long runs? Why?

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32 posts

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  • Darrel W.
    Darrel W. Sendmail

    Just water for up to about 1.5 - 1.75 hrs (up to half-marathon); I'll just eat one gel for a half-M in cool weather.

    Hammer Heed on longer or hot/humid runs. I found I could tolerate Heed much better than Gatorade - I just couldn't stand the taste of G-ade after a few sips. Heed feels much better in my mouth.

    Hammer Perpetuem for some more fuel on runs of 2.5 hrs or more. Mainly just to keep from having to eat so many gels.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Daniel N.PRO
    Daniel N. Sendmail

    is Perpetuem a carb/protein mix like Accelerade?

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Kelly K.PRO
    Kelly K. Sendmail

    Personally, I recommend separating your water, sodium, and calorie intake.

    It's too easy with those products to have an imbalance. By taking in these items independently, you have great control of your nutrition.

    I was a HEED users for a few years. But, after suffering through races with horrible stomach sloshing, I switched to this method and haven't had any problems since.

    I rec:
    electrolytes: Scaps
    food: shot bloks, honey stinger organic chews

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Daniel N.PRO
    Daniel N. Sendmail
    in reply to what Kelly K. said:Personally, I recommend separating your water, sodium, and calorie intake. It's too easy with those products to have an imbalance. By taking in these items independently, you have great control of your nutrition. I was a HEED users for a few y... read more

    I do a bit of that myself. I love the margarita shot bloks (extra electrolytes.) I drink water from water fountains on most long runs and save the Accelerade for afterwards.

    I've never heard of scaps... sounds too similar to scabs which I would not want to eat.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • B J B.
    B J B. Sendmail

    I use Advocare Rehydrate. It is smooth and easy to drink. I've used it for running and cycling. Rehydrate includes antioxidants, carbohydrates, electrolytes and other nutrients that effectively promote optimal hydration and recovery. Rehydrate Drink has a 1:1 ratio of sodium and potassium, two of the most vital electrolytes that are lost when we sweat. Rehydrate helps prevent cramping by providing calcium, magnesium and L-glutamine to support the contraction and relaxation phases of the muscles.

    Check out this page for more details: https://www.advocare.com/0712773/Store/ItemDetail.aspx?itemCode=A4402

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Chari M.
    Chari M. Sendmail

    Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy
    growth promoting properties that have been known to help~

    1. Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature.
    2. Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage.
    3. Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells.
    4. Naturally replenish your body's fluids after exercising.
    5. Raise your metabolism.
    6. Promote weight loss.
    7. Boost your immune system.
    8. Detoxify and fight viruses.
    9. Cleanse your digestive tract.
    10. Control diabetes.
    11. Aid your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes, and AIDS.
    12. Balance your PH and reduce risk of cancer.
    13. Treat kidney and urethral stones.
    14. Boost poor circulation.
    Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks.

    Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200 mg!

    Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.

    Coconut water is very high in Chloride at 118mg, compared to sports drinks at about 39mg.
    "It's a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It's the fluid of life, so to speak."
    Did you know that coconut water has 15 times more potassium than that found in sport drinks? It's also naturally loaded with the five key electrolytes: potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium and calcium. It's what you need to stay hydrated. On a diet? No sweat! Vita Coco is also fat and cholesterol free.

    Sure, you may not be a marathon runner, a football player or Tour de France winner, but your every day life is hectic enough—you should be hydrated while you live it. Go ahead, get hydrated and remember that life is a sport!

    Here is a list of other things coconut water can do for you:
    Helps keep the body cool and at the proper temperature.

    Translation:Now when you get noticed it's not 'cause you're sweaty and gross.
    Promotes weight loss.

    Translation: You still have to cut back on the fried chicken and hit the treadmill, but we’re there for you to enhance your diet program.
    Helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells and boosts poor circulation.

    Translation:See, everyone needs a boost from time to time.
    Regulates the function of the intestine, helping promote smoother skin.

    Translation: Doing something good for your insides can make you prettier outside! But you still need to wash your face properly, exfoliate and moisturize.
    Helps replenish your body's fluids after exercising.

    Translation:Your body needs plenty of fluids after the gym. Fluids free of barley and hops. Go figure.
    Helps detoxify your body and boost your immune system.

    Translation:Keeps your immune system tough. Grr. And, yells at viruses to back off. "Back off viruses!"
    Helps ease stomach pains.

    Translation:Calms your stomach, unlike your in-laws' chili cookoff.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Daniel N.PRO
    Daniel N. Sendmail
    in reply to what Chari M. said: Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help~ 1. Keep the body cool and at the proper temperature. 2. Orally re-hydrate your body, it is an all natural isotonic bever... read more

    do you work in marketing?

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Darrel W.
    Darrel W. Sendmail

    Daniel - According to their literature, Hammer Perpetuem is "75% carbohydrates (from long-chain maltodextrins - no simple sugars), 13% fatty acids..., and nearly 10% soy protein. Hammer also has Sustained Energy, with an 87/13 balance of carbohydrate / soy protein (no fats).

    I've found I can't handle "gummy" bears, blocks, bloks, or any other rubber substitute! it takes me a couple of minutes to choke one of these down, and it's too hard to breathe through my nose for that long while I'm running!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Justin M.
    Justin M. Sendmail

    To be honest the vast majority of people just need water, unless you are a real elite athlete. Having said that....

    I've tried all sorts, in the last few races (15-25km) I ran I just stuck to water and found really no difference in performance. The only time I felt that wasnt enough was on a half marathon on a tough mountain trail... my legs started cramping up something chronic, but that was a lack of salts I think... not dehydration... fixed with a gel, banana and some random sprts-drink :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Chari M.
    Chari M. Sendmail
    in reply to what Daniel N. said:do you work in marketing?

    Ha! Nope, just sharing what I found that works for me. I love helping people become more healthy! I am always looking for ways to create (easy) health!

    Running Healthy~
    Chari

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Jimmy J.
    Jimmy J. Sendmail

    Water only. Simply Because it quenches my thirst better than anything on God's green earth. I finished 10 of my 10-marathons on water alone, and I did, okay. I may have to change that if I do an Ultra 50-miler sometime, but I guess time will tell, plus I have to get in alot better shape for that than I am right now. (I Love Water - Anytime).... Have a "Great-Day" Daniel.... ( =
    God Bless...+

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Scott
    Scott Sendmail

    HEED is great. I usually pop a 1/2 NUUN in my 8oz Fuel Belt flask. If I need carbs, GU all the way. Can't do heavy carb drinks.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Daniel N.PRO
    Daniel N. Sendmail

    I want to follow up to say that I like EFS. It's a great carb blend that I tried out for my half marathon last week. I didn't actually take it on the run with me, but I drank half of a bottle right before the race start and half afterwards. Good taste, not too strong, lots of electrolytes (which I need,) and carbs. I am going to make this my long run drink of choice from now on.

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago

  • Brad B.
    Brad B. Sendmail

    Sorry to be slow on this one, but I'd throw in a vote for Perpetuem as well. I'd use it only for the really long stuff, but it passes along a very steady concentration of carbs, and you can mix your bottles to preference, so you can do a 1 hr bottle or a 3 hr bottle. I use it for the really, really long runs (25+) and long rides - 3 hrs+, but I also carry water & electrolyte tabs (if it's hot enough). It tastes good, but subtle, depending on how concentrated you mix it, and I've found, at least for me, it beats out every other drink I've used in actually working to settle my stomach and especially GI tract.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Robert E.
    Robert E. Sendmail

    Usually Blatz sometimes I branch out and chug a Schlitz but not too often, don't like the taste as well. :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Daniel N.PRO
    Daniel N. Sendmail
    in reply to what Robert E. said:Usually Blatz sometimes I branch out and chug a Schlitz but not too often, don't like the taste as well. :)

    carbs are carbs

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Jules C.
    Jules C. Sendmail

    I'm switching from Gatorade powder to HEED. Why? HEED tastes better and it's not as sugary.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Rob O.
    Rob O. Sendmail

    I just read what I thought was a good article in ncrunnerdude.blogspot.com concerning this subject, I recommend you have a read when you get the opportunity. It also supports what Chari M mentioned concerning Coconut water which would appear to be mother nature's answer to a sports drink :)
    I have always just relied on water for hydration during my training sessions, during races though I will grab a cup of gatorade or whatever sportsdrink they offer. During my first half marathon I relied on the gatorade at the stations and I packed my own jels for energy, it worked well for me. For my future races, Sprint Triathlon and eventually marathon I will be experimenting more with fueling as I am aware fueling can make you or break during these types of races and I really want to get it right as best I can :)

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Amber R.
    Amber R. Sendmail

    Water. It's what our bodies evolved on. Nothing a lab can concoct is better for my body than what it evolved to run on.

    For calories I carry a few dates.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Cristin V.
    Cristin V. Sendmail

    Nuun *electrolytes with sugar* and GU gels (Gu Roctane when racing) ..

    If it is super hot and I need more calories I will use cytomax mixed with water

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Cristin V.
    Cristin V. Sendmail

    I also love drinking coconut water but ususally drink it after workouts or just during the day. Sometimes after strength/plyo's and core workouts

    posted about 2 years ago

  • Allison
    Allison Sendmail

    I am also curious about Heed. I am thinking of signing up for a marathon and they will be using Heed at their aid stations. Just curious what everyone out there thought about it as well. I noticed that the second ingredient on it's ingredient list is xylitol -- which may cause gas and diarrhea. Interested in anyones experiences with it!

    Thanks!

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Anna E.
    Anna E. Sendmail

    I drink water,
    Gatorade makes me nauseated and other sport drinks just make my stomach hurt.
    I take energy blast gels, they work better than drinks =)

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Bo A.PRO
    Bo A. Sendmail

    Cytomax - natural (cool lemon). I supplement it with some lemon flavor (True Lemon) to make it a little more tart than the basic mix. My only complaint with it is the thickeners that drink makers seem to think every beverage needs and the colorants they add because "every beverage needs color". I personally think it would be near perfect without either of those two unneeded ingredients. While all natural... the colorant is Tumeric which has a slight taste to it... the thickener comes from two "gums" Guar and Xanthan gums... pretty tasteless but they give it a noticeable increase in mouth feel.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Travis T.
    Travis T. Sendmail

    Just picked up a Nuun variety pack. So far I'm loving them. Much better tasting than gatorade and much cheaper as well. Plus, easy to carry the tabs and just mix as needed at water fountains.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Holly T.
    Holly T. Sendmail

    Water. Occasionally I make a watered down gatorade. But I do also do Gu. I think Gu is fairly nauseating, but it seems to do the job....I am though a coffee junkie and occasionally do the caffeinated Gu, which seems to do nothing for me, but I do it anyway.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Elizabeth K.
    Elizabeth K. Sendmail

    +1 on the coconut water - but it MUST be flavored - preferably some sort of citrus (tangerine is my fav), mango or pineapple. Generally, I'll do the coconut water pre-run. I discovered on my hot long run this past weekend that warm/hot coconut water is possibly the most nauseating thing ever, and will not be taking it along with me again.

    I very much prefer water, but I will always have gatorade in one of my fuel belt bottles even though I really don't like the taste (WAY too sweet). I've recently started drinking SmartWater - which I LOVE. It has electrolytes, so you don't have to worry as much about hyponatria (I sweat a lot and get really thirsty, so I'm always afraid I'll drink too much H2O - as dangerous as not enough)

    Also, after my run, I find that super cold plain club soda is really refreshing, and is the only thing that can cut through the sugar aftertaste of chews or gatorade. Also, it has sodium, AKA electrolytes.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Elizabeth K.
    Elizabeth K. Sendmail
    in reply to what Bo A. said:Cytomax - natural (cool lemon). I supplement it with some lemon flavor (True Lemon) to make it a little more tart than the basic mix. My only complaint with it is the thickeners that drink makers seem to think every beverage needs and the colorant... read more

    Bo - where do you find cytomax? I'm running the Rock and Roll Chicago Half in a month, and they will have it there but I've had no luck finding it!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Wynter G.
    Wynter G. Sendmail

    I drink a watered down concentration of Performance by Shaklee. It's made from all natural sources and, to quote the company:

    • With exclusive OptiCarb® for energy and endurance
    • Essential fluid and electrolytes to help prevent dehydration
    • Clinically proven to maintain athletes’ blood glucose levels for muscle energy — and fluid levels for proper hydration

    I've never experienced a sugar high or crash from it, it comes from a climate neutral company (bonus!), and I don't have to worry that I'm consuming a product of unknown origins.

    I then follow my workout with Physique, also from Shaklee. It helps quickly repair and restore my muscles and has natural potassium which is an essential nutrient for athletes.

    Anyway, sorry if that was too sales-pitch-ish! I just really believe in this line of supplements and I've seen firsthand the great results in the short amount of time I've been using them. If anyone wants more info, feel free to send me a message and I can go into more detail.

    Blessings, fellow athletes!

    posted over 1 year ago | edited over 1 year ago

  • Joe C.
    Joe C. Sendmail

    I switch off among cytomax, heed, and gatorade. I haven't had any problems yet. I also haven't made up my mind which one is more effective yet.

    Elizabeth, you can get Cytomax at REI or Roadrunner Sports, both of which have presence all over the US; hopefully you can find one near you. Look around for local races in your area. Usually they will have registration packet pickup at a runner-friendly sporting goods store, which should stock stuff like this.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Doug
    Doug Sendmail

    water with instant lemonade and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. costs me about 20 cents and works fine for a 12-14 mile run.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Madiantin
    Madiantin Sendmail

    Water and a homemade electrolyte drink that thankfully doesn't give me gastrointestinal distress like gatorade.

    posted over 1 year ago

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