A Nutritional Supplement for all Runners

Runners Daily Complete

Since I am someone who seeks out natural source nutrients over pills I was skeptical about this product.  The timing could not have been better to test since I am less than a month away from running the LA Marathon and my immune system has been taxed by long runs and running in cold weather in the dark or in rainy days.

I looked over the ingredients and quite impressed and tested the pills (not capsules) in water to see if they break down and they did!  What got me thinking was why do we get sick in winter?  Is it the cold shorter days?  Overindulging in holiday foods and drinks?  Or all the above?  Then I also heard that children now get a nutrient deficiency health problem again called rickets. Once thought to have been eliminated, now back.  And why is that?  The answer is Vitamin D, we once spent time out doors more, and now with video games, computers, and home theaters we are inside more and more.  Even runners mostly run in the dark this time on year. Add the colder shorter days and the lack of our body's being in the sun for at least 3 hours a day to produce vitamin D and it becomes clear that we need to get a supplement of vitamin D since we can't make enough of our own.

So add to that poor eating habits and high training to stay in shape or to race from 5K to Marathons and the need to get more in our diets is clear.  The ingredients are basic anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory plus special herbs and super foods that do truly help heart health, immune system support, longevity, adaptogens, and digestive health as advertised. 

10 nutrition tips for the athlete...

We here at Runnergy feel that nutrition is one of the most important aspects to our sport (besides shoes of course!) but is one of the least understood.  So here are a few tips for our athletes...

Remember the mantra: Early & Often.  Start consuming your fuel early into your workout (as early as 20 min) and keep it coming consistently.

 Carbs are NOT electrolytes.  You need both separately.  Try a combination of gels and a sport drink like Ultima.

As far as fluids go you should drink 20-25oz/hour.  Take into consideration the weather (the hotter it gets the more liquid you need).

If you're intensely training for anything over an hour you need to consume solid energy.  Some people count calories (approx. 240-280/hr) and others count carbs (approx. 49-90/hr).  Consider the intensity and your body weight  and plan accordingly.

"Replace what you lose" is a myth.  Your body burns energy differently than it can digest/absorb it!  

Whatever energy source you use try to get one with complex carbohydrates as opposed to simple sugars.

Salt tablets are not necessary.  The body actually recirculates sodium so by ingesting more your body will actually retain water.  We already have enough salt in our system from our daily diet to last us through our workouts.

 Fueling during a workout is just as important as daily nutrition...what you eat and drink throughout the day will impact how you feel on your run!

 Practice.  Do trial runs and experiment with EVERYTHING.  Try every gel, every bar, every recovery drink.  Research what is provided at races and then try those products.  Some melt, some are too thick, some cause GI problems and upset stomachs, and some just taste gross.  Thus the need to practice.

 PLAN!!!!  We can't stress enough how important it is to plan your fueling down to the last carb.