Tips from Steve

First I will state a disclaimer that any tips I post are related to myself. All runners are different and what works for one runner may not be a benefit for another. That being said, it is also possible that running tips may help provide that little edge that you needed to improve your training. We are all aware of the importance of staying hydrated during our runs. This is especially true on the long runs. I use a combination on my long runs of a sports drink and gels. The problem with winter running is that your stomach can handle only so much fluids since you are not sweating as much as you do during a summer workout. This leaves the problem of getting in enough of the electrolytes without excess fluids. I have been experimenting with my own mix of sport drink powders. I am using enough of the powder for 8oz of water ratio mix but only using 2oz of water. That means I am getting the same amount of the electrolytes/carbs in 2oz as I would in 8oz.. I use the 2oz bottles that the 5 hour energy drink normally comes in. They are light weight, reusable and easy to carry with you. This also helps with the cost and amount of gels you would have to use during winter runs.You have to really experiment with this because it is a fairly strong recipe. It could cause some stomach distress pretty quickly. We all know about stomach issues on a run when we are no where near any facilities. That can really create a bad training run not to mention poison ivy issues in areas that we don't want to even think about. I hope this tip helps you with thinking outside the box to achieve your training and race performance.

--Steve