Fuel.
No, not the type that you cringe thinking about how it’s going to cost you a race entry fee just to fill up your car. I’m talking about the fuel that keeps you moving better, faster and stronger throughout training.
Fuel and I have had some serious issues in the past (e.g. in the med tent after the NYC marathon because I didn’t fuel properly). I’ll admit, I used to be the person that “wasn’t hungry” or thought I “felt fine” and thought that I could do long runs without fueling. Did I mention how dumb that was? I’ve since learned that you shouldn’t think about fuel as calories in the sense of your normal diet, but rather fuel to keep your car running smoothly. But unlike a car, you can’t wait until the last moment to fuel – instead, you must constantly be consuming for optimal performance.
Throughout Ironman training, I’ve adopted the following two fuel intake guidelines:
Running: ~100 calories every 45 minutes
Cycling: ~200 – 250 calories every hour
I’ll talk about what I specifically take in another post, but Gatorade reached out to me to try their new G Series Pro Carb Energy Chews. I am an avid fan of what we’ll call “gummy energy” as they are compact and generally an easy source of fuel. Plus, it tastes like I’m eating candy – so we’re already winning.
I tried the chews on a trainer ride and an outdoor ride – let’s get down to the pros and cons:
PROS:
- You can tell that Gatorade wanted to focus on one of athletes’ biggest complaints about chews: sometimes they are difficult to chew in the middle of activity. Thus, the G Series Pro Chews are definitely easier to chew and swallow. They are a bit larger, but that’s because they are flatter than others.
- The chews come in two flavors: fruit punch and orange. Both were tasty, but I’m a fan of the orange! Nom nom nom.
- The package team was smart and made it extremely easy to rip open the top of the package with your mouth. I did it on the bike and BOOM – seamless and easy open.
- I consumed the chews per my normal fueling schedule and felt fueled and great through the 50 minute trainer ride. So far, so good.
- The chews come in a vertical package with four chews per package. It’s shorter than other packages, meaning I can shove them in my bra easier (if you look at the majority of my finish photos, you’ll likely see chew packs shoved down my bra – it’s the most secure place and easiest to access for me).
CONS:
- First ingredient: corn syrup. I’m no dietician and I know that syrups are needed in all of these crazy endurance fuel products, but I’d love for an organic brown rice syrup option like other chews.
- As I mentioned above, the team did a great job at the easy rip top. However, because these chews are “gummier” than others, it was hard to get the final two chews out of the package (I usually just put my mouth over the package and slide them up, but I couldn’t easily do that). Thus, if the team can make the easy rip package on BOTH ends of the package, then we’d be in business!
- At first I was a bit shocked by the outside texture as it wasn’t as smooth as others, but you get used to it and inside texture is smooth as it should be.
For those that are curious, here’s some additional info on G Series Pro Chews:
Usage Times: Consume within one hour before the start of your training or race and during prolonged activities.
Nutrition Information (per 4 chews/38g)
> Calories: 120
> Electrolytes: 105mg Sodium, 50mg Potassium
> Carbohydrate: 31g
BUT WAIT…THERE’S A GIVEAWAY!
Remember how I mentioned that Gatorade sent me a sweet package? Well, IT CAN BE YOURS! Here’s how you can enter to win a G Series Pro Carb Energy Chews kit:
- Leave a comment describing a win from within moment – this could be a time when you hit the wall, PR’d, or pushed to achieve something (mandatory entry).
- Tweet @Page and @Gatorade how you #winfromwithin (second entry option) then leave a comment saying you tweeted (both handles must be in the tweet).
- Send a messenger pigeon that wears running shoes with a special message.
The contest will close Friday, August 10th @ 11:59 p.m. PST and the winner will be announce Monday morning.
Good Luck and Happy Running!
Hi! I had a “win from within” moment this a.m. when I pushed myself to hold a plank 10 seconds longer than my goal. My knees started to buckle, but I proved to myself that I could do it. Small victories
a win from within moment for me was when i ran the boston marathon this past april. temps were high and i knew that it was going to be a grueling 26.2 … but i stayed focused (and hydrated!) and pushed through, never stopping once!
Awesome giveaway! Just started training for my first full and am definitely trying to figure out fueling. My win from within came this past Saturday. I completed my first 15-miler and felt great!
My #winfromwithin moment was at my last marathon- Rock n’ Roll San Diego. I spent 35 minutes in the med tent at mile 19 due to my IT band injury yet still, somehow, found the strength to get up, dry my tears, head back out on the course, and finish the thing! Took every last fiber of my mental, emotional, and physical strength but I did it and that feeling is all mine! (Also tweeted.)
My biggest “win from within” moment was definitely when I pushed through the wall on my first marathon and FINISHED!!! I’m so proud.
This is a really cool giveaway.
My win from within moment: I recently started barbell training and had a meltdown over squats. I took some time off, scaled back the weight and worked on my form. Last week, I got back to the weight that gave me trouble. I squatted it and felt so great! Now I’ve moved on to more weight and it’s a challenge but it feels exciting.
As a new runner, I may not have a lot to contribute by ways of fueling techniques or strategies, but I did have a win from within moment on my last run. It was for 26 minutes straight, which is the longest I’ve ever run in a straight shot. With about 1:25 left I came up on some mud and slick pavement so I slowed down so that I wouldn’t wipeout. But once I slowed down I just couldn’t speed back up! I started to walk because I was utterly exhausted and I said to myself – “excuse me, you can jog one minute – you just did 25!” so I proceeded to jog the slowest minute of my life. But I did it! I’ll be embarking on my 27 minute run tomorrow.
Interesting, I should try these– I have been having a tough time fueling and most gels/gummies upset my stomach! My “Win from Within” was last summer during the Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon. In the final mile it started to sprinkle rain, the raindrops were cold and felt amazing. I had run a PR and was basking in a sense of accomplishment. When I struggle on tough runs, I try to visualize that moment.
I had a win from within moment this past Sunday during my second duathlon. I was feeling crazy tired but pushed through and ended up winning my age division!
I had a win from within moment 10 days ago at Vineman. I pushed myself as hard as I could on race day and hit my A goal time for both the swim and the bike (the bike has been my nemesis from day one). My run was a bit slower, but I smiled the whole day and enjoyed my first ironman from start to finish and everything in between. Total win from within.
My win from within moment was a month or so ago on a long run (12 miles? They blend together in marathon training) when my stomach oddly was incredibly off. I had to use the bathroom over 10 times (TMI?) but I finished the run!!!
My win from within is still happening. It’s a long story, so I’ll abbreviate. On Superbowl Sunday in 2008 I ruptured my left Achilles tendon while playing football in the street with my friends. 4 months later, I re-ruptured during recovery when I stumbled while walking to my car. After 2 ruptures, the doctors put my recovery on the slowest pace. I spent 6 months in a cast, in a boot and/or on crutches that year. I went through physical therapy and which created a habit of setting a goal and when acheiving it, setting the next goal, and so on. Until one day I was done with PT. That didn’t stop my desire to make news goals and acheive them. I learned that I hated sitting on the couch all day long. So I entered my first triathlon. When I completed that I felt like my run was pathetic, so I started running a little bit. It wasn’t long before I wanted to be able to do a 10K distance. Once I did that, I set my sights on training for and completing my first half-marathon. Being totally self-trained and not having a single running partner to train with, I completed my first half-marathon in 1:59. The next one I completed in 1:50. Last year I ran 712 miles. This year, I’m training for my first marathon. In 17 weeks, I’ll tell you how I do.
To add a little more to the story, I also had a major injury to my right leg in my 20′s thanks to Rollerblades. I’ve got permenant nerve damage in my right leg and a surgically repaired Achilles tendon in my left leg. Both injuries have put doctors in front of me telling me that I’m lucky to be able to walk after the injuries. I like to prove my doctors wrong and I send them an eamail each time I hit another milestone.
I defintely felt a “win from within” moment at a 5k I ran in March. I was at the very front of the Pack, battling with another woman for first. I wasn’t sure that I could hold her off for long, but thankfully she peeled off to run the 10k instead! I ended up winning 1st female and 7th overall.
I am currently working on my fueling issues, I have been using hammer gels, but after my last 18 mile run and it being SO hot and humid I couldn’t get the last one down and I really needed it. I am going tohave to look into these chews. a question I have been having since watching the olympic marathon is what in the world do they use in their fueling bottles? It must be like a magic potion. I know all the the runners are amazing athletes ,but it just seems like they drink so little for how fast they are running.
My win within the moment: finishing my longest run ever – 11miles. I was going to stop at 10 but I pushed myself to keep going and Im glad i did.
I crushed my 5K PR by three minutes this month, looking to have another win from within next month and shave another thirty seconds off.
My biggest win from within was Boston.. I was running it in memory of my niece who had recently passed away.. it was very emotional but ended up being a great race for me.
My win from within was when I finished my first marathon (Marine Corps). I’d never run more than 18 miles, so after I reached that part of the race, I started to get nervous because it was all new territory. Then I hit the wall ….. hard. I got to around mile 23 and thought that stretching would help, so I stood on a curb to stretch my calf, at which point my whole leg completely cramped up so I couldn’t even move it. Then, stupid me, decided to try the same thing with the other leg expecting a different result. Which there wasn’t. And which caused me to have not one, but two legs that were stiff as planks of wood. I knew I had to finish, so I slowly started walking until I thought maybe I could get my legs to start bending in a sort of run/walk, and eventually I shuffled my way to the finish. I saw Bart Yasso standing in the middle of the road cheering everyone on, and I started crying in a combination of pain, pride, and happiness to finally be nearing the end of the race. That feeling of finishing/winning the race with myself is something I’ll never forget.
My most recent half marathon PR was my win from within. I decided to go this one alone and didn’t run with any of my running buddies. I also didn’t use my watch or GPS and just decided to run how I felt. I got to mile 12 before I checked my time and realized there that even if I walked the last mile I was still going to have a HUGE PR. It was an amazing experience to let go of all of the timers, watches etc. and trust myself to run my best race – and I did!
My “win from within” was finishing Marathon number one in 87 degree heat and finishing Marathon number two with Monsoon like rain at the start. So ready for hopefully cool weather for Marathon number three!
My win from within was a 30km PR this spring, after running the first half with a friend I set off and managed a huge negative split. The course is known for it’s rolling hills starting at the 18km mark, as well as a massive hill at the 25km mark so being able to push through and excel with the added obstacles left me pretty pumped!
My ‘Win from Within’ moment came in my 2nd marathon, the Big Sur International in 2011 (you were there Page). I had hit the wall in my first marathon 6 months prior even after a great training season. Was determined to stay on top of my fueling & hydration at Big Sur and what a difference it made. I shaved almost 20 minutes off my time and still felt great at the end like I could have gone faster. Running with the Clif pace team made a big difference too and the fact that I was running it for the American Cancer Society, emblazoned with a bunch of Survivor & In Memory Of ribbons made the entire race a very meaningful experience on one of the most beautiful courses you can imagine. Plan to go back & run the full course some day (was altered due to landslides) and hopefully make it a Boston to Big Sur tandem!
My win from within moment was this past May when I finished my first 70.3 distance triathlon in some serious heat! Coming through the finish chute made it all worth it and now I’m signed up for another one as well as Ironman Texas 2013!
Thanks for doing this giveaway – the timing is perfect as I’m in the market for a good fueling plan
My win from within moment was definitely finishing my first marathon. That race too more out of me mentally than I ever thought it would. Seeing my husband at mile 26 was the best moment of my life and I was so glad he was there to support me.
I love this prize! And your blog!
My win moment was when I crossed the finish line of my first marathon last year. I saw the 26 mile marker and started to well up. When I saw the finish line I sprinted to the end and was a bawling mess. I couldn’t believe I had been running for 4 hours 9 minutes! It was inspirational, and I am now working my ass off to qualify for Boston by 2015.
I had a win from within moment this weekend on my longest run to date– 18.15 miles! It was tough, but I did it! It was SO motivating and encouraging…. I’m really starting to feel like I can actually do this whole marathon thing (which is good since I’m signed up to run my first at the Chicago Marathon in October!!)!
My win from within moment was in my last marathon, qualifying for Boston. I knew the end of the race was going to be hot and hilly, so I needed to stay focused on pushing throughout the race until the end. Happily, I made it, even though it was one of the first (of many on the East coast) hot days we had this summer.
Win from within moment was when I crossed the finish line of my first 10K race after recovering from having sustaining a ruptured achilles tendon. AND I PR’d it by not giving up on myself and staying steady!
My win from within moment was last October when I finished my first, and not my last
26.2! I hope do even better this year in 75 days:)
My “win from within” moment came during a recent 5K. The race was on a Thursday evening, and during the day I kept wavering between running and not running. We had a long wait at the start, and I was not feeling very motivated. I discovered that my Garmin was out of batteries too, so that just made matters worse. I told myself to make the best of it. Once the gun went off, I ran by feel and began to chase down runners one at a time. I ended up with my fastest 5K and placed in my age group!
My win from within moment was when I pr’d at the OC marathon with a 3:26!
And I tweeted/retweeted about the giveaway!
During a 10k this past memorial day! The race started late and it was easily in the 80′s during the race. Another girl and I passed each other back and forth the whole race. As we approached the finish line (up hill, rude!) she began to back off. I yelled to her come on! We had pushed each other through the whole race and thought it appropriate we finish together. It wasn’t a PR but I pushed it the entire way!
I had a win from within moment during my second half marathon – I didn’t even come close to a PR but I finished hard even though all I wanted to do was stop! I was very proud regardless of my time.
My first marathon – I really struggled at mile 23, stopped and started crying. But I regrouped, started running, and finished! Definitely a win from within
When I need a win from within moment it always comes in the form of positive thinking for me. I will tell myself that this is when it counts the most when you want to die and you need to stop, that is when it is most important for me to push because thats when I grow as a runner!
This year has been good for my “win from within” moment. I ran the St. Louis marathon this past April and knew by mile 3 that it was going to be a struggle. I finished but 15 minutes off of my “alloted” time. Feeling discouraged, I signed up the Illinois marathon and ran it two weeks later. I set a PR at 4:01. So close to the 4:00 mark! I was so thrilled and proud. Two weeks ago, I did my first tri sprint and just signed up for another one this weekend.
It may be dumb but I was sick for 4 days and then still did Zooma CO Springs half marathon. I really had to push myself to finish but I did it!!!!
Win from Within – I was using the C25K training program but building NO endurance. BY week five I was always trying to give up and just continued walking / running. I STOPPED it two weeks ago. I picked 3 miles……..and I go three miles. I warm up three minutes with a walk, then I run as far as I can until I absolutely need a walk break and I take one. My endurance has doubled in two weeks – it’s made the world of difference and I now feel – no, I KNOW that my 45 year old body will be running a half marathon by January. Feels great !!
I tweeted @page and @gatorade – my ID @wsmoncrief!!
I recently started running and just finished my first 5K (yay!). My win from within was during training when I ran that first mile without walking. My body was ready but my mind was not quite on board. Literally as soon as I got through that mile, the rest of the run felt easy.
That sounds really good!
I think my moment was after my first triathlon in 2010, the Calgary 70.3. I loved every minute of it and was so happy that I enjoyed it so much!
A recent #winfromwithin moment – facing my fears and completing a 2000m NO-WETSUIT swim race! Swimming long distance without it is nerve-racking enough, but also dealing with potentially getting trampled without it = horrifying. It went fine.
Tweeted!
I feel like I have a small win everytime I get out there and train! That’s why I love it do much! But my most recent big win was swimming 100 yards in 1:29 last night! That’s my fastest ever and it feels so good to break into the 1:20s!!
My win from within moment was when I finished my second marathon 45 minutes faster than my first
Just over 2 weeks after last year’s disastrous RnR Vegas half (I had food poisoning the whole weekend and ran my slowest half yet) I ran my most perfect race ever. The day after Christmas, run entirely along the beach in So Cal, for a very worthy charity and I got a new half PR by nearly 20 minutes!
My winning moment was when I went out for an ambitious long run thinking I would stop halfway then ran the entire thing with a huge grin on my face. I was in the zone, and I sang and danced the entire way.
my win within moment was doing my first 5k. I never thought I could do it- that was until I came across the finish line! SO PROUD
My winning moment was my last marathon… My legs and feet started crapping SO bad around mile 21/22 and I pushed through and PRed by almost an hour!!
My “win from within” was July 20th when I ran a virtual half marathon, all by myself, early in the morning and managed to PR, shaving 5 minutes off my time. It was just an accomplishment. It was my 4th half this season, in a season of running 8 (one each month from April to November) and I had become disappointed in my performance, as each of my times got longer instead of shorter, as I anticipated that they would. When I looked at my watch at the end of the race, I was astonished to see how fast I had gone. I ran my race, all by myself, proving that I can do it, whether everyone’s watching or not.
I am training for my first half marathon and have never run more than a 5K. Every weekend when I complete a long run that’s a mile longer than the last I amaze myself. (I always used to say I could never run that far or that my knees couldn’t handle it) Now I keep telling myself I can do this and I am strong. I feel like it’s a win every time I complete a long run. It’s been a great experience so far!
I had my win from within moment this morning! I woke up at 6 am absolutely exhausted and finding myself ready to turn off my alarm and get an extra hour of sleep. But I dug deep, woke up, and hit the gym like a boss.
I attempted to break 2 hours at the NC Half Marathon this spring. My previous PR was 2:05, so I knew it would take some work. I was told the course was flat, but it became apparent within the first few miles that that was not the case. I started out too fast, but in hopes of banking some time, and I was well on my way to a PR, when I hit the biggest hill on the course. It completely drained me, and I hit the wall soon after. I had to walk at several points after that, and after 10 miles I worried I wouldn’t even finish, I had bonked so badly. I pulled it together, though, and while I didn’t finish as strongly as I should have, I still managed a 2 and a half minute PR. It was a bittersweet win, but a win nonetheless.
I’ve walked 3 half marathons but my “win from within” moment came to me this past July when I actually ran my first 5k! It was great and now i’m hooked on running!
Reaching my max distance for my first upcoming race!
I had a win from within moment when I signed up for my first marathon a year and a half ago. I’ll be running #3 this October!
My ‘win from within’ moment came when I finished our Grand Canyon backpacking trip!