Sunday, February 20, 2011

Frankenfood

There's three possible reasons for you reading this blog; 1) you're bored and are trolling the net for untold reasons, 2) you're looking for Mike's Pastry joint, or 3) you're a runner.  I suppose you could also be a perverted, bored runner with a pastry craving, but that would be a total coincidence.  I'm gonna assume you're a runner.  I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm also assuming you're a distance runner.  If I'm correct, continue reading.  If I'm totally off base and Mike's Pastry Joint sounds more inviting than a run around the block then click here.


Distance running is a beautiful thing.  The downside is the liver can only hold so much glycogen and refueling enroute is a necessary part of the game. Without a constant source of glycogen our muscles simply run out of fuel, or to use the running vernacular, you bonk.  To quote wiki ...   the condition can usually be avoided by ensuring that glycogen levels are high when the exercise begins, maintaining glycogen levels during exercise by eating or drinking carbohydrate-rich substances, or by reducing exercise intensity.
I bonked in Chicago last October and it's not fun at all.  Stop, run for three seconds, stop, run for 5 seconds, stop, run for 4 seconds stop.... with 6 miles to go this can seem like an eternity.  The only solution is Frankenfood.


Trouble is -brace yourself for language warning- I hate the s*** (sheesh, I can't bring myself to say the "s" word online.  I'm such a wimp.).  I've tried it all, but I keep returning to GU gels (chocolate) and Gatorade.  The GU's are disgusting (especially when they get heated up and run down your cheek, yuck ... and stick to your fingers, yuck)  and the Gatorade is like sweetened battery acid and makes me retch.  The combination of the two shaking about in my belly makes for a nauseous Mike.  In Chicago I tried to vomit, but nothing was there... imagine craving vomit and not a drop to be seen!  PowerBars work well, but again, the taste just doesn't sit well with me.  I've written about nausea and running in a previous post.  Go here.  

My amazing niece and all time super vegan marathoner, Laura, sent me a package of Brendan Brazier's VEGA natural plant based performance drink.  As a "no meat athlete"  (see next week's blog) I'm intrigued with the plant based alternative energy drink.  Here's hoping it'll do the trick!


Then again there's alway's Mike's Pastry Joint.....  mmmm.....


By the way, if you haven't already, please drop by Connie's new blog, The Joy of Running.  It's a great blog that all runners, especially those training for their first marathon, will enjoy.

It's a good day to be alive... cold but good.  Unless your reading this in Mexico (right Jan :>)

Mike

6 comments:

Nicole said...

http://livinglightlyinsuburbia.blogspot.com/2010/03/long-run-rounds-recipe.html

a link to another alternative. these ingredients can be tweeked if you need to avoid something, are fairly easy to carry, freeze well,and are yummy.

Unknown said...

Thanks Nicole. I'll check it out for sure. Michael

Connie said...

Thanks for the shout-out Mike!

Jen said...

I'm excited to see what you think. You know I have stomach issues too so maybe you'll find something good that works. I'm thinking of trying Nuun too as I think it has a lighter taste and not as much sugar. Still don't know what to do for fuel though.

Jo said...

I made the mistake of clicking on Mike's pastry shop. Now I want a donut!! Here's to hoping there will be unlimited amounts of pastries on Sunday! See you then...good luck!

Unknown said...

JO, The breaky is amazing! Thanks for your support as group leader all these months. It can be tough rounding us all up--- sorta like herding cats- -- I've really enjoyed being part of your group. Good luck on Sunday. Mike