The Husband and I started using “energy gels” last year during our longer runs. He researched it and settled on Honey Stinger. The Last time I used a gel was during our half marathon last year (shortly before I broke my toe). I’m not sure if I had an adverse reaction to it or what, but I’m really hesitant to use them again.

Well, the Husband began looking into raw energy gel recipes, which really surprised me. Our long run was today, so he blended up a high raw mixture for us to try. It consisted of banana, dates, celery, coconut water, and coconut oil (didn’t realize he added this till we were about to leave). Then he measured out an ounce or so into baggies. I zipped my baggie into my pocket and headed up the trail. About half-way through, I bit off one of the corners of the baggie and sucked the mixture out. Oh my gosh, it was SO good! I’m still not sure if I liked it so much because of the oil, I sure hope not. I’m also looking into raw beverage concoctions I can put into my water bottle for long runs. One raw marathoner mentioned watermelon and celery – I may have to try that one.

The point to taking in gels or other carb/electrolyte containing substances during long runs is to prevent “hitting the wall” or “bonking” (runner-speak for running out of carbs to burn). You don’t want to reach this point, especially a long way from the car (or house). Our bodies can only store a certain amount of glycogen, and once this storage is depleted, your activity comes to a halt. So, you ingest carbs during the exercise to keep those stores from completely hitting empty. The Hansons Method does discuss training your body to burn mostly fat in the beginning of a long run, and rely primarily on glycogen stores later. I’m still trying to understand this concept, but I am keeping my base building runs at a very slow pace to help foster this kind of burn pattern.

Are you looking to make some changes in 2013? Check out The Journey for more information.

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What I read: Exodus 28-29

What I ate:

• Breakfast – Green Smoothie (6oz apple juice, 6oz coconut water, 2 bananas, 2 oz kale, 2oz spinach, 7oz strawberries)
• AM snack – raw gel & 6 oranges juiced (post run)
  
• Lunch – 4 bananas
  
• Dinner – date night w/ hubby @ Panera Bread (see photo), whole classic salad (no dressing), 2 fresh fruit cups, 1 apple. The Husband had the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich without the feta cheese.
  
• PM Snack – freeze dried persimmons

What I did: 57:50 run/walk workout

Here are the notes I made regarding my symptoms throughout Day 39:

• slowed digestion (gas, abdominal pain, bloating)
  
• headaches
  
• puffy hands, feet, and face
  
• sinus congestion
  
• dry/itchy eyes, skin, and scalp
  
• acne
  
• aching muscles and muscle spasms
  
• foggy brain
• irritability
  
• mood swings
  
• blood sugar fluctuations
  
• fatigue – still having bouts of fatigue, but not as bad
  
• unable to sleep well
  
• unquenchable thirst
  
• cravings
  
• chest pain
• cold sores – last one 1/13/2013
  
• kidney stones – eliminated when we went vegan Oct 2011
• tooth pain