Energy Gels vs. 5 Hour Energy

After weeks of training and getting your fill of carbohydrates, you’ve found yourself at the starting line of a race. You’ve gone about your pre-race routine as according to plan, but what about a pre-race energy boost?

A shared concern amongst runners is concerned with the best way to get some energy for the beginning of a race, after the adrenaline wears and before you’ve gained a natural running rhythm. Two of the most common energy boosts for runners have been energy gels or goos, or quick doses of liquid energy shots such as 5 Hour Energy. While both are very common, there are many running experts and dieticians that are discouraging liquid supplements and pushing runners towards gels. Take a look at the quick facts below, and remember to consume your preferred boost about an hour before the start.

1. 5 Hour Energy Critique
• With high levels of caffeine, this supplement is best for people who regularly consume caffeine (Run Smart Project)
• Because it’s intended for regular day use, the kick start only lasts about 5 minutes during race time (Endurance and Sustainability)
• Too few calories (4 calories) for a runner to burn into energy
• Serves as a good motivator to go for a run, but not for enhanced performance
2. Energy Gels Critique
•  With high caloric intake, gels help you avoid the lethargic and tired feeling during a long run
• Replenish glycogen and calories burned during a run
• Won’t make your muscles feel less fatigued or sore
• Take long to digest and get into the bloodstream, where they replenish calories and glycogen, so always take with water. (Running Competitor)

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Running into the Fall Season

Better than your mere commute to work or school, setting out on your own two feet during this time of year exposes you to the most scenic of seasonal transitions. While running atop yellowed leaves and rain dampened concrete can encourage you to run further and discover more, there are some precautions to take into consideration.

Firstly, autumn days can be rainy days. Before departing for your run, plan a route for yourself with higher ground or sidewalks so as to avoid soggy socks. According to Active.com, a website centered of wellness and fitness, another area of potential problems lies with early sunsets. In order to avoid doing your workout under the dim, city street lamps, commit to a time during the day where you can get your mileage in. This will also benefit your training routine, giving your body consistent periods of rest and cardio from day to day.  

The after-math of a summer run can often resemble a crime scene. What with articles of clothing strewn across the concrete where you lay panting and squinting into the sun, the outline of sweat surrounds you like the chalk outline defining what would be your lifeless body if it weren’t for your frantically beating heart in your chest.

Thus, the cooler conditions brought forth by the fall season give runners more incentive to lace up their shoes for a run and spend less time with their head in the freezer afterwards.

Go out and run further than the summer sun allowed in month’s prior. Follow trails illuminated with the colors of your neighborhood trees. Find rhythm in the in-and-out breaths you take of crisp, cool air because that’s the only constancy you have in these ever-changing seasons. 

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Stoplight Stop-n-Go

Although autumn is known for making your favorite trail runs a muddy mess with the rain and snow, there’s one less reason to shake your fist at Mother Nature as you transition from trails to concrete this year. Jogging in place is proving to be a health benefit for more than the average housewife during Oprah. Whilst waiting at stoplights, running in place is sure to shield your muscles from tightening in the cool weather that lies ahead.

Now, you can do more than your typical calf stretch against a stop sign while waiting for traffic to pass. According to an article published on LiveStrong.com, jogging in place will help maintain a working heart rate and allow for a mid-workout stretch. Not only can you avoid tension in your Achilles tendon and in your calves from the stop-and-go nature of running through city streets, but you will continue to shed calories while waiting your turn at the crosswalk.

You’re not alone if you’re resistant to begin a running routine for the chillier months. So combat Mother Nature’s winter coat by jogging in place at stoplights, and save the treadmill for the severely snowy days.

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Hibernation

Much like any woodland creature, I'm swearing myself into [blogger's] hibernation this winter season. My cheeks are full of textbooks, deadlines, and ramen noodles with my university coursework and try as I might, I'm not able to keep up with A Furled Brow as much as I'd like. 

Instead, I'll be keeping a sister blog, A Sweaty Brow, throughout the winter season. Focused on a runner's mindset - breathe in, breathe out, what should I eat after this run?- A Sweaty Brow will solve running myths and review the latest trends so you can stay ahead of the pack in your training endeavors. 

Cheers and happy trails.

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