I want to preface this post with: everybody's body is different and will require a different amount of calories, different amount of preparation, and a different amount of personal determination.
The point of me writing this is to tell you, the runner, or anyone reading this, is to listen to your body. It tells you what you need. When we do not listen to our bodies, we become tired, or sore, and lose our determination and stamina to continue.
I learned over the past few years that in order for me to run 13.1 miles, when I start increasing mileage during training, I need to take water with me and drink regularly. In fact, the best for me is to switch between a bit of Gatorade, and then water.
I learned that after 8 miles, I need to ingest extra calories or I bonk big time. I learned that it is okay to stop and go pee when I need to! I learned that I can't run in the heat of the day- it's either morning or evening.
Here's my body while running, and I say, you need to come up with your own bodily needs schedule too:
4 mile run-no need to bring anything extra.
6 mile run-winter I'm okay with a glass of water beforehand, but in the summer, I bring water with me.
8 mile run-bring water!
9+ miles-bring water mixed with a little Gatorade, and 2 gu packets. My favs are the coffee and the peanut butter. I also stop to pee about 2 times. I like to know that I am hydrated-lol!
If I don't have gu, I bring whatever is on hand. It can be trail mix, granola bars, pretzels, you name it, I ate it!! It just has to fit in my trusty zipper pouch!
Happy running!
