March 9, 2012

A Gu experiment

I had made plans to go for a 6-mile run with Jessica this morning. At around 7:00, I could barely see outside because there was snow blowing around like crazy--but it stopped shortly after it started. I dressed warm and went to meet Jessica at the state park.

When we started running, we both mentioned that we felt stiff and just not ready for a run. After about two miles, it was really tempting to just head back to the car and call it quits. The wind was really strong, and at a couple of moments, I felt like I was running in place.

I started to feel better after about three miles. My legs weren't as stiff and the wind wasn't as bad (although it was still pretty windy!) I brought along a Gu to try out during this shorter run. I'd never had Gu before, and after the disaster of Monday's run with the Nuun, I decided I'd better be safe and try the Gu on a shorter run to see how well my stomach handled it.

I don't know how people eat that whole little packet in one shot, though--it took me about three different squeezes. It was the peanut butter flavor, and soooo good. I wanted to savor it ;)  I finished eating that, then drank a few sips of water. I did all this while running, so I could practice for the marathon.

My stomach didn't bother me one bit!! I was so excited about that. My feet are on the mend and my stomach handled the Gu perfectly. I'm going to bring some on our long run on Monday.

Both Jessica and I felt much better the second half of the run, and we finished out our six miles. We went at an easy pace today--she was using new shoes and I was worried about screwing up my feet.

After I got home and showered, Jerry and I went to the running store so I could exchange the Bondibands--I didn't return them, I just exchanged them for the plain fabric that isn't slippery (one is purple and one is blue/aqua). I bought a few more packets of Gu. Then we went to Dick's Sporting Goods so that Jerry could buy a new softball glove.

I browsed through the clothes (I was eyeballing all the Under Armour stuff, but I really don't need anything right now). They had a display of Brooks shoes, and the Brooks Adrenaline 11's (the shoes I wear) were on clearance for $70/pair since they are last year's model. Unfortunately, they didn't have my size. I buy a wide shoe, and they only had the regular sizes.

I had lunch when we got home, and I was feeling snacky after lunch, per usual. I had a Larabar and some pretzels--not great, but definitely better than half a jar of Nutella or Biscoff spread. Tonight, I think we are going to take the kids out to dinner. I've been feeling guilty because Noah asked me last week, "Mama, do you think it would be okay if maybe we could go out to a restaurant once a month or once a year?"

Basically, we NEVER eat out. I can't even remember the last time we took the kids out to dinner--but it was probably more than a year ago, and probably on vacation at that. Jerry just got a bonus from work today (only about $300) so we decided to split it and use it on something we want (kind of like an allowance). But I suggested we share the love by taking the kids out to dinner and then let them pick something out from Toys R Us. I can remember my dad taking my brother and me to Toys R Us when we were very young and letting us choose something. I thought it was so cool! I chose a realistic-looking baby doll, and I think it's still in my parents' attic somewhere.

I'm getting nervous about my race on Sunday! I keep reminding myself it's "only" a 5K, but I have my hopes so high to run a sub-26:00 time that I've gotten myself nervous over it.

21 comments:

  1. Ugh, I'm nervous for Sunday's race because of the wind! It's my first race since 2008 ... I'm just nervous!

    Anyway, good luck with you PB! I hope your foot is healing too :)

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  2. I just got to pick up my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12s last night. I went in and got fitted because the couple of times I've tried to run have been painful in my (also brand new) Adidas. I'm hoping these shoes work well, you give me faith that they will.

    Good luck on your race!

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  3. The back of Gu packs say something absurd like eat one for every 45 minutes of running. FIrst, at that rate I think I might gain weight running. Secondly, while one was fine for my stomach more than 2-3 and they became really gross.

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  4. Hello there...I have been reading your blog for quite some time and have yet to comment. I think it's pretty amazing the transformation that you have taken into a healthier life for you and your family.
    I started running a few years ago to do the same and I am on my way but no where's near your point.(I have about 50 off and have been at a stand still for quite some time) I just finished my second half marathon of this year and have been experimenting with the Gu's for a while. Running this year's Hypo Half after a recore snow storm nearly did me in. :) Because I am a slow runner, I usually consume 2 to 3 for a half distance. I find it takes me a bit to get them down and often find I am having to take a drink of water to get it down. They have been good on my belly as long as I stick to the ones without caffine in them. I really do like them and I find them easy to pack in my Fuel Belt. Hope this helps...a few people in my running group, use peanut M&M's but I'm not such a big fan but they swear by it. Happy training. And thanks for the motivation.
    Sandra R from Moncton, New Brunswick Canada

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  5. I'm wondering if I should try the Gu. I've been doing pretty well without anything and with my 10 mile run, no trots! I should leave well enough alone, right? (And we never eat out anymore, either. Between Charlie working late 2x/week and the kids' activities, there's not really an opportunity to eat out. I also like knowing the calories I'm consuming and not spending at least half my weekly grocery budget on one stinking meal!)

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    1. Linda, I never used Gu or sports beans, or ANYTHING while running until now--I do fine up to 13 miles like that. But if you ever decide to run a full marathon, you might want to start experimenting. Your body is going to need some sort of fuel when you're running those super long distances.

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  6. Katie-
    I just commented on your other blog about the peanut butter GU!!!! I am looking forward to trying it!!!
    I NEVER go out to eat either!!! Now our excuse is the kids (1 and 3 years old), but we never really did before kids. We are both cheap, and don't mind eating at home, so we don't do it much!!!
    I am glad to hear that the GU didn't bother your stomach. I was at the running store today, getting shoes, a hydration belt, and stocking up on GU, and saw the stuff that bothered your stomach, but didn't buy any!!!! I have heard that if you chill (or maybe freeze, I can't remember) the chocolate GU tastes just like frosting!!! I can't do the chocolate because of the caffeine, but I could try it with the PB!!!!
    ~Laura

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  7. Good luck tomorrow! I have a St. Patrick's Day 5K also and I'm hoping for under 40 minutes. :) Hope you have a nice dinner with the fam!

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  8. Katie I've had absolutely no luck finding the magazine with you in it I said I'd look out for here in teh UK. I've been checking them every week and so far haven't seen it. I dont know if I've missed it or if it just hasn't appeared yet, but I hadn't forgotten.

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    1. Thanks so much for checking, Janine. I don't think it's been printed yet. I've been getting copies of the cover of the mag sent to my e-mail, and I haven't seen anything. I'm going to try and contact the magazine to see if they can give me a rough estimate when it will be printed. I appreciate your looking!

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  9. I think eating them slowly helps, too. I've tried eating one Gu is a minute or two, and sometimes they feel a little gross in my stomach. Now when I eat one, I eat it slowly over 0.5 mile. The chocolate mint ones are fantastic!

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  10. I think eating them slowly helps, too. I've tried eating one Gu is a minute or two, and sometimes they feel a little gross in my stomach. Now when I eat one, I eat it slowly over 0.5 mile. The chocolate mint ones are fantastic!

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  11. You just amaze me, you go out in all kinds of weather. I've walked in those winds where you feel like you're walking in place--it's HARD! And to run must be that much harder. WOW! Talk about dedication, motivation and most importantly--DETERMINATION! You're like that energizer bunny--you just go and go and go!

    GO KATIE GO!

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  12. Dinner out and Toys r Us! Sounds wonderful. I let my 5 yr old pick something out at Target after an unexpected small bonus at work. I think it was as much fun for me as it was for him.
    I will be curious to see what they choose. :-)

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  13. Just tried the chocolate Gu today and it was really good. They were out of penut butter. I tried the fruit and vanilla flavors and had to choke them down because they were so sweet, but the chocolate was pretty darn good. Also tried black cherry Cliff Shot Blocks today and they were very easy to eat while running. Kind of a bitter aftertaste, but still good. I am running my first half(Holy Half at Notre Dame) in two weeks and trying to see what works for me.

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  14. Good luck tomorrow!!!! Remember to have fun and not focus too much on the time. And I am so happy the gu sat well in your stomach.

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  15. That Gu sounds yummy! I wish they would have had your shoe in your size! could they order it for the same discounted price, or was it impossible since it was last seasons? :(

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  16. I definitely want to try Gu. I'll have to pick up some flavors while I'm here in the states. I hear you on being nervous- I ran the Kona Run for Hops 10k today and was shaking in my sneakers when we started! I worried about the crowd, weather, my pace, everything! But I'm alive, I survived! I really hope you get your PR! My bf and I have cut back on eating out and it's amazing. While on vacation w his family now we're eating out a bunch but we also bought sandwich fixings for our room. Now when we go out to eat I think, "we're paying how much for this? I could make something better..." Funny how we change because I used to PREFER eating out alllll the time!

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  17. I can't imagine eating 900 calories in one go anymore. We, I confess, do eat take out though. Because we are gluten free it's extremely limited. I love Indian curries! other than that we can have very thin crusted not very nice pizza or chicken and chips - both yuck. We both cook and quite frankly I think (with the exception of Indian) we do a far better job, far better than pub meals too. I believe Indian is pretty healthy though, but they don't load up with lots of veg in the meat dishes, and the naan bread/pappadams are skipped as they used wheat flour instead of the traditional which could be GF. So with those options, it's nicer at home, and I agree you have better quality control about what goes in.

    I have a big question though - (bad idea maybe) but I'm about to do an international swap with sweets/treats. Of course of heard of Hershey Bars, and you talk about Reece Cups which I don't know about, anything too cal-horiffic the children can eat! But maybe you have some suggestions. Also: What kind of cadbury chocolate is available in the states? It doesn't sound as big there, and I live in the same city as the Cadbury factory that does cream eggs/caramello etc, and all the 'favourites'... just wondering what you get so I know what not to send my partner. I know some people like milo sent to them which is a choc malt crumble you put in milk - hot or cold. can't have it anymore... hope someone answers!

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