In about two hours, I’ll be up in Central Park running around the 6 mile loop twice to complete my last long run before the half next Saturday. While the last long run before a race probably won’t help much with endurance, I mentally need it to know I can get to the finish line. Central Park is super hilly, but my goal is to run negative splits and finish strong. Hopefully my Garmin will work in the park! NYC is notorious for bad reception because of the tall buildings.
For pre-run fuel, I’m currently munching on half of a huge bran muffin with peanut butter. I bought the muffin at the market yesterday along with some other goodies (expect a market recap soon!). I’m also bringing two Clif gel shots and a water bottle filled with half coconut water and half regular water.
You’ll probably notice over the next few months that coconut water is my drink of choice before, during and after long runs. Last year when I started training for my first half, I learned a few things through trial and error. For instance, I learned that running socks make a difference, Body Glide is my hero and those abstract things called electrolytes are real and necessary to function properly. I never liked the taste of Gatorade (plus, I question why HFCS needs to be in a sports drink) so I had to find another way to replenish electrolytes. Enter coconut water…100% pure coconut water. There are a ton of different brands – Vita-Coco, O.N.E., ZICO – which you can find next to the sports drinks in your local grocery store. As “nature’s sports drink” it boasts 5 essential electrolytes, 60mg sodium, 25mg magnesium and 670mg potassium (15x more than a banana)! These minerals work together to prevent fatigue, muscle cramping and dehydration.
Honestly though, it doesn’t matter much to me what a product claims if it doesn’t work. But I promise you – coconut water works. Whenever I drink it and go for a long run (8+ miles), I don’t get that sluggish “I-just-want-to-lay-on-my-couch-for-the-rest-of-the-day” feeling. I also find that I don’t get the ravenous hunger that longer runs can cause. Trust me, I still get hungry…but not in the same way. For any non-runners out there, I can also vouch for its ability to ease stomach sickness and cure hangovers after one too many glasses of wine 
.
Okay, enough about me and my love for coconut water! Have you ever tried it and felt the effects?
I’ve tried it before the Broad Street Run and it really helped. Thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome!
I think coconut water tastes disgusting, but it does the job. I bought a plain one after feeling nauseous during a Bikram yoga class, and it helped me.
Do you get used to the taste after a bit?
I’ve grown to love the taste but I definitely did not at first. I started with the flavored ones – Vita Coco has mango and pomegranate flavors, which are great! If it’s the consistency that bothers you, try combining it with water so it’s less thick. If you try it again, let me know what you think!
I can’t wait to try this melis!
[...] if your friends place an order. Memories of college will resurface and make you smile. DO drink coconut water. You’ll feel better in the morning. TIME magazine agrees. DO take a moment to watch the [...]
[...] coconut water for the water bottles – This is my electrolyte replacement of choice. I personally swear by it and have used it on every training run. You can read about my love for this drink here. [...]
So I see you like Zico coconut water!
Yes LOVE