Nuun Review and Giveaway!

Most of us have finished a long run or race and ended up with an upset stomach. During my first Ragnar I had HORRIBLE stomach pain and later realized that it was due to drinking “sports drinks.” It took me months to figure out that the sugar in “sports drinks” does a number on my stomach. A physician friend also told me to stay away from said sports drinks during an event like Ragnar.

This fall I came upon a new product called Nuun, pronounced noon. The thing I love about Nuun is that it contains no sugar, nothing to upset my stomach. And with less than 8 calories per 16 ounce serving, I am not wasting my run burning through the calories that I have to drink to stay properly hydrated.

Nuun is a tablet that you simply drop into any water bottle. It comes with 12 tabs in one tiny little tube which mean 12 less plastic bottles that will end up in our landfills. Nuun isn’t an energy drink it is simply an electrolyte replacement drink. E•lec•tro•lyte (n): sodium and potassium ions required by cells for normal function and intercellular flow of water. As you sweat you lose these precious electrolytes that your body needs to function efficiently.

As someone who has run the last 11 miles of a marathon with cramped up quads, let me tell you that properly replacing your electrolytes is vital. The amount of sodium in traditional sports drinks just isn’t enough. Ever since I have started using Nuun I haven’t had a problem with cramping up. “The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that people who are active for longer than one hour get 500-700mg of sodium for every liter of water they consume(three times more sodium than traditional “sports drinks” provide). Nuun provides 700mg of sodium for every liter.

Since I have switched from traditional sports drinks to Nuun my stomach is much happier. I like that it’s cheap, just $7 for 12 tablets that’s less than .60 per serving. Not only that, but 15% of sales for Nuun will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Nuun contains: 6 calories per tab
Sodium 360 mg
Potassium 100 mg
Calcium 12 mg
Magnesium 24 mg

Here is what Nuun has to say about hydration:
How do I figure out my personal hydration needs?
No two people are the same, so figuring out your sweat rate is the most accurate way to figure out your personal hydration needs. And weighing yourself before and after exercise is the most effective way to gauge your fluid needs. Any weight loss corresponds with fluid loss, so try to drink enough to replenish that weight. (Weight gain could mean you are drinking more than you need.)
Studies have found that a loss of 2% or more of one's body weight due to sweating is linked to a drop in blood volume. When this occurs, the heart works harder to move blood through the bloodstream. This can also cause muscle cramps, dizziness and fatigue and even heat exhaustion or heatstroke. For all the athletes out there, it can mean a major drop in performance, and for the rest of us, it makes for a really uncomfortable day.

Many elite athletes use Nuun and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.

Now it's your turn to try Nuun for FREEEE!

We have 2 Nuun 4 packs to giveaway, these 4 packs sell for $24!

Now here is what you need to do to enter the Nuun GIVEAWAY:

1. Like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/26.2RunningCo and leave a comment on the blog telling us that you did.

2. Like Nuun on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nuunhydration?ref=ts&sk=wall tell them that we sent you and leave US a comment on the blog telling us that you did.

3. Go to http://www.nuun.com/ and tell us in a comment on the blog what flavor sounds the best to you.

4. Become a follower of our blog and tell us you did in a comment below.

That gives you up to 4 entries but they MUST be seperate comments or it only counts as one.

The second FREE 4 pack will be given away on Facebook. All you need to do is comment on our giveaway post and get all of your friends to "Like" your comment. The person with the most comments WINS!!!

You have until MONDAY, December 12!!!

Winter Clothing Tips!

WINTER CLOTHING TIPS!
With the icy cold weather just around the corner it`s important to know how to be happy and comfortable on your runs. Just as shoes are extremely important for support and comfort, apparel can play a crucial role in your running experience.
1st layer should be support: Bras/Underwear. This is actually important year round. Guys and girls need to be secure while running to be able to focus on the running instead of chaffing, bouncing, etc. Guys, if your running shorts don`t provide enough support for you with the built in liner, get some good running underwear. This is also important for use under running tights. This is important for those of you who plan on having a family. Enough said.

2nd layer is a base layer: technical shirts, shorts/tights, running pants. This is the layer that touches your skin. These materials should be moisture wicking and non-chaffing.

3rd layer is a thermal layer: long sleeve shirts, running pants. In Utah it is frequently cold enough to need an extra layer to stay warm. Sometimes one layer of running pants isn`t enough, and tights need to be your base layer, with running pants as your thermal layer. For this purpose, all quality running apparel is made very thin. It keeps you warm with less bulk. SWEATS ARE A NO-NO. They are bulky and stay wet and heavy. Long-sleeve technical shirts are extremely versatile from mid-fall through the spring. When it isn`t cold enough, a long-sleeve technical shirt can be used as a base layer.

4th layer is a protective layer: Jackets. This layer protects you from the rain, wind, snow, etc. It keeps you dry, comfortable, and happy. Any time it`s gray outside, this is an important layer to bring with you. They also work well for some extra warmth and have zippers to release heat if you get over-heated, while continuing to protect you from the elements.

Other essentials. Keeping your head heat regulated has a lot to do with keeping the rest of your body heat regulated. A running cap or ear warmers are a great idea and are easy to take off and stash in a jacket pocket later in the run. Running gloves are also extremely important if you value the use of your fingers. Many models have thermal and protective layers. The last important item is arm-warmers. These are great for races where you want to wear your favorite running singlet and still keep your arms warm. Use them in any combination. The special materials used in these products are designed for comfort and efficiency.

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

I have been running with my Garmin Forerunner 310XT for over a year now and I can never go back to running without it. The 310XT is perfect for anyone who wants to seriously train and understand the breakdown of each run. With its large and easy to read display screen, the 310XT tracks your pace while reading your heart rate and logging your mileage. Guesswork is no longer required as the 310XT accurately records your mileage and you can create custom alerts for when each lap or mile is completed.

The display screen is divided into four sections that allows easy access to your running stats such as average mile pace, distance covered, altitude, and even calories burned at a glance.

The watch has an amazing 20 hours of battery life and is lightweight and very durable. The watch will easily pick up satellites basically anywhere outdoors, even up in the mountains on your trial runs.

Not only it is ideal for any runner, but also for anyone who competes in triathlons as well. The 310XT is waterproof up to 50 meters and can calculate your biking and swimming times, speed, mileage as well.

Run with the 310XT and it will map your run and maintain a history of all your previous stats, which makes it easy to mark your progress as you train for an upcoming race. If you are considering a GPS running watch, I suggest you go with the Garmin Forerunner 310XT. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

This watch is available at 26.2 Running Company starting at $349.99

Garmin Forerunner 610

Garmin Forerunner 610
Distance, Pace, Heart Rate, and more!
Garmin somehow keeps managing to improve upon their previous GPS watches. Anyone who has run with a Garmin knows that it is an extremely reliable and accurate GPS source for any kind of runner. The new 610 now has new and enhanced features, clearly making it the favorite in the Garmin lineup. Garmin is constantly improving upon the durability and accuracy of their already durable and accurate watches.

What`s new?
TOUCHSCREEN – Touch, tap or swipe for an easy to use, yet technologically advanced GPS watch. Stands up to rain, sweat, and some water; yet sensitive enough to operate with running gloves.
VIRTUAL RACER – On top of the famous Virtual Partner function that allows you to keep on goal pace, the Virtual Racer now allows you to Race your previous bests or an activity from another user. Accounts for varying speeds and real-time conditions.

TRAINING EFFECT –Train smarter with this effective training tool that categorizes heart rate into zones to help you to not over or under train.
VIBRATION ALERTS -Choose sound and/or vibration to notify you when you hit distance or time marks chosen by you.
CUSTOM WORKOUTS – Design your own custom interval and Fartlek workouts based on time, distance, pace, and heart rate.

Other Specs:
- Compatible with fitness equipment to easily track and store indoor workouts
- Compatible for Cyclists. Switch to MPH and Cadence
- Optional Auto Lap (mile splits) and Auto Pause (when you stop)
- Easily sync your workouts with your computer on Garmin Connect


COME PICK UP YOUR NEW GARMIN 610 GPS WATCH AT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS TODAY!

The Effects of Caffeine on Performance

In a 2008 study, cyclists were given protein bars either with or without caffeine, before and during a long, hard ride. The cyclists who were given the caffeine were able to ride farther and actually think faster in cognitive tests given after the ride (runnersworld.com). This could prove useful in endurance and adventure races, where added stamina and quick decision-making is key. An Australian study also shows that a semi-high dosage of caffeine (300 milligrams) increases speed in athletes during interval workouts. The stimulant seemed to enhance reaction time and running speed.
Many may have heard that caffeine causes dehydration. In actuality, it takes up to 550 milligrams of caffeine to really affect hydration levels. This is equivalent to 5 cups of coffee! A few studies have also shown a link between bone-mineral loss and caffeine—but a close look at the data reveals that caffeine itself doesn't cause the mineral loss. Many coffee lovers may drink it in place of beverages rich in calcium (such as milk), and as a result, decrease their intake of this bone-strengthening mineral. Caffeine also has recovery powers, too! Within four hours after a hard effort, caffeine has been shown to boost glycogen rebuilding by an amazing 66 percent, as compared to carbs alone.
To improve performance during a marathon or similarly hard effort, take caffeine tablets 60 to 90 minutes before the marathon at a dose of three milligrams per pound of your body weight. This has been shown to produce a lower perceived effort, which can really boost your confidence during the marathon.
There are nutritional products, such as GU Roctane gels, that now have added caffeine. Even with only 35 Mg of caffeine (a cup of coffee has about 100 Mg), Roctane has been reviewed as having an energy effect that is almost immediate. The caffeine serves as a small “kick” to the system, giving you more energy than carbs alone.
While caffeine has been shown to increase performance, caution should still be used. It is recommended that those at a high risk for heart disease should avoid loading up on caffeine before a run. Also, if your body isn’t already used to caffeine (if you’re not a coffee drinker), studies that find a connection between caffeine and performance aren’t meant to encourage you to start. If you want to introduce caffeine into your training, start off slowly with small doses, to make sure that your body reacts well to it. Never try it new on a race day, as the extra exertion plus the extra stimulation could be dangerous for your heart. All in all, caffeine can produce good results as a low-grade performance enhancer, but only in smaller doses and when used with caution.

(information from articles found on Runnersworld.com)

Nike GPS Watch

NIKE + SPORTWATCH GPS
Are you in need of a motivating running partner? Perhaps, even a partner that will track your distance run, heart rate, pace, and calories burned all while setting goals and encouraging you? Lucky for you, 26.2 can provide you with that perfect partner in the new Nike + SportWatch GPS.

Introduced in April of 2011, the Nike + SportWatch powered by TomTom GPS combines the accuracy of GPS with the shoe-based Nike+ sensor to track time, pace, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. Winner of two innovation awards at the Consumer Electronics Show in both the Health and Wellness and Personal Electronics categories, the Nike + SportWatch offers top of line technology to track and motivate runners worldwide.
IT’S ACCURATE!
• Different from other GPS watches, the Nike+ SportWatch GPS combines the accuracy of both a GPS and the shoe-based Nike+ sensor to track both indoor and outdoor runs.



IT’S MOTIVATING!
• Onscreen run reminders help you get out the door and special programming lets you know when you have reached personal records.

IT’S EASY TO USE!
• The large numbers and touch screen features make the Nike + SportWatch very user friendly!
• The wristband conceals a USB connector that you just flip open, plug into your PC and start logging every detail of your run.
• Your runs are chronicled by date, available for others to see, plotted against Google Maps, and your pace is overlaid in full color.


IT’S AFFORDABLE!
• 26.2 customers can purchase this watch and everything it has to offer for their running for a very affordable $199.99!

Roctane by GU Review

I recently participated in the Top of Utah Marathon, my third marathon. I have been running for years doing a “long run” every Saturday, these runs range anywhere from 13 to 21 miles long. So as you may have guessed I have experimented with plenty of energy gels. Due to the texture of gels I leaned more towards the chews that is until this marathon. Working at a running store I get to see all sorts of different products and hear how people feel about them. I had been curious about Roctane GU for some time and finally decided to gag it down and see what happened. I took a regular GU fifteen minutes before the start of the race and another regular

GU at mile 6. They did their job just fine but the real magic happened at mile 12 when I took my first ROCTANE. I went with the Pineapple because it was the only one without caffeine. By mile 14 I felt amazing! At mile 16 I started picking people off one by one, it felt pretty awesome!

At mile 18 I knew it was time for another GU, I picked threw my stash until I found another Roctane. My energy continued on. I think I actually started annoying people as I whizzed past them, usually by this point in the race I am tired and barely holding on but this one was different. I suppose I could have just been having a great running day but realistically I think it had to do with the Roctane.

I think this was my first race that I consumed enough calories to sustain my energy. I decided that GU Roctane gels work much better for me, I’m still not crazy about the consistency but I will just have to get past that. When I have used Chomps in the past I never ate enough of them, I would eat 1 maybe 2 on a good day. The serving size for Chomps is 4, NOT 1. With the gels I finished the pack and got the calories I needed. Plus, with the Roctane I got a lot of added nutrients.

This is what GU has to say about Roctane. “Roctane is GU to a higher power. It packs more of the stuff that makes GU so effective: more amino acids, more caffeine, more sodium, and more potassium. It even includes a new amino acid complex (OKG) that reduces muscle damage and speeds recovery.”

It has a blend of semi-essential and essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be manufactured in the body or are manufactured in insufficient amounts. For this reason they must be obtained from our food supply. Histidine is considered a semi-essential amino acid because of its rate of synthesis. It cannot be manufactured by the body at a rate that will support growth.

Histidine slows lactic acid build-up.

Leucine, Valine, and Isoleucine provide extra energy, reduce fatigue and aid in recovery.

Roctane has Citrates which speed the conversion of carbs into energy. It also has the amino acid Ornithine Apha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) which helps athletes go longer and it promotes speedy recovery, Roctane is the ONLY gel on the market that has OKG.

GU recommends that you use one Roctane 15 minutes before the race and then again every 45 minutes. I find it easier to go by miles because of the water stations. You always want to drink water (8-10 ounces) after having a GU to get the nutrients absorbed into your body faster and avoid gastrointestinal problems.

After my experience with Roctane I would highly recommend it to any athlete!!

By: Stephanie Anderson