A Fresh Start – Training like a Beginner

It’s a new training season and time to shake things up. Every year it feels like a new start but for me, this year is different. Here’s how and why.

Back in October I wrote about my DNFs at the Bighorn 100 and Leadville 100s . As an experienced ultra runner, I thought I understood what I had done wrong and how to fix my mistakes. I was seeing part of the picture, but not the big picture. I needed more time to step back, start training again, and really think about how I’ve been training and approaching races for the past 5 years.

That is the key phrase … I needed more time. As I’ve been training this winter I realized that I’ve been stuck in a rut. I’ve been lucky to have been able to train for, and finish so many races in the past 20 years but now I need a change. My poor performances in 2017 were not due to: ____________(fill in the blank:  a lack of training, bad weather, poor planning, dumb mistakes….) but are an accumulation of slow miles and stagnancy. DUH! So this year I’m training like I’m a beginner.

So what am I doing? I’m thinking like a newbie who has never run an ultra before and that means making big changes. Here are the steps I’m taking.

1.I bought a heart rate monitor.

When I first started running I used my Polar monitor religiously on every run. Once I started running trails and ultras, my heart rate seemed less important so I ditched it.

Now I realize I’m not a good judge about how hard I’m running and true recovery. I’ve gotten used to running tired and often underestimate how much recovery I need.

Using heart rate numbers, I can check my recovery and be sure I am pushing myself a little harder during workouts.  I’m using my heart rate to be sure I’m rested and to check that I’m not just slogging on every run.

2. I hired a coach.

Having an expert look at my training and give me advice about how to train takes away the guesswork. While I’ve been able to design my own training and finish races for years, I’ve gotten lazy. What worked in my 20s, 30s was okay but is not cutting it any more.

Choosing a coach who fits my personality and goals is vital so I opted for someone I know and trust. Many people want a big name professional but that’s just not my style. I went with my boot camp coach who had already been designing boot camp workouts specifically for me. She also has experience as an ultra runner and is a triple iron woman. (If you don’t know about double or triple ironman races, read about them here.)Her business is Peak Power Fitness.

3. I’m having my blood work analyzed.

Nutrition has always been a huge downfall. Starting in my teen years and into my 40s I have struggled with food issues and fluctuations in my weight. While now I have a healthier relationship with food, I know my diet is far from ideal, especially when I’m training. I tend to eat much healthier when I’m training but know I consume too much sugar and too little water. This is something I am committed to changing with small steps.

I researched a few different companies that do blood testing and wanted a basic analysis. While I can get my blood work done through my insurance, I found that the tests covered by my annual exam were minimal and not focused on my specific challenges as an endurance athlete. I did some research and chose to work with Blueprint for Athletes because of the simplicity and cost. Another program that offered some amazing nutritional coaching was through Inside Tracker.

4. I’m reading as much as I can about brain training.

I love to read and have a stack of motivational books by and about athletes. I’m rereading the books I have (The Ultra Mindset by Travis Macy, Find a Way by Diana Nyad, How Bad Do You Want it by Matt Fitzgerald… just to name a few) and picking up a few new reads.

While I’ve heard and read most of the studies before, having a fresh look at motivation and training is helping me reset my mindset for upcoming runs and races. Having a new perspective gives each idea and tip new weight.

So here’s to my fresh start. Kind of exciting to feel like a newbie.

Getting rid of the “buts” – My 2014 Leadville 100 goal

When I signed up to run my 10th Leadville 100 I wanted it to be different. I planned to run it in honor of my mom but I also wanted to run this race with gusto. I had read a blog post by a fellow ultrarunner, Walter Olson (There is Gold in them Hills, Managing the “buts”) that inspired me to set the bar higher and quit playing it safe. That’s when I decided I would try for a race PR or a finish around 24 hours.

Training up high on Eccles Pass

While this was an ambitious and scary goal, I knew with 3 critical changes in my training, it was possible. These are the 3 changes I made:

1) Focusing on higher quality nutrition. This meant whole foods with increased protein, fat and the addition of spirulina algae in the form of Energybits.

2) Working on core strength. In November I started doing a boot camp (similar to cross-fit) at Front Range Boot Camp. During the winter/spring months I’d go 2-4 times a week. During my heavy training cycle I cut back to 1-2 times a week.

I’ve noticed increased strength for climbing/descending, decreased back pain and hip fatigue even on my longest runs, sustained strength during races. I have to thank Jennifer Forker for getting me hooked on Boot Camp and Robyn Morrisette for training me!

3) Working to strengthen my weakness which meant taking more rest days, doing speed work (in the form of short races and tempo runs) and running FLAT miles.

I joined the Colorado Masters Running Club and for $30 (individual membership/$45 family membership)  can do a race a month. Since October I have not missed a race. Because the races are usually between 3-7 miles I do a 10 mile warm-up trail run, run the race and then do 3-10 miles afterwards.

The racing has changed my mindset and helped me focus on keeping a sustained pace at a high heart rate. It has also gotten me more socially involved in running and the running community. Something that has re-energized my love of running.

Fast forward to today, with just one month until race day … No more BUTs

(I’m putting this in writing and it scares me to even type it but here goes!)

 I feel stronger than I ever have (even when I was running in my 20s) and I am ready for the start gun to go off at 4AM on August 16! I plan to be back in Leadville at the finish by 4AM on August 17.

While I always have 3 time goals when I do a race (thanks to coach Glen McCarthy), this time my goals are a little different.

1. To finish the race (any time under 30 hours)

2. To have a PR and push myself during the final 40 miles (under 24 hours)

3. To have fun! (even if I don’t get a PR, I am going to have fun! )

Having fun training with my running buddies Ellen, Lisa and Sharon. Eccles Pass

Black Hills 100 2014 – Crewing and Pacing Report

If you don’t want to read the whole report, here’s the quick and dirty version of crewing/pacing Kurt at the Black Hills 100 2014 in two paragraphs.

This is a scenic but difficult course, made even more challenging because of the mud (that’s the dirty part). Kurt trained well doing lots of hill work and several self-supported 30-45 milers. Three things that kept him going: Spiz, Energybits and Rock tape. Three things that made the race more challenging: nausea of an unknown cause, too much caffeine and muddy trails torn up by ATVs(what one guy called aptly called “feces hill”). With sore feet and a sick stomach Kurt was incredibly tough and made it to the finish line in 30:34.

If you are going to an ultra to crew or pace someone, here are a few tips. Meet as many people as you can, it makes the race more memorable. Being a bossy pacer is a necessary evil to get your runner to the finish. Keep note of as much as you can because more than likely your runner won’t remember it all. No matter how tired you or your runner is, take LOTS of finish line pictures.

When you read race reports most are written from the viewpoint of the runner, which is one part of the race story. But while the runners are toiling on the course, the crews and pacers are experiencing a different part of the race. The planning, driving, waiting, worrying and mad dash when the runner finally arrives is a whole different experience.

While I have crewed and paced for several ultras, this was the first time I was “head honcho” crew person and pacer, the one in charge of all the details. For the first half I’d be crewing with Kurt’s daughter, Jenice and parents Ken and Nancy. For the second half I’d be pacing while they crewed us only at the final two aid stations. Although the overall outcome was a success there is much room for improvement.

Kurt’s leg after just 5 minutes checking out the trail.

We were fortunate to arrive in Sturgis, South Dakota two days before the race. This gave us time to scout out the course, worry about the endless pouring rain and flood warnings, wander around the town, and relax before the mad stress of the race began. Scouting the course and aid stations was a huge benefit because it gave me confidence finding each station and we discovered Kurt was highly allergic to the weeds and grasses that lined the trails.

Crew tip #1 Always double check race schedule, no matter what the runner says.

I failed to do this for the pre-race meeting and we arrived just as the meeting was ending. Luckily the race director was still available and he gave us the 5 minute run down on the important points of the meeting, basically the course is muddy (a true understatement), the stream crossings are deep (also an understatement) and don’t go down a trail that is marked with a red “W”.

In the grand scheme of the race, missing the meeting wasn’t a big deal but it definitely added to Kurt’s stress level. We all tried to reassure him that he had all the information he needed. I’m not sure he bought it but he tried to let it go.

At 2AM, 3AM and 4AM we awoke to the sound of rain pouring off the hotel roof. So much for Kurt’s heat training…I was thinking, anyone who cross-trained by swimming would be in good shape. Kurt did all his pre-race preparations, and we headed to check in. At the start the rain started to let up! We chatted with other runners (Ed, Julia and Cat). In addition to the 100 mile race there was also a 100k, 50m and bike race going on simultaneously.

Kurt with his amazing family crew – Jenice, Nancy, Ken

Kurt and Jenice at the start

Like most of the runners, Kurt was nervous and just wanted to run but he let us take a few pictures before lining up. Finally, the race started and all the runners and crews scattered.

From a crewing standpoint, this race is extremely easy (not so much from a running standpoint, but more on that later) and scenic.

Because Kurt had done so many self-supported long runs he didn’t need us to meet him at the 5 miles, giving us 3 hours to wait. I discovered that when you are running, 3 hours flies by. When you are waiting to meet your runner, 3 hours seems endless. With cars packed with all Kurt’s clothing and supplies and enough snacks and food for our day, we headed out to mile 17 Elk Creek.

Other crews informed us that only a handful of runners had come through, only one of them being a 100 miler. Jenice and Kurt’s mom, Nancy and I were all nervous, pacing around by the aid station. Ken, Kurt’s dad headed across the road to find a good spot to take pictures as Kurt came down the trail. Each runner who emerged from the trail was covered in mud up to the knees. Ed Thomas came through in 4^th place and looking fresh and happy. It was good to have the distraction of helping him and meeting his crew.

Kurt arrived looking cheerful but said his stomach felt a “little off”. He’d eaten a little but mainly wanted Spiz, coke and potato chips. He also took some Energybits. He said the mud was taxing the legs but overall everything seemed to be going well. The next section had the stream crossings and one remote aid station. Relieved that things were rolling along well, we were off to mile 29, Dalton Lake.

Kurt stretching at Dalton Lake

At Dalton Lake we had a lot of time to meet other crews and find out about their runners. It seemed there were a lot of runners from Colorado and Minnesota and everybody was extremely friendly. The crowds had thinned a little because the 50 milers had already turned around. Occasionally a mud-caked biker would emerge from the trail, looking as if he’d swum rather than ridden through the muck.

We’d timed Kurt’s pace into Elk Creek and estimated when he’d arrive. As the time approached, the clouds moved in and it started to pour again. Jenice, Nancy and I ducked into the car while Ken braved the rain, not wanting to miss a picture opportunity. As if on cue, the rain stopped, Kurt arrived and the frenzy began.

Of all of us, I’d say Kurt was the most calm and focused. Using Rock Tape, he taped his knees to stabilize them in the muddy sections, refilled his Spiz and water, ate some chips, drank more coke and left smiling. We’d see him again in 7 miles.

The next aid station, Nemo was a guest ranch complete with a general store, outhouses and horses. Kurt was keeping a steady pace and arrived on schedule. As he ran down the paved road toward us, I ran out to meet him. Without warning he grabbed me and gave me a big hug, saying he was glad to see me. Not expecting this show of emotion, initially I was worried that something was wrong but thankfully not. Because ultras are so physically taxing, they seem to bring your emotions to the surface without the ability to filter them effectively.

Because so much mud had caked on his shoes Kurt decided to change shoes. He continued to take coke, Spiz, Energybits and a little chicken with stars soup.

50 miles down!

Not much changed at the next two aid stations, Pilot Knob and the 50 mile turnaround at Silver City. The rain seemed to be chasing us but strangely would dissipate every time Kurt arrived. His pace didn’t vary even though he wasn’t eating much. He was drinking a bottle of Spiz (about 300 calories) every 5-7 miles and still taking in Energybits and water. He also picked up his poles for the return trip.

At Silver City the wind gusts were so strong that they blew the aid station canopy almost into our car. With the aid station moved indoors, we could crew Kurt inside, keeping him dry while he taped his legs, ate some chicken soup, coke and chips. Unfortunately as we headed back to the trail Kurt donated his food to a nearby tree, later joking, “I think the tree needed it more than I did. I’m doing my part to help the environment.”

With the sun still shining and 12 hours into the race we headed out . We exchanged stories about the 50 previous miles. Even after “tossing his cookies”, Kurt was in good spirits. He filmed on the Gopro, posed for selfies, cursed a little at the steep hills. I was happy for the hills because honestly with the pace Kurt had kept for the first 50 miles I was worried whether I could keep up with him for the remainder of the race. I didn’t tell Kurt my worries but had told Jenice my concern. 

In this stretch we started to see other runners heading to the turnaround and this made the miles go quickly. As crews and runners do, we had given each runner a nickname. We saw Colorado Katie (the leading female), Annette from Minnesota (the 2^nd female), Fort Collins Cat, Umstead Rhonda, who we high-fived as we passed.

Back at Pilot Knob (57.5 miles) Kurt joked with the aid station volunteers as he tried to eat some watermelon and broth. I tried to push the quesadillas and grilled cheese but he wasn’t biting. He was still drinking a bottle of Spiz before every aid station and peeing every 90 or so minutes but his temperature was fluctuating quickly even as we ran.

Once it was dark the threat of rain disappeared. The multitude of stars indicating a cloudless night made me blissful for more than one reason. Armed with headlamps and glow necklaces we trotted on.

Selfie on the way to Pilot Knob

Our pace had slowed significantly from what Kurt had been running during the day and I fretted a little about letting Jenice, Nancy and Ken know about our progress. We didn’t have cell service and the race officials weren’t doing much tracking of runners. We had left the crew at 50 miles and weren’t going to see them again until mile 83. Our plan was to use drop bags and carry enough supplies to let them drive to town and sleep. Being a meticulous crew person, Jenice had been calculating Kurt’s splits for each section and anticipated we would arrive at mile 82 in 6-7 hours. What I neglected to tell her was that night-time running after 50 miles can be much, much, much slower. I think I was optimistic that Kurt would not slow during the night.

Crew tip #2 Warn anyone new to crewing for a 100-miler that a runner’s pace during the night can drop off 2-10 minutes/mile during the night. This is not necessarily a cause for concern and is very NORMAL . You still should arrive at aid stations early but be prepared for LONG waits.

Approaching Nemo I texted Jenice our pace and time, uploaded pictures to FaceBook and asked Kurt what he needed. Standing at the aid station shivering he tried some more broth and coke, asked about other runners, ate a little watermelon and chips and we were off.

The next stretches through the night were rough. We passed a few runners but the lack of real food was starting to take a toll on Kurt. He was consistently drinking coke, Spiz and Energybits but was avoiding many of the solid foods like bacon and olives that had trained with. He was still nauseous and occasionally still throwing up, sometimes to the point of having to kneel on the side of the trail. His body temperature was still off and so as we approached each aid station I’d tell him to put on his jacket and long sleeved shirt so he didn’t waste energy freezing as he ate and refilled his pack. I’d remix his Spiz, get him some potato chips and try to get him to eat anything.

At one point I was a few steps ahead of and as I turned back to check on him, he stumbled and weaved like a drunken, crazy, old man. I grabbed his elbow and led him along, panicked that I needed to get him to wake up. As I later told Kurt, I had a glimpse of what Kurt would look like as an old man, hobbling along with a cane. (I will admit it was kind of cute, even under the bizarre circumstances.) I got him to eat one gel candy and put his ipod on. This seemed to do the trick. As his music played, Kurt started to run and wake up. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Sunrise on the trail

After his 3^rd or 4^th extended bathroom break it dawned on me that Kurt’s problem might have been too much caffeine. When we got to the remote aid station I recommended he skip the coke and try ginger ale or a clear soda so he could get the sugar but not any caffeine. He complied and after this switch he thankfully stopped throwing up.

As the sky started lightening our spirits lifted. Once his stomach stopped rebelling I knew Kurt would make it to the finish. With enough time ahead of the cutoffs, his legs and feet functioning well and daylight approaching the one big obstacle was getting through the stream crossings and to the next aid station without Kurt’s body temperature plummeting.

Not just worried about Kurt, I was concerned how my body would react to the cold and had been dreading this section all night. I was more than thankful we didn’t have to cross in the dark.

The approach to the streams was incredibly beautiful. We were surrounded by lush greenery filled with birds welcoming the morning with song. We paralleled the water for about a mile before a crossing marked by a thin rope emerged. Kurt had the foresight to put on all his warm clothing plunging into the first hip-deep stream.

Honestly, at the first crossing I had flashbacks to my first Leadville 100 where my feet were swept up from under me and only my death grip on the rope and the help of a search and rescue guy kept me from floating downstream. With a mixture of fear and fatigue I choked back some tears in the back of my throat. I was so glad Kurt didn’t realize how shaken I was. I took a solid step and carefully planted my feet, focusing on the bank ahead rather than the rushing water pushing my feet aside.

Kurt at stream crossing #1

Once across we walked in ankle deep water to the next few crossings. Once our feet were submerged the cold sensation disappeared. At the 4^th crossing I was grateful I’d put my ipod up around my neck because I lost my footing and fell in! Since I was mostly wet and we were almost through all the streams it was comical. It made the 5^th and deepest crossing seem less daunting. Trying to warm up and thinking about the joy of seeing the crew, Kurt and I motored on. I could tell he was on the brink of being cold, a dangerous place to be with 20 miles ahead of us.

Dry clothing after crossing the streams

We both were thrilled to climb the hill to the aid station. We were greeted by hoots and hollers, hot broth and dry clothing. Kurt’s family had been waiting for over 4 hours but were still smiling and cheerful. While Jenice helped Kurt refuel, dry off, change clothing and warm up, Nancy help create a makeshift changing room so I could also change. If Nancy was worried about Kurt’s state, she hid it well. I told her he’d had a hard time eating but was going to make it to the finish. We were told that only 17 of the 77 runners had already come through this aid station.

Even though the sun was up we left with warm hats, long sleeves and jackets on, still chilled from the river crossing. Even as we climbed we were cold. At the remote 90 mile aid station Kurt scared me. Completely exhausted and low on fuel he started to cry and shiver. I hugged him and reassured him he had this race. We had plenty of time to get to the finish and he was moving well. I encouraged him to drink some water, take some Energybits, drink some Spiz and keep moving. The aid station volunteer was encouraging and told us it had been a rough night for everyone. She offered Kurt more water and a blanket. He drank the water but I made him get up to go.

Approaching mile 95, heading for that finish line!

Because Kurt had been so far ahead of the cutoffs I hadn’t paid attention to any of the cutoff times. At this station, I asked about the time. I started to calculate our pace and cutoff times and because my watch had died a few miles back asked Kurt for his watch so I could keep track of our pace. I figured if we could maintain a 20 minute/mile pace we would still have time to spare. Kurt was easily keeping a 15 minute/mile pace even when he walked or stopped to stretch.

When we saw the crew again at 95 miles the sun was fully up and Kurt was running again but still looked really rough. I warned him that we were approaching the aid station and gave him specific directions to look good (for the sake of his family), keep moving (so he wouldn’t start shivering) and I’d get everything he needed and catch up. I mixed his Spiz, filled my pack, grabbed some chips and ran back to the trail. The volunteer had noticed Kurt stumbling and swaying and told me, “Keep an eye on him.” Jenice and his parents knew he was struggling but knew how tough he was and that he’d make it the final 5 miles.

The last 5 miles made us laugh. Not because they were scenic but because the hills were crazy! The fact that Kurt could make fun of the hills was such a great sign. He’d gotten an energy surge knowing that he was going to make it! We’d look up the hill, see a trail marker and just laugh… We’d look down the hill, see a trail marker and I’d ask, “Don’t you remember this?” Kurt claimed it was too muddy outbound for him to even notice how steep it was. It was a good sign he could laugh about the hills, even after 97 miles and exhausted quads.

When we finally hit the last mile on a concrete bike path both of us started to get emotional. Kurt ran the final ½ mile onto the grass of the infield and across the finish line! He had made it, 101 miles in 30 hours 35 minutes! I was so incredibly proud of him and all he had done to make it across thie finish line.

The home stretch!

Out of 77 starters only 32 finished (42% finisher rate) and Kurt was the 22nd overall finisher. 

I feel lucky to have been a part of Kurt’s race, both as a crew person and a pacer. Even just running the final 50 miles I’d say this course is 4 times harder than Leadville and maybe the equivalent of Bighorn. I’m impressed with Kurt’s toughness to keep going with sore feet and upset stomach. The final 40 miles were difficult but he never complained.

Pros: the scenery, soft trail, easy crew access, frequent aid stations, size of the race, well-marked trail

Kurt sporting his race shirt and Finisher’s buckle

Cons: ATVs on the course, weather – either hot or rainy and muddy make this run difficult, lack of variety of foods at aid stations, lack of experience of volunteers at aid stations, lack of communication between aid stations (which all could be safety issues for runners)  

Watch for Kurt’s GoPro footage of the first half of  the race. The mud, water crossings and entertaining narration will give a much better spin on the course.

You ran 101 miles, you can lie here as LONG as you like!

What I learned from the Dirty 30/Race Report

When I became a trail convert, from running marathons to ultras my focus switched from racing to sightseeing. With marathons it was about PRs, running faster, and time, time, time while ultras were about the scenery, conversation and finishing no matter how long it took.

The Dirty 30Trail Race was an experiment to pinpoint strengths and holes in my Leadville 100 training and to see if I could race on the trails.

At the start with Kurt Hardester and Jen Coker

Here’s what I learned:

1. I love technical trails, steep climbs and rock scrambling. The Dirty 30 course has some steep technical ups and downs and these were the sections that I savored.

2. I need to train A LOT more on smooth, flat and rolling trails. In the race every time I  hit these sections people I passed on the technical portions would fly by me. Because Leadville has a lot of runnable miles, I know I can’t ignore running flat miles (ugh!).

3. Racing for me is relative term. My finish time was not fast but I was pleased that I had run hard the entire race but also took a photos, made a few friends and felt strong the entire time.

4. Lightning and thunder are great motivators. At the end of the race there was a steep climb to the top of Windy Peak. I cruised up and down this section because the the idea of being caught anywhere near the summit with a storm approaching overrode any fatigue my legs felt.

5. When in doubt, stick to the Boy Scout motto “Always be prepared.” I’ve often been compared to a pack mule due to the amount of stuff I carry on a run. Racing is no different. I carried my Ultimate Direction Wink Pack and 100 oz bladder (thankfully not full), food to feed at least 5 runners and enough extra clothing for a serious storm.  I didn’t use most of it but it felt like my security blanket. I stayed well hydrated, could fuel on the trail and felt comfortable that I’d be able to finish in any kind of weather.

6. Nutrition counts. This race solidified my fueling plan for Leadville. I’ve been consistently fueling with water, Energybits, Fuel 100 Electro-bites, bacon, trail mix (mostly pecans, walnuts, dried blueberries and cherries), potato chips, nut butters, olives and a drink mixture of One coconut water with salt, agave, and either coffee or ginger water. With the heat and harder effort I had steady energy levels and quick recovery times. I found the one thing I need to add is some simple sugar once in awhile.

7. What you wear counts. Normally I avoid running in the heat but in a race situation you don’t have control over weather conditions. I found wearing a breathable InknBurn singlet tank  kept me cool while also protecting my back from any chafing from my pack. As an added precaution I used Squeaky Cheeks powder for areas salt typically builds up. What I discovered about the Squeaky Cheeks is that even after hours, if the powder is on your body and you add water, it almost relubricates spots. I used to use a goopy gel to prevent chafing but have found the powder more effective with a better scent. (Free samples available here or – see my twitter feed).

8. Don’t wear the timing chip ON your ankle bone. The sorest spot on my body is my bruised ankle from the timing chip. How silly is that?

Race Report

I loved this race! I can’t say enough good things about the Dirty 30. Here are some reasons I’d recommend this race.

1. The course – The views from every part of this course are stunning. You run through fields and forests, over roaring creeks, up rocky outcroppings and even summit Windy Peak. The course has a little bit of everything so you never get bored.

2. The shirts and post-race drawing – I heard some people saying the $90 entry fee was too much but with a quality race shirt (and women’s cut too), beer glass, shuttles to the start and finish, well-stocked aid stations and amazing prize drawings I definitely got my money’s worth. There were so many prizes, I’d guess 80% of the folks who stuck around til the end won something.

3. The volunteers – Every volunteer I met was extremely helpful. I don’t know if Megan, or if the aid station captains train the volunteers but they seemed to go out of their way to make sure the runners were well accommodated.

4. The people – It was exciting to see the elites running the race but even more of a treat to see long-time ultra runners and friends at the race. The male and female winners stayed to the very end of the festivities. The post-race party encouraged runners to stick around.

Thank you Megan for a fantastic experience! I’ll be back to run again or volunteer.

Link to Dirty 30 2014 Race Results

Leadville 100 Training with Magic Green “Pills”

I am a supplement skeptic. I don’t like pills and am reluctant to take any, including ibuprofen and vitamins. I’ve always been a fan of eating whole foods to get all the nutrition my body needs, even for running ultras.

When I found out about ENERGYbits® I requested a sample, not really knowing a lot about what they were or if they’d help with my training. When they arrived, with a lot of informational literature, I became more intrigued.

I found out ENERGYbits® are made of one ingredient: spirulina algae. They are high in protein and contain over 4o nutrients(including beta carotene, iron, zinc, magnesium, chlorophyll, antioxidants, and an essential fatty acid called GLA that behaves like Omega 3…) and are rich in B vitamins and electrolytes. They contain no sugar, no caffeine, no chemicals, no gluten, no soy, fillers or anything artificial.  

Real food for fuel

They are a whole food, packaged to look like a little green “pill” so they are easy to swallow and digest quickly. You can eat them but since they smell like fish food I haven’t tried this. I’ll take it on good authority that they don’t taste like candy (or even a handful of peas).

I started adding ENERGYbits® slowly to my training regimen. First just 8 before a long run and then 8 afterwards. The bag recommends a serving size of 20 Bits but I wanted to see if I saw results and how my stomach reacted. I didn’t have any stomach distress and found my legs were feeling pretty peppy. After a few runs in addition to taking 10 before and 10 after each run, I started taking 8-10 about 2 hours into my long runs.

What I’ve found over the past month is that I’m feeling stronger and recovering faster. This month I’ve logged an average of 56 miles a week with a total of 42,000 feet of elevation gain. While I’d like to attribute my strength to just my awesome running and cross-training, I know better. I’ve spent the past 3 years training hard and still feeling tired and unable to recover fully. For the first time in a long time I’m able to push my legs harder and faster and still recover in a day or two.

While I can’t prove ENERGYbits® is the sole reason for my positive results, I have seen other side effects directly related to what I consider these magic green “pills.” The first one relates only to women (sorry guys) but was the biggest selling point for me.

I found Bits eliminate cramps. When severe cramps kept me in bed for a few hours each month, I tried some ENERGYbits® as a test. Within 30 minutes my pain was gone. Unsure if it was just a coincidence, the next month I tried it again and had the same results. Now that I’m taking ENERGYbits® regularly I’ve found I don’t experience cramps at all. I also gave a sample to my intern who has had terrible cramps for years and never found a product to relieve the pain. She had the same positive results I did.

The second benefit of Bits is that they increase my energy and reduce my hunger. Around 3:30 I used to experience lethargy and food cravings. Taking 8-10 ENERGYbits® boosted my afternoon focus and reduced my snacking tendencies.

I’ll keep taking my ENERGYbits® throughout my Leadville 100 training and beyond. While some of my nutritional choices are geared specifically for my training season, this is one that goes beyond running nutrition.

And while I know nutrition for every runner is individualized and there are thousands of products aimed at improving performance and recovery I encourage friends to try them and see what they think.

If you are interested in trying some, let me know, I’ll send you a sample and if you want to order you can get 30% off your order with the code RUNLAURIERUN.