Red Devil's Refueling Revolution: From Bonking to Blazing Trails!

Bonking sucks!

Listen up, runners! This Red Devil used to be a "calories saved are calories earned" kind of athlete. Yeah, you heard that right. Half marathons? No fuel, all willpower. Big mistake.

Let's just say, my "willpower" strategy resulted in some serious bonking. Not a pretty sight, and definitely not a recipe for personal bests. Thankfully, those days are behind me. Now, I'm all about fueling my runs, and guess what? The results have been scorching hot! 

Experimenting with Fuel: 

So, what's this Red Devil been putting in her furnace lately? Here's the lowdown on my current fueling favorites:

• Applesauce Packets: These are a godsend for my sometimes-sensitive stomach. Easy to digest, clean energy, and they taste ok at warmer temps. Bonus points for being mess-free! But...they can be a bit bulky and carrying more than one of these on a long run is difficult.
• Clif Bar Minis: These mini granola bars provide sustained energy, perfect for pre-runs and long hauls. The downside? Chewing them takes time, so plan your mid-run meals accordingly. Some may find these "too heavy" for a mid-run snack but I love them on slow long runs and even during races. They get a little warm and gooey and are a nice distraction/change from everything else going on.
• Swedish Fish (and Other Vegan Candy): Don't judge! A little sugar rush can go a long way during a run. Plus, there are tons of delicious vegan candy options out there. Find what works for you and keep those taste buds happy. I also find this very helpful to just have one or two in my mouth during runs to prevent dry mouth.
• LiquidIV: Hydration is crucial, and LiquidIV is my go-to for replenishing electrolytes and adding a flavor punch. I used to be terrible at taking in electrolytes because I didn't want to waste the calories. Now I know it makes a huge difference in performance so I don't skimp! I love the Pineapple Yuzu for a caffeine kick pre-race (or just early mornings). Other faves include seaberry, green apple, passionfruit, and the sugar-free peach. 

Fueling Every Run: A Devilish Revelation

Here's the real game-changer: frequency. I used to think fueling was just about the pre-run meal and maybe a desperate gel after 90 minutes. Now, I'm aiming to take in something every 5K (roughly 30-40 minutes). This might seem like a lot, but trust me, the difference is incredible. It can take a while to get used to this so start experimenting with it now.

The Takeaway:

Listen to your body, experiment, and find what fuels your fire! Check out some of my faves here. 

Don't be a stubborn Red Devil like I was. Fuel your runs, embrace the power of a little sugar rush, and watch your performance soar!

What are your favorite on-the-go fuel sources? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below! Remember, a fueled runner is a happy runner (and a much faster one!).