I hardly ever rant, but....

start rant---- (this won't take long, trust me!) Since I took over as the coordinator of the Spring Sprint here in Winnipeg....I have had many people say they would like to help out with the event. GREAT, I thought....but when I followed up on all the offers many, damn near all who said they would help suddenly have "things" they have to do! I can understand that people have things come up and some just don't want to spend 2- 3 hours doing charity work...I get that. BUT, don't jump up and say you'll help out with something then later when the rubber hits the road, back out without so much of an explanation other than...."I hope you understand"! I understand, if you don't want to spend 2 - 3 hours helping someone out, DON'T SAY THAT YOU WILL!!!! It's easier on everyone if you are truthful from the start. ----end rant. 


On a happier note....

I think I will share with the world my energy mixture that I've been working on. I had been having trouble digesting and holding fluids in my stomach during long runs and rides. I decided to get away from using the old standbys of Gatorade and GU gels. I stumbled upon a new health food/supplement store here in the South end by the of Keebo Sports Supplements. I struck up a conversation with the owner. He was very helpful and really knew his stuff! I was very impressed with that because more often than not you speak to people in these places and they are seriously clueless! I explained to him what I did for training and what I was looking for. He suggested right away a mixture of Waxy Maize and Xtend. Waxy Maize is a complex carbohydrate derived from corn starch. It is easily digestible and creates a long energy burn. It is touted as having the ability to "by pass" the stomach and go right into your blood....although if you do any amount of research on it you will find these claims to be over blown! What it does do is absorb at about the same rate as dextrose or maltose but it will stay with you longer. Essentially you will not feel any sugar crashes after you use it. The U.S. military has done numerous studies regarding the benefits of waxy maize and nutrition in their soldiers. University studies also indicate that waxy maize is a good choice for endurance athletes. The Xtend is a recovery mix that is comprised of a 2:1:1 ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine), Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and Vitamin B6. The theory is that while exerting yourself the body breaks down muscle tissue. The body will then produce these 3 branched chain AA's so logically if you ingest these AA's while you are in the process of or immediately after your work out the body will recover more efficiently. Essentially this is jargon for "it helps to repair muscles!" It helps you train hard(er) and it helps speed your natural recovery process. Cutting edge stuff!

   
I have to admit the texture of this cocktail is not what you would call normal! It tastes good but the texture is startchy!! It makes your water rather silky and it you let it sit for any amount of time it will settle on the bottom. (this isn't an issue because it gets bumped around on the fuel belt and bike allot.) I don't know that this mix would work for everyone (my wife says EEEWWW, that stuff is gross!) But, once you feel the energy it gives you on extended runs/rides it's hard to argue with it. I also like the fact that it's sugar free!

Well, that's one of my training secrets.

Thanks for stopping by.