We’re exactly 1 month away from the races of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. The Half Marathon would have started by now, as well as the 8K (that I'll be attempting to run at a much faster pace than last year – but I still won't call it racing. That'll be 2025). And while you're probably expecting me to talk about footwear, which I will at a later date, I'd like to break down our regularly scheduled Race Checklist into smaller portions for easier consumption (in the industry, we call this foreshadowing).
There are plenty of fueling options that we carry at Philadelphia Runner. Everyone's body is different, and consumption patterns vary, so I will not pretend to offer you a non–expert opinion about who, what, when, where, why, and/or how to incorporate nutrition/fuel into your training and racing programs. I can, however, provide you with an expert personal experience on a few of our offerings.
NOTE 1: We're chatting about this early, so if you do decide to add to or experiment with your nutrition/fuel program, you have a full month to sort things out.
NOTE 2: Please read all labels when shopping for fuel and nutrition options. Some have caffeine, contain gluten, dairy, etcetera. If you're unsure with any of our selection at Philadelphia Runner, drop us a line or ask any of our staff in store (locations below)!
Gu – when I first started running, 13 short years ago, I feel as if I only knew about Gu. I wanted fuel, I needed fuel, I used Gu. I actually ran faster back then, so..... Also, BIG fan of the Stroopwafel, which is basically energy as a breakfast treat. My gastro situation – let's just say I can get nauseous by simply thinking about nausea. I find the solid energy options a bit easier on my stomach.
Huma – one of my coworkers was HYPED last week about the new Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor. Huma is gluten and dairy free as well as vegan–friendly. I'll be trying this new flavor before this weekend's run.
Maurten – super popular in the long distance and endurance arenas. I wanted to use it initially because of Eliud Kipchoge. And it seemed as if all of my faster–than–most running counterparts were Maurten subscribers. Then.....someone told me at Philadelphia Runner (before I joined the staff haha) that it's one of the easiest fuels on the stomach (see above). Maurten is one of my go–to’s and I've never had a problem with digesting or physically processing at any part of the training/racing cycle. My nerves are typically too shot for anything but water pre–race.....water and Maurten. I prefer the drink mix – 160 (40 grams of carbohydrates per 500 ml serving) or 320 (80 grams of carbohydrates per 500 ml serving), depending on the activity and the amount of carbs I need. There are also gel and solid options. Solid sounds good.....I'm adding one of each to the shopping cart.
Nuun – I typically think "hydration only" when it comes to Nuun, but what better way to fuel your body then combining two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom (water). Then, drop in a Nuun tablet, wait 10–15 minutes, and voila! Furthermore.....the flavors are delicious. There are caffeinated options that I substitute for coffee some days. I'm also a huge proponent of the Vitamins and Immunity formulas when I'm under the weather. Like now.....as I type.....because it was 40 degrees one day, then seemingly an hour later it was 85. But like the aforementioned footwear, I'll talk about that later.
Tailwind – extremely (popular) on the ultrarunning scene, but also great for shorter distances AND recovery. The Rebuild Recovery Chocolate is ELITE. Just saying.
Continue your online experience with us for any of your running and racing needs. If you're concerned about shipping leading up to any upcoming races.....purchase online, select in–store pickup, and come visit!
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