Yesterday, as I talked to my neurologist, I was surprised to get the ok to try the energy gels for long runs and/or races, as I told him I’m still running and have started to run longer races. I knew of these energy gels but never looked into them because I just assumed he wouldn’t approve. 

These have a high concentration of easily digestible carbohydrates to give you energy. These shouldn’t be used just for an energy boost during the day but they are good for runners because they are absorbed quickly and give you the burst of energy needed to complete the race or practice. 

As I learn more about running I see the importance of proper nutrition. I thought this was only what you eat before and after a race, but it’s a lot more than that. Eating oatmeal for breakfast before a race in the morning, or pasta for lunch before a race in the afternoon help a lot, but it’s not enough. 

Running boosts your energy production and changes your metabolism. You will burn more calories than you consume. 

I didn’t think about this, until I started feeling light headed at work in the afternoons for a few days. I had no idea what it was because nothing had changed during my daily routine. I felt better after eating a chocolate, but I knew there was something more. 

After asking other runners, talking to my coach and reading about a runner’s diet, I learned that every meal is important, not just the ones before and after a race. 

Runners need a lot of carbohydrates for endurance. I learned that running uses glucose (the form of sugar that circulates the bloodstream) and stores of glycogen (sugar stored in the liver and muscles). Glycogen acts as the prime fuel for endurance exercise. 

Vitamins and minerals are also very important. Women need both calcium and Vitamin D for bone health. Iron deficiency can also affect your performance. We can have Iron deficiency during menstruation, which can decrease our hemoglobin. 

I was also told that it’s best to eat a full meal 2 to 3 hours before running. If you eat more than three or four hours before, it’s good to eat a carbohydrate snack half an hour before running to make sure you have enough glucose stored. 

I should eat more fruit, vegetables, eggs, tuna, salmon, yogurt, almonds, beans, raisins, and berries. The list is longer, those are just the beginning. 

Just like I need to keep practicing, I need to keep improving my diet and hopefully this will help me get ready to run a 10 mile race in August. 

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Published by mariacristinasanfeliu

I’m an aspiring writer still looking for exactly what I want to write about, with a lot of creativity, imagination and desire to write. I studied Writing and Rhetoric at Syracuse University where I explored many different sides of writing through my classes and extracurricular activities in order to narrow my search for an identity as a writer. I have written for Citrus TV Noticias and La Voz magazine, both of which gave me the chance to explore different mediums in which to write in. Through Citrus TV Noticias I also gained experience in translating from English to Spanish and vice versa, which is also something that I would be interested in working on since I am fluent in both of these languages. I was also an intern at Syracuse University Press where I got hands on experience in what goes into actually editing and publishing a book. Through out the last four years I have faced a lot of challenges, which helped chape the person I am today. After being in a tragic car accident, being in comma, having a Traumatic Brain Injury, and being in therapy for over a year, I am a new me, willing to face challenges and knowing how to deal with them. I want to write about my accident and life after it to help others, show them it can be done and help in any way I can.

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