[solarpowered]

I have been using a gatorade/water mix for hydration on my longer runs, both in races and in training. I've noticed that when I get to mile 18ish, I generally don't want anymore gatorade in me. Blech. Even with it mixed with water, I feel like I just can't drink anymore gatorade.<br><br>
So I've been trying these <a href="http://www.enlytenstrips.com" target="_blank">Enlyten Strips</a> to see how they compare.<br><br>
While they are a little more work than sipping from the bottle, I've felt like the electrolytes/sodium in them are working, and drinking plain water has been easier over the long haul. I'll still use a gel for fuel, taking the timing of that into consideration with the timing of the strips...<br><br>
SO, has anyone else tried them? Success? Too much trouble? What do you think?

 

[solarpowered]

bump<br><br>
just 'cause some people are talking about it in the 30's fitness thread... I've used them now on 16, 17 and 20 mile runs, and I am liking them... am I the only one using them?

 

[Buxtehude]

I haven't tried these yet, but thanks for the link.<br><br>
I wonder it they're in stores yet. I have dial up internet, so the website is a tad slow in loading the pages. Boo!<br><br>
You may be the only person using them at this point!

 

[solarpowered]

<b>Bux</b> - I used these again today on my 20+ miler, and I am hooked. I can get them at my LRS, so you may be able to find them at yours... good luck! Let me know if you try them!

 

[Nettie]

I'm going to give these a try. This is the first I've heard of them!

 

[runningINnyc]

I'm so glad they've worked out for you. I'll definitely be using them in my longer runs once I get my mileage back up there. Thanks for the reviews!

 

[Hippo]

Do you know how much sodium per strip? I know I typically need up to 1 gm sodium per hour and I wonder if any reasonable amount of strips can really hold that. I looked all over their website and couldn't see any info on the actual contents of a strip.

 

[solarpowered]

<b>Hippo -</b> I'll post the numbers when I get home and look at the package. I'll tell you this -- the serving size is waaaayyy more than what I've been using, but I guess it's always a matter of figuring out what works for you... I'm still in that phase, but I've been doing well with them AND, I don't have that icky gatorade stomach anymore... I'll repost from home<br><br><b>Maria</b> - Is your sister using them? I'm using the grape, but my friend uses the orange -- reminds him of a creamsicle... <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[runningINnyc]

Sis is working out some issues with her back right now and not running the kind of mileage that necessitates replenishment during a run but she's a huge fan. We've got us some finicky stomaches and this seems like a good solution.

 

[solarpowered]

info from the packaging:<br><br><b>serving size 6 strips</b> <i>(I never take more than 2 at a time)</i><br><br><b>Calories 0</b><br><b>Calories from Fat 0</b><br><b>Sodium 80 mg 4% DV</b><br><b>Potassium 22 mg 1% DV</b><br><b>Total Carbohydrate 0g</b><br><b>Dietary Fiber 0g</b><br><b>Sugars 0g</b><br><br><b>Directions: For best results, place strips inside mouth between cheek and gum (buccal region) and on tongue. Take 6 strips before activity to pre-load, 6 strips during, and 6 strips immediately following activity to maintain electrolyte balance.</b><br><br>
I usually take 2 before I start, and then 1-2 every 45 mins or so (sometimes closer to 30 mins, sometimes I skip if I'm taking a gel...). I have taken 2 after a long run if I only have water, but often I'll drink some gatorade after the run, so I'll skip the strips if I do that... I haven't used the strips on anything shorter than a 15-16 mile run.

 

[bhearn]

I've used these in a few marathons. Hard to really say whether they have helped. On the one hand, I have not had nasty late calf cramps when using them. OTOH, I haven't used them in challenging conditions (heat, late hills) that tend to give me calf cramps.<br><br>
One thing I will say about the company is this: I ordered a package before Boston last year. It didn't arrive before I left for Boston. I mentioned this casually to the people at the Enlyten booth at the expo, and they gave me a free package. Last year's Boston was the first of my 3 in which I have *not* cramped on the hills, but then it was also < 50°.