Happy Friday! Today I’m linking up with Cynthia from You Signed Up For WHAT?!, Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC and Mar from Mar on the Run for the Friday Five. This week’s theme is “Favorite Summer Drinks.” Since I’m not really a summer drink kind of gal, I’m going to spin this topic to 5 products to stay hydrated while working up a sweat! Each one is very unique from the next, so make sure you click the links and investigate more!
(This list is in no way all-inclusive, so if you’re in the market for hydration needs, be sure to do a more thorough search.)
5 Electrolyte Options for Your Hydration Needs
1. SOS
SOS helps increase hydration and stamina. SOS contains three times the amount of electrolytes found in traditional sports drinks. SOS is “as effective as an IV drip for mild to moderate dehydration.” Additionally, some people are very sensitive to sugars weighing down traditional sports drinks, and thus suffer from gastrointestinal distress while exercising or competing. SOS doesn’t contain nearly as much sugar as these sports drinks, making it a much better option for those with sensitive stomachs.
2. Nuun
Nuun is an electrolyte-only drink mix. It comes in disc form and is easily added to your water bottle. Since Nuun does not contain any additional nutrition, you’ll need to take a gel or other form of nutrition while working out. Nuun is one of the more popular and well-known electrolyte replacements out there.
3. NOOMA
NOOMA was formulated by two brothers to combat stomach upset during sports activity. The acidity of traditional sports drinks bothered their GI tract, making them much less effective in their sport. NOOMA uses no acid and no preservatives. It is pre-mixed in convenient packaging so it’s always ready to go.
4. Tailwind
Tailwind is well-known among endurance athletes. Tailwind was created by the founder to get him through Leadville 100. No stranger to stomach upset and GI distress during endurance races, Tailwind combines energy, electrolytes, and hydration all in one. No need for gels, waffles, or food. Tailwind is purposefully designed to get you through the toughest of races without additional fuel.
5. Fluid
Fluid Performance is a sports drink designed to keep you in the game, not out of it with stomach upset. Fluid has less sugar than traditional sports drinks, and more electrolytes. It uses natural flavors and provides easy energy through your sport.
Have you found a common theme among all of these awesome hydration options out there? That’s right. They’re all designed to make sure your stomach isn’t in knots or upheaval while you’re training — and especially not while you’re competing.
So which one to use, you ask? With all of these awesome options, it’s definitely tough to choose just one. If you’re like me, you’ll try different options and see what tastes good and feels right through your training. Helpful hint (in case you haven’t already heard this before): nothing new on race day! If you’re going to try a sample of SOS or Tailwind, do it before your race. Because what works for one person most definitely does not work for all the people.
Have you tried any of the above-mentioned hydration products? Which one is your favorite?
xo
Have a fantastic weekend, friends. For all of you training and racing out there — GOOD LUCK!
Special shoutout to fellow INKnBURN Ambassadors Scott and Stephanie taking on the Burning River 100, several friends (Noemi, Kevin, and Sara!) tackling the Burning River 100 relay, my gal pal Julie cycling her first 50-mile ride, and everyone else doing local 5K and 10K races! Wishing swift feet and strong legs to all! Happy trails — wherever they lead you!
