Jello teeth, low iron and 158th place

Hi all! 

For those of you following along, last week I was crewing at the Sedona Canyons 125, one of 4 races held during the week of Cocodona. For me, the story of the week was Rachel Entrekin winning the women's race, coming in 4th overall, 5 hours after the first male finisher and 14 hours before women's second place. In videos she seems like both a normal person but also the happiest person out there. 

Being out on different parts of the course I will tell you, it is much more technical than the times of those front runners let on! For most of the runners there is a lot of walking, not easy when you have trained for a run. (and a reminder for everyone expecting hiking in your next race, it isn't the same as running, start hiking as part of training!)

The cooler temperatures certainly messed with people's strategies and packing lists. Specifically, when you are counting on a race that is very hot and those temperatures don't play out, too many electrolytes can be a real risk. Then GI issues ensue making fueling difficult. Then every step takes you a little higher in altitude not making your gut any happier (or your pace!) Since fueling is the thing that takes so many people out, I have some snacking take aways for you: 

• Syrupy peach cups are easy to slurp, sweet and taste yummy, like childhood. Way too heavy to carry along and only 12g of carbs when most people are looking for 60-90g of carbs per hour, BUT at crew stops on a long race, these are fun, especially cold. 
• Idahoan potatoes come in a cup form now! Another good one. Especially if you are needing a break from sweet stuff, these are 30g of carbs, super salty and no chewing required. Make sure you set your crew up with a stove or the aid stations will be able to give hot water. 
• I am typically a NO on baby food products as it is too low carb and low cal for how heavy it is. BUT,  this one has 25g of carbs and when you are sick of gels OR need something to take down pre-race as you stand nervously questioning your life choices, this is a good one. 
• If as a child you enjoyed eating Jello and squishing it through your teeth you must get some Chargel. I just tried it and it is both delicious and an awesome throw back to childhood. Also 45g of carbs. (Guessing this is super polarizing and you are either team squish the Jello or think this whole concept is HORRIBLE. Go ahead and let me have it, team Jello teeth all day!)

STRENGTH
No live class this week, I am taking a mountain bike clinic in hopes I can have an awesome season of riding without smashing myself. No skipping your squats, join HERE for a class from the archives. 

LOW IRON OR MENOPAUSE?
Did you know the symptoms of iron deficiency and menopause are frustratingly similar? Here’s a list of symptoms associated with iron deficiency: Absent mindedness. Decreased cognitive function. Decreased exercise tolerance. YIKES! Depression. Dry skin. Fatigue. Joint pain. Sleep disturbances. Weight gain. Sounds a LOT like menopause.  Full article here.  Be sure to talk to your doctor about symptoms and advocate for testing so you can be your best self out on the trails! 

RUNNING ON MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
A question from an athlete was, which way should I run on a one-way mountain bike trail? Against the one way or with the flow of bikes? My answer is NEITHER! If you are running on trails with mountain bikes, that is fine, BUT when it comes to mountain bike specific trails with features for bikes like banked corners, jumps and trails designed for one way travel, please run somewhere else. Mountain bikers go really fast compared to a runner and fly around corners. Stay safe (leave ear buds at home)and run elsewhere. 

WHAT ARE WE THINKING?
If you haven't seen this illustration from Semi-Rad, I just love how it captures the humanity of a race starting line. And the one that says, "I am going to place 158th," I feel seen!!!