Running Bullet Points

I've decided to use this blog for some miscellaneous running info that doesn't work well into posts at my new Marathon Mama blog (come by for a visit!). I often get emails about products, races, and contests that warrant mentioning, so here ya go!

*Strands.com launched a contest in which the winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Oregon to compete on one of two Strands sponsored teams for the Hood To Coast Relay (197 miles, 12k runners, from Mt. Hood Oregon to the Pacific Ocean at Seaside, OR).

*The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join the Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon on August 16th. The Fresh Air Fund also needs Friendly Town hosts for next month. Host families open their hearts and home to a NYC child who would not otherwise have the opportunity to escape the hot, crowded city streets.

*I recently tried Ultima Replenisher, an all-natural, sugar-free alternative to Gatorade. It's a mild electrolyte drink that doesn't seem to upset my stomach like Gatorade. While I do prefer the ability of Nuun to keep me from wilting, Ultima is great for hydration without cramping.

*I also was given a Hydrapouch to test a while ago and only just got a chance to use it. The idea of the Hydrapouch is cup-free, spill-free hydration in races. You wear the pouch on your waistband and pour the water into it, then use the spout on the pouch to drink without splashing your face. It worked great in speed work the other night and I bet it would help you get more water at a water stop, as long as you can pour and run with some efficiency. My only problem came when I clipped it back on my shorts; it fell off into the road within about 10 paces because the clip isn't particularly tight, so that might be something the designers want to address. But it's a cool idea that has a lot of potential to help racers and the environment.

That's all for now. Have a great one, and come visit my new blog, friends!