Cold Weather Hydration and Nutrition

In preparation for the Millinocket Half Marathon next week, it looks like single digits when we wake up and race time temps will be in the low to mid-teens. When it’s this cold, a few tweaks are needed to stay hydrated and take on calories that aren’t bricks of ice:

Hydration. No soft flasks, no bladder hoses, no thin tubing with liquids because they will freeze. Instead, I’ll be rocking some wider mouth bottles that I’ll store upside down to avoid having the lids freeze. I’ll go with Body Armor or whatever the local grocer has on the shelf that has calories and electrolytes. There is plenty of Fireball on the course, but liquid water might be harder to find. Maybe someone will have a big ass pot of broth? That’d be nice.

Nutrition. In these temps, I like gels and Lara Bars. The gels can be stored in my pockets to stay warmer and the Lara Bars don’t seem to freeze brick hard like some others. I’ll probably pick-up some Epic Bars as well. If I only run the half, I can easily rely on liquid and gels, but going longer will almost certainly include some solid food. Our Airbnb is on the course, so I can stash a second hydration pack if I go a second lap.

Mistake Made. I recall running in similar temps with soft flasks, not thinking about the tubes freezing. That turned into a mess with not only the tubes freezing, but also the lid. That was a pretty dry run, and yes, Fireball was substituted.

Freezing Points. Also, straight water freezes at a slightly higher temp than many electrolyte drinks (or Fireball for that matter), so that can help when you’re out there. If anyone wants to nerd out this Winter and identify the freezing points of various electrolyte drinks, let me know how it goes. According to the Internets, Fireball freezes at -12F, so there’s a good start.

Hiking with King Thermos. Of course, if you’re hiking, it’s way easier. I love my King Thermos-es-es-es over the Winter. I usually pack a small one with soup or chili and my big one will have hot water/coffee/cocoa. Even on our coldest days, it stays hot for hours. They’re great when hiking or skiing, but they’re too heavy for running. Heavy metal canisters bouncing on your back are not fun.

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STREAKING through Winter and Beyond

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A Backpacker is Born