Salt Pill Product Options

I wasn't quite sure what to write about this week but a recent post got me thinking about the heat. One thing in particular that Jamie Cleveland's article mentioned was about salt loss and salt intake. I know it is important to replenish your electrolytes and minerals but I do not know the difference between each salt/electrolyte pill so I decided to write my post about salt pills. After much discussion with the guys here at the shop here is what I came up with:

Sportlegs: If you are in need of some lactic acid relief then go with sportlegs. They are designed to minimize lactic build up.

Endurolytes: If you have a sensitive stomach and/or are training for sprint to mid distance events then the Hammer Endurolyte is what you want. The endurolyte is well balanced with all your mineral needs and is easier for your stomach to process.

Thermolytes: If you like Endurolytes then you should like these as well. The content of Thermolytes is very similar (almost identical) to Endurolytes. The one thing to note is the serving size. Thermolytes recognized 2 tablets as a serving while endurolytes recognize 1 tablet as a serving. Thermolytes are made by Sports Quest, the makers of Carbo Pro so if you like Carbo Pro you may chose Thermolytes over Endurolytes.

Saltsticks: If you are training for Half IM and beyond then the Saltstick tablet is a great choice for you. The content of the Saltstick per tablet is more potent than the rest. The Saltstick tablet is also great in extreme Texas summer heat.

We carry all of the above options at Jack & Adam's.

Also, just a friendly reminder: Next Sunday is Father's Day. Don't forget about Dad! Not sure what to get him? If he is into the triathlon scene consider signing him up for the Austin Triathlon...there is still plenty of time to start training. You could also get Dad a nice barbeque set that we sell at the shop...it is made out of bike tools. Drop by the shop for more great gift ideas!

************
Angie

Salt Pill Product Options

Austin Duathletes Monthly Ride

The Austin Duathletes, a free club in Austin dedicated to those who like to run & bike, is holding a free ride on Saturday, June 13th. It starts at the Flying Saucer, an awesome bar and grill located at the Triangle.

Here's the info you need:

The Austin Duathletes would like to invite you to join us for our summer monthly bike rides! Our first ride kicks off on Saturday, June 13th from the Flying Saucer.

What are the distances?
Well, we are certainly glad you asked! We will be offering two distances - 25-miles and 45-miles. Each group will have a lead rider to help guide you through the route.

Do I have to have experience?
It would be helpful if you have basic bike handling skills and are familiar with proper cycling etiquette. However, we welcome all newcomers to the group and will help you out on your first ride with the club!

Can I bring a friend that is not an Austin Duathlete member?
Of course, anyone is welcome! The more the merrier, we always say...

Flying Saucer Info HERE


MORE INFORMATION:
WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2009
TIME: 9:00am
LOCATION: The Flying Saucer
ADDRESS: 815 W. 47th St. Austin, TX 78751 (It's located in the Triangle!)

Click HERE for the ride map.

Austin Duathletes Monthly Ride

Dealing With Heat

From the Newsletter Archives, August 2007. Written by Jamie Cleveland, pro triathlete and owner of Hill Country Running Company and Texas Iron Training:

Texas Summers are hot, brutal and long. Training for those July-September races can be a real challenge. In order to maximize your training in this tough environment, follow these simple guidelines.

1. Do not train in the hottest part of the day
Heading out for an important and intense workout in the middle of the afternoon is not just silly, it is dangerous because it exposes you to dehydration and heat illness.

2. Drink plenty of fluid
Dehydration is the single most common heat related issue for endurance athletes. A small decrease in your body's hydration level can result in a huge drop in performance.

3. Monitor your salt loss and salt intake
Sodium, and to a lesser extent, potassium and magnesium are essential electrolytes depleted during exercise in hot environments.

4. Wear sunscreen
At the risk of sounding like someone's parent, sunscreen should be worn at all times while working out outdoors.

5. Wear light colored clothing that is breathable
Light colored technical fabrics will actually help reduce the temperature of your skin.

6. Sunglasses are a must
When you squint against glare or direct sunlight, your entire upper body tenses up. In order to avoid that, invest in a decent pair of sunglasses that provide complete UV broad spectrum protection.

With a little thought and planning, anyone can take the bite out of the Texas summers. Training shouldn't be about suffering through or simply enduring sessions. Take a little time to establish an environment that supports success and enables you to enjoy your training year round.



Sign up for the Jack & Adam's Monthly Newsletter HERE!

Dealing With Heat

Closed on Tuesdays

Ever since Jack & Adam's first opened its doors in February of 2004, the shop has been closed on Tuesdays. You may wonder what we do on Tuesdays. Well, sometimes we mingle with Matt's El Rancho & Home Slice Pizza staff since they're also closed on Tuesdays. Most of the time, however, we work. We restock, organize, place orders, attend meetings, learn more about products, answer email, paint, clean, general maintenance, and attend to other things on the "to do" list.

We also make time for more "fun" stuff on Tuesdays. This includes the Tuesday night track workouts which many staffers attend (Jack, Drew, Thomas, Cassidy, Stacy.) Some of us take it even further with some SERIOUS training. Last Tuesday for instance, Drew and Sammy logged a 130 mile ride. Drew is training for Ironman CDA. And this morning, Jack, Joseph and Thomas went on a 4 hour, 25 minute Greenbelt run starting at 4AM. Jack and Joseph are training for the Leadville Trail 100 mile run coming up in August (start time 4AM.) We're still trying to figure out why Thomas would do such a thing when he's not training for that crazy race; you'll have to ask him yourself.

Closed on Tuesdays

Staying Hydrated

Now that it's June, we can expect to see temperatures in the mid to upper 90's everyday. Hot, Hot, HOT! As you know, staying hydrated is extremely important, especially for triathletes and endurance athletes. We put in a lot of time outdoors while riding and running. Below is a great article on staying hydrated everyday from local registered dietitian and ultra distance runner, Meredith Terranova. You can check out her website Eating and Living Healthy and sign up for her newsletter for more great tips like the following:

"It's summertime in Texas! Every year I find it essential to take an opportunity in my newsletter to discuss the importance of hydration, as it is key to feeling good in this weather. Whether you are exercising outside, doing work in your yard, or just walking around in the heat you can't ignore the importance of drinking your fluids.

If you find: that your mouth is dry; you are feeling fatigued; you are getting headaches that you didn't before; or your exercise is suffering, consider that you might be dehydrated and use the tips below to help you creatively stay hydrated on a daily basis.

...

This time of year may find you eating on the go, and losing track of how much or how little water you are consuming. No matter how busy you find yourself during these hot summer months, have a water bottle in hand at all times! Even if you are not exercising, you should be consuming AT LEAST 2-3 liters of water a day!

Many of my clients are always searching for which beverages are best for their daily hydration. Water, of course, is best. People often don't understand that beverages are less satiating than solid foods. When you consume calories from beverages, you don't compensate by eating less food later on. Liquid calories don't register with our appetite controls. This is a very important fact for both athletes and non-athletes. As you pass through the shelves of your grocery store, running store, or cycling store remember that all of the electrolyte replacement drinks available are just that, electrolyte replacement. They are mostly meant for before, during, and after exercise, or to balance out your water consumption if you drink too much plain water. The calories in them are used during your workout, but if you are drinking these drinks as your major source of hydration throughout the day, you can end up adding 150-300 calories to your day. The same can also be said for multiple cups of coffee; how many calories are you adding with your milk, sugar, or other flavoring? Pay attention to these facts; the calories do add up.

As you go through the summer, find drinks that work for you to stay well hydrated. Below are some options:

• Water with lemon, lime, or orange slices
• Sparkling water with a splash of pomegranate juice (try POM brand flavors)
• Water with a splash of your favorite energy drink
• Water with Emergen-C
• A glass (8oz) of milk (even though it is 100 calories, it counts toward your hydration and gives you a serving of dairy, calcium, and protein)
• A glass of juice (6oz counts as a fruit serving)
• Zico Water (coconut water. Still 60 calories, but a great option)
• Decaf. Unsweetened Tea - try one of the many herb flavors available
• Low-sodium V8 juice (offers a serving of vegetables)

Even with these ideas and tips, if you can't seem to make yourself drink enough everyday, or you are sick of keeping track...try this fun new bottle."

Staying Hydrated

National Running Day

Today is the Inaugural National Running Day! It's an initiative to promote running as an easy, healthy and accessible form of exercise. So, what are we supposed to do on this day? Well, the easy thing is to just simply go on a run or wear your running shoes. But if you really want to help the cause, then encourage others to get out and run. Here are some great beginner tips to get your non-running friends, family and kids into the sport.



Another great resource for running info is Runner's World. The magazine pondered what else they should do on this day besides just run; here are some of their ideas:

Bake a cake and decorate it with pink frosting that spells out RUNNING. Then throw it directly into the garbage. You'll never run a PR on a diet of cake!

Take "National Running" literally, and run across the nation. Just like Conan O'Brien did recently.

Purchase a pennant that reads "Running." Wave it.

Every single time you see someone walking, even if that person is a stranger, encourage him to break into a run. If he appears confused, demonstrate.

Visit your local running specialty store, and applaud. (In Austin - RunTex, Rogue Equipment, Hill Country Running Co.)

Take the day off work. If your boss balks, tell him it's a religious holiday.

Now the question is, when are we going to create National Triathlon Day?

National Running Day

Featured Event: Atlas Ride

This coming weekend has two big events: the Texas 4000 Atlas Ride and the Danskin Women's Triathlon. You'll see Jack & Adam's out there supporting both, first on Saturday with the Ride and then on Sunday at the Tri. Will we see you out there, too?

If you participated in the Shiner Ride, the Skeese Greets Women's Tri or the Rookie Tri, then you should know that a huge group of the Texas 4000 team was out there volunteering. They did a really great job and now they need your help! So, Sign up and Line up! Come ride ATLAS on Saturday, June 6th to join the Texas 4000 on the first day of their epic 4500 mile journey from Austin to Anchorage. Enjoy beautiful views, gently rolling hills, and wildlife of the Texas hill country on either a 50 or 70 mile route from Cedar Park to Lampasas. The ride is fully supported and ends at Texas Legato where riders are invited to enjoy live music, BBQ, beer, and wine tasting. To register or for more information, visit the Atlas Ride website.

Featured Event: Atlas Ride