Fake it till you make it

Yesterday the New York Times published an article on the latest discovery in the science of running. According to sports scientists, long distance runners can improve their performance by rinsing their mouths with a carbohydrate solution. That's it. No messy energy gels, no mid-run snacks, just a highly concentrated starchy solution that you don't even have to swallow. Simply swishing your mouth out with a carb solution apparently activates sensors that trick your brain into thinking carbs are on the way. In turn, your brain prompts muscles and nerves to work harder with the promise of fuel. All lies but it works.

For shorter runs, this finding could be great news for runners, particularly those who's stomachs are easily upset by food or are prone to cramping. Consuming sports drinks or solid carbs doesn't technically affect performance during shorter work-outs as the body can't metabolize the carbohydrates for food in under an hour. But interestingly, the study shows that even if your muscles don't have time to use the carbs for fuel, carbohydrates still activate brain areas associated with muscle activity and rewards, which caused participating runners using the solution to go farther during a 60 minute test run. Endurance runners take note - marathoners will still need to work in carbohydrates/calories, however, as during extremely long exercise sessions muscles need new sources of glycogen to replenish burnt-out reserves. Definitely considering giving the carbosolution a shot on my next tempo run!


Speaking of psychological trickery, Kim and I will be employing a somewhat unrelated technique to make us feel like we're hardcore at August's Bronx Half Marathon - skanty running. No, we're not ACTUALLY running naked, although there are nude races (there is absolutely no way that is comfortable for either gender). More accurately Kim and I will bust out our fiercest skimpy running outfits for an extra shot of confidence (or shame) at our next half marathon. After seeing a shiny gold Lady Gaga-esque corset running top at Paragon's two weekends ago, Kim and I were sold on the idea. Awesomely, that photo is in the top ten results when you search for "shiny gold sports bra." Done and done. While we may not be speed demoning through the course in the late summer heat, we'll definitely look the part for a PR in spandex hot shorts and running bras. Yes, we're going to be those runners. Judge away.