Running with Gage

    Prime is one of the most popular sports drinks in the world right now, but it many areas it fails at being a good sports drink. So the question is, what is it about prime that makes it so popular, or is it just hype? And, most importantly, is it good for runners?      I've tried prime a few times before and I can see the one huge positive with this drink; it tastes great. It has a really sweet taste, but only has 1 to 2 grams of sugar in it. There are a few main reasons how its able to taste so sweet with only a small amount of sugar, the main one being the use of the artificial sweetener, Sucralose .      Sucralose is probably the most popular artificial sweetener being used right now, maybe only behind aspartame (which is on a decline in usage because it might case cancer) so it makes sense to put this in a sports drink to make it taste good. The reason Sucralose and other artificial sweeteners are able to be used, but not add any calo...

  Brooks Ghost 15 'Alloy/Oyster/Black'  Retail Price - $140 Best Price - $109.95 from  Brooks Originally Released - November 2022 Specs of the Brooks Ghost 15 Type of Shoe - Daily Trainer with Medium Cushion Surface Designed For - Road Cushioning - DNA Loft V2 Stack Height - 35mm / 23mm Midsole Drop - 12mm Weight (per shoe) - 10.1 ounces  Review     About a year ago I bought the Brooks Ghost 14s, and the year before that I bought the Ghost 13s. I really enjoyed running in these shoes, as the cushioning felt nice when broken in, and the upper of the shoe was really durable and well cushioned. These were my go-to trainers for longer runs on the road or grass, and they held up decently well in rainy and muddy conditions. The Brooks Ghost 15s seem to be more of the same, with a very similar design to its predecessors, with an improved version of the already comfortable DNA Loft foam. The uppers are very similar, along with similar traction too. As the sayi...

          After a tough run, the last thing many runners want to do is run some more. But actually, running at a slow relaxed pace for even a mile can prevent soreness and muscle fatigue the next day. So why should you incorporate a cooldown run into your running routine? Below I'll share what to do after a run, and the reason behind it.  What Should I Do for my Cool Down? A cooldown is a slow, relaxed jog done at the end of a workout. This jog doesn't need to be very long, usually a mile or so and should be done at a pace that feels comfortable. If your running a cooldown after a race, try not to wear spikes, but rather a comfortable pair of trainers. Trainers have more cushioning and are better for slow jogging that spikes, which are built to be fast. This run should be done anywhere from immediately after, to 20 minutes after the intense run, or briefly in between repetitions of a workout (for no more than a quarter mile). Waiting more time causes t...

  NIKE ZOOMX DRAGONFLY "HYPER PINK"       - $160 from  Nike           The dragonfly is Nike's current top of the line distance track spike, released in 2020. For a pretty hefty price of 160 dollars this spike is packed with Nike's best technologies for the 1,500 meter to 10,000 meter races. Below, I'll cover this tech and what it does.  The Upper      The upper of the spike is constructed of a lightweight and breathable mesh that is almost see through is some areas. This mesh allows for excellent air flow, while not sacrificing durability or adding unnecessary weight. There is some additional padding around the collar of the shoe, along with a cutout in the heel area that helps lock the heel into place and cause the shoe not to slip around on foot.  Another feature I enjoyed about this shoe was the speed laces that are used to secure the upper. These laces do a great job at holding the upper tight and s...

Why Stretch After Running? After a run, your muscles are warm and elastic, making them more responsive to stretching. If you wait too long to stretch after running, your muscles will become cool, and harder to stretch. Stretching helps to: Improve Flexibility: Regular stretching after running can improve your range of motion, allowing for more efficient movement and reduced risk of injury. Reduce Muscle Soreness: Stretching helps to alleviate muscle tension and soreness by increasing blood flow and releasing built-up lactic acid. Prevent Injury: Tight muscles are more prone to injury. Stretching helps increase muscle length and prevents imbalances that can lead to strains and sprains. Enhance Recovery: Stretching aids in the recovery process by promoting muscle relaxation and reducing stiffness, allowing you to bounce back faster for your next run. Promote Relaxation: Post-run stretching can also have mental benefits, promoting relaxation and stress relief by focusing on deep brea...

  The Importance of Nutrition for Runners As a runner, your body needs the right balance of nutrients to perform at its best. Proper nutrition not only fuels your workouts but also aids in recovery, helps prevent injuries, and supports overall well-being. One of the key principles of a runner's diet is to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing processed foods and added sugars. This will give you the most energy on your runs and leave you feeling, and running better. Limiting Sugar for Optimal Performance While sugar can provide a quick energy boost, it's important to consume it in moderation, especially as a long distance runner. Foods high in added sugars can lead to energy crashes and may not provide the sustained energy you need for longer runs. Instead of eating candies and foods processed foods with tons of added sugars, try having full meals with fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. These reliable energy sources not only provide more consistent energy, but...