Apparently eating salt on the run is strange? This isn’t a common practice? Should I be on My Strange Addiction with people that eat couch cushion and sniff pine cleaner?
I did receive a few questions and it’s worth mentioning on the blog.
First and foremost, I sweat a lot. When people say they are dripping with sweat, I literally am. After last Saturday’s run, my shoes were soaked from all the sweat that poured off of me. I threw them directly into the washer when I got home.
I have come close…(via)
Second, I have visible salt lines on my skin after runs. If I wear a black visor, you can really see it.
Third, that horrible hungover feeling generally haunts me after long runs.
My Shot Bloks contain sodium and potassium but it’s not enough. I’ve tried Gatorade, Nuun, and salt tabs…still not enough. I’m a serious sweater.
So last summer I brought in the big guns and went straight to table salt. I was amazed at how much better I felt during and after a run. I was hooked.
To clarify, I don’t stash a salt shaker in my Stow-N-Go bra. I take a small amount of salt and put it in a baggie. Every 5 miles or more, I eat a very small amount of it (small amount as in I dip the very tip of my pinky finger into the bag and eat whatever sticks). I don’t mind the taste probably because I’m so salt-deprived.
Overall, I consume a small amount of salt. Probably on par with runners that dip boiled potatoes in salt. And I don’t use salt every time I do a long run, just on the hot and humid days.
I definitely attribute salt with getting me through Boston in one piece.
My advice would be to not jump to salt without trying other things first: Gatorade, Nuun, salt tabs, etc.
Now you know my strange addiction…
I haven’t been recapping my 50K training consistently so here’s a look at last week’s runs…
MON: 4 miles Garmin-free
TUE: 8 miles, 9:52 avg pace. Ugh, GI issues strike. Once in a blue moon my stomach revolts.
WED: 8 miles, 9:22 avg pace
THU: rest
FRI: 4 miles Garmin-free
SAT: 22 miles, 10:30 avg pace. Hot as hell.
SUN: 10 miles, 9:54 avg pace
56 miles –> a new mileage PR! Not by much though…only 1 mile.
Are you a serious sweater like me and rock the sexy salt lines post-run? To clarify, I rarely sweat outside of running. I’m more likely to be the person with a hoodie on in the summer.
First time I tried salt tabs was at Boston. I was a little nervous, since you know, I hadn’t done it before. But I was fortunate to have no ill effects. I then used them again at Vermont City, which also ended up being a very warm day.
I don’t think your salt practice is strange at all. But then again, I don’t think our training for ultras is strange either….
I think taking salt is totally normal, but I just like the neatness of salt pills. 🙂
When you start eating toilet paper or someone, then we can talk about your strange addiction haha.
If she eats someONE, I’ll assume she’s moved on from table salt to bath salt.
I am a big sweater, although I can’t say that it is incredibly salty, so I’m not feeling the need to go with salt tabs or anything like that. But–if it works for you, then that’s all that matters, right?
I sweat more than anyone else I know… ESPECIALLY when I run! Definitely have the salt lines! I haven’t tried salt yet but I’ve read about it plenty of places and I’m definitely intrigued.
Your love of salt means you’ll fit in just fine at your 50k. And there will probably be salt tablets at the aid stations for you. I don’t know if I sweat enough to need extra salt, but I do get that salt mark on my darker hats on sweaty runs. You should snag some of those little salt packets from restaurants.
I definitely can’t go with only water in the summer. Salt stick is working for me at the moment though. Good for you for finding a solution to the loss of salt – low salt can be very dangerous!
I am a seriously salty sweater. Once when I took off my shorts a clump of salt fell out. gross. I love endurolytes tho. I love salt the rest of the time but I just dont think I could eat it on the run.
Ha ha, that is so funny that you got comments about it being weird to carry salt with you – I read that and thought it was totally normal! I’m a big-time sweater too and am covered in salt after runs in hot weather as well. I use salt tabs, but have used salt packets before too – I can’t say I notice a difference, but it would be worth paying attention too. Way to go on your mileage! You sure you can’t sneak down the shore for a day as a reward? 🙂
I am dying laughing at your “To clarify, I don’t stash a salt shaker in my Stow-N-Go bra.” That would be hilarious. I could see some salt spilling out and you throwing some over your left shoulder as you cross the main street to avoid bad luck. HAHA
Congrats on the PR. And when is the race again?
Oh man, I am positive I sweat more than everyone else who says they sweat more than everyone else. I am disgusting… and yes, always covered in salt after long, hot runs also! I have never actually eaten salt on a long run, though, but I’m sure it would help!
Congrats on that 56-mile week! I still can’t believe you’re training for a 50K. You’re simply amazing! Have a great weekend, Kristy! 🙂
I’ve never tried just plain salt during a run before. Going to have to give it a whirl. I’m a sweat-er…(not the article of clothing), I sweat walking to work, running, deciding which cupcake to get. Deodorant is my friend. 🙂
i just got back from my 19 miler and was kinda horrified when i looked at myself (i had been shopping in trader joes, was on the subway etc). huge nasty patches of salt everywhere, on my hat, my neck, arms etc. so you’re definitely not alone! 🙂 maybe i should try the salt thing – i just use gels and water right now…
I’m a salty and voluminous sweater in humid places, but in arid Coloradoe liquid is more of a problem for me than salt usually. I would definitely use your solution in your climate! And I do think it will be a good thing in your big race.
I didn’t think it was weird at all, I was mainly embarrassed for buying super overpriced salt pills when the solution was so obvious. I’ve been known to do the finger dipping thing when I’m not running (like in those little bags of pretzels they give you on planes) so it didn’t seem weird to me at all! I’ll often be soaked in sweat and have salt crusted on my face when I finish a long run.
I don’t have salt lines unless I’m running really long, but I relate! I “borrow” salt packets from whole foods and bring them with me on long runs. it’s the perfect amount! And totally agree that I feel much better when i use them. Nice training, lady!
I dont see why its strange. Ive seen people do it! Its smart in heat/humidity.
I sweat a ton, too, and made the mistake of carrying only water on a long run in humid 80 degree weather last Saturday. I came home craving salt and used a bag of pretzels to help with that…but glanced over at the kosher salt bottle on our counter and seriously thought about tipping it straight into my mouth.
So, no, I don’t think you’re crazy. 🙂