Half Marathon Hydration with Hydrant

Hindsight is always 20/20. My mom and I tackled our first half marathon a month ago. We didn’t train very much, and we certainly underestimated the hilly course. To make matters even more challenging, it was raining the entire duration of the 13.1 grueling miles. We learned to embrace the suck and really had to use mental strength to make it across the finish line. At mile twelve, Mom and I started to experience leg cramps. I was hydrating with coconut water and Gatorade, but if I stopped moving, even for one second, my legs would scream, “Sit down. You’re done.” I wish I had something to sustain me…

When John Sherwin, the founder of Hydrant, sent me samples of his new hydration mix product, I thought, “I really could have used this during the half marathon.” I went to his website to learn more.

Hydrant Hydration Mix

 

Hydrant is a simple, scientifically designed formula that has 3 times more electrolytes than sports drinks on the current market.  Available as small powder stick packs in Lemon Lime flavor (my favorite!), they are easy to store in a backpack or duffle bag. Outdoor enthusiasts or endurance athletes just need to add it to water and can hydrate anytime, anywhere.

Ingredients

Sugar (11 grams), Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Salt, Magnesium Citrate, Zinc Gluconate., Lemon Juice Powder, Lime Juice Powder, Natural Lemon Flavor.

Highlights of Hydrant:

  • Includes a combination of balanced electrolytes, a bit of sugar and light natural lemon-lime flavor
  • Vegan
  • Kosher
  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • NON-GMO
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • 50 calories per stick

  • Claims to improve cognition, lift spirits, and reduce headaches.
  • Manufactured in the USA

Directions

Add one pack in 500 mL (16.9 ounces) of water.

Experience

My husband and I are very active people. We love hiking (we accomplished two of the 46 High Peaks earlier this year) and taking our dogs for long walks and runs. I go to weekly hot yoga and body pump classes. I also just took my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. I really enjoy exercise and strive to be a fit, healthy person.

This week I decided to try Hydrant after my 5-mile run. I came home, emptied the packet into a glass, added water, and stirred. Perfection.

 

Hydrant Hydration Mix

Hydrating with Hydrant after my 5-Mile Run

 

I love the flavor of lemon-lime; Hydrant does not disappoint. It’s cold, tart, and easily drinkable. Within 5 minutes, I feel like my life is restored! I am still sweating profusely from the class, but I feel re-energized and I am ready to go home, shower, and tackle the upcoming workday.

I would purchase Hydrant for my husband and I engage in prolonged, intense exercise. It was easy to mix together, the packets can be taken anywhere, and the lemon-lime flavor was delicious. Hydrant is the perfect during and post workout hydration beverage.

Purchase Hydrant on their website and visit them on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Hydrant Hydration Mix

Disclosure: I received samples of Hydrant complimentary for review purposes; all opinions within are my own. If you would like your product reviewed on Realm of Vibes, please e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com or visit my Contact page for more information.

 

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How to Run with your Dog

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. This commission helps sustain running Realm of Vibes. 

I love running with my dog, Bailey. Some people would classify my “running” as a light jog or brisk walk, but we have a lot of fun exercising with one another while getting our Whistle and FitBit activity minutes. Whether you are just starting out with walking or are an avid runner, here are some of my tips for running safely and easily with your canine companion.

1.Get doctor and veterinarian clearance.

It is important to make sure you can physically handle exercise. Schedule a physical and consult your doctor about starting a walking/running program. Bring Fido in for a check-up and get clearance as to how many miles you can walk/run with your dog. Bailey is cleared to run up to 10 miles with me. When I was training for a half marathon, we ran up to 8-9 miles. It’s imperative that you start slow; make sure you do an adequate warm-up for both you and your dog.

2. Know your dog and plan your route.

I prefer running early in the morning, or 60-90 minutes before sunset at a park. I like a clear trail, opposed to running on the street. Some streets in my development don’t have sidewalks, so running with Bailey (or foster) can be dangerous. She also likes to run ahead of me, so that’s why I typically avoid street running. Depending on the season, you want to make sure your dog can handle the temperature. I like to run early or late in the day, especially during the hot summer months.

3. Get your gear!

I don’t know what I would do without my Tuff Mutt – Hands Free Dog Leash. The leash clips around my waist, has a bungee cord with a carbineer that clips to Bailey’s collar or harness. It has a short and large handle so I always have control over her movements. It is also reflective, so we are noticed by pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles on our path.

Tuff Mutt – Hands Free Dog Leash

Hydration is super important, whether you are going on a short or long run. I have a few different tactics for handling both of our water. First, I wear a Hydration Belt. around my waist. I usually fill one with water, and one with a sports drink. If I go on a short run, I bring a Collapsible Dog Bowl for Bailey’s water. Sometimes, I bring a Gulpy Water Dispenser which is a water dispenser. I clip it to my waist with a carabiner or I carry it for added resistance. Whatever you do, make sure you have enough water for both you and your dog and that you take plenty of water breaks!

Hydration Belt

Collapsible Dog Bowl

Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax is my go-to product before a run. It is easy to apply the hypoallergenic, nontoxic wax to Bailey’s paws, which gives a nice protective coating to prevent accidents on the trail. You know what they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
4. Add some extras!

I love my Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband. I have been using a FitBit since it came on the market and helps keep me accountable regarding exercise. I like the FitBit Charge 2 because it has a relaxation setting where it prompts you to do 2 minutes of breathing exercises. I also like knowing which heart rate range in which I am exercising.

FitBit Charge 2

Bailey has a Whistle Activity Monitor. This shows how active she is throughout the day. We try to give her at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. It clips around her collar. When we had a pet sitter, we could see how long she was taking her on walks, and I could look at her stats from work to see if she is destroying my home. I think the Whistle is well worth the investment.

Whistle Activity Monitor

Final Thoughts

Running with your dog can be a great form of exercise! I know that after our runs, we both feel great, and get a better night’s sleep. How do you exercise with your dog? Leave a comment to let me know!

Namaste.

Adobe Spark (10)