Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

So... it's always at least 105 at this time of the year. More often than not it's closer to 110. By default, Arizonians are thirsty people.

Add to that running three days a week, and the Bikram yoga trial I have been doing 2-3 times per week.... I'm thirsty, very thirsty! They say that when you are running and you feel thirst, you are already past the point of being dehydrated.  You have to hydrate in advance.

Considering I already had a concern about my potassium levels, I was highly encouraged to make sure that I am watching my vitamins and supplements, and making sure to be drinking a LOT of electrolytes.  I always shrugged off electrolytes because it used to be that you would have to drink Gatorade to get them, and I can't drink the stuff. Too much sugar!

On the days that I have been doing Bikram and running on the same day (which I'm not sure how much longer I will do that honestly, it's pretty draining), I have had to get creative about hydrating and fueling the next course. When I get out of Bikram at 6pm, I have been drinking a protein shake to fuel me for my 7:45pm run, and then I can have a snack or light dinner when I get home.  I have been experimenting with some pre-run and post-run standards and have noticed how much better I feel!

• Coconut Water - VitaCoco w/pineapple - I have tried several brands of coconut water and have decided that I just don't like the taste of plain coconut water. It's bland and has a weird taste to me.  However, I really love the one with a bit of pineapple juice in it.  It's only 80 calories and doesn't have too much sugar, and a great source of potassium. *Must drink it cold*
• Coconut Milk - So Delicious Chocolate Coconut Milk - Um, yum!! Delicious. I have been doing 1 cup of coconut milk, 1 scoop of Gold Standard Vanilla Whey protein, and then top it off with cold water. A delicious recovery drink, a nice way to kill a sweet tooth, and again, lots of potassium (and protein). I have also experimented with adding maca powder to this, and will add spirulina as soon as the bulk source has more stock. 
• Emergen-C - Lemon lime - I have been drinking a small glass with one of these packets in it every morning. When I feel like my coffee isn't kicking in, the Emergen-C gives me an immediate boost of energy. I can literally feel the vitamins hit my system and just feel overall better! I've noticed that I am less achy aferwards as well.
• Nuun Energy Tab - Lemon lime - Gatorade without the sugar! And great to travel with. Just throw a tab into water and dissolve.

I am going to make a concentrated effort to buy hydrating foods, like in the picture above. Nature is amazing - these foods just naturally hydrate you.. who needs supplements when you have good food??