Going for Bananas

A great refueling food for runners.

If you need one tip to save money on energy gels, try bananas during your training sessions. You will probably need energy gels only your half marathon or full marathon days. Or during those 32km long runs. That is to test your body against energy gels. Energy gels are much more expensive as compared to bananas. A pack of energy gel cost a minimum about RM5 as compared to a banana that cost 60 cents for the most expensive type. A banana is real food and it is full of vitamins and nutrients. For my current training of my second marathon, I have been surviving on bananas for my long runs. My last long run is 26km and that translate to 3 bananas. Starting with one banana just before running and a banana for every hour after that and I have steady energy throughout the run.

In between, I drank some sports drinks in addition to water after 10km. And it is definitely tastier than having energy gels all the time. A banana has about 108 calories which would nornally sustained your energy level for about an hour. Some people has advised that instead of taking sports drinks, the better option is to use coconut water. But it is inconvenient to purchase it and having to store it in the fridge and drink it the next day could be rather troublesome.

The health benefits of Bananas summarised from Lifescipt.com are as follows:-

• Bananas provide energy. Bananas are a great source of natural energy. Ideal for eating during midday when you feel sluggish. Provide a level of energy that lasts longer without the crash like caffeine.
• Full of vitamins and nutrients. Bananas have two times as many carbohydrates as an apple, five times as much Vitamin A and iron and three times as much phosphorus. In addition, bananas are also rich in potassium and natural sugars. 
• Rich in Potassium. Helpful in reducing strokes and regulating blood pressure as it promotes circulatory health.
• Bowel Health. Help stop constipation. Contains certain fibre that helps to restore and maintain regular bowel functions.
• Lift your spirits. Contain a chemical called trytophan that helps the mind relax so you feel happier. 
• Increase brain power.
• Reduce the effects of a hangover.
• Great for pregnant women to combat morning sickness.
• Rub the peel on mosquito bites.
• Help soothe ulcers.
• Rich in iron. Help promote hemoglobin production.
• Great Fertilisers using banana peels

So it is time to consider bananas instead of energy gels for your training sessions. The only problem is how to do you carry the bananas on a long run. Hang them around your waist? You will probably get your photos splashed all over Facebook the next day and become famous !