By: Noah Moore
From running my first 5K to running the Grand Canyon Rim2Rim2Rim I have had some amazing moments.
After losing over 100 pounds, I found that as much as I liked to run fast, I liked running long even more. But putting those two activities together has never worked out for me. I have been on course to run well under 3:45 marathons several times and around mile 17-20 my calves have cramped and left me face down on the pavement. I have managed to hobble to the finish line each time and have even finished under four hours, but it has been discouraging to say the least.
I have worked on hydration, electrolytes, training at higher mileage and training at a faster pace. Nothing seemed to make much difference after mile 20.
I ended up slowing my pace and have enjoyed running ultras these past few years. Last year I ran the Blind Big 100 and several 50K races. Even in these races I have only been able to control the severity of my calf cramps, but they have still plagued me.
So earlier this year I learned about this company claiming to help prevent calf cramps or at least help get rid of them if they do occur. Well, I was pretty skeptical. But I wanted to give it a try. I saw the ads on Facebook and Instagram and even got an email from a friend. So I placed an order.
I tried HOTSHOT with some running friends on a twenty mile long run. The taste freaked us out (like a Fire Ball shot!). But no cramps, not even close. I tried it a few more times and then used HOTSHOT for the Delirium 24 Hour Race in October. I took one at the start and then every 15-20 miles. I ended up running a little over 100K (64 miles) and did not have a single calf cramp! I used HOTSHOT again for Miles for Maria 24 Hour Race in November and once again, no cramps. I was even first place overall for that race (it was a small race ;) ). I posted on twitter that this was a #gamechanger . I really mean it. I feel like running faster and longer and have already started thinking of my next big adventure, the Last Annual Vol State 500K (314 miles in July across Tennessee). I’ve also started thinking about running some faster marathons for the first time in years.
If you don’t know me or have never read my crazy running blog you have no idea what running has meant to me and my family. I don’t have enough room to tell you my whole story, but losing 100 pounds was not the hardest thing I have ever done. Three years ago I lost my nine year old son Peyton due to an epileptic seizure he had in his sleep. He was an around athlete and great kid. He was the reason I lost weight and started running. He was my running partner. He was my assistant running coach. He was the love of my life…
Noah and Peyton at the starting line of the Cooper River Bridge 10K, Peyton's last race.
Being able to run and being around the running community is a very important part of my life. When my wife and I wanted to crawl into a dark place and never come out, the running community hugged us and pulled us along on their group runs. When we found out that my wife was pregnant and we were going to have another child, the running community showered us with love and we named our boy Miles for the joy running has brought us and the miles of adventures he will take us.
I share all of this, not because HOTSHOT is paying me (they aren’t right?!), but because when I find something that helps me with something that I can’t live without I feel compelled to share it with everyone!
Learn more about Peyton's Wild and Whacky Ultra charity race and how you can get involved.
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