Last weekend I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k in Seattle.  The race had a huge turnout and lots of energy.  I love that the new theme races are drawing new athletes to running events…but do we need to discuss training and fueling?

I noticed many walk/joggers in the 15k eating gels on mile 4-5 as I was running the other direction on the turn around.  If we are walking and jogging, we are hopefully burning fat as the heart rate is probably still aerobic pace.  The hot chocolate race handed out marshmallows, chocolates and tootsie rolls at the aid stations… this is fun but do we really need to eat so much sugar?  I am sure a gel is similar to a marshmallow or candy but how is it on the digestive system?

The finish line at the Hot Chocolate race handed out “mugs” of hot chocolate, chocolate sauce, marshmallows, crackers and a banana for fondue.  Again, this is a fun idea and obviously draws many new participants but should we worry about advising people trying to lose weight via exercise to watch what they are eating?  You can’t out exercise a bad diet …