The Power of Carbohydrates

Turns out, just swishing a "carbohydrate solution" around in your mouth gives you energy. Why does this work? To clarify things, the drink has to contain "real" carbohydrates (none of this splenda stuff... we're talking maltodextrin... you know, one of the ingredients that appears in like every "running nutrition" product thus reviewed). As it turns out, even though maltodextrin is flavorless, your taste buds can sense it, and send a "energy, energy, energy... wahooo" signal to the brain. This "spurs" you on (skipping, hopping, and jumping are known side-effects... just kidding). While I might actually drink a "carbohydrate solution" on days like this to avoid dehydrating, cramps can result from blood being diverted from your stomach (i.e., to aid in digestion) to your muscles when exercising. Being that it's very hard to run with a cramp, this technique may come in handy on longer runs once its, you know, not 90+ degrees and ridiculously humid. #20