Today's post features Skratch Labs, based in Boulder, Colorado. Our thoughts are with the state of Colorado as they face a devastating natural disaster. If you'd like to help in any way, please check out this list of ways to help in Colorado. In 2008, Dr. Alan Lim was a Director of Sport Science for the Garmin Professional Cycling team during their preparations for the Tour de France. He noticed many of the athletes were watering down their sports drinks because they were too strong. He knew that while the riders were still being hydrated, they were diluting their electrolyte intake, something no endurance athlete wants to do. Soon he began cooking up his own formula "from scratch" in his kitchen. In 2012, Skratch Labs was opened in Boulder, Colorado with a clear mission: " to develop and sell food and drink products based on real world science and practice that taste great, that are made from real ingredients, and that optimize performance for both sport and life." Skratch Labs also offers a fitness-centric cookbook, Feed Zone Portables (a tasty alternative to gels and bars), and stylish race gear. August and September subscribers were given a sample of Skratch Labs' electrolyte drink mix.
I've never been a great fan of sports drinks. They're either too sugary or they upset my stomach. I've been trying to find the best hydration plan for long runs, especially now that I'm training for my first marathon. I decided to bring my Skratch sample along to Anahiem, CA last week and test it out during the Disneyland Half Marathon. It was HOT on the course (and humid) and I was definitely sweating a fair amount. I prepared my Skratch hydration mix the night before and had it ready to go in my fuel belt for the next morning. My plan was to sip on the Skratch hydration mix in between water stops. I was a bit nervous to try out something new during a race (a big race day no-no), but I knew my stomach wouldn't like the provided electrolyte drink anyway, so what did I have to lose?! After 13.1 miles of sunny, hot, and humid running, I can say with certainty that Skratch is my new go-to electrolyte drink. Instead of feeling like I was drinking a bottle of sugar, I felt like I was drinking a refreshing flavored water. My stomach thanked me for not forcing down that other "stuff" and I felt strong and hydrated the entire race. The single serving sticks are fabulous for travel or for race day. Skratch also offers one pound bags of mix and several flavors including raspberry, lemon and limes, and pineapples. Be sure to check out the Skratch website and catch them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.