The awesome adventures continue! Read on to see how more of our athlete ambassadors have rocked this summer. Included in this edition: hiking Mount Monadnock, a 12-hour endurance run, a SUP queen and more.
Nathalie Beaudoin
What was the event, race, adventure?
Myself and my boyfriend Ron went to hike Mount Monadnock here in New Hampshire. It’s one of my absolute favorite hikes in the area. We hike up with do trail and back down white cross.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
It was an awesome Sunday Funday hike. Like I said it’s one of my favorite local hikes so we all do it frequently. My sister, (who is also an awesome maple water ambassador) actually made the same hike a few weeks later with some friends.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I DRINKmaple constantly! The day before a big hike or race I drink a 32 oz carton along with my daily water, then day of I love to fuel my event with even more maple water!
I also wanted to share a personal finding…I get some pretty rough migraines and I’ve found that when I start to feel a migraine coming on, I drink some maple water and it makes a huge difference. Also as a nurse, it’s difficult to be able to stay well hydrated throughout the day, so I always keep some on me at work too for the extra long shifts!
Sara Brown
What was the event, race, adventure?
I’m currently training for the October 2017 D.C. Biathlon, which is a 1-mile flatwater SUP race followed by a 3-mile run. Next on deck is the May 2018 Bay Bridge Paddle in the Chesapeake Bay! Most times I SUP for cross-training and relaxation benefits.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
I have never done a SUP race, mostly because there aren’t that many going on in my area. As the sport increases in popularity and access, I’m sure more will happen! But in general, having my own inflatable SUP has been life-changing. Not only do I get the benefits of cross-training and relaxation of being out in nature, pumping air into the board is a crazy hard arm workout! It’s a perfect sport for runners because of the many benefits it offers with balance, upper body, and even a little cardio.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I first discovered Drink Maple at a CVS store and decided to give it a try and I was instantly hooked because of how delicious it tasted when it was ice cold. That’s how I prefer to drink it; as cold as I can get it! I love the subtle maple flavor and that it’s not sugary. And I feel great when I drink it post-run. I’m planning to send a case of it to my Hood to Coast relay team as we take on the 200 miles between Mount Hood and the Oregon Coast in two weeks!
Michael Hoffman
What was the event, race, adventure?
In early August, I raced the Ironman lake Placid, in Lake Placid NY. It was my 9th Ironman finish and my 6th time competing at Lake Placid. By far my favorite venue.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
All in all I had a great day. I was a little off my target goal, but still managed to put together a 16min course PR so I am thrilled with that. Even more importantly I had a great time racing with friends and teammates. As always, the community of Lake Placid comes out in full force to support that race and this year was no different. Was absolutely great to have that constant energy and encouragement especially in the closing miles of the run. Had an absolute blast racing this year and I can guarantee that I will be back again.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
DRINKmaple was a huge part of my race. Both in pre-race hydration, mid-race fueling, and of course post-race recovery. I had bottles of DRINKmaple stashed in both my bike and run special needs bags out on course as well as a nice cold bottle waiting for me in T2 that I had frozen the night before. Furthermore, it was absolutely incredible to have the DRINKmaple crew out on course cheering us on! Every time I ran past the tent I got an extra boost of energy!
Jill Serrano
What was the event, race, adventure?
Cohasset Triathlon
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
This was my second triathlon and considering I had a panic attack in the water during my first triathlon just 2 weeks prior and was unable to swim a single stroke, it went great!! Cohasset was a sprint distance. I completed the swim in less than 10 minutes, fists pumping as I made it onto dry land. I was so happy to have made it through feeling good. Hopped on my bike for the 12 mile ride, through the beautiful coastal town of Cohasset. Transitions were seamless. Running is my strong suit among the 3 disciplines so I am pretty confident going into the run. Running off the bike is a pretty funny experience. I feel like I am running in slow motion despite starting out and maintaining a decent pace! I finished the race feeling amazing. It was the confidence boost I needed after a disastrous first triathlon experience. I participated in these races to gain some experience ahead of my goal race – Ironman 70.3 Maine.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I always pre-hydrate and rehydrate with DRINKmaple, it is especially amazing after a hard workout on a hot summer day. I use it in my smoothies as well. The first time I ever had DRINKmaple was at the Sugarloaf Marathon in 2016. I drank it all weekend and had an awesome run – going sub-4 hours for the first time! I remember being in so much pain after finishing, I couldn’t even imagine walking to the food tent. Thankfully, the DRINKmaple tent was right there. I couldn’t have asked for a better option for my post-race rehydration!
Jen Bergstrom
What was the event, race, adventure?
I’ve been training for my first 100K this year. In the process I did two 50Ks. In effort to prepare myself for the 100K in October, I’ve been getting lost out on trails and having adventures with friends or by myself every weekend. Tomorrow, I’m supporting my husband at his Spartan Super and this Sunday, I’m going up to Ragged Mountain with my friend Mindy to preview the 50K course. This spring/summer has been fun! It included another marathon, my first Ragnar, my first 50K at Pineland Farms, and Mt. Washington Road Race, backpacking in the White Mountains with my husband, and hours and hours on trails and on the road during the week.
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
Yes, and yes! I haven’t even done my “A” race for the season yet, and I’m having a blast! Since I’m working towards my goals of a 100 miler next year, I’m getting the distance under my belt, and slowly working on getting faster at the more technical stuff. Trails are peaceful and fun….well, when you don’t trip over branches and rocks. I believe that’s par for the course though. Everyone eats a little dirt here or there.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
Well it was pretty easy at Pineland Farms since the aid stations were fully stocked with the elixir and I was in heaven! I usually fill my Salomon hydration vest soft flasks with DRINKmaple, and the bladder with regular water and munch on macadamia nuts and stevia sweetened chocolate chips and Base Salts. It keeps me highly energized and hydrated. I also will leave extra in the car to refill and can do 6 mile loops through the woods sometimes. Seeing DRINKmaple at events and aid stations makes me a happy girl though. It means I can refill and rehydrate and be a happy #treechugger!
William Nichols
What was the event, race, adventure?
Bay to Breakers 2017
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
I had a blast running the event with my family. I was proud of my 10 year old son, who powered up the hills of San Francisco. It was my 3rd year doing this event, and I plan on going back again and again.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I had a DRINKmaple before the event and wore my DRINKmaple hat during the event.
What was the event, race, adventure?
Napa Valley 50K Trail Ultra (Inaugural year)
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
It was a tough event. The trails were quilt technical with creek crossings, and boulder climbing.The turnaround was at the top of Mt. St. Helena in Calistoga CA, and we got through the fun trails again on the way back. It was one of the tougher races I’ve done, but I would jump a the chance to take it on again.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I had my usual pre race DRINKmaple and had some packed in my hydration vest to keep me going during the event.
What was the event, race, adventure?
Dirty Dozen 12 Hour endurance run
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
It was a fun event-12 hours on a 3 mile loop trail course. The weather got hot. It was in the high 90’s that day, and half of the course was in full sun. The heat got a bit tough, but I kept pushing through. I’m really starting to love the timed races because it’s not a set distance you have to go, but how far you can go in in that time. I’m looking forward to doing a lot more of them in the future.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I had my pre race DRINKmaple along with a good supply at my drop dox. I took a case of bottles to keep me hydrated, and I chugged a bottle down every free loops to keep my hydration in check.
What was the event, race, adventure?
Travis AFB Triathlon
How’d it go? Would you do it again?
This was the 3rd year doing this event. It was a sprint Triathlon on base. We got to swim in the base pool, then bike and run around the flightline. It was a awesome event because I got to race with some of the people I coach and watch how well they all did. I ended up getting 2nd place in the race. I was lucky enough to help the base gym plan this event and look forward to doing it again next year.
How did you “DRINKmaple”?
I had my pre race DRINKmaple and my bike bottle was full of it also. When I hit transition I always drink some of it to keep me going. I also was wearing my DRINKmaple tri shorts for the event.
