If you had told me a year ago that I'd run a marathon, I probably would have laughed.
Actually, that's pretty much how this whole thing started.
One day at work, I jokingly told a coworker that I was going to run the Flying Pig Marathon. Neither of us took it seriously at first, but over time it became less of a joke and more of a challenge. Eventually, it felt like an unofficial bet between us.
The problem?
I wasn't a runner.
I had never trained for a marathon, never considered myself a long distance runner, and certainly hadn't spent years preparing for a 26.2-mile race. But once I said I was going to do it, I couldn't back out.
So, I signed up.
Training for a Marathon in Less Than Two Months
With only about 1.5–2 months to prepare, I started training.
I spent some time researching marathon preparation, reading articles, watching videos, and trying to figure out how to do this as safely as possible. One thing kept coming up over and over again:
Hydration and electrolytes matter.
Every marathon horror story seemed to include some combination of dehydration, cramping, or hitting the wall. I knew I couldn't control everything on race day, but I could control how prepared I was.
That's when I decided that hydration wasn't going to be an afterthought, it was going to be part of my race strategy.
My Race Day Electrolyte Plan
For the entire Flying Pig Marathon, I took one Portions Master Electrolyte Plus capsule every 25–30 minutes while staying on top of my fluid intake.
It was simple:
- 1 capsule every 25–30 minutes
- Continue drinking water throughout the race
- Stay consistent from start to finish
I didn't wait until I felt dehydrated. I didn't wait for cramps to show up. I went into the race with a plan and stuck to it.
More Than Just Basic Electrolytes
One thing I liked about Portions Master Electrolyte Plus was that it wasn't just sodium in a packet.
Each capsule contains a blend of ingredients designed to support hydration and electrolyte balance, including:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin D3
- BioPerine® (black pepper extract) to support nutrient absorption
- Boron
Electrolytes play an important role in fluid balance and normal muscle function, which is exactly why they became such a major part of my marathon preparation. Vitamin D3 adds additional support for overall wellness, while BioPerine® is included to help enhance nutrient absorption.
Again, I'm not saying this was the only reason I finished my marathon. Training, pacing, nutrition, weather conditions, and plenty of determination all played a role.
But I can tell you this:
I didn't cramp once.
Crossing the Finish Line
There were moments during the race when I questioned why I had ever opened my mouth at work and made that joke.
But eventually, mile after mile, I found myself getting closer to the finish line.
And then it happened.
I crossed the finish line of the Flying Pig Marathon.
For someone who wasn't a runner just a couple of months earlier, it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
Even more surprising? Through 26.2 miles, I never experienced a single cramp.
What I Learned
Running a marathon taught me that most limits are self-imposed.
A joke turned into a challenge.
A challenge turned into a commitment.
And a commitment turned into 26.2 miles.
If you're thinking about running your first marathon, my advice is simple:
- Respect the distance.
- Train consistently.
- Have a hydration strategy.
- Don't wait until something goes wrong to take hydration seriously.
Having a hydration and electrolyte plan gave me the confidence, energy, and preparation to push through every mile from the starting line to the finish. Whether you’re running a marathon, training, playing a sport, or competing in hot and humid conditions, your body works hard and loses important electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing what you lose helps support hydration, endurance, and performance so you can stay ready to give your best when it matters most.
