Aid Station Food Choices:

Eat, Toss, Carry

It was 6 a.m. on the West Coast, which means two things: it’s way too early… and it’s time for Food Fight Friday at the Aid Station presented by 7 Summits Snacks on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network.

Adam Lee and I willingly set alarms that should be illegal, all in the name of discussing food choices endurance athletes might face at mile ‘whatever’ of a race. This week’s theme? The letter A.

It sounded simple.

It was not.

The Letter A Rabbit Hole

We kicked things off with almonds. Easy. Clean. Dependable. But then Adam mentioned chocolate-covered almonds and suddenly we’re debating whether that’s an “A” food or a “C” food. You can see where this is going.

Then came apples. Adam would love to tell you I confidently crush whole apples mid-race, but his front teeth are currently in negotiations about that. Apricots made a late push. Avocado entered the conversation (not guacamole because there’s a difference). And somehow we found ourselves imagining albacore tuna steaks and grilled asparagus with alfalfa sprouts at mile 82 of an ultra.

Because apparently gourmet suffering is now a vibe.

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Here’s the part I love most: the community.

Our LIVE audience jumped in with arugula and acai while Adam and I were still figuring out what day it was. Sheena strategically suggested apricots, which meant we had no choice but to factor that into the game.

And that’s what makes this fun. It’s not just us talking at endurance athletes. It’s all of us talking with each other.

Eat. Toss. Carry.

Here’s how the game works:

• Eat one immediately

• Toss one in the trash

• Carry one to the next aid station

We created the Orchard 50k which meant that our choices were sliced apples, apricots and avocados.

I did tell the story of Boundiful where I ran an Apple and Walnut Farm….maybe that was the inspiration for this imaginary race? I am not sure because after all it was 6am when we started.

Endurance Sports Should Be Fun. Like This.

Endurance sports are hard. You get stronger and faster as you train but that doesn’t make the sports easier. So, we may as well have fun with them, right?

And that’s why we do this. It’s ridiculous and unpredictable. It’s community-driven. The show reminds us to have fun…..even if you’re aid station food choices involves carrying an avocado in a Ziploc bag.

Now it’s your turn.
Eat. Toss. Carry. What’s your move?

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