If you run, you probably have the odd idea pop into your head. Stress on the word “odd.” I think this happens to all runners whether you run alone or in a group. Chances are that more ideas come to the surface the longer the run. I run with a solid group of friends and we have chatted about almost everything you can imagine during long runs.
We are comfortable in expressing what’s on our minds, and not too embarrassed to speak what we are thinking, no matter how off-the-wall it is.
We have had lots of “interesting” ideas and potential inventions come up during runs. Running clears the mind. It creates a space for imagination. It’s sometimes a bit like that half-awake/half-asleep state where you are starting to dream and your mind wanders to strange places.
The first idea that I can remember popping up was during one of the first hot days of the spring and we felt as though we had over-dressed for the occasion. Like wearing a parka to a tropical beach wedding.
The idea that day was edible running clothes. Yup, edible running clothes.
Think about it: you need to shed a jacket, a neck warmer, long running pants, a hat. You need carbs and electrolytes. Why not wear your nutrition?
Lend your mind’s eye to this: at 5 km you realize you wore too many layers. A quick rip. Eat your sleeves. They dissolve in your mouth, providing carbs. At 10 km, there goes the rest of your jacket. A shot of electrolytes. At 20 km your pant legs. You arrive at your destination both refreshed and cooler. Such efficiency!
The downside to all of this is the fact that you need to try it before long runs to make sure you have no unwanted “digestive problems” during the actual run (this benefits your running buddies as well!), and this trial period could be expensive using up clothes which need to be re-purchased for subsequent cold weather runs. And, jacket zippers stuck in your gullet could slow your time. And what about allergies?
We thought this idea was incredible. Implausible perhaps, but incredible from the point of view of such a novel idea, and it was enjoyable to talk about. Just as the run was enjoyable, as it always is with friends.
Wait, did I say implausible? The 2019 London marathon experimented with edible water packets on-course. But our little running group had the idea first by a couple of years.
What could have been! And if you do decide to go for it and develop edible running clothes, please give a shout out to the Run Your Happy Blog (after you get regulatory approval for the product, that is….!).