SuckerPunch Pickle Slices and Shots Review

I've tried pickle juice before during runs and it was a revelation. Though I really don't mind sweet gels and candy as fuel when run and race, I've always been a salt-driven person as opposed to sugar. There are some days, particularly when my tummy isn't the best, that the thought of a sugar bomb just doesn't sit right. I just ran a marathon (which was my second in a month), and I was pretty tired after getting up at 3:30 a.m. for the shuttle. When I get so little sleep, salt is my go-to. I'd been sent the SuckerPunch pickle slices and an electrolyte shot, and I figured I'd try them out. (Yes, I know. Nothing new on race day. However, I do tend to eat a lot of pickles, so I broke the rule this once.) 

I took the electrolyte shot about eight miles in, and it was delicious! They make a spicy one as well (which I am ordering immediately), but this was the regular one. I did get a bit of relief for my tired legs and I was really happy with it. Sometimes gels make me a bit more thirsty, but the shot is liquid enough that it didn't happen. (I also tend to use salt tabs, so I know they don't make me thirsty.) It was just the bit of a boost I needed. 

That said, I've been trying to learn to eat actually food you can chew in anticipation of attempting my first ultra at some point soon. I figured this was as good a time as any. I've tried stroopwafels and chews, so it wasn't the first solid food I've used during a race. I just liked this one better. About 18 miles in, I tried the slices. 

These pickle slices (I had the spicy dill with me) are a flavor bomb! The crunch was so satisfying that I actually giggled as I was running. Another woman came up beside me to ask what I was eating, so I shared. She loved it as well! If you're someone who doesn't do savory food during a race, these might not be for you, but the strong flavor makes me salivate more, which takes away that dry mouth thing you get a while into a race. I did wonder if the vinegar would give me any stomach issues, but it didn't, and ... don't laugh too much at me, but I was excited to finish the race so I could eat the next pack! 

I love the fact that I can bring these on a plane, since the packs are 3.4 ounces. In fact, I'm racing out of the country next month, and these are definitely coming with me! I was already a sucker for pickles (sorry, sorry), but I'm now obsessed! In addition to the spicy dill, they also have three pepper and kosher dill, both of which I love. I didn't try the bread and butter pickles since that flavor isn't my favorite in general, but if you like them, it's worth a try.