I'm only a week in so I think it's too early to say whether I'm getting the results I want. I think I'll just keep at it and not change anything for...
What's wrong with seltzer water? Polar vanilla flavored seltzer water tastes just like cream soda, except without the sugar or artificial sweetener....
I run races too (though not once a month). I carb load with rice, potatoes, enjera (made with teff flour), and sometimes ice cream (yes, ice cream)....
Not sure which brand you use, but I've tried both Nutiva organic hemp protein powder and Manitoba Harvest organic dark chocolate hemp protein powder....