Favorite Running Blogs?
Other than sweat365 (of course), can any of you recommend other favorite running blogs? Thanks!!! runnernyc.sweat365.com
Filed under: Uncategorized
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
CONFESSIONS OF A RECOVERING RUNNING BORE
While we all love running so much, we know that once you’ve started to hit the pavement on a regular basis you also can become a regular “running bore” to those around you who don’t run. BUT, remember, you live on earth where not everyone shares our passions for “the loop” or “hill work” or “sprints,” so to avoid having your friends, family and co-workers pass out into your bowl of pasta at the dinner table, remember the following…
At a Dinner Party:
1) Avoid starting off a conversation like “yesterday my 10 mile long run gave me bloody nipples”…or “geesh, I have chafed thighs today”…
2) Limit yourself to no more than two minutes of unprovoked running repartee. If you can’t help yourself, you can be classified as a true running bore (TRB).
3) Read your audience (if you detect eye glaze about your splits during the 10K best to get them a pillow, stat).
During a Run:
4) If your running partner doesn’t like to talk while running, then don’t. There is such a thing as too much sharing.
5) Splits Schpliptz; time shpime; miles schmiles…to those running around you, it’s part of the game and a snooze!
6) Believe it or not, the story about you losing something at baggage claim is NOT new.
At the Office:
7) Avoid wearing running medals as fashion accessories. (Although I did for a new business pitch once and we won the business!)
Always hunt down the new guy for your charitable “dollar for mile” contributions.
9) Remember that playing Chariots of Fire and Born to Run from the Ipod dock on your desk will get very old, fast.
After a Marathon:
10) Try not to yell too loud walking down steps (your medal is a pretty big sign you’ve just run the race) and never, ever be seen in the Mylar wrap after Labor Day!
But really, who gives a hoot about what non-runners think about our conversations…it’s best that we find ways to get THEM on the road and to begin telling the stories we are always telling! Happy Spring everybody!
Filed under: Run
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
RUNNING TIPS: HOW TO HANDLE WATER PRESSURE
Whether you’re a beginning runner or a seasoned one, water stations can be a source of unnecessary anxiety. An oasis for your body suddenly turns into a chaotic, heart-racing and many times frustrating part of your race. Here are some simple tips I’ve used over the years to help reduce water-station stress and other important refueling tips.
1. STAY CALM. As the station comes into view, gradually ease your way to the table. Expect novice runners to abruptly stop. Expect anxious runners to dart in and out so as not to lose one precious second in their race. Simply anticipating the chaos will help you stay calm. I liken these instances to a traffic jam where everyone is trying to jockey for a faster lane.
2. HAVE A GAMEPLAN. I usually head toward the far end of the water table. This area always seems less crowded and also gives you a place to drink your water out of other runners’ way on the side/end of the table. Note: If you are running with someone, it’s also a great place to reconnect and not lose each other through the masses.
3. GRAB ‘N GO. If I’m on a personal record run, I still like to head to the furthest part of the table, grab the water and squeeze the top of the cup to provide a small spout for to drink and ease my way back to the course. This way, I can continue at my pace and keep the water in the cup and drink it when I want to. I’ve been told when you’re finished drinking, toss remaining water, crush the cup into your hand and drop near your feet. I’ve seen many runners get pelted by those who toss half-full cups through the air in frigid temps. Not cool!
4. FUEL UP FIRST; THEN DRINK YOUR WATER. I’m starting to see this finally change but for many years race officials would stock the water first; then have Gatorade stations AFTER the water. TIP: Always fuel up first with your Power Gels, Power Bars, energy drinks THEN grab your water. Otherwise you will have a sticky mouth and coated throat until the next water station!
5. SLIP-SLIDIN’ AWAY. Water stations also might include oranges and bananas for runners to refuel. Proceed with caution as water and fruit rinds make for a slick passageway.
And last but not least, perhaps the most important thing to do while you’re whizzing through the water troughs is to thank the folks who are there serving you and cheering you on!!!
Filed under: Run
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
Side Stitches and Hills: Simple Techniques on Busting Through Them!
No matter what level of runner you are, side stitches and hills can sometimes wreck an otherwise great run. Here are two very quick and simple techniques that I’ve found work quite well
1) STITCHES: If your stitch is on the LEFT side make sure you (more rapidly) breathe in when your RIGHT foot hits the ground – and vice versa. I don’t necessarily breathe in on every right foot “beat” but I do breathe in more often to reduce the stitch ache. Give it a full minute (or so) and trust me, you’ll forget your stitch was even there in the first place!!
2) HILLS: Using this two-pronged technique I read in Runner’s World Magazine a few years ago has turned “dreaded hills” to “hill happiness!” Simply shorten your stride and regulate your breathing. I liken it driving your car up a hill and putting it into a lower gear. I’ll also really pay attention to my breathing rhythm – and keep it consistent. Your body will feel more in control as you make your way to the apex.
So more random tips from runnernyc. Appreciate all of the feedback from everyone. I think it never hurts to be reminded of some simple techniques to make your runs more enjoyable!!
Filed under: General Cardio, Run
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
Random Tips for Beginning Runners
One thing I’m thankful for after running 15 marathons in 9 years is that I never had a serious injury to sideline me from running. (Ok, maybe a pull here and there, but nothing more than that). When training for a marathon (or even a 5K, 10K, half-marathon) here are some of my general tenets I share with those I’m coaching for a successful, healthy finish:
1) DON’T OVERRUN. Once you have some great running gear (I dig Brooks), a smart-looking watch and the determination to train for a race, it’s time to hit the trails. But I see time and time again with beginners I coach the tendency to overrun. They believe if they don’t run every day that they’re not going to reach this goal. What I tell them is if they run every day, they will surely get injured.
2) RUN MINUTES, NOT MILES. For the first two-to-three months of your training, I suggest running 30 minutes/run; running three-to-four times a week only. The days of rest are as crucial as the days your on the road running. When you feel like you can extend your 30-minute run; add in five-minute increments. Then, once you are comfortable with a 45-minute run begin to check out 5K races to compete in. Check out your local running clubs (nyrrc.org).
3) THE PRE-DETERMINED RUNNING/TRAINING SCHEDULES FROM RUNNING CLUBS ARE CREATED TO INJURE YOU!– I remember my first marathon where I believed if I didn’t run each and every run on the days they listed, I would not succeed. Just about EVERYONE I know has injured themselves by overrunning and trying to remain super strict to the running schedules. Relax. It’s more about your ability to run over a long period of time and distance and not if you missed a day or two of the schedule.
4) IF YOU FEEL A TWINGE WHILE YOU’RE RUNNING I HAVE ONE WORD: STOP. Do not try to convince yourself it will get better. Trust me, we’ve all tried to run through a pull or ache and most will tell you it’s best to stop and see how it feels the next day. But do not try to run through it hoping it will go away, it won’t and it’ll get worse and delay your training.
5) MY ADV+ICE: ADVIL + ICE. If you are feeling a muscle pull or experiencing joint, knee or shin pain when you first begin running take three Advil and ice your ache regularly. It’s a miracle cure.
6) I HAVE SHINS — THEREFORE AS A BEGINNER — THEY WILL GET SORE. Your shins will sure to get sore because your calves are growing faster with your training – and your shins basically need to catch up on becoming strong enough to not feel the calf pull. Best thing to do is before your run is massage your calves and loosen them up a bit so the tightness won’t overstress your shin. Because “the splints” really hurt. Massaging your shins is also a good idea to keep from straining them.
7) TRY TO RUN WITHOUT MUSIC. I know, I know this is really unpopular…and I understand how music can inspire you, but I tell my runners that it’s important to communicate with your body throughout your run and pay attention to all of your mechanics. I guarantee (at least for me) music actually became a distraction for me when running long distance. No doubt it’s a motivator along the route, but I suggest training without it and pay attention to your body. You’ll thank me later.
LEARN HOW TO FUEL YOUR BODY DURING A RUN. I am shocked at how many beginning marathoners tell me they don’t like to eat along the route because of many reasons – nausea, cramping, etc. You must learn how to take in carbohydrates during your run (Goo, PowerGels with caffeine work for me). Training runs are designed to help you develop this very important tip for successful runs. Basically, if you run out of energy during a run, it’s like running out of gas. And you will definitely learn what “hitting the wall” is all about. So get over your nausea and Gatorade and Gel with the best of them!
9) DON’T FORGET TO EAT YOUR PROTEIN, TOO! As a beginning runner, I made the mistake of only eating pasta, as my impression was that was what all runners ate! Carbohydrates like pasta, rice, breads and bagels are critical, yes, but balance with chicken, fish, meat and other sources of protein for muscle strength and growth.
If you’d like any additional running advice, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ve coached more than 25 beginning runners to a healthy marathon finish!
Filed under: Uncategorized
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
C-Reactive Protein: It’s Important for Runners to Know About
While I’m not a doctor, I know enough from my personal experience to remind all runners, especially men, about asking your doctor to explain a heart risk indicator called C-Reactive Protein — or CRP. While cholesterol and cortisol indications are important to track and keep in check for a healthy lifestyle, CRP has become a critical and key indicator of artery inflammation. Here’s how I found this out.
In 2005, after running three marathons in less than six weeks (Berlin, Columbus OH and NYC) I was surprised to see that my midsection had actually gained about 9 pounds! I’m a fit and trim runner with proper height to weight ratio (175lbs) who eats healthily and expected to lose weight, not gain it so the extra weight was alarming.
I discussed this with my trainer at the gym who warned me that this happens when putting your body through extremely stressful exercise regimes. With a high-stress job coupled with international travel and pounding the marathon route excessively, my hormones, meant to protect the body from stress went haywire.
My cholesterol level shot up to 260 — which generally peaked at 170. My cortisol levels had skyrocketed and other indicators were nearing pre-diabetic levels. Mind you, my family had none of these issues so I was worried I had put too much stress on my body and it was reacting quite negatively. And then the news about C-RP.
It was nearly eight times the level it should have been putting me at serious heart attack risk. ME? An avid healthy runner who eats well, doesn’t smoke and thought running was supposed to reduce these concerns?
So, fast forward to 2009. After “regular” running regimes (no marathons I was told, for a while) of 10Ks, 5Ks, and half marathons, I’ve brought all risk indicators to their normal levels. But with this first post, I felt the need to remind all runners to regularly check your CRP levels. You might be hearing/reading more and more about it in the future as it is a true indicator of inflammation and stress levels you might be putting on your body with intense and over-running.
So, just know what your levels are and take “steps” to bring them in line if they’re too high so you can continue to enjoy your running regimes.
I’m back on the road again — and happy to share other running insights on future posts.
Filed under: Run
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
I just joined the Brooks Run Happy Group at Sweat365!
I’m a man from New York New York USA, born in 1963.
My favorite sports include: running walking
My goals are: Maintain healthy lifestyle; keep weight stable; enjoy more NYRRC winter races and events.
My other favorite activities include: Tennis.
After taking a year hiatus from running marathons, I’m motivated to get Back on the Road again with the Brooks Community!
This is my training blog which I am using to keep track of my fitness progress.
Please come by and read my blog. It will help me stay motivated and keep me on track as I achieve my fitness goals!
Filed under: Uncategorized
|
Digg! this story.
|
Leave a Comment
