Training Supplement – February 15, 2017

I retired two pairs of Mizuno Wave Rider 20s during the past two weeks and tried some new, lighter running shoes.  I also caught up on podcasts and otherwise tried to stay motivated after a rough week.

Clothing & Gear

Shoes.  Both pairs of my Mizuno Wave Rider (WR) 20s were closing in on 300 miles.  I decided to try some lighter shoes (according to the website, the Mizuno 20s are 8.3 ounces) since I have a half marathon and 10 miler coming up soon.

Brooks Launch 4.  Of the new shoes I purchased, I’ve been happiest with these so far.  Weighing in at 7.5 ounces, they’re slightly lighter than the Mizuno 20s.  But, they seemed cushioned enough for high mileage marathon training.  I worried about the heel-to-toe drop and I did experience some pain in my right calf breaking them in, but I think that will dissipate.

Saucony Ride 9.  These shoes are the same weight as the Mizuno WR 20s but I think they feel slightly lighter and more flexible.  Which is why I don’t understand why I don’t like them!  I’ve worn them three times and the ride feels flat for some reason.  I thought it was comparable to the Brooks Ghost.

Brooks Pureflow 6.  I bought these shoes for speed workout.  I’ve worn them in the past, so I felt like they’re a known entity.  I wore them during today’s recovery run and thought the toe box was a little big but I’ll see how they feel after a few more runs.  They are 7.5 ounces and have a 4 mm drop, which was very noticeable relative to the Mizuno 20s.

First aid.  Brave Soldier Antiseptic Healing Ointment.  I got a blister last Wednesday night from walking in heels all day.  On Thursday morning, I scavenged my Stridebox product pile for something to treat them.  I tried this ointment because the labeling said it helped with pain relief.  I’ve applied it every other day and it seemed to help a little.  I also used it on a sore spot from my heart rate monitor and it definitely felt better the next day.  The only downside is the noticeable menthol smell.

(My Complete Clothes & Gear Page.)

Nutrition & Hydration 

Stridebox.  My February box arrived. 

The massager was a welcomed gift!  I thought the previous product I tried from Buff Bake was too sweet and a protein cookie called “Birthday Cake” had me worried.  The other products seemed promising, though.

Electrolytes. First Endurance EFS Electrolyte Drink Powder.  I was dragging a little last week and drank this thinking maybe it would help.  But, it tasted pretty bad.  It was fruit punch flavor but nothing about it reminded me of fruit except the sweetness.

Routes

Water Fountains.  I don’t understand the water fountain at National Airport.  During my long run on January 4th, it was off.  The next week, it was on!  Don’t get me wrong – I’m happy to play this roulette because it’s better than no hope at all.  But, it seems as though something is triggering it to operate on some days and not on others.  But, maybe it’s me…

Media & Motivation

Music. “Somebody Told Me,” by The Killers.  I was in a bit of a slump and needed a tried and true up-tempo song to get me through some runs.

(My “Songs of the Week” playlist on Spotify.)

Podcasts. “Clam Chowder Concern (Centros),” by Pace the Nation.  This episode featured Matt Centrowitz Sr. and Jr promoting a new book about their running life.  But, I was fixated on the clam chowder the night before a race.  When I’m training for a marathon, there are certain foods I avoid and dairy is high on the list.

“Super Size Apple Pie (Chris Bridner),” by Pace the Nation.  I’ve enjoyed learning more about his organization and, now that I know about it, I’m looking forward to following the RWB flag race across the country this year.

“Moonshot,” by The Runner’s World Show.  I thought this was an interesting concept – chronicling a recreational runner’s attempt at an elusive Boston qualifying time while reporting on the sub-2 hour marathon attempt.  I hoped he would choose the Eugene Marathon for his attempt but he chose the Bayshore Marathon instead.

News.  World Marathon Challenge – 7 Marathons on Continents in 7 Days.  I didn’t follow this event each day but was proud to see local runner Michael Wardian set another endurance record – averaging 2:45:57 for each race.  Incredible!

Motivation. “Dream big and dare to fail.” – Norman Vaughan

After several weeks of running well, I struggled a little this past week.  During this rough patch, I’ve been trying to remind myself that when you set big goals for yourself, it’s going to be a struggle.

Do you have training shoes and racing shoes?  If so, what is the difference between the two?

Are there foods you avoid during marathon training or just the night before a race?