Training Supplement – July 13, 2016
I think I have enough gear to keep me running through November. I also stocked up on electrolytes and gels for the hot summer months ahead. For motivation, Spotify finally delivered some new tunes I liked. And, the Olympic Track & Field trials provided some uplifting narratives, too.
Clothing & Gear
Shorts. I exhausted my supply of running shorts this week. (I realized it was probably because summer running clothes are less bulky and it takes longer to accumulate a full load of laundry.) I ordered some additional Saucony Impulse Shorts. They’ve surpassed the Nike Tempo shorts and become my favorite running shorts. I like their cut and weight. The only things I’d change are the small back pocket and color options.
Shoes. I’ve worn the Brooks Ghosts 8 out a few times now. Generally, I like them but I think the sole is stiffer than the Mizuno Wave Rider 19s. I’ve noticed some mild pain in my heels and ankles, which I’m attributing to the different ride. But, I think they’ll make a good back up if I don’t like the WR20s when they come out. It also occurred to me that I could just start stocking up on the 19s now.
Scale. On a bit of a whim, I bought the Garmin Index Smart Scale. I was getting tired of remembering my weight in the morning and thought it would be great to have the information uploaded wirelessly. I read the reviews on DC Rain Maker and Amazon and was a little concerned but the posts on other scales were much better. There are some issues with the scale syncing to MyFitnessPal, which have been well documented on the Garmin forums, but for my purposes it’s fine.
Nutrition & Hydration
Electrolytes. I’ve used Vitalyte before and I was happy to see it in my July Stridebox since my Crank Sports e-Gels hadn’t arrived for my long run on Saturday. (As I returned from the run, the FedEx guy handed the package to me.) I’m sure it was helpful on that 80+ degree day. However, I ordered some Liquid IV this week, too. I’ve also used it before – over the winter for a treadmill run. I used it during my tempo run this morning. I poured the packet into the 20 ounces of water in Amphipod, but I think it could have been more diluted.
Pre-workout nutrition. On Sunday, I didn’t want to brew coffee before my run since I was short on time so, I tried the Voketab from my July Stridebox. It tasted awful! I hate beets. As I waited to do my run, I didn’t think it had any effect. And, then – Bam! I felt a rush about 15 minutes later. My run was ridiculously energized. I’ll definitely try this product again on days when I don’t want coffee in the morning.
Media & Motivation
Music. “Live Like a Warrior,” by Matisyahu. Spotify did much better with the Discovery Playlist this week. I downloaded a few songs that I thought would be good for running. This has been my favorite so far:
Podcasts. “Episode 11: An Icon Talks Fear,” by Runners World. I listened to this cast during my long run on Saturday and was drawn in by the story of how an elite runner felt the fear that so many marathoners feel – that they just won’t be able to finish because they already gave too much (but somehow they do).
Blogs. “5 Affordable Hydration Products for Runners,” by Run With No Regrets. So timely as the heat and humidity rise in the mid-Atlantic! I love the Nathan QuickShot and am learning to appreciate the Amphipod Hydroform Ergo-Lite Ultra. But, I struggle with trying belts and packs. I have a Camelback Dart and might have to use it for longer runs this summer.
Olympics. I continued watching the Olympic Track & Field finals. Bernard Lagat winning the 5K makes at age 41 was inspirational for this masters runner! I can’t wait for the Olympics!
Motivation. “Without self-discipline, success is impossible. Period.” – Lou Holtz
I haven’t been very disciplined so far this month. The things that are holding back my training are all things that are easily corrected with a little more self-restraint and focus.
