Training Supplement – June 29, 2016

Clothing & Gear

Amphipod AirFlow Lite Waistpack.  I received this waistpack as a gift this week.  I’ve noticed I’m taking fewer pictures on my runs now that I’m wearing the armband instead of a SPI-belt – it’s a hassle to undo the band, get my phone out, take the picture, and put the band back on.  I’m wondering if a waistpack might be a better option on scenic runs.  Although, based on past experiences, I’m a little worried about chaffing when it comes to belts.

Nutrition & Hydration 

Nutrition.  I’ve been cleaning up my diet a little and trying to eat more quality foods.  In particular, I’ve been looking at my iron intake.  I found a list of iron-rich food from the American Red Cross and made a conscious effort to integrate at least two items on the list into my diet each day.  But, I also started taking a multivitamin to make sure I reach my RDA.

Dehydration.  On Tuesday, I ran on the most humid day of the summer so far – 75 degrees and 90% humidity.  I drank a good 16 ounces of water before the run and carried 8 ounces of Gatorade on me but wonder if this was more about electrolytes.  I can’t describe how much water was pouring off my body.  I’ll write more about that for Saturday’s training post.

Media & Motivation

Music. “Blow Me (One Last Kiss),” by P!nk.  I listened to my Spotify Premium Discover playlist during this week’s long run.  I hated almost all of the songs but this one gave me a little bit of a boost.

Podcasts.  I listened to a lot of good casts this week…

• “Magical Solution, Get Besos #21“, by Sleep with Me.  I’ve been battling through insomnia for the past few weeks.  Even though I think I could have fallen asleep on my own last week because I was dead tired, I gave this podcast a try last Thursday night.  So…  I’m not quite sure what to say about this podcast.  The host talked non-nonsensically in a very soothing tone about a story that was impossible to follow.  I found it very annoying.  However, I fell asleep after about 15 minutes of listening to him, so I guess it worked.
• “Ask for Help,” by Jillian Michaels.  She’s mentioned this expression before, but she talks about envy being great because it tells you exactly what you want to work for.  It made me think about what I’m envious of in other runners?  Answer: speed.  I’m envious of faster runners.  There, I wrote it.  Surprise!  She also gave advice on supplements, water, and other nutritional topics I’ve been looking into lately.
• “Dr. Jason Karp – Failure is Part of the Process,” by Runners Connect.  I thought this was a very good episode.  Not only because of the discussion concerning mental training – I do believe in the power of visualization – but also when they touched on process.  I’ve often said I enjoy training for the marathon more than I love the races themselves.  Usually, I’ve gone through so much before the start line that the race itself is anticlimactic.

Motivation.  “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” – Jackie Joyner Kersee.

I’ll turn 45 this week and enter a new 5-year age group!  I’m actually happy about entering a new age group.  The day may come, but right now, I’m not someone who dreads getting older.  In many ways, I feel like I’m finally hitting my stride in so many aspects of my life.  But when it comes to running, I do feel a little desperation about whether my fastest days are behind me.  I don’t think they are, which keeps me pounding the pavement day after day.  I’m not quite ready to concede that sub-3:20 isn’t going to happen for me.  I’m going to work hard to make it happen this fall at the New York City Marathon.