Training Supplement – November 17, 2016

Training Supplement - 11716
Training Supplement – 11716

Bought a few pieces at the New York City Marathon.  “The world is but a treat when you’re on Easy Street”.  (Sorry.)  Mentally, trying to steel myself to train for yet another attempt at sub-3:20 in the marathon.  Caught up on podcasts, too.


Clothing & Gear

2016 NYCM Expo Haul
2016 NYCM Expo Haul

I bought three pieces at the New York City Marathon Expo.

Outerwear.  Asics Storm Shelter Jacket ($145.00).  I already own a previous version of this jacket in pink.  It’s great for Washington D.C. mornings when it’s not freezing cold but there’s a little moisture in the air.  There are vents to let the warm air out if I get overheated.  I bought it in white for increased visibility.  This jacket is one of my favorite outwear pieces.

Tops.  Asics Marathon Pull Over w/Hood ($85.00). I’d been wearing this pull over as lounge wear all week but finally wore it for running on my first day back.  I wore it over a light long-sleeve shirt.  It was warmer than I thought it would be.  The biggest downside is that the pockets don’t have zippers.

Tights.  Nike Power Epic Lux Tight ($115.00 but USATF charged $145 for the tights at the expo)I already bought a pair of USA Track & Field tights that just say “USA”  But, these were blue instead of black so I bought them. 

(My Complete Clothes & Gear Page.)


Nutrition & Hydration

Stridebox - November 2016
Stridebox – November 2016

Weight & Nutrition.  I spent the week after the marathon eating everything in sight.  So many French Fries!  But mostly spicy foods that I denied myself for the past four months like Thai and Mexican food.  On Sunday, when I topped 130 pounds, I decided it was time to reign myself in a little.  It’s a benchmark I try to keep myself under even though it’s just a few pounds heavier than I’ve been most of the year.

Electrolytes. I ate five Crank Sport e-Gels during the New York City Marathon, which is surely a record.  Even though I faded at the end, I think they helped me handle the heat.  I may switch to the Accel Rapid Energy Gels during the winter, though, since I’ll be sweating a little less.


Media & Motivation

Music. Sorry to do this to you, but this song from The Walking Dead was definitely the song I listened to the most these past two weeks.

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

Podcasts.  “New York City Marathon, Parts I and II,” by Pace the Nation.  I met up with the podcasts hosts in New York City after the marathon, so I had already heard some of the details.  The strangest thing about the evening was that, even though we hadn’t met, I felt like I were were old friends.

Molly Huddle: Why New York Was the Marathon for Molly,” by RunnersConnect.  I enjoy almost anything  about Molly Huddle, so this was a treat.  I took to heart her advice about focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.  I think I want to carry that with me into my next marathon training cycle.

Running While Female,” by The Runner’s World Show.  I thought this was a great discussion of the harassment and safety concerns so many women face when they go out for a run.  The women recounted their experiences touching on how they responded and how it made them feel.  The men were good, empathetic listeners.

Books.  Science of Running,” by Steve Magness.  I put this book away when I reached the “How to Train” section since I was being coached at the time and didn’t want his philosophies messing with what my coach was telling me to do.  I picked it up again this week.  I’m thinking about following his approach, which isn’t much different than Hudson, when I start crafting my next training plan.

Motivation.  “How long should you try? Until.” – Jim Rohn

I’ve been chasing sub-3:20 for a few years now. After another disappointing marathon training cycle, it’s a challenge to mentally prepare to try again.