Training Supplement – September 15, 2016

I listened to some good podcasts this week on safety and marathon training tips.  I re-read an article on getting over a bad race.  The official gear for the New York City Marathon came out and I bought a singlet.  I also got to see Hains Point from a different vantage point.

Clothing & Gear

Singlets.  The gear for the New York City Marathon is out!  I decided not to wait until the expo and ordered the Asics Womens Singlet.  It’s hard to believe, but I don’t own any Asics tops so I wasn’t sure about my size.  I ordered an extra small and small with the intention of returning one of them.

(My Complete Clothes & Gear Page.)

 

 

 

Nutrition & Hydration

Nutrition. This month’s Stridebox arrived.  In addition to the usual sports nutrition items and gear, it also included a recipe card for Clean Energy Bars and a “20 Minute Leg Workout for Runners”.  I’m not sure if this is a one-time event or if they’re expanding the scope of the deliveries.

Routes

Construction.  “The Park Service Plans to Connect Key Bike Trails on the Mall, in Arlington, and Elsewhere,” from Greater Great Washington.  I suppose it’s a little pre-mature to label this “construction” since these improvements may take years.  However, I was interested to read there might be better access to downtown via the Roosevelt Bridge and Mount Vernon Trail.

Hains Point.  I had the opportunity to visit Fort McNair this weekend.  I’ve seen the beautiful buildings during my runs on Hains Points and passed the facility during the Rock n Roll DC Marathon, but the base itself was a mystery.  I took the opportunity to take a picture of Hains Point from the other side of the Potomac River.

Media & Motivation

Music.  “Home,” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.  This was a Spotify weekly discovery from a few weeks back.  Initially, I didn’t like it but it’s grown on me.

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

Podcasts.  “Do You Know What to do if Your Life is in Danger,” by RunnersConnect.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about recent attacks on female runners and advice that is not particularly helpful.  But, I thought this podcast was helpful.  Although the guest does recommends running with other people, his bigger message was about putting yourself in a position to react and protect yourself.

“Run Your Best Marathon,” from the Runner’s World Show.  As an experienced marathoner, I knew a lot of these tips but it’s good to be reminded about some of them.  Like, not going out too fast.  I also thought the part about redefining success was timely since I spent the week thinking about how my training has been going.

Websites.  “Three Ways to Cope with a Bad Race,” by Runner’s World.  After a disappointing Parks Half Marathon this weekend, I went back and re-read this article.  I liked that the article pointed out that it’s okay to admit you’re disappointed.  However, it’s important to do something constructive like looking back at your training and trying to figure out what may have gone wrong.  And then…  Move on!  You can’t change the past, so there’s really no point in dwelling on a bad race.

Motivation.  “Winning is not everything, but wanting to win is.” – Vince Lombardi

Bad races can be great motivators for improvement.  I haven’t given up on running faster in the future.