Two weeks ago, I was on a exercise roll... I was beginning to find balance in Crossfit, my Runs, and even found Yoga. One day, my body said, 'please, can we have just one day off?'. I agreed. Oh boy, did it get me into trouble. I have yet to return to my training with the same level of commitment that I left off at. I'm forcing myself to go to do a half-hearted wod or yoga sessions, some days I've been doing both. Unfortunately, I'm having difficulty with getting my runs done....
Summer is practically upon us and everyone else seems to be gearing up their 'practice' to the next level, but I'm feeling lost and unmotivated. I want to cry for the lack of motivation! Let's hope this shall pass and soon!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Training Hurdles - Hydration & Nutrition
Last week, I had two running things on the brain - toe socks and GU (provided by my cheerleader,GMT). Both of which I had just learned about, but was only brave enough to try and fall in love with toe socks.
This past weekend, several seasoned marathoners gathered at our box (gym) to talk/coach others on what to expect while training and during the HNL marathon. During this chat session, they stressed the importance of drinking water at every water station (staying hydrated from the start!) and figuring out how to fuel yourself before and during the run. Basic tip - "Avoid caffeine if it bothers your system. If not, and if it works for you, do it."
Last week, I still had doubts on the GU and shot block options of mid-run nutrition. Big D even suggested a sweet potato option, which I promptly made a few to test, but in my fine fashion, haven't yet tried it during a run. Although it's been ages since I ate frosting straight from the bowl, I got over my dilemma and had some chocolate GU during my Sunday long run. I waited until mile 6 of 7 to try it though for fear of having immediate intestional issues. It was pretty good, albeit really, really sweet, so I had to chase it with water. My tummy was a little upset right after consumption, but only for about the next 2 - 3 minutes, and it could possibly be from all the water I had been drinking during our run. Next time, I'm gonna try a non-caffeinated mint chocolate GU and consume it earlier into my long run and see how that goes.
My mileage is slowly increasing without too much additional effort and I like it. I'm still coming to grips with taking it easy with Crossfit though, as we've been doing more intense wods because we're following the spirit of the Crossfit Regionals that are going on around the world and upcoming Games where the World's Fittest is crowned in July. Truly, exciting and inspiring stuff! However, as the months go on, I'm certain I will improve the balance between my running/crossfit training schedule. Just attacking one hurdle at a time, one at a time that's all, easy, right?
This past weekend, several seasoned marathoners gathered at our box (gym) to talk/coach others on what to expect while training and during the HNL marathon. During this chat session, they stressed the importance of drinking water at every water station (staying hydrated from the start!) and figuring out how to fuel yourself before and during the run. Basic tip - "Avoid caffeine if it bothers your system. If not, and if it works for you, do it."
Last week, I still had doubts on the GU and shot block options of mid-run nutrition. Big D even suggested a sweet potato option, which I promptly made a few to test, but in my fine fashion, haven't yet tried it during a run. Although it's been ages since I ate frosting straight from the bowl, I got over my dilemma and had some chocolate GU during my Sunday long run. I waited until mile 6 of 7 to try it though for fear of having immediate intestional issues. It was pretty good, albeit really, really sweet, so I had to chase it with water. My tummy was a little upset right after consumption, but only for about the next 2 - 3 minutes, and it could possibly be from all the water I had been drinking during our run. Next time, I'm gonna try a non-caffeinated mint chocolate GU and consume it earlier into my long run and see how that goes.
My mileage is slowly increasing without too much additional effort and I like it. I'm still coming to grips with taking it easy with Crossfit though, as we've been doing more intense wods because we're following the spirit of the Crossfit Regionals that are going on around the world and upcoming Games where the World's Fittest is crowned in July. Truly, exciting and inspiring stuff! However, as the months go on, I'm certain I will improve the balance between my running/crossfit training schedule. Just attacking one hurdle at a time, one at a time that's all, easy, right?
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Toe socks are the winner!
Sundays are supposed to be rest days, but not in the marathon training world. It's a work day...
As promised, I tried out my latest running tip - toe socks. I put them on right before I left the house. I kept thinking am I nuts for wearing these on a six miler? Should I test them out on a short three miler instead, I tried to reason with myself. Oh shoot, I decide to just wear them. It's only six slow miles afterall.
The verdict? These socks are the bomb and I highly recommend them to everyone. It sort of spreads your toes apart, and I think that actually helped me to avoid getting tired during the run.
The other promise - try the shot blocks or GU. Since my last post, more friends gave me advice on flavors to try, but I still can't do it, maybe next week.
As promised, I tried out my latest running tip - toe socks. I put them on right before I left the house. I kept thinking am I nuts for wearing these on a six miler? Should I test them out on a short three miler instead, I tried to reason with myself. Oh shoot, I decide to just wear them. It's only six slow miles afterall.
The verdict? These socks are the bomb and I highly recommend them to everyone. It sort of spreads your toes apart, and I think that actually helped me to avoid getting tired during the run.
The other promise - try the shot blocks or GU. Since my last post, more friends gave me advice on flavors to try, but I still can't do it, maybe next week.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sharing is caring!
Two tips: Clif Shot Blocks and injinji toe socks.
I still can't bare the thought of 'eating' goo for sustenance during a long run, so Big D tipped me onto trying shot blocks which are chewable and organic to boot. There are so many flavors, including margarita, however, I erred on the side of caution and bought berry flavors.
And, the need to deal with the issue of big toe/long toe chafe and sock 'break-in' as part of my training, so Coach T suggested ininji toe socks. I semi-literally ran (I drove) to the Running Room to try these socks. It took a single minute to get over the strangeness of having each toe covered before my brain registered, 'oooh, this could work to eliminate chafe after glide wears off'.
I purchased both shot blocks and socks on the spot. Now, I'm gonna try both this Sunday as my mileage is supposed to increase by two or so more miles.
Lesson(s) learned: Talking to others to share your pains and successes can reduce your learning curve.
I still can't bare the thought of 'eating' goo for sustenance during a long run, so Big D tipped me onto trying shot blocks which are chewable and organic to boot. There are so many flavors, including margarita, however, I erred on the side of caution and bought berry flavors.
And, the need to deal with the issue of big toe/long toe chafe and sock 'break-in' as part of my training, so Coach T suggested ininji toe socks. I semi-literally ran (I drove) to the Running Room to try these socks. It took a single minute to get over the strangeness of having each toe covered before my brain registered, 'oooh, this could work to eliminate chafe after glide wears off'.
I purchased both shot blocks and socks on the spot. Now, I'm gonna try both this Sunday as my mileage is supposed to increase by two or so more miles.
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