Last week was a rough week. Many failed experiments are sapping my energy in the lab. I'm really hoping things start looking up soon.
A recommendation on electrolytes (thanks Delip!) pointed me towards Nuun. Knowing what to look for I picked up some sample tablets, as well as some from Nathan Sports, which makes a variety of running accessories (several hydration systems as well as reflective gear).
My plan was to try to save a little bit to purchase some clip-on aerobars. That is, until I looked at my training log and realized I was going to need some new running shoes. Also looking at my everyday sandals, I have worn through the sole and middle layer on my Birkenstocks (I mean, they're probably 5 years old!). I ordered some new sandals online, though not Birkenstocks. Cursed by my training, I couldn't help but look for something made for athletes. I ended up getting a pair of Crocs Prepair sandals. Like many cultural trends, I was a bit reluctant to jump on the Crocs bandwaggon, but what the heck, right?
I also did pick up some new running shoes. The Brooks Addiction 8 has been my go-to shoe for the past 2 years, making these my fourth pair. In the back of my mind, I wonder what I'll do if I ever do serious trail running, since it seems trail shoes don't have the same breakdown into supination, normal, or overpronation gaits, at least not to the extent that road shoes do. Charm City Run had the new generation Addiction 9, but offered the older model for a discount. How could I refuse?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Hydration
With the pool open, I think I'm finally back in the swing of things. It felt good to get back in the water. Last semester I always seemed reluctant to go, but something about this semester clicked and I've begun to anticipate these workouts.
With summer here, the temperature as rocketed. I think this is the first time I've been serious about monitoring my fluid levels and hydration. With the heat and humidity, I've noticed a major increase in sweat. I've been taking in more fluids in the form of plain water. However, I'm now on a quest to find the best electrolyte replenishment.
Temporarily, products like Propel, or PoweradeZero are my go-tos; ideally I'm looking for JUST fluid and electrolyte replacement, not a carbohydrate sports drink. Currently, most electrolyte drinks are produced already prepared. I'd like to find these in the powdered form, but except for Propel, they seem scarce. Making my own is a possiblity; I experimented some with Hammer Nutrition's Endurolytes, electrolyte tablets by breaking the pill into water and adding some lemon juice. It was okay, but the tablets don't really dissolve. Any tips from seasoned veterans would be appreciated. This week I picked up some Propel (2 flavors), PoweradeZero, and SoBe vitamin water (brand VitaminWater doesn't have ANY Na+ or K+) to experiment with.
I also went on a group ride from TriSpeed, a triathlon retail store. It was OK, I think I would've been more relaxed going on a Sunday when I don't worry about getting into lab at a reasonable hour. I worry though about how I'm going to be able to increase my bike mileage base.
This morning's run was brutal. Partially because of the heat, and so I think I was dehydrated. I also ran out of cereal yesterday, which is my stalwart pre-exercise snack. I tried to make do with simple wheat germ, but I guess I didn't get the same amount of fuel that I usually do from the cereal.
With summer here, the temperature as rocketed. I think this is the first time I've been serious about monitoring my fluid levels and hydration. With the heat and humidity, I've noticed a major increase in sweat. I've been taking in more fluids in the form of plain water. However, I'm now on a quest to find the best electrolyte replenishment.
Temporarily, products like Propel, or PoweradeZero are my go-tos; ideally I'm looking for JUST fluid and electrolyte replacement, not a carbohydrate sports drink. Currently, most electrolyte drinks are produced already prepared. I'd like to find these in the powdered form, but except for Propel, they seem scarce. Making my own is a possiblity; I experimented some with Hammer Nutrition's Endurolytes, electrolyte tablets by breaking the pill into water and adding some lemon juice. It was okay, but the tablets don't really dissolve. Any tips from seasoned veterans would be appreciated. This week I picked up some Propel (2 flavors), PoweradeZero, and SoBe vitamin water (brand VitaminWater doesn't have ANY Na+ or K+) to experiment with.
I also went on a group ride from TriSpeed, a triathlon retail store. It was OK, I think I would've been more relaxed going on a Sunday when I don't worry about getting into lab at a reasonable hour. I worry though about how I'm going to be able to increase my bike mileage base.
This morning's run was brutal. Partially because of the heat, and so I think I was dehydrated. I also ran out of cereal yesterday, which is my stalwart pre-exercise snack. I tried to make do with simple wheat germ, but I guess I didn't get the same amount of fuel that I usually do from the cereal.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Dreaded Druid Hills
Almost back in the swing of things. The gym finally opened up yesterday after a two week haitus at the end of the semester.
Last week I continued to creep my mileage back up to almost normalcy. Most notably, on Saturday I ran a 10k, the Dreaded Druid Hills 10k. As the name implies, it is riddled with sickening inclines. For Balitmoreans, it's like running the hill up Northern Pkwy from Falls Rd towards Roland. For N. Carolinians... don't really know, maybe up Lake Boone Trail? (heading away from Blue Ridge and past the Beltline)... and doing that 6 or 7 times over. Truly tough. I didn't really run it as a race, just another one of those local events I wanted to check off my list. But I must have done alright; placed 35th out of 413.
About a month away from cranking out the marathon training. I'm getting anxious.
Last week I continued to creep my mileage back up to almost normalcy. Most notably, on Saturday I ran a 10k, the Dreaded Druid Hills 10k. As the name implies, it is riddled with sickening inclines. For Balitmoreans, it's like running the hill up Northern Pkwy from Falls Rd towards Roland. For N. Carolinians... don't really know, maybe up Lake Boone Trail? (heading away from Blue Ridge and past the Beltline)... and doing that 6 or 7 times over. Truly tough. I didn't really run it as a race, just another one of those local events I wanted to check off my list. But I must have done alright; placed 35th out of 413.
About a month away from cranking out the marathon training. I'm getting anxious.
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