It is summer and that means heat and lots of advice about running in it. Some of it good, some bad, some over the top and a lot of it is just common sense. The majority of it worth paying attention to considering the potential danger of heat related illness and even death. However, you don't need to go crazy either. Like anything experience will help get you through even the hottest days. Like many however I just have to figure it out for myself here are 6 thoughts about running in the heat.
6 - If its hot I run slow. It is a little discouraging but I keep going
5 - Moisture wicking t-shirts don't wick anything when it is 90 degrees and 100% humidity
4 - Get out early to beat the heat
3 - Keep hydrated. I have not figured out how to get 8oz every 15 minutes but I drink as much as I can
2 - Wear a hat. I just get to hot if I have anything on my head try a visor.
1 - Cooling your core. who can afford one of those fancy ice vests?? have a post or mid run Slush Puppie cost less and taste better.
Keep Running and stay safe!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Gotta Get a Halo!
If you have not discovered Halo you are missing a vital piece of running gear. Halo makes hats and visors that keep sweat out of your eyes. If you have ever experienced the searing pain of sweat in your eyes then you will appreciate the value of this simple visor. This low profile visor is a must have if you sweat.
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| 70 Degrees at 0500 glad I have my Halo... |
The secret is in the little yellow strip fixed to the terry cloth lining that sits on your forehead just above the brow. This strip channels sweat away from your eyes, where it is absorbed by the fabric and eventually beads up and falls of the brim but not into the eyes.
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When you return pull of the visor and hang it to drip dry. I suggest outside for obvious reasons. I once hung mine on the bathroom door knob and nearly killed myself slipping in a pool of sweat after getting out of the shower.
*This is strictly my opinion if you know of another product that works then great. If this one doesn't work for you I am sorry to hear you'll get sweat in your eyes. Just keep running!
*This is strictly my opinion if you know of another product that works then great. If this one doesn't work for you I am sorry to hear you'll get sweat in your eyes. Just keep running!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Running injuries over use, under use or lack of fitness?
Most of what I write on this blog is a reflection experienced while running. Recently I have been reflecting on the litany of injuries I've labored through during my relatively short career as a runner. I am just getting back into my shoes after battling my most recent injury, a tweaked hip flexor and I am reflecting. While perusing my previous posts I realized that on again off again injuries have provided a good deal of fodder for Training @10990. Not to mention countless articles in running specific periodicals on how to diagnose and overcome such obstacles.
These injuries are commonly referred to as over use injuries. In an effort to be as positive as possible I refer to them as under use injuries or a lack of fitness injuries. Having come to running as an overweight out of shape non runner I consider these injuries stepping stones to better fitness. An education on how to better train and recover so that I can keep running. Reminding my brain that the body is not quite ready. Helping develop a little patience and an aptitude for hard work and dedication required for training and recovery when you have a job and a family that also demand your time.
After struggling with the wheezes and grunts of my first few runs I have limped through shin splints, battled a nagging runners knee, foam rolled through an agitated IT band, hobbled through a stress fracture and stretched a tweaked hip flexor. These injuries accrue as you become more fit and confident waking muscles, joints and tendons that have seen little or no focused attention for years.They are all painful enough to side line you, persistent enough to make the road back to focused training arduous. Often discouraging, stifling success achieved over previous weeks or months effort.
Although discouraging, annoying and often painful they usually develop slowly. A faint voice suggesting hold off, slow down, relax. Becoming a full fledged injury when you choose to ignore the warning signs but who does? Who can? I have yet to be smart enough to acknowledge the voice early but I do appreciate the patience, strength and flexibility I have developed when I finally listen. The ability to learn from the experience, change and reorganize my plan to achieve my goal. Sure I was forced to slow down but I always returned stronger and smarter.
I know now that all the training I have done will be wasted if I don't allow my body to recover properly. Other than the odd race goal my ultimate goal is to maintain my health and fitness as I age. The only acceptable wheezing and grunting on a run is a day set aside for hill repeats. Now that I am getting back to running I am trying to develop a plan that will help me reduce injury. Still not so sure I will listen to the little voice in the future but I'll consider it.
These injuries are commonly referred to as over use injuries. In an effort to be as positive as possible I refer to them as under use injuries or a lack of fitness injuries. Having come to running as an overweight out of shape non runner I consider these injuries stepping stones to better fitness. An education on how to better train and recover so that I can keep running. Reminding my brain that the body is not quite ready. Helping develop a little patience and an aptitude for hard work and dedication required for training and recovery when you have a job and a family that also demand your time.
After struggling with the wheezes and grunts of my first few runs I have limped through shin splints, battled a nagging runners knee, foam rolled through an agitated IT band, hobbled through a stress fracture and stretched a tweaked hip flexor. These injuries accrue as you become more fit and confident waking muscles, joints and tendons that have seen little or no focused attention for years.They are all painful enough to side line you, persistent enough to make the road back to focused training arduous. Often discouraging, stifling success achieved over previous weeks or months effort.
Although discouraging, annoying and often painful they usually develop slowly. A faint voice suggesting hold off, slow down, relax. Becoming a full fledged injury when you choose to ignore the warning signs but who does? Who can? I have yet to be smart enough to acknowledge the voice early but I do appreciate the patience, strength and flexibility I have developed when I finally listen. The ability to learn from the experience, change and reorganize my plan to achieve my goal. Sure I was forced to slow down but I always returned stronger and smarter.
I know now that all the training I have done will be wasted if I don't allow my body to recover properly. Other than the odd race goal my ultimate goal is to maintain my health and fitness as I age. The only acceptable wheezing and grunting on a run is a day set aside for hill repeats. Now that I am getting back to running I am trying to develop a plan that will help me reduce injury. Still not so sure I will listen to the little voice in the future but I'll consider it.
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