Run Down

Back in early July, I posted a list of seven things I wanted to do "differently" during this training season; here's a link -> http://beating-oprah.blogspot.com/2007/07/sympathetic-leg.html

In short the list, and the outcomes, are as follows:

1. Accelerade - I tried this during runs on the premise of improved endurance via nutrition. I didn't notice much (any) of a gain, and the stuff was really a bit sweet for my taste. I did turn on to Honey Stinger as an energy source at one point, but after trying GU again, I don't think my body has much of a preference. Though Accelerade doesn't sit well with me during runs, I do use it as my recovery beverage.


2. Endurolytes - Tried them early on then largely stopped. I still try to take them before and after a long run, but it's a chore to take them during. As I've never had big cramping problems, this was largely to keep my stomach and axillary systems that rely on electrolytes happy. I plan to take a few along the way at Chicago.


3. Glucosamine - No excuse here. I just haven't gotten them into my daily pill regiment. I will start though.


4. Increase my mileage - HA! As if! Too broken up, though one week I did get into the low 30's with four runs; probably one of the more "full" weeks of my running life.


5. Run at a heavier weight so I'll have more strength - This one's easy, though I am about four pounds heavier than I wanted to be. Surprisingly, some studies have shown that if your aerobic capacity stays the same, but you put on a little heft, you don't lose any endurance. Maybe the added muscle will help my legs stay stronger? Regardless, being at a slightly heavier weight definitely makes me happier (more of a running/regular life balance) as I had to be very precise to get down to my traditional running weight.


6. New shoes to help my knee - Done. Mizuno have completely silenced the knee pain, though not without me wondering if the shoes have shifted the burden elsewhere, thus the foot and hammy pain. This shouldn't happen, as stability shoes should help plantar fasciitis. Also, my left heel has always been apt to hurt some, and the hammy was hurting prior to the shoes, so I give the shoes a pass, and credit for doing good things.


7. Tag along with the 4:15 pace group on race day - I meant to write 4:30 I think! I might consider starting with the 4:15 and falling back to 4:30 if need be, but from my past experience I don't think that will work well. Anyway, I have never ran with a pace group, but I will this time.

So there you go, the run down on the seven things I said I would try this training season. Other than the glucosamine, I think I gave everything a game try. The mileage one could have been better, but the injuries have sabotaged that one. I would like to get healthier so I could give three to four weekly runs a good try, but the running cycle is nothing if not busy in the future; may be hard to get well. More later. Chao.