Training Supplement – February 18, 2018
In my last supplement, I focused on gear I used for the 2018 San Diego 50 Miler but I’ve tried some other items since December. I tried to stay motivated these past few weeks even though my living conditions haven’t been conducive to training. Learned I was an inspiration to someone.
Clothing & Gear
Recovery gear. TriggerPoint Nano Foot Roller. I’d been having some pain in my feet since late last year. I guessed it was plantar fasciitis. I started using this roller that I got in a recent Runner’s World Box for just a few minutes on days when it felt worse. My foot feels fine now. I still feel a dull ache on some days but it’s not the sharp pain that I had before I started rolling them regularly.
Pro-Tec Stretch Band with Grip Loop Technology. Initially, I didn’t see the point of multiple loops along the band. When I actually used the device, I realized I could put my arms through different openings and make the stretch more comfortable for them.
Socks. Injinji Outdoor Original Weight Crew NuWool. I tried a pair of these socks while I was training for the 2018 San Diego 50 Miler. I’ve had blisters on both my pinky toes and the promise of less friction was appealing. I thought it would feel weird having fabric between my toes but it didn’t. I can’t say my blisters were better or worse after wearing them, though.
Runner’s World Box. The January box had Race Dots, an Amphipod hat, a blender bottle, a protein smoothie mix, and a gift certificate for RoadID.
(My Complete Clothes & Gear Page.)
Nutrition & Hydration
There were two products that I took during the 2018 San Diego 50 Miler that I’m trying to work into my fueling plan for the 2018 Boston Marathon.
Caffeine. Sword Caffeine Chews. I experimented with taking these tablets during my long run this weekend. I took one about an hour and a half into the run and the other about fifteen minutes later. (Each tablet has 50 mg of caffeine). I think I timed them about right. I felt a little boost but not a jolt. The packaging was a little difficult to open on the run. I might transfer them into a small Zip-Lock bag for race day.
Electrolytes. SaltStick FastChews. Hopefully, it won’t be as hot this year as it has been at some of the recent Boston marathons. Still, I’ll plan to take a couple of these tablets during the race.
Routes
Art. Wrapped Buildings in Crystal City. There are at least two wrapped buildings in Crystal City. I thought it was a neat way to bring color to the otherwise drab concrete architecture of the area. One wrapped in green is visible from the Mount Vernon Trail near the airport. This building is on Crystal Drive:
Flybys. Bus Drivers. One morning, I boarded the bus to go back to my house from the hotel where I was staying while my bathroom was being remodeled. The driver struck up a conversation with me and says, “You inspired me to run a half marathon a few years ago.” I was shocked! And, extremely flattered. We talked about running for the rest of my ride. He said he feels bad watching me running now because he doesn’t get out as much. You never know who you’re inspiring by getting out the door and working hard every day!
Media & Motivation
Music. “Glorious,” by Macklemore (feat. Skylar Grey). I think this song is being used in a commercial for the Winter Olympics. It got stuck in my ear.
(My “Songs of the Week” playlist on Spotify.)
Podcasts. “Episode 66 – Interview with Alan Webb,” from Magness & Marcus on Coaching. I haven’t listened to this podcast in a while and thought I’d catch up by listening to this interview. My favorite part was around the 30 minute mark when Alan Webb offered advice on recovery during intervals. He reminded me that the purpose of those workouts is to hit the goal time for the speed segment – not some arbitrary pace during the recoveries. I’ll try to keep that in mind when I start speedwork in a couple of weeks.
Books and Magazines. “2018 Spring Shoe Guide – All The Feels,” Runner’s World, March 2018. I’m happy with the shoes I’m in right now – the Wave Rider 21 – but, it’s always fun to see what might be new. The article says the 21 is softer underfoot than the previous version but I haven’t noticed. I agreed that the shoe belongs in the “fits like a glove” category, though.
Websites and Blogs. “Classic Signs You’re Overtraining,” from Runner’s World. My medium and long runs have been coming in about a minute-per-mile slower than this fall. It occurred to me last week that I may be over-trained. I started training for the 2017 New York City Marathon back in July, started training for the 2018 San Diego 50 Miler two weeks later, and only took a week off after that!
Motivation. “The key to winning is poise under stress. – Paul Brown
The only bathroom in my townhouse is being renovated. It’s been very stressful! I moved out for a week because I didn’t have a working toilet and I’m still without a shower. I may be smelly but I’m getting my workouts in!
