Training Supplement – June 1, 2018

With summer heat looming, I bought some light-weight running clothes.  I ran speed workouts on the Four Mile Run Trail and proclaimed it “my track”.  After most of my hard days, I refueled with recovery drinks.  And, I finally watched the 2018 Boston Marathon.

Clothing & Gear

After finishing the 2018 Boston Marathon, I switched out my winter running clothes for my summer wardrobe.  I thought I could use some new shorts, tank tops, and visors.

Shorts.  Brooks Chaser 3″ Short.  It seems as though the Saucony Impulse, which is currently my favorite short, has been discontinued.   This short looked similar so I purchased it.  I’ve worn it a few times and it’s a nice substitute.  The fabric is comfortable and there’s a roomy card-sized front pocket.  I wish it was a smidge longer in the back because it feels like my butt is exposed.

Visors.  Headsweats Supervisor.  I’ve seen a lot of runners sporting this brand of visor, so I thought I’d give it a shot.  Even though a bird flew into it the other day, I have a small head.  I took a chance with the “one size fits most” sizing but unfortunately, it was too big.

Shoes.  New Balance 890 v.6.  My legs felt a little beat up after training so hard this winter and spring, so I purchased this cushioned shoe last month.

I’ve logged over 100 miles on them and it’s been a good mid- to long- distance training shoe.  At 7.9 ounces, it might be a little heavy for racing short distances, but it’s felt light enough during speed workouts.

(My Complete Clothes & Gear Page.)

Nutrition & Hydration

Pre-workout Nutrition.  “What to Eat Before and After Different Types of Running Workouts,” from RunnersConnect.  I’ve been trying to lose a few pounds before starting marathon training in July.  I’ve read a lot about what to eat before a long run, but couldn’t recall anything about other types of runs.  This article convinced me to take in some carbohydrate before my tempo runs.

Post-workout Nutrition.  Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator.  Because I’m eating fewer calories, I refueled with recovery drinks after most of my workouts.  This drink didn’t look appetizing but the tropical flavor was actually good!  I wondered how it stacked up against my usual recovery drink, Endurox R4.

 

Post-Workout Recovery Drinks
Product	Calories	Carbohydrate (g)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Other
Endurox R4	270	52	13	1.5	Contains milk.
Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator	90	17	4	0
Based on a 12 ounce serving.

Nutrition.  Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bar.  I also ate nutrition bars when I was rushed for time.  I got these in a recent Runner’s World Box.  They are tasty and everything free – no GMOs, gluten, or dairy.

Routes

Trails.  The Four Mile Run Trail.  I ran so many speed workouts on this trail that I proclaimed it “my track”! 

The trail runs from the Shirlington area of Arlington County, Virginia near the W&OD trail head to the Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac River.  It’s approximately 2.25 miles of uninterrupted asphalt and concrete and lightly traveled, which makes it great for intervals.

Media & Motivation

Music. “Like The Weather,” by Natalie Merchant.  This song came on during a cold and rainy long run.

(My “Songs of the Week” playlist on Spotify.)

Video.  “2018 Boston Marathon,” from NBC Sports.  A month after the race, I finally sat down and watched the broadcast.  The shots of Desiree Linden leading the chase pack coming out of Wellesley was my favorite part:

Look at that lean!  Having run the race and knowing how strong the headwind was, she had to be working incredibly hard but she made it look effortless.

Podcasts.  “Grit Over Gift with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff,” from Run to the Top.  What a powerful episode!  I’m looking forward to buying the book.  The most moving part for me was when the guest talked about how the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing affected her (34:16 mark) and she recalled telling herself, “Stop playing so small with your life”.

“Bonus: Malcolm Gladwell Debates Adam Grant,” from Revisionist History.  During this meandering debate, there was a discussion about competition, favorites, and underdogs (34:00 mark).  With the 2018 Boston Marathon fresh in my thoughts, Desiree Linden’s win immediately came to mind.  Is it tainted because of the weather?  In this instance, I disagree with Gladwell and take Grant’s position.  Desi won because she was tougher than the conditions!

Websites and Blogs.  “Traveling Solo as a Black Woman,” by Eat Pray Run DC.  The post was timely for me because next month, I will be visiting countries where there aren’t many people of color at all.  I’ve mostly traveled to very diverse areas, so I hadn’t given this topic much thought.  It’ll be interesting to see how it feels to stick out.

Motivation. “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault

During my last marathon training cycle, I stopped enjoying my runs.  After taking a few easy weeks, I feel like my passion for running is coming back.