Tuesday Training Tips, Topics, and Other Random Stuff

TRAINING TIPS:
Those of you who've read my "100 Things' post know that I love calendars, quotes, and new bits of info, so it won't come as a big surprise that in December, while picking out several calendars, I picked up this cool running calendar/log, The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log 2010 Calendar (even though I already had 3 calendars for the new year, my 2010 RW calendar, and my running log!).  The reason for this awesome tool?  Its monthly essays and weekly training tips - valuable to runners and triathletes alike.   

Sooo..... starting this week, I'd like to share them with you each Tuesday because, in spite of all my running-related reading, I've already learned things in the first few weeks from the log.  I'll start w/ the weeks we've missed (because it's good stuff!), and add this week's, always citing the source: The Complete Runner's Day-by-Day Log 2010 Calendar. Perhaps you'll want your own copy?  Seems it's a very popular item and hard to come by after January 1st (Crazy list price now! I paid $13.99), but just in case you want to look for one, click here.

Week of Jan 4 - 10:

The runner's high is real. PET scans confirm that endorphins flood the brain after prolonged exercise. The amount and the effects on individual runners vary. *I wonder: is this why we're willing to run with/through pain???

Week of Jan 11 - 17:

Don't lengthen your stride for speed.  Focus on a faster turnover rate. *You should see my short turtle legs practicing this training strategy.  H-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s!

This week:

Wind dehydrates - even in winter.  Start your workout into the wind; do the return leg with it at your back. *Wish I would've read this before the recent horrendous long run that had me facing the wind for the final four miles. I went through 12 ounces of water/G2 that morning, and still needed more. 


TOPIC:   Water Bottles
Do you have a favorite water bottle? Which size is it? Which brand? Why is it your favorite?  Do you change water bottles for different kinds of runs?

I have a total of four, each bought when the one before it wasn't doing the trick, for one reason or another. Goldilocks and the 3 4 water bottles!  Had to find the one that was 'just right.'  I mentioned this during my recent post about what I've learned from fellow bloggy running buddies since I began this journey.

Turns out, 'just right' varies from run to run, but I do have one favorite in the bunch, mostly because it holds 10 ounces, has a 'bra' to hold on to (and holds on to me), and fits in my hand the best.

RANDOM STUFF:

Glad to have Monday off to put in some extra blog writing/reading time. Had a chance to visit some new friends' blogs today.  So much fun!  Looking forward to featuring each of you on the weekly Wednesday Winners post. Everyone has such interesting stories, each with a unique perspective, and all with healthy goals.  I'm so excited to be sharing your stories and helping build new friendships... such an amazing bunch of people!  By the way, I noticed we have a couple of guys who've joined the Turtles blog... my first male readers. Thank you! I hope you'll bring a different perspective to our conversations, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy running, friends....

Robin