Yes, this is another injury post. Why? Because you can never be too safe or too smart to avoid injuries. Learn from other’s mistakes, especially mine, in this post. (DON’T FORGET – Click the HD button in the viewer window for a higher quality picture.)
In this episode of Life Isn’t Over, we discuss overtraining and give an update on the Twin Cities Marathon.
On a sidenote, thanks to @JakesJournal and @GarminConnect! Jake gave away some Garmin tanks in a contest on Twitter last Friday and I was one of the lucky winners. I’m anxious to get it in the mail and run it through its paces. If it’s anything like my 405, then it will be another outstanding product from those guys.
Life Isn’t Over takes a special pause to thank Dads across the globe! I’m helped here by two lovely assistants (see above).
The following is a guest post from my good friend, Thad McLaurin, also known as Runner Dude who writes the Runner Dude’s blog (what else did you expect?!). Thanks Thad for your insights and exhaustive research that we’ve all come to know and respect about you and your passion for running.
Runners Do It Morning, Noon, and Night!
Do you like it in the morning or in the afternoon? Or do you prefer a nooner? To run, that is. Seems like there are three camps—ones who get up before the crack of dawn, ones who run during their lunch break, and still others who prefer to run after work.
Usually the time you run boils down to the time you have. Many morning runners do so because they either work late hours or have commitments after work that don’t allow the time. Others run at lunch because they need that break from the chaos of the office or work setting. And, if you’re like me, you’re an afternoon runner because you’re getting kids off to school in the morning and your workplace has no shower facilities for cleanup after a noon-time run.
I wondered, though if there was any science behind which time was best to run. Here’s what I found.
NOT A LOT!
Well, there is more research being done on exercise in general but not so much on just running. Even when focusing on general exercise the findings are somewhat controversial. Elizabeth Quinn of About.com reports that there is some research supporting the best time to exercise being when your body temperature is at its highest. This usually occurs in the afternoon around 4 or 5 PM. Your body temp is at its lowest just before waking. She also reports that your strength and endurance levels increase in the afternoon hours by about 4-5%.
Other things to consider, however, when determining the best time for running are things like climate conditions. Often in the summer, when the kids are out of school, I’ll convert to being morning running for two reasons. First, I’m no longer a daily catering service (official bag-lunch maker) or shuttle service and second, the heat and humidity can be overwhelming in North Carolina during the summer months. So, it doesn’t really matter if I’ll have 4-5% more strength and/or endurance in the afternoon, if I’m puking on the side of the trail from heat exhaustion.
The best advice that seems to abound, however, is that whichever time of day helps you stick to a regular running routine, is best time of day for you to run. Regular exercise on daily basis far outweighs any benefits (if any) related to doing it at a specific time of day. So, it seems to all boil down to personal preference. What I did find were reasons why you might choose one time over another.
Morning Running:
- If you run in the morning other things are less likely to “get in the way” to keep you from running.
- Some research has shown that people who exercise on a regular basis did so in the morning. So, running in the morning may possibly increase your chances of sticking with it.
- Exercise does increase mental sharpness for 4-10 hours after your exercise. So, this may be helpful to you during the workday.
- Some people report having more energy during the day when they exercise in the A.M.
- Some people say running in the morning helps them eat less during the day.
Afternoon Running:
- Your muscles are more flexible and warmed-up from the day’s activities, which decreases your chance of injury.
- Your strength is at its peak in the afternoon (about 5% higher)
- Your endurance is greater in the afternoon (about 4% higher)
- Helps relieve the stresses of the day.
- More of your colleagues or peers may be free to run with you in the afternoon.
So, go ahead. Do it in the morning, noon, or night. Doesn’t matter when. Just do it! Hey, doesn’t someone already have that slogan?
If switching to a morning run will give me this much energy, I think I may just switch!!
Yo! What’s in your basement? No, I’m not talking about you having any “junk in your trunk.” I’m talking about your basement. Ya know – your gut. Or as Gatorade asks, “Is IT in you?”
The last couple of days I’ve been fortunate to come across two motivational works. One is the book, “Once A Runner,” a book many call the best running novel of all time. I haven’t come across too many running novels myself, but this was a fictional account about a miler going after his best. The book was originally released many years ago and was just re-released/printed. Thanks to Thad at RunnerDude’s blog, I was brought up to speed and able to enjoy this book. I had some free time and read the book in TWO days. By the time I finished I was both motivated and encouraged to do intervals. Yep, imagine getting enthused about doing intervals…
So, the book was one piece of motivation. The “basement’ came into play while watching the sixth installment of Rocky – appropriately called “Rocky Balboa.” Now, I understand the world is done with Rocky and/or Sylvester Stallone. Let’s face it, the first Rocky came out 30 years ago and the world IS a different place. So, Rocky Balboa was not a knock-out at the box-office. ASK ME IF I CARE! I love Rocky and my heart rate always elevates at the motivation I gain from his trials and tribulations. It’s akin to the Godfather trilogy minus the motivation.
OK, so here’s the basement piece. Rocky is explaining to his brother-in-law and best friend why he wants to fight yet again. His answer is great. “There’s still some stuff in my basement.” He goes on to talk about this beast he has that is not totally out.
Life is not over at 40 – or any age. Whether you are Jeff Pickett or Rocky Balboa or many others. When I heard that phrase, I got a little emotional – admittedly. When I ran a marathon once before, I vowed never again. That is something they call “Marathon Amnesia.” Yeah, I said it. But like many others, I too felt a beast in my belly. Alongside a need to get back into shape, the beast has reared its head. So, yes, there IS stuff in my basement and I’m with Rocky – it’s time to get it out. Come October 4, that beast will be unleashed onto the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul in the Twin Cities Marathon!
Do you have stuff in your basement? If you are reading this, chances are high you do. Close your eyes. Can you feel it? Is it a raging beast or a knawing in your gut? Tell me in the comment section and inspire the rest of us. Even if you don’t like Rocky…
Running tests your physical, mental and spiritual limits. It can be grueling but fulfilling. It can give you the highest highs and the lowest lows. But best of all, know that in this journey of running, you are never alone. There are many kindred spirits who enjoy running just as much as you. And guess what? These kindred spirits would love to meet you or run with you.
Training partners can be a great source of motivation and can give you that extra boost when you need it. Check out MarathonMaritza’s post here as one great example. Having friends to run with aren’t a necessity, but they do make things more fun and can help you in achieving your goals while traveling your journey.
I often get asked, “Why do you run?”
Do you get that one much yourself?
I suppose we all have our reasons, but the largest motivation, in addition to health, etc., are my two little girls, Olivia and Sophia. Heck, I’m 41, so when they are in their 20’s, this old man will be in his 60’s. I need some help to turn back the clock and ensure I’ll be around for a long time to come! This lone thought motivated me to get back into running.
Last Friday I accomplished one mini goal on my journey to the Twin Cities Marathon. I completed a full calendar month of over 100 miles. Local TV station, KSFY Action News, thought this was a worthy task and they called me to do a story. What you’ll see above is that story and a great addition to my video library that will always motivate me and hopefully others as well. Thanks KSFY for the interest in my story. And thanks to Olivia and Sophia for providing your Dad the fuel for his fire.
My Inspirations
From time to time it’s fun to reflect and notice how much you have accepted in your quest to be a runner. This is particularly true when friends or family from out of town arrive to question your sanity as a runner by the noticeable items or habits you’ve acquired in the process to be the next best marathon runner. So for that and many other reasons it is time to ponder this topic…
YOU KNOW YOU’RE A RUNNER WHEN…
- ….you see people jogging as you drive to work and you want to run with them.
- ….Runner’s World magazines are scattered throughout the house and they are also your home page.
- ….your bedroom smells like smelly socks.
- ….you have more pairs of running shoes than you pairs of underwear.
- ….you can confirm to co-workers that “Chafed Nipples” are not a punk group but a condition you acquired on your last run.
- ….your favorite comedians are the Running Superfans.
- ….the Victoria’s Secret catalog is replaced by the latest Road Runner Sports catalog.
- ….your bathroom smells like smelly socks.
- ….hearing the theme to “Rocky” instinctually makes you do whatever you’re doing faster.
- ….you smile to your friends when they ask how far you went that day and you say, “Just five.”
- ….you know a negative split is actually a very positive thing.
- ….the alarm clock goes off at 5 AM and instead of hitting the snooze…you smile…and reach for your shoes.
- ….your kitchen smells like smelly socks.
- ….your cabinets are filled with 14 types of pasta and an assortment of Ragu, Prego and Newman’s Sockarooni.
- ….your body gets the twitches if you missed your morning run and is only subsided by an evening run.
- ….your car smells like smelly socks.
OK, I’m gonna end it there and leave the rest to all of you. Shoot me your best reasons why you know you’re a runner in the comments section and let’s see how many we can get!
Life Isn’t Over, Episode 14 – Variety
Ah yes…Variety is the spice of life!
Running, like Life, teaches you many things. This week was one of those weeks where so much was learned. Running, in its truest form, is not about the goal you reach. Nor the run of the day. It’s about the journey along the way. So many lessons to learn along that journey are to be had. So, let’s get started with that list in no particular order:
LESSONS
Running Partners – this past week I had a few chances to run with friends. One friend in particular was a new one, Jeff, whom I met on Twitter. You can follow him on Twitter: @jt00ct. We did our 10 miler together today and were able to discuss various topics and learn a little more about each other. The end result was a successful run, a relaxed pace and a friendship formed.
Logging – I think it’s important to log your mileage in some form or fashion. You can choose to what level to log your info, but I prefer to go with the flow on the logging. Using this blog is one way to log my runs, but there are various sites one can use. In line with my Garmin watch, there is Garmin Connect. The best social runner network I have come across is at DailyMile. There you can log mileage, track your routes, meet others, provide encouragement and also see how you are performing (yourself or yourself against your friends). Awesome site!
Zen – As I continue my mental games research, one topic I’m just beginning to dig into is on Zen philosophy. I’m not converting to Buddhism, mind you. Zen is an odd topic, but one that succinctly focuses on one topic – 
RIGHT NOW. Zen is about being in the moment. It’s about focusing on the task at hand and in the process of doing that you attempt to clear out the clutter you’ve amassed – on your desktop, in your house or in your mind. You choose. The great part about running with a partner, to me, was very Zen today. Talking with Jeff allowed me to focus on the conversation, to be present. Now, if that were a spouse or coworker, the conversation might turn to other topics you are emotionally attached to. So for that reason I wouldn’t recommend a consistent running partner being your spouse or coworker, but it all depends on the conversations you choose to discuss. I truly felt in the moment today – at least until the last mile when I continued to check my watch for how much further we had to go! I see running as a great Zen time if you’re able to leave the iPod at home. Running gives you a chance to focus on the time at hand; to enjoy the beauty of the day, the health you possess and the ability to enjoy life.
I apologize for the lack of video that I normally put together after my long runs. I don’t want to get too predictable on ya, but I promise I’ll put something together in the very near future. Your comments are always appreciated, so if you want to see something on here, please let me know!
