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Online Running Gear Newsletter #4

November 9, 2008 by Jacquie  
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Online Running Gear Newsletter #4
In This Issue…

1) Choosing Running Shoes 101

2) Beer and Running – A Good Mix?

3) Visit Online Running Gear’s Blog

4) Tell Us What You Think

Hi Again,

I’m on my taper at the moment for the Victoria Marathon this Sunday, October 12th. Sure feels good to have our last long run over with. All I hope for now is a clear day.

Victoria, BC is such a beautiful coastal city on Vancouver Island, it’ll be great to just take in the scenery. This was my very first marathon many years ago and now it’ll be my 15th marathon. I wonder if I’ll be much slower??

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1)  Choosing Running Shoes – 101
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For many years and through many marathons and triathlons, I have ran in whatever type of running shoe felt most comfortable to me. Actually I would pick a running shoe model and stick with it, eventually switching when updates were made to the model that didn’t agree with my feet. Does that sound familiar? It would be nice to know that I’m not the only runner that does this.

Being the writer and owner of online-running-gear, I figured it was time that I pay more attention to what the experts were saying. That was until I got disillusioned with who the experts were. I have heard and read conflicting stories from brick and mortar running stores to online running stores. I became so confused that I didn’t know who to listen to anymore and it became more evident that I needed to be able to come to my own conclusions.

I was originally going to discuss how to choose the best running shoe for your foot type. But I’ve changed my mind because I just had to show you and example of how easy it is to get misled if you listen to the "experts".

My latest favorite running shoe and most recent purchase is Saucony Hurricane Pro Grid 10. This is what I will be using for the marathon this Sunday. It has been my understanding that the Hurricane Grids were designed for a high mileage and heavier framed runner. And certainly the Hurricane 7′s and 9′s worked great for me. You can imagine my surprise when I saw this video review on the Hurricane 10′s from a reputable source:

http://online-running-gear.com/blog/running-room-hurricane-grid-running-shoe-review/

The Hurricane Grid 10′s were described as a "soft daily training shoe for the lightweight runner". Did I have the wrong shoe for me?

My faith in the experts was once again deflated. I decided to write to Saucony, because if they didn’t know what the shoe category of the Hurricane Grid was, then nobody would. Here was my answer:

Dear Jacquie,

Thank you for your inquiry.

The Hurricane style shoes are stability shoes. Offering a medial posting for extra support and stability. This shoe would be very good for long distance running. This shoe is designed to accommodate a heavy frame individual.

Thank you for your patronage of Saucony and I hope I have answered your question.

Sincerely,
Consumer Services

Great stuff – I do have the right running shoes. My point being that it’s really important that you make the effort to know your own foot type and do the research – don’t rely on the experts because they could very well be giving you wrong information.

In my next newsletter, I will aim to provide information that will allow you to come to your own conclusions as to what type of running shoe is best for you.

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2)  Beer and Running – A Good Mix?
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Back in May I ran the Vancouver Marathon and at around mile 21 the Hash Hound Harriers had a beer stop – yes, that’s right – a beer stop. I tell you, it looked very appealing, but since my physical well-being felt like it was seriously deteriorating, common sense prevailed and I didn’t have a sip.

The answer would seem obvious – right? But since the marathon, I couldn’t help but wonder if it really would have done that much harm, so I asked coach Bruce Deacon and also Dr. Chris Mohr, one of the nations leading nutrition experts, what their thoughts were:

Coach Bruce – I think that the carbonation from the beer would have caused you cramping and burping problems. At best your stomach would have felt pretty strange. Alcohol isn’t exactly the best fuel source. Probably best to leave it until the finish line.

Dr. Chris – While alcohol in general obviously wouldn’t have a positive effect on your performance, drinking 1 small glass wouldn’t impact you too much when you just have a few miles to go. It looked appealing because you were probably dehydrated, so liquid fit the bill. Keep in mind, though, because of the carbonation, that could have ill effects on your stomach because it wouldn’t exit into your stomach too quickly and could leave you bloated and gassy. Alcohol itself is also a diuretic, so while 1 glass wouldn’t be a huge issue, you’re already dehydrated so you don’t need more assistance with increasing that level of dehydration!!! The other issue is that if you drink it, it may decrease your likelihood of drinking other "normal" fluids, like water or Gatorade.

Thank you both for your great advice. Both mentioned the carbonation being an issue. I think that no matter how tempted I might be next time, I’ll pass. It’s not worth it after all the work that’s put into finishing a marathon.

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3) Visit Online Running Gear’s Blog
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Checkout some recent blog posts:

http://online-running-gear.com/blog/general/marathon-nutrition/
http://online-running-gear.com/blog/general/marathon-pace/
http://online-running-gear.com/blog/general/6-day-taper-to-victoria-marathon/

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4) Tell Us What You Think!
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I’d love to hear what you think of this issue!  Please hit reply to send me your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming issues.

Your feedback matters!
That’s about all I have to cover right now. I’d love to hear any comments about what topics you would like me to cover in the newsletter.

Happy Trails!

Jacquie

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