Online Running Gear Newsletter #4

Online Running Gear Newletter #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
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 editor and owner of online-running-gear, I figured it was
time that I paid 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 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 image 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 catogory 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?
======================================
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
=======================================

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

Tapering Strategy for the Victoria Marathon

Well, the big race day is clearly in sight now. On October 12, 2008 I will be running my second marathon of 2008. After 4 years without running any marathon, I must have been clearly mad when I agreed to a second marathon this year almost immediately after finishing the Vancouver Marathon.

With one month left before the marathon, we are running our last long-distance run tomorrow morning. I hope to complete a 3 hour and 45 minute run at least, and hopefully a bit longer. Weather’s looking great for our run and our route is mapped out.

With one month in my marathon training, what is my strategy?

Well, as I mentioned above our longest run will be taking place a month before. Typically, I like to do my longest run 3 weeks in advance to the marathon, but we were lucky enough to have a half marathon happening right in our own community - The Peace Arch Rotary Half Marathon in White Rock, BC which is taking place 3 weeks before the marathon. Needless to say, we’re in and will be racing next weekend. The half marathon will not only give me a chance to get some running in at race pace, but also allow me to have a race day rehearsal.

After the half marathon, the taper will begin. I will allow myself more rest if needed - keep my easy runs - easy. I feel that this is the time to take a couple days in a row off to get my body feeling strong again and get rid of any feelings of tiredness or exhaustion.

Figure out what I might like to wear on race day and take it for a test drive/run. I’m very comfortable with my tried and true running apparel that I will be sporting on marathon morning. However, I did just just purchase some brand new running shoes from Roadrunner Sports. Delivery will be in about 5 days - too late to try out on my long distance runs, but I will still have a couple of two hour runs in my marathon training which should give me a good indication of how they will feel. I would have liked to have had the runners sooner, but, call me cheap, but I was holding off for a sale. Which, by the way I got and saved over $30 on my new Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10 s plus free shipping. If you are in need of new runner I suggest that you check it out at: Free Shipping and 15%off on all purchases through 12/13/2008 at Roadrunner Sports

On the final week before the marathon the things that I will be keeping check on is sleep, proper diet, stretching and drinking lots of water. Oh ya, very limited alcohol consumption. I do love my wine, but there isn’t alot of give in a marathon and I find that I need all my body has to give. The wine will be saved for the post-race celebrations!

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