People
The polls are still split as to whether people would rather run/cycle with a partner or go it alone. I read so many things these days that contradict each other. I know there are days when being alone lends itself to good thought and problem solving. Other days, one needs to have a partner to push them on towards a goal or just listen. Some of these partners can be human form or animal form. My son and I have always been great running partners and when we run together, we accomplish things that are just flat amazing. We have taken each other up hills, mountains, through ankle deep mud, snow, wind and rain. He is my true running/cycling partner. However, enter his incredible dog Ogden, and I am sure there would be times I would play a second to choice of partners. I understand. He lives in Colorado now and we don't get to run as much as we use to and I miss that. But when we do, look out!
But what do you expect/ want in a running partner? Here are some things to look for: Dedication, honesty (no I don't want to run 5 more miles. Or the opposite.), drive, a good listener, someone that will talk when you have nothing to say, someone to get you up that hill, consistency (not a hit and miss thing....someone that you can count on), goals, no excuses, comparable training plans, someone willing to challenge you, serious/ fun abilities, spontaneous, ENERGY, and compassion. There are times where you both will need all of the above or just parts. Partners can obviously be male/male, female/female, male/female, opinions show that it really doesn't matter.
So get out there and find you a training partner. Or not.
Nutrition
A few years ago, I did a week's worth of blogs on Man vs. Fast Food. Although some television shows captured my idea and didn't let go, I have decided that it is time to have part 2! This new version will be Man vs. Junk Food hosted by yours truly. Over the course of a few weeks I will attempt to eat pure junk and then see what the implications are for a run, bike, or swim. Yes, I know that some of you are shaking right now that I would even attempt this but I will take one for the team on this subject. I mean, what if it really doesn't matter? Ruled out right away will be chocolate and dairy due to the fact that I have allergies to those two monsters. So starting next Monday, December 5th the games will begin. I will report each time I try something to let you know what happened. So check back here for it soon!
Training Ideas
The cold and yuk has arrived. Training is forcing many inside. Layers are heavier outside than in the warm weather. You feel bogged down, like pulling a semi-truck. Do what you can with what you have. Just do something! I am not a fan at all of indoor equipment and will go to many lengths to stay outside. But even I have temperature limits. You have got to maintain your current level of fitness or improve on it over the cold months. That is your goal. Don't slack off!!! In fact, if your health permits, work harder and harder. When the spring/summer races come around you won't need a 6 week training program to cough and wheeze through. (Note: Health concerns or problems that come up totally shred everything I just said. Be smart and listen to your doctor if something comes up. It's not worth it people. Sucking it up means NOTHING if you fight a doctor's orders!!!!!)
Magazines
Outside Magazine. Nothing more needs to be said!
Award Winning Recipes from Chef Mickey
Quinoa Salad: Cook up a bunch of quinoa. Add some black beans, avacodo, a few halves of cherry tomatoes, cranberries, cumin seasoning and mix with a dressing of the juice of two limes and some olive oil.
Real Good!!!
Advice
Investigate B-12 drops. I really feel they make a difference along with my other supplements!
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe! May they bring you peace of mind! Take care out there!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Run, Bike, Swim, Walk, Then Smile Because You Can!
People
October was Breast cancer awareness month and November is a month where the guys get the emphasis for cancer detection. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. I am continually amazed by the battles being waged by individual under cancer treatment and other that are members of families where cancer has effected their lives. There are many days that you may run, bike, swim, and walk by people fighting battles that you have no idea hey are fighting. Their miles may be measure in blocks walked or neighborhood strools. But, there are also some that are fighting the battle and competing in 5 and 10K's, half-marathons, marathons, ultras, cycling competitions, swimming meets, and walking events. Know that they do nt need your sympathy but your love and support. No matter how big or small your contribution, make one! Please!
Training Ideas
2 Things:
I am getting more and more interested in trying to start runing in my Vibram's. I keep reading rave reviews and hearing great testimony from people that are wearing them. When I run with people that have them, their foot strike is amazingly soft and their stride is excellent. I also know that they seem to run more efficiently. It makes sense. It seems like the more junk we add to our lives the more troble we have. I am not sure we were meant to run in the mega adjusted, foam heel, super stride shoes that are being produced and stuffed down our throats. This barefoot running is not a new thing people. It's been around a while.
However. I am also very impressed with the work the Newton folks are doing. Running with individual in Newtons can also be a learning experience for most of us. You will note that although the runners went through an adjustment period, they too have a better stride and foot strike than with the majority of shoes on the market.
Confusion
So I turned my clocks back for the end of daylight savings time and now I can't see the numbers or the dial. What, did I do something wrong?
Award Winning Recipe from Chef Mickey
This week's entry is kind of a food/ decorating recipe: The Halloween Candy Candle.
First you take all of that Halloween candy the the neighborhood kids did not come by to eat because they know you are a runner/cyclist/swimmer and will have healthy stuff that they would rather pass up..... but you went ahead this year and bought the junk. So that's great. Now you will eat it, feel bloated and have to recover from numerous sugar highs and lows.
so take the candy and put it in a microwavable bowl. Yes, all of it. Then heat it up until it is a massive gooey mess. Keep fingers out of it. At that point, pour into an aluminum pan ( Or again for you high income readers, a pottery bowl.) and as it is setting up stick small cuttings of candle wicks in it at various places. The aroma is amazing. Hazard....Some guests, including you, may find parts of the candle missing at some point. Not my problem!
Clothing Review
I am so glad that clothing makers for runners think that black clothing especially for men is so colorful. I would like some choice, please. Cyclists kits and swimwear has the idea, but runners. Come on now. One of these days I may journey over into the women's section just to get something other than black. Just saying.....the warning is out there.
App Alert for Smartphones
Might be a good one and might not but I am really enjoying messing around with a FREE app called Fooducate. The app has a scanner that you can scan items at the store or any place you are shopping or cooking. There are also great other parts to it but the scanner is as fun as playing Angry Birds!
Onward!
Remember, it will be darker now for you afternoon/evening runners/cyclists/walkers. Please make special note of the equipment you need. Reflective gear and headlamps should be a standard! Cars cannot see you if you don't take action. Especially the first week where accidents happn at an alarming rate. It's a fact!
Be careful out there! Take the extra time to dress for the weather, wear reflerctive gear, and eat lots of oatmeal!
October was Breast cancer awareness month and November is a month where the guys get the emphasis for cancer detection. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. I am continually amazed by the battles being waged by individual under cancer treatment and other that are members of families where cancer has effected their lives. There are many days that you may run, bike, swim, and walk by people fighting battles that you have no idea hey are fighting. Their miles may be measure in blocks walked or neighborhood strools. But, there are also some that are fighting the battle and competing in 5 and 10K's, half-marathons, marathons, ultras, cycling competitions, swimming meets, and walking events. Know that they do nt need your sympathy but your love and support. No matter how big or small your contribution, make one! Please!
Training Ideas
2 Things:
I am getting more and more interested in trying to start runing in my Vibram's. I keep reading rave reviews and hearing great testimony from people that are wearing them. When I run with people that have them, their foot strike is amazingly soft and their stride is excellent. I also know that they seem to run more efficiently. It makes sense. It seems like the more junk we add to our lives the more troble we have. I am not sure we were meant to run in the mega adjusted, foam heel, super stride shoes that are being produced and stuffed down our throats. This barefoot running is not a new thing people. It's been around a while.
However. I am also very impressed with the work the Newton folks are doing. Running with individual in Newtons can also be a learning experience for most of us. You will note that although the runners went through an adjustment period, they too have a better stride and foot strike than with the majority of shoes on the market.
Confusion
So I turned my clocks back for the end of daylight savings time and now I can't see the numbers or the dial. What, did I do something wrong?
Award Winning Recipe from Chef Mickey
This week's entry is kind of a food/ decorating recipe: The Halloween Candy Candle.
First you take all of that Halloween candy the the neighborhood kids did not come by to eat because they know you are a runner/cyclist/swimmer and will have healthy stuff that they would rather pass up..... but you went ahead this year and bought the junk. So that's great. Now you will eat it, feel bloated and have to recover from numerous sugar highs and lows.
so take the candy and put it in a microwavable bowl. Yes, all of it. Then heat it up until it is a massive gooey mess. Keep fingers out of it. At that point, pour into an aluminum pan ( Or again for you high income readers, a pottery bowl.) and as it is setting up stick small cuttings of candle wicks in it at various places. The aroma is amazing. Hazard....Some guests, including you, may find parts of the candle missing at some point. Not my problem!
Clothing Review
I am so glad that clothing makers for runners think that black clothing especially for men is so colorful. I would like some choice, please. Cyclists kits and swimwear has the idea, but runners. Come on now. One of these days I may journey over into the women's section just to get something other than black. Just saying.....the warning is out there.
App Alert for Smartphones
Might be a good one and might not but I am really enjoying messing around with a FREE app called Fooducate. The app has a scanner that you can scan items at the store or any place you are shopping or cooking. There are also great other parts to it but the scanner is as fun as playing Angry Birds!
Onward!
Remember, it will be darker now for you afternoon/evening runners/cyclists/walkers. Please make special note of the equipment you need. Reflective gear and headlamps should be a standard! Cars cannot see you if you don't take action. Especially the first week where accidents happn at an alarming rate. It's a fact!
Be careful out there! Take the extra time to dress for the weather, wear reflerctive gear, and eat lots of oatmeal!
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