Making Peace with the Rain

As a distance runner I can become a little obsessed with weather.  During my off-season, and even early season training, rain was something that would mean I could put off those miles for another day.  But as my weekly mileage climbs in preparation for the Finger Lakes Fifties, I'm finding that miles lost due to weather is something I can't always afford.

Monthly Mileage Perspective

At the end of April, I checked my monthly mileage to see how it compared with recent months and where I'd like to be heading into the peak of my training for the Finger Lakes Fifties.  With 127.9 miles, I thought that it's not where I'd like to be, but I'm on my way to being fit.  But if you were to look at my running logs, you'd find that this would not have been my take in past seasons.

I'm a big believer in the concept that in running we are all "experiments of one".  There are many general concepts that we can all embrace, but when it comes down to the dirty details we have to find what really works for us.  Total mileage is something that falls into this category.

Gear Review: Incredisox

Incredisocks were originally designed to help diabetics improve circulation in their feet, reducing the chances of an eventual amputation (one of the more nasty side-effects of diabetes).  But it's not only diabetics that can benefit from improved circulation, so they've also introduced an athletic line of footwear.  A representative from Incredisocks sent me two pairs of hiking socks, a pair of the Pro No Sho socks and a pair of the Pro-3 Thin Sport socks.

Protein for Runners

Protein can sometimes seem to be a mystery nutrient.  Some places we read that runners need relatively little protein and should focus on carbohydrates instead.  Other sources tell us that carbohydrates are overrated and that we should instead focus on a high-protein diet to maintain our muscles and prevent injury.

Of course the truth, like in most things, is somewhere in the middle.

Your Running Routine

Typically I run at lunch time three or four days a week, two laps around the business center for 4 or 4.1 miles.  This is all I can get in, since I have to get back, get showered and get back to work (while I simultaneously refuel at my desk).

For a long time I thought this was a bit of hindrance to my training - am I really benefiting from running the same distance at about the same pace four times a week?  Granted, I have used that time for speedwork (tempo or hill repeats), but 90% of those runs have been at an 8:30-9:30 per mile pace.  But my recent experience has taught me otherwise.