A Runners Golf Balls and Clubs

Friday, I was telling folks at work that I will go out to the golf range and hit some balls and do  a 5 miler after that.

I didn’t. I actually broke it down to 5 miles Saturday and golf range Sunday.

I haven’t picked-up my clubs in a while. So the first few hits this runners golf balls was headed in all directions. The ground is like an excavation in progress…it was not good at all. It’s like the balls and the clubs are at war.

So I have to take a step back and rethink what I’m doing and reset.

It worked. Now the balls are in line, a lot shorter than expected but right on.

I sure can use this brief experience to get back on track on my running after an injury. Step back and reset.

I do have things to reconsider and options to make but the love of running will surely get me in track even if that means running short for the most part.

‘Got to make the adjustments, lace up and get back to the black top, the trail or the concrete pavement – one step at a time.

In golf you see the target, line up the ball and try to hit it.

In running you decide how long and fast the run would be and hit the ground.

Either way it’s powered by the human will and both are fun if you love ‘em. Keep on running.

Talk about running, here’s an extra short video…it’s on dog running. CUTE!

Running on golf course from Nicolas on Vimeo.

What Does Eating Chinese Food and Running Have In Common?

I was at 3.4 mile mark into my early evening run and headwind was on me.  And then there’s this smell of Chinese food in the air. Someone is cooking noodles in the neighborhood. I’m getting hungry.

I got home with noodles in mind and have this idea about food and running that maybe worth (blogging) asking…

What does eating Chinese food and running have in common?

If you love Chinese food, you savor the distinct aroma and taste and eat it with a chopstick, a modified chopstick or to eat faster you may use the old reliable fork (if you have a hard time using the first two – just like me).

If you love running, you’ll find ways how to squeeze in a few miles out, whether you’re busy or not. You may have a few nagging injuries but real runners are stubborn and always find a way to lace up for a short (or a long) run consistently.

On both occasions, there is always a choice. Eating or running you can do it anyway you want, enjoy and have fun.

That reminds me of my medical condition. ‘Got a bit of an issue with my right knee but you’ll find me on the blacktop or the concrete pavement from time to time.

Here’s the challenge; according to my doctor I may need to stop running! Wait a minute, that doesn’t sound right when I heard it the first time. He even said, “you’re not as young as you use to and the mileage you put on needs to be drastically reduced”…ouch!

I use to log about 20-25 miles a week. He’s suggesting 20 miles or less a month, or switch to walking, swimming and cross training and even yoga…

“You have a choice” he said, “either you continue on and aggravate your knee and shot your running forever  or keep it to a manageable  level and enjoy running for an extended time”.

For sure it made me think and reassess my options.

I still have a choice. Or, eat more Chinese noodles and run less.

Seriously though, keeping the knee healthy and strong and enjoying a few runs here and there makes more sense. It’s just a matter of getting used to it.

Anyway, enjoy your runs while you can and the rest of the summer…

Does Caffeine From Energy Drinks Energize Your (Running) Workouts?

Energy drink consumption has continued to gain in popularity since the Red Bull run of  ’97. According to the Nutrition Journal, more than 500 new energy drinks were launched worldwide in 2006 alone. It has become a 5.7 billion dollar energy drink industry.

Somehow, its popularity made its way into sports. Believe it or not even the distinction between energy drinks and sports drinks got blurred lately. Others think that the caffeine and/or sugar boost they get from these drinks will help boost their sports activities as well. Be warned though, here’s what one expert has to say;

For someone training for a marathon or other serious athletic event, says Gant, who advises many New Zealand Olympians, reducing caffeine from all sources—tea, soda, and foods like chocolate and energy bars in addition to coffee—can dramatically improve sleep quality, decrease blood levels of cortisol (a stress marker), and increase your body’s caffeine sensitivity to give you an extra energy boost when you do imbibe just before the event. “Only use it on those few occasions that you’re really going to need that pick-me-up,” says Gant. Read FULL Article

You see, the formulation on energy and sports drinks are different in so many ways. A little research, won’t hurt,  if you have concerns about these drinks being used for any sports activity. I’m sure a few shots won’t hurt (or does it) but what do I know, I’m not an expert.

One thing I know is that if an energy drink contains a lot of  B vitamins I can use it to boost my running workouts.  Plenty of sugar and caffeine before, during and after workouts does not work…believe me I’ve tried. But that’s just me. In fact ice cold water works best – if I don’t have my G. How about you?

Are You Sunscreened To Run?

A poll mentioned in an article revealed most Americans turn cold shoulder to sunscreen.

Most of my runs are during the early mornings and late evenings. I’ve never put on any sunscreen when running any other times.  Never really used sunscreen before, period. I’m more concerned with what I do drink before, during and runs to tell you the truth. But this is something I may start doing.

For those who take this seriously here’s the article;

Only one-fifth of Americans wear sunscreen before going outside most days during the summer and just under one-third apply it even a few days during the season, according to the Marist Institute for Public Opinion.

Despite the attention of the healthcare industry on the role of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer,..READ FULL ARTICLE

Happy running to all. Best of luck to all doing races.

Keep hydrated and be safe.

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Doctors Summer Warning On Energy Drinks

We get all kinds of warnings during summer. I’d like to share with you about the dangers of energy drinks.

The latest one was on WIStv not to long ago. Here’s a short story;

…and teens are choosing energy drinks as part of their daily diet.  Doctors warn there can be some dangerous consequences if usage is not monitored.The flashy colors and eye catching names are enough to boost your child’s interest, but physicians want parents to be aware of what is in those drinks.

“The caffeine in these drinks is way too much for young kids,” according to Dr. Elizabeth Mack, Pediatric Critical Care Physician at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.

A typical cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams of caffeine, a soda has about 40 milligrams of caffeine, but some energy drinks have up to 500 milligrams of caffeine. Some of the cans pack several servings.

“The problem with that is that kids can become caffeine toxic,” Mack says. Read FULL Article

If you have kids or around kids a lot you may want to remind them of this warning.

There’s a lot of physical or sports activities going on this time. One mistake most people do is take energy drink instead of sports recovery drink. Be aware of the contents and what each drink can do.

Read the labels. Drink a lot of water and keep hydrated. Be safe.

Coconut Water:Nature’s Sweet, Low-Cal Recovery Drink?

If you’re in any kind of workout activity, you may want to check out one of natures recovery drink – coconut.

That’s right, coconut. You see I was reading an article on health in Time magazine just recently.

The title was, “Coconut Water: Nature’s Sweet, Low-Cal Hangover Relief.” As I continued reading the article, the author mention that;

…Coconut water, which is extracted from fruit too young to have formed milk, is low in calories and has no fat and a lot less sugar than most juices. But its most important attribute, at least among barflies, is that it is an excellent rehydrater.

Right there, I know I have to share the article to you guys. Of course my blog title has to be modified just a bit for running to give it a twist.

Seriously though… “an  FAO official noted that the drink contains the same five electrolytes found in human blood (Gatorade has only two).” according to the article. Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1990805,00.html#ixzz0sjzhRhZJ

Soccer Players Can Run. Can They Dance?

I’m amazed at how great conditioned soccer players are.

Their game is so fast and physical and they continuously run, run and run for hours.

Their skill set, especially their footwork, is what impressed me the most.

Endurance wise they have to be top notch to be super competitive.

The World Cup is about to end and there’s a parade of great athletes from all over the world that are gifted to compete at this level. Getting to the cup is a long journey and one can only wonder how much work they’ve put into to be successful.

My hats off to all… these players.

However, I do have a (fun) question. Soccer Players Can Run, But Can They Dance? (just like the video below…)

Your Next Steps!

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Can You (Still) Smile After 26.2 Miles

I can see the finish line from a straight -away.

One problem, I’m officially tired (like our pacer has told us at mile 18) and about ready to give up mentally as well.

Here comes the rescue… Elvis Presley with a boom box blasting like you’ve never heard before.

That brought life to my tired body and I have forgotten for just a few minutes, that it’s only a few hundred strides more and the 26.2 marker will be mine.

I finished the race a mere second ahead of my goal unto a personal best.

I was absolutely tired but happy. I felt like on top of the world. Why not, I have trained for 18 weeks with one goal in mind – finish the race with a personal record!

Yes, I did it and I was all SMILE.

… BTW Can You (Still) Smile After 26.2 Miles?

I wish I had this SMILE machine from Unilever at the finish line to see. Capture and post it on social media?

Hmmm, I may have gotten and ice cream to top it all. Watch the video.

Your Next Steps!

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You Don’t Need Motivation In A Minute, Do You?

Whenever I see people running, especially now that I’m injured, I feel envious and frustrated…

You see, I’m limited to a few workout and walking is now one of the few options I have. I love walking, don’t get me wrong but it’s different.

Getting motivated is really getting hard… until I stumbled into this short video. Watch,  it may change things up, especially when things get rough.

<<– Watch the video by clicking the image to the left or watch it here.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”-Zig Ziglar

VideoRemix:Last Minute Marathon Tips

Tapering off prior to a marathon at times is not easy.

I can only speak for myself but since there were no more long miles and the workout are now days apart,  I don’t really have much to do on rest or free days.

I find myself online a lot and just looking for ways how or what else I can do before the big race.

Then, I found this video by Mike Koval titled, “Last Minute Marathon Tips”.

I’ve watch it many times and followed some tips and it worked – big time for me!

Now, just for fun and since I’m recovering from a knee injury (‘got plenty of time) I did a video remix with my dog. “Hope you like the video, watch it here…

Thanks and now comment on the video.

Original concept by Toby Tanser.
Music on this remix by Loopey Lou and the Lunatics. You can find him at garageband.com

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