Running On (Mind) Target

I was driving down Los Angeles behind a car (actually an SUV) of my dream. Of course I have to follow this vehicle for a few blocks just for fun…it served as a moving target.

I do the same when running. If there was a runner passing me by and looks like it’s a good target or some sort of a challenge I would try and follow and draft behind. It motivates and makes my running workout more interesting.

When I sat out and planned my marathon training last year I was looking for a training guide. Then I had my finishing time set out clearly and my gears in place. The training did not go my way most of the time but overall it went well.

The final result was a mere one (1) second better than what I have trained for. But, it was a personal record for me…i was all happy and excited.

I planned to run 30 minutes faster than my previous marathon. That was a big jump and the training made it more difficult, I’m doing it alone. However, I had a clear goal ( a target) in mind and stuck with the training and had some fun in the process.

In 1974, there was a track held in Tennessee with some of the greatest athletes of the day. Because of the caliber of the athletes, everyone was  hoping that a new world record would be  set in the 100-yard dash. One of the runners was Ivory Crockett. Before the race, the television cameras filmed Ivory Crockett folding up a little piece of paper and sticking it in his shoe. A buzz went through the crowd. Everyone was discussing why he had stuck a piece of paper in his shoe.

Long story short. Crockett won and clocked 9.0 – a new world record. At the finish Ivory Crockett pulled the piece of paper he put in his shoe before the race and it simply read: “9.0” The Los Angeles Times described the event with the headline “Immortality in 9 Seconds Flat.“

I wonder how many times Ivory Crockett has written his goal on paper or thought about it in his mind. He did it one more time during that special day in ’74, and boy was he right dead on target!

How about you…are you running on (mind) target?

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.

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.

If you like what you’ve read follow me on TWITTER and get more tips!

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

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

5 Post-Workout Routine You Can Do This Summer

I grabbed a local paper this morning on the way out from a grocery store. I noticed an article on the Health and Beauty section and I thought of sharing it with you.

It’s about post exercise/workout routines…here’s the scoop;

Experts Say Post-Workout Routines Are Critical for Summer Exercise

AS summertime workouts heat up, proper post-exercise cool-downs become even more important. Whether you are a weekend warrior playing in local summer leagues or a serious runner getting ready for fall marathon season, warmer weather activities increase sweat, break down muscles and deplete the body of electrolytes and other essential

Picture Courtesy of Lululemon Athletica

nutrients. While most people know what to do before and during a workout to keep their bodies fit during the warmer summer months, many fall short when it comes to following a proper post-exercise routine.
Fitness expert Lorrie Henry says. “What you do after your workout is just as important as a pre-workout routine, especially during the summer when people tend to be more active.” Henry has shared some of her post-workout tips to help everyone have a fun and healthy summer season:

#1 Cool It: Take the time to cool-down after an intense workout. Spend the last five to seven minutes of the workout on a lower speed or intensity to return your heart rate to normal, and consider walking the last two minutes on a treadmill.

#2 Strech Out: Avoid next day soreness and stretch your muscules immediately after exercise. Do the basic arm and leg stretches and move your joints by rotating your wrists, ankles and neck a few times.

#3 Keep Track: Write down what you did during the workout (i.e. miles ran, fitness classes attended, etc.) to help you keep you on target with your fitness goals.

#4 Refuel Smart: After a tough workout, grab a nutrient-rich drink for maximum benefits. Henry shared, “It’s essential to get protein back into your body to help rebuild your muscles. Ice-cold chocolate milk, such as protein fortified low-fat Rockin’ Refuel from Shamrock Farms, tastes delicious and helps your body recover after exercise with 20 grams of protein and nine essential nutrients – making it a great on-the-go choice after a game or workout.”

#5 Take A Breath: Take a few minuites to relax and reflect on what you have acomplished. Whether you are focused on fun, fitness or both, keeping an eye on and acknowledging where you have been and where you have been and where you want to go can be a great motivator.

Remembering simple tips can help maximize your summer workout. For more information on the healthy benefits of refueling with chocolate milk, please visit RockinRefuel.com. (Family Features)

There you go. I hope it helps. Have a wonderful summer to all. Be safe and keep healthy!

My 4 Refueling-Smart Products. Click and shop now…

#1 Chocolate Recovery Cookie

#2 Protein Recovery Shake

#3 ROC2O Drink

#4 Whey Protein Drink

Are Your Vitamins and Supplements Made In USA?

A little work in the backyard turned out major.

I have this drafting table taking up space that needs demolition . It was heavy duty and really hard to take apart and has become sort of a workout for me.

Years back, made in USA products are of excellent quality. They were built to last…very durable.

Living in (now) a disposable society, over 90 percent of products we buy and/or use are made in China.

Good quality products are hard to find,  if you know what I mean.

These started when we’ve lost our manufacturing base here in the USA to China decades ago.

Even the food products, vitamins and supplements are now made, processed and shipped from abroad.

It’s getting harder and harder to find products that are made in the USA. If you do, the price are sky high for sure.

I’m not a health expert by any means but there’s this company that started the vitamin/supplement  industry 75 years ago. People may not know this but from it’s early beginning to this day they have made USA (and still is) their home. They’ve produced their products in this country on organic farms even before organic became a”buzz” word as we know today. I will surely want their product for this reason alone.

They do maintain quality from the soil preparation to the finish product. That is unheard of in this unregulated industry.

You have got to do your research to get top notch products. If it is labeled “Made in USA” I still can count on its quality.

You see, when I trained for the last marathon, I didn’t do much change in my diet. However, I made a decision to put vitamins and supplement into my training regimen. The result was a personal best of 4:29:59 (i did better on my goal by just 1 second). It may not be a fast time to many, but turning half a century old and the last marathon about 7 years ago, it was the best move I ever did.

I believe the products are better than anything I have tried and used before, during and after training.

Ans YES, they are made in the USA. Buena Park California to be exact is the home of Nutrilite®.

BTW here’s a news tidbit from a few world class athletes of which the company has associated with;

…Our focus for now will be to invest in our existing Track & Field sponsorships, our relationships with Silver Medal winner Jenn Stuczynski and Gold and Bronze Medal winning Sanya Richards and continued focus on our endorsement with soccer star Ronaldinho and sponsorship of A.C. Milan. Read more…

Question: Are Your Vitamins and Supplements Made In USA?

Here’s where I got mine.  Check it out here.

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