Endurance runners are fitness mavens
24 Jul 2009
Endurance runners are fitness mavens. They run for miles and tough it out in hot, humid, cold and rainy weather. I like to think of runners as the boy scouts of the fitness world. The land is their stadium. They come prepared for the unexpected and know all the tricks of the trade. They also come in handy when you’re shooting a video about running tips! Many thanks to the athletes of Team Continuum for helping me out. Read on for my views and recommendations.
It’s always good to start off a run at a slow pace and then build momentum. A lot of people can do this naturely but for others it’s easier to keep track of split times with a runner’s watch. I don’t wear one, but if I did I would wear one by Garmin (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=27483#). Garmin watches are easy to read/operate, which is really important when you’re trying to focus on the race and the road ahead. Garmin watches are wireless and send your running results straight to your computer. Read more about Garmin and how to choose the best running watch here: www.sportswatchinformant.com/best-sports-watch-the-best-running-watches-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one.
I love gels and swear by them. A lot of people complain that certain brands irritate their stomachs and make them run to the bathroom (yikes). Hammer Gels are made for sensitive tummies (http://www.hammernutrition.com/). Hammer is MSG free, gluten-free, vegan friendly, with no added refined sugars, artificial coloring or sweeteners. My favorite brand is the one people know most by name, GU Energy Gels. My favorite flavors are Chocolate Outrage, Tri-berry and Espresso Love: (http://guenergy.com/products/gu-energy-gel/flavors-nutrition_chocholate-outrage). Be careful because the GU brand is the one people complain about most (although no problems here). We’re all built differently so you might have to try a few brands and see which one makes you the least desperate for a johnny-on-the-spot.
In the video, Larry’s ipod holder is problematic because it absorbs sweat. Here are 2 ways to avoid that: 1. The Shuffle (www.apple.com/ipodshuffle) and 2. The iStik (http://www.goistik.com/products.html). I use the Shuffle because it clips to my clothes and never falls off. If you love your Nano go for the iStik. Just a warning, magnets can be unreliable.
Earphones and headphones are a personal taste purchase but you can base your decision on the size of your head, ears, and how much you sweat. I usually go for sweat resistant and care less about the quality of sound. If you’re the same, then you should buy the Nike Aero Neckband Headphones that Larry mentions in the video (http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU530ZM/A#overview). Here’s a CNET review on them: cnettv.cnet.com/…/9742-1_53-50071467.html. A friend gifted me Skull Candy’s Full Metal Jacket ear buds and I have to say you compromise nothing with these earphones. The sound and comfort factor are fantastic! Check out their website for lots of options and fresh styles that come in well-designed packaging: www.skullcandy.com/all-products.html
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (http://www.vaseline.com/Product.aspx?Path=Consumer/OurProducts/PetroleumJelly) has many uses besides the one that keeps it in the drawer of your nightstand (I really don’t want to know). For running, vaseline keeps your body’s moisture locked in so that it’s less vulnerable to the weather. It also forms a protective barrier that allows your clothes to glide against your skin without irritation. BodyGlide (www.bodyglide.com) is another good option. It’s marketed for runners but Vaseline is cheaper, thicker and will stay on your body longer. Don’t worry about feeling greasy, it dries as you run. Apply from shoulders to toes and you’re good to go.
The most important tip of all is to STAY HYDRATED. Enjoy the run.
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