Little Tidbits
This week is a recovery week, so today was supposed to be 8 miles w/8 strides. I got confused though, thinking I was supposed to 10, then I mistakenly thought I’d programmed in only 8, so I did two extra, ending up with 12 strides total. Doh! Apparently, I’m hopeless at keeping track of things, even when it’s programmed for me. Kept good pace, though, so very pleased.
Broke in a virgin pair of Inspires…twas a cushy and blindingly white ride.
So a few months ago, I mentioned that one of my race goody bags included a sample bottle of NatureMade calcium softgels. I’d put off using it because, like most calcium supplements, it’s Calcium carbonate which stops me up, poopwise. Which is too bad because Tums are a cheap source of calcium and those Viactiv chews were pretty tasty but both of them were problematic.
As a replacement, I’d found some other chews by Citracal, whose products use sodium caltrate, much better for poop issues. They’ve stopped making them though, so I’ve been taking their calcium pills, the “Petites” which are laughably huge horse pills despite that moniker, but that’s the problem with calcium citrate, it takes up a lot of space. One serving was 2 pills for 400mg and I need 1000/day, so I was never taking enough.
So I was looking at this bottle of NatureMade Calcium softgels and each pill is 600mg, which is impressive, even more than a Viactiv chew, which would mean only needing one pill twice a day (can’t take too much calcium at once, you have to split it up). I decided to go ahead and try the things, poop problems be damned, and wonder of wonders I had no poop trouble at all! Must be the gel or something. Whatever, I’m a convert.
This is all leading up to this: I finished the last softgel so on Saturday I go to Target to get a real bottle - no luck, no softgels. I was going to order some online and then yesterday in the mail I received my free sample of Calcium from NatureMade which I’d forgotten I’d signed up for. They send you two bottles of 14 each, so it’s a great freebie.
Btw, they’re doing this offer for all their Softgels, so if you’re a boy and don’t need calcium, go choose something else. Free stuff is fun!
One last unrelated thing that was making me laugh the other day was sometimes I lurk at the messageboards at LetsRun.com. There was this one old post about why is it that you can be a fit runner but sometimes getting to the top of your stairs will leave you wiped out? I thought I was alone on this, but if those hard core guys are experiencing it too, I’m in great company. Which made me think of another bit of goofyness…
When I started running, I remember being at the grocery store, standing in line and realizing I’d forgotten something. I remember distinctly feeling like an elegant gazelle as I ran back to the dairy section, like “wow, running has really transformed me! I’m sleek and agile, look how good I look!” It was such a great feeling.
Cut to the future (now) and why is it when I’m not in running attire and have to cross the street fast or run back through the grocery store, I now feel like a clodding oaf? It’s like I can’t remember how to start running or I run weirdly and don’t know what to do with my limbs. It cracks me up! My running is so improved but my “civilian” running has completely regressed. Wonder if any of you notice a difference either way? If so, please share…
Tags: calcium, running shoes
July 15th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
You never cease to crack me up Flo with some of your comments! Mainly because I can totally relate to alot of them myself as well.
especially the going up stairs and running across the street when not in ‘ runner clothes’ LOL
Im the exact same way. so odd isnt it!
Good job on those extra strides. I just hope I have enough gas in the tank to do my strides tonight . legs still are a little sore and calves tight after my epic journey Sunday
July 15th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Ah, see? You’re a super speedy boy and can relate! I love that about you. Have a great run tonight and may all your limbs be flopping around with relaxation by the time you get out there.
The best thing about strides is that they’re not intervals.
I just posted on the women’s BQ thread that after those fat-ass tempo runs, strides are like a vacation. Enjoy! Next Tuesday will suck (10 w/5 tempo).
July 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I can relate about the stairs just a bit. The real issue is that I have to warm up before running in civvies, yet when I run “for real” I just take off! Whatever! What a great blog. Where else can you learn about running, women’s issues, poop, shoes, there is not end to the knowledge one can glean from this page!
July 15th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Big hug for you Tobey, your appreciation is why I write this shit (or poop, I should say). Funny how sensitive subjects like bodily evacuation and chafing become just another topic when you’re a runner. It’s like that Ben Lee song “We’re All In This Together”. Tis so true.
July 15th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I have a theory on the stairs wipeout. It’s speed thing. When we run, we start out slow, even if we’re planning a high-intensity workout. On the stairs, we set out too fast, and go anaerobic right away. When I do ‘civilian running’ I have to remind myself to go at an easy pace, which is still quick by civilian standards. I once injured myself by going too fast in street shoes with no warmup.
Jim E.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Jim, I think you’re on to something. I’ll bet my stair speed is as fast as the lungs allow no matter how fit/unfit I am.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Yup, that’s me. When I’m not running, my legs are stiff and heavy and I feel like a arthritic hippo sometimes. I’m always surprised that I can run more than a mile. At least we look good, right?
July 15th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I’m with you on the stairs thing. Okay, could you please explain strides to me. I have never gotten a clear explanation anywhere…thanks Flo
btw, I ran 10 yesterday and 10 today on treadmills…feeling a little addicted to the endorphins these days…
July 15th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Are we sure we’re that “wiped out”? Or do we just notice it now?
I’m sure it has more to do with my starting point of being too heavy, but I remember just walking a couple flights of stairs would leave me pooped — er, winded! Now I’m more conscious of my effort , but if I just try not to take them too fast, I’m fine.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Lisa, congrats on the two 10s! Feeling good in the neighborhood!
Here’s the dealio on Strides: They’re gradual accelerations of 100 - 200 meters (yards), with the object of the game to focus on form, not exhaustion, so the way it’s supposed to go (ala Pfitz) is speed up the first 70% then float the last 30% (Glover would have you accelerate the first 20 yards, float the next 60, then take it down the final 20yards…both guys are running gods so either way), then recover as long as it takes to where you are still relaxed throughout the workout, generally 100 yards or so…walk or jog, just recover.
It isn’t designed to improve your cardio - instead, you focus on a different body part; knees, arm swing, torso, with the aim of improving the running machine you are, whether that’s loosening your jaw, lifting knees higher, relaxing your shoulders, whatever.
Here’s a youtube video on it.
I’m going to keep doing them for training year-round since they’re supposedly a great way to retain leg speed between racing seasons when you’re not doing speedwork.
Vince, could be - I’m always running up stairs to get them over with, so if I could just take them slow and easy…not gonna happen. I do know that I can carry more and heavier grocery bags up them in one swoop, so there’s hope.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Flo-the video was great and very helpful (so were you!). Interestingly, at the end of both of my most recent 10 mile runs, I have instinctively felt the need to speed up the pace. I guess I was really warmed up and feeling good, so I’m going to try the strides tomorrow at the end of my run. thanks again!
July 16th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Thanks for mentioning our liquid soft gels - glad to see that you got your free samples. Strange that target didn’t have them, but you know how it goes!
Also enjoyed your note about the stairs. I am always heaving by the third flight, regardless of the shape I’m in :-)
July 16th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Lisa, glad to help. How to do strides or What are they? are hands-down the most asked workout question I’ve ever seen on the forums. Have fun doing them tonight!
NatureMadeLisa, happy to spread the word about a great product, especially when free stuff is involved.
Btw, none at Target or at my local RiteAid. I can always order them online but it would be nice to skip the shipping charges.
July 16th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Ooh, I’m so excited about the softgels that I’m delurking to thank you for the link. Also, so true about “civilian” running. The other day it started raining while I was walking home, so I thought, “no problem, I’m a runner, I’ll run home.” More like huff and puff and finally slow to a defeated walk.
Maybe my women’s multivitamin will help with that…:)
July 16th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Wow Flo you have blog hits from the products you mention too! You really are a celeb!!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
tfh, excellent! Glad to be an inadvertent source of strong bones.
Matt, ha! I know, surprised the hell out of me, too! Now if only they’d send me a case of the stuff…
July 16th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
C’mon you guys! This is an easy one! It’s all psychological! Put your running clothes on–you’re a runner. Dash home in the rain? Run up the stairs? Fuggedabuddit! Remember! 90% mental!
July 17th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Hey Pokey,
Silly me and my speed theories. You’re right, It’s 90% Mental! So… maybe a 3-hour Marathon is 90% mental too? I just need to find the right shorts to wear! (OK, maybe the right jet-pack also)
July 18th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Jim E–Don’t underestimate the power of the mind. You can if you think you can. Provided you put in the work of course. And, when you find the right jet-pack, please let me know, because I’ll need one as well. As for shorts? I vote we all run naked!
July 18th, 2008 at 8:34 am
That might help with the chafing issue.
July 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Naked Marathon ? I think i’ll just be a spectator in that one LOL
July 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Did someone say naked marathon?
http://www.nudistday.com/index.php/article/december-4th-second-annual-naked-marathon.html
Some people have no shame!
July 18th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Hmm, Speaking for the guys, I see a potential chafe problem when running nude, particularly if conditions are a little sweaty ;-)
July 18th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Hah, this subject is hilarious. I once designed a website for a nude beach in Miami (commissioned by a self-proclaimed Swinger who worked at the Chamber of Commerce). My favorite photo on it was a bunch of naked people mundanely waiting in line for hotdogs. Naked people are funny looking.
July 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I have been in a race with naked people. The San Francisco Bay to Breakers is a 12K race, but also a fancy dress parade with about 50% bandits. They get a few naked people each year. I overtook one couple at about mile 1. All I could think to say was “nice shoes”. The guy had a heart monitor chest band, which for some reason I thought was hilarious. They were holding bibs in their hands.
July 18th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
What a sick vision, I love it!! Heart monitor…too funny.