Holy Cow I have fallen behind again! I know I’m terrible with excuses, but I was
on vacation with the family. I had every intention of blogging but just didn't get around to it. However I did run while on vacation so I think I get a gold
star for that! Right??
I don’t know where everyone is from that reads this, or
if anyone actually reads this, but here in St. Louis it has been extremely hot.
I think we are on day 8 of triple digit temperatures. Its funny that the
weather man says a break in the heat is 90 degrees. With the heat I have not been running
outside. I think I’ve stated before that I’m not a morning person so I run at
night, typically 7:30 p.m. Even by that time the sun is still blazing so I
have been going to the YMCA and running on the treadmill.
My coach, Sharon, continues to send out weekly emails
with great tips and articles. The article about hydration and sweat rate was
very timely with the heat we are having right now.
Hydration
For the most part- water is sufficient for less
than 60 minutes of work out time. Once you hit the 60 minute mark, then
you need to consider adding additional sources of nourishment and hydration
sources (such as gatorade, powerade, cytomax, etc.). Depending on your
sweat factor and your body's workout condition, this will add or take away from
the amount of fluids you need to take in during your training sessions.
You will need more if it is hot - like this week!!
Generally:
Drink 16 oz of liquid 2 hours before exercise if
possible
Drink another 8-12 oz right before IF not well
hydrated -- light-colored urine.
Try to drink 6-8 oz. every 15-20 minutes of
exercise -- Again water only for the first 60 minutes - then start adding
electrolytes
By the time you are thirsty - you are at the
beginning stages of dehydration!
Drinking ONLY water for extended exercise time
periods (like long training sessions) can lead to low blood sodium and impair
performance.
How to calculate your sweat rate:
1. Weigh yourself nude right before a run.
2. Run at race pace for one hour, keeping
track of how much you drink (in ounces) during your run.
3. After the run, strip down, towel off any
sweat, and weigh yourself nude again.
4. Subtract your weight from your pre-run
weight and convert to ounces. Then add that number to however number of
ounces you consumed during your run.
Running Calculator
It's based on the famous Jack Daniels.
Oh wait wrong one..
Jack Daniels the running guru who PERSONALLY trains the
TNT coaches and is known for his running knowledge and ability!
It will help you predict lots of things about your
running from different distances - like a 5K to a half marathon and how running
in 50 degrees will compare to running in 90+ degrees, or changing from mile to
kilometers, etc.
http://www.runworks.com/calculator.html
I will be traveling the next couple of weekends which
will make it more challenging to get my long runs in, but I’m determined to do
them!
This Saturday is 5 miles ( yes
that is a long run.. for me)
Sunday: 2miles
Monday: Rest or CrossTrain
Tuesday-Thursday are 2 mile days
I do feel like I can run longer without getting as
winded, but I know I still have a long way to go. So I know I am making some
progress! When I start to get tired of running I think about the whole reason I
am doing this and remind myself that the people we are running for didn’t chose
to have cancer and don’t get to quit when it hurts, so why should I?