Heat

Well, I have decided that my radiator just doesn't work well in the hot summer temps. Althought summer 2010 has been relatively mild in Austin compared to last summer, I have really struggled in the heat these last few weeks. I think it can mostly be attributed to the fact that this is the first summer I have really put in some intensity training. Typically, I will just use the summer to build up some good volume; rarely have I ever done any major summer races or workouts. Yet, here I am sandwiched between my disappointing Grandma's Marathon in June and the Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon in August trying to pound out some steady state runs and hill sessions. It seems as though my legs really crash about 5 miles in to a steady state or tempo run and at about 15 miles in a long run. It's a weird feeling--my legs just get rubbery and I feel as though I don't have a lot of energy. I don't think I am overtrained, and I am definitely going easy enough on my recovery runs. I think it just has to have something to do with the heat. Some people just don't handle hot training conditions as well as others.

With all that said, I am trying some new things out in my running. 1.) I am going watchless for a few days. Even though my last post included a pretty detailed workout tracked by my FR Garmin 405 and I like having that feedback, I am going to the opposite end of the spectrum. It is kind of nice not knowing how far or fast I am running, and I think it helps me listen to my body. Instead of constantly looking at how far in to a run I am or how fast I am running, I have just been running until my legs are tired and then I stop. 2.) Electrolyte tablets. . . . I try to drink lots of water (especially in the summer), but with as much as I sweat in the summer time I think it helps to take in some additional electrolytes. I like this product to help me stay properly hydrated. 3.) Stretching and strength. . . . . since it is difficult to put in the big miles in the summer, I have been adding some light stretching and strength exercises to fill out my training regimen. I also like to use a foam roller to help keep my Hamstrings and IT bands loose.

Garmin

I am finally experimenting with my Garmin a little bit. I have had it for about 7-8 months now, but I have never actually played with it much. Through the Garmin Connect page, I can track all my workouts (maps, elevation, heart rate, pace, etc.) and post them on my blog. I think that is really cool. I did this route this afternoon--it is probably the most common route that I do in my neighborhood. It was pretty hot outside, and I started at 4:30 p.m but it was a really good run.

In my mind, I am a Kenyan

In college, I had a huge Nike poster of Kenyan runners. In the foreground of the poster was a quote that read, "In my mind, I am a Kenyan". The Kenyans are the standard in distance running--they have been for several years now. Recently I began reading a book about Kenyan distance running called "More Fire: How to Run the Kenyan Way" by Toby Tanser. The book is a really good read with lots of insight into how Kenyans train as well as a great history of the rise of Kenyan distance running. Tanser also comments on the debate as to why Kenyans are so much better, so much more dominant than any other nation in the world at this sport. I am about a quarter of the way through the book, but already I am curious to learn more about "the Kenyan Way".

I came across a video about a group of Kenyans that train in New Mexico called AmeriKenya. I have actually raced some of these guys, most recently at the 2009 White Rock Marathon in Dallas. The video is phenomenal. One of the things that impressed me most was how these Kenyans were so in tune with their bodies--they know how to listen to their bodies. When they are supposed to run easy, they run very easy. When it is time to go fast, they run very fast. If they are feeling beat up, they rest AND if they feel good they run fast. This is such a simple philosophy, and one that very few American distance runners adhere to. The other thing that really impressed me was the confidence and positive nature of these athletes. Each one of them really believes they can be the very best. They are not easily discouraged, and they are always optimistic about their abilities.

You can watch the video here.

Looking Ahead. . . .

Well, I am back to training again. The new target is the Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon in Columbus, OH August 29. I am looking forward to this race 1.) because it is a shorter distance and 2.) I just cannot wait to race again (I feel the need to redeem myself).

The last two weeks have been pretty low in terms of volume and intensity, but I have had some quality runs. And, my legs are starting to feel pretty good again.

Last week, I tiled our bathroom floor and my legs were really sore from that. But, I am happy to say that the project is finished, even though it may not look that great.