Ill

I’ve been sick more times in the past 10 months than in the past 5 years combined. The only real new factor, obviously, has been the running.

20 miles weakened my body, then sleeping with the window wide open on a 50 degree evening drove it home. I’ve had a cold for the past two days, and it doesn’t show much indication of stopping anytime soon.

Nutrition has to be a key factor. At the same time as the 20 mile run, I ramped up with a little junk food (Chex Mix, even a soda) and afterward I killed a bag of Doritos and a Coke, followed by a Chocolate Bar day after. I really need to learn to keep it healthy, even when my metabolism’s going at warp speed.

I ordered the book Scott Jurek mentioned last week on his site. Hopefully this will provide a bit more guidance and insight where I’m obviously lacking. Calorie counting hasn’t been a strong point, nor has learning different benefits of different foods. Definitely something I need to concentrate more on, as evidence by the pile of crumpled kleenex in the trash bin net to my desk.

Segments

At the peak of my academic performance, years upon years ago, I perfected a technique to both keep me fresh and therefore sane in the midst of studying 8+ hours each night (and true to form, more on weekends). 20 minutes of studying, 5 minutes of freedom. It puts you at a ratio of 15 minutes of freedom for every hour of work – and while it may seem like this would ultimately undermine your flow, your zen, your zone, you learn after some time to jump between the two states pretty readily. With frequent breaks, your mind stays fresh and you don’t walk away from it all feeling like you’ve been gypped out of life for those few hours.

I’ve approached my longer runs with this in mind, and yesterday’s 20 miler proved that worked and is working. Taking into account that running 5 miles is not as easy at running 1 mile 5 times (understanding that you’re not one fifth as fresh and energized on the fifth mile as you are on the first, depending on training obviously), I factored in a gradual increase in walking time and a gradual decrease in time in-between walks incrementally. For the first two hours, I walked for 5 minutes every 50 minutes, accompanied with a Gu w/caffeine, a few sips of Accelerade and two Tums. Thereafter, I bumped it up to a 10 minute walk every 40 minutes with the same mix of intake.

The end result: I ran a bit further (1/2 mile) than the last 20 miler, and an entire minute faster. Not significant by the numbers, but in the process I felt more energetic, less drained and in the aftermath (today) I feel as if I could head out for another 10 miler. Last time I needed a week off. Another note, I seem to have found my way around the horrible stomach pains (and uncontrollable diarrhea) I typically get when surpassing 15 miles, simply by not eating beforehand and taking Tums every hour or so.

I’m sure as time goes on I’ll learn more on how to more effectively adjust the ratios and timing, and I’m certain it will need to evolve as my body changes and my endurance increases.

First

New site, more or less here to record my foray into the world of running. I’ve been at it since January 1st, ‘07 but on account of my first day running – was afraid of being dubbed a ‘resolutioner’. However, 10 months later I’ve worked from a difficult 10 miles a week to an effortless 50, and so I think it’s safe to assume it’s not a passing phase. My first marathon is one month away. Pending a successful outcome there, my first ultra (50 miler) will be a little less than a year from now.

This is here to record my thoughts, experiences and insights. If you happen upon this and have anything to add, welcome and thank you.