Work In Progress

Category: Health & Fitness

  • Leaving Yoga

    I have something to admit. I’ve tried Yoga. Took classes for a few months. It just never really took. I’m not knocking it. Lance Armstrong does Yoga and who’s going to call his manhood into question. Exactly. I’m just saying it wasn’t for me. At the end of the day it just felt like a bunch of stretching.

    Fast forward… I’ve moved on (my wife and I both) and now take Pilates. We’ve been going two nights a week for about a year. For the uninitiated, Pilates comes in different forms. Ever seen those “machines” that look like medieval torture devices? That’s one form. The kind we do actually more resembles Yoga. However, this stuff is more about core training.

    So, what’s my point? During the holidays the place we do our twice weekly workouts took a few weeks off. Last night was the first class back since the break. While we’ve been active over the break, I realized how much I missed these sessions specifically, and how important these two forty five minute workouts have become to me. Pilates fills in gaps left by my other training and allows me to train harder and longer in my other pursuits and still stay injury free. It’s played a important role in helping me get stronger and faster in the pool, on the bike, and on the run.

    If you’re considering adding something new to your exercise routine this year, and you don’t think Yoga would be your thing, consider Pilates. Think core. Think hardcore.

  • Running Gear Essentials. Sort Of. [Part 4]

    Gadgets

    Seth, this is for you. Gadgets. Part 4 is about the gadgets. I love them. Let’s get to it.

    1. Garmin 405 – I recently read that there are better suited watches for triathletes but this one works great for me. I can tell heart rate, time, and the GPS tells me speed, pace, and distance. When I get home I can easily download all that data and see, and share, online. My wife gave me the cadence device for my bike for Christmas so we’ll see how that works. Website: garmin.com

    2. iPod – Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the past decade you know what this one is. Website: apple.com/ipodclassic

    3. Amphipod – Technically not a gadget but it does look like Batman’s utility belt. At any rate, these guys make the best hydration belts. They aren’t easy to find in stores so I order them online. The best part is that you can add-on to them. I’ve recently upgraded two of my four bottles from 8 oz to 10 oz and added a gel flask. I also keep my iPod in the micro-pack. Website: amphipod.com

  • Running Gear Essentials. Sort Of. [Part 3]

    Feet

    Part 3 is about the feet; perhaps the most important body part for running. I buy all my running shoes from solesportsrunning.com in Tempe, AZ. Why? They are all runners like you and me. They also have real knowledge about the shoes they sell. They also have a treadmill and video camera setup to show you your gate to best find the right type of running shoe. Also, they’re very nice people.

    1. Under Armour Men’s Zone No Show Socks – There are the absolute best socks ever made. They come in black and white. Website: underarmour.com

    2. Mizuno Ascend 4 – I usually wear a stability shoe but for days when I’m primarily on the trail and crushed gravel I prefer a trail running shoe like this one. Website: mizunousa.com

    3. Asics GT-2140 – This is a really nice stability shoe for running mainly on sidewalks and concrete. This is my second pair of GT’s. Website: asicsamerica.com

    4. Bubble Laces – Strange that I mention shoe laces. I like these laces because they don’t slip as much as normal laces and a good fit is really important for keeping those blisters away. Website: nbnorthshore.com/new-balance-shoe-laces.html

  • Running Gear Essentials. Sort Of. [Part 2]

    Body

    Part 2 is about my current preferences in running clothes. Not all of these choices are the most technologically advanced but are what I prefer right now.

    1. Nike Fit Cap – It’s a hat. Boring. However, it is light, keeps the sweat out of my eyes, and is black under the bill to keep the glare at a minimum. I used to have a black and a white one but am afraid I left my favorite black hat in California on a recent trip.

    2. NorthFace T-Shirt – I know hate is a strong word but I hate cotton. Mostly. Absolutely for workout shirts. This is one of those fancy space age shirts made of… 100% Polyester? Well, at least it has great wicking properties.

    3. DBX Swimming Trunks – I have no idea why I run in these. I have more expensive shorts but while these are super cheap (I bought a bunch of pairs for about $10 each) I always come back to them. Maybe it’s because they have pockets. Ever try to find “running” shorts with pockets?

    4. Oakley Radar Path – I really like these sunglasses. They work really well for running and biking. No matter how much I sweat they stay on my face. No slipping. I’ve used the so much the lenses are starting to wear but the good news is that I can just replace them without having to replace the frame also. Website: oakley.com

  • Running Gear Essentials. Sort Of. [Part 1]

    Running seems like such a simple activity. All you really need are shorts, t-shirt and a pair of running shoes. Right? Well, sort of. You see, boys (and some girls) like gear. It does become more important as you run longer distances. That’s how I rationalize it. I’ve broken this idea up into four separate posts: (1) Comfort & Nutrition, (2) Body, (3) Feet, and my favorite (4) Gadgets.

    Comfort & Nutrition

    Part 1 is all about the little things that not only make the run more fun but also the recovery much less painful. Here are four items that I never leave home without.

    1. BodyGlide – If applied to the right spots this helps to avoid the kind of chaffing that haunts you for days after. Website: bodyglide.com

    2. NipGuards – I thought about not even mentioning this one for obvious reasons. These are fancy and work well but only slightly better than good old duck tape. This past summer I was walking in Central Park in NYC and saw a guy run by with blood dripping down the front of his shirt. It was horrifying. Please don’t make me explain this one in any more detail. Website: nipguards.com

    3. Cytomax Sports Drink- This one is important. It is for pre training. I mix one scoop with a liter of water and drink the whole thing about an hour before I run. I also carry about twenty ounces of this with me on my run. Website: cytosport.com

    4. Hammer Gel – I eat one of these about every 30 minutes during my long runs. They come with caffeine or without. I prefer without as the caffeine has a tendency to upset my tummy. There are other brands, but of the few I’ve used, I like these the best. Their chocolate tastes like pudding and helps keep me from bonking. Website: hammernutrition.com