A Case of the Runs

Much too long after the death of my last pair of sunglasses, I managed to get my hands on another pair. This one comes from CVS/pharmacy. I figured that since a more expensive pair blew out on me, why not a drugstore one? So after going to speciality stores, I came upon this one that looks and feels good... StyleScience's Airfoil. I didn't notice until later that this is meant for men, but my large head circumference called for it, I think. Anyway, I like that the sides have some ventilation (via a large triangular hole). I hope not to break this one...

Let it rain! There's nothing quite like running in the rain, although it is a nail in the coffin for running shoes. Anyway, since rain is not really an option during the summer, this Gatorade is the next best thing. The flavor I tried is Strawberry Kiwi, which is so new that I couldn't find a picture of it. I got it in an eight-pack on sale at Wal-Mart. Somehow, it has taken me three days to finish one 20 oz. bottle, but that's because I haven't been training strenuously yet. The taste is very light and clean, hence the word "rain." It certainly causes less bad breath than the Gatorade I am used to (Lemon-Lime), and it's a lot cooler-looking as well. The nutritional content is the same (50 calories per 8 oz.). I wouldn't say that this trounces the "regular" Gatorade until a cheap powder form is made. Oh, and I still like Endurance Formula the most.

I wanted to put this under "Gear," but I don't own it. Still, some people might be interested in these "gloves" for your feet, especially if you've ever wanted to run barefoot but didn't want to get cut up. Why would anyone want to run barefoot? Supposedly, running in too-cushiony shoes weakens parts of the foot overtime, leaving one susceptible to injuries. Plus, I'm sure not having an extra few ounces weighing runners down is appealing enough. I wonder if those barefoot marathon runners with blackened soles and I'm sure the calluses of a rhinocerous would ever consider these. For about $70 (less than the cost of most high-end running shoes), they'd never have to worry about glass (maybe), sticks, rocks, or animal deposits ever again! ------ Link: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/barefooting/barefoot_running.cfm

If you're among the ~20% of females who have or have had iron-deficiency anemia, this post is for you. Even if you're not within this population, as a runner, you may also fall into the pool of runners plowing along with this or a similar condition. Anemia means "without blood." Although there are several kinds, two are especially prominent in runners: iron-deficiency : This can only be diagnosed by a doctor. He/she will test your hematocrit (how much of the blood is "red") and hemoglobin levels. A lower-than-normal value (ranges vary by age/gender) would prompt more tests such as cell volume, iron levels in serum, etc. Anemia is the third stage of iron-deficiency. Iron is lost through chronic bleeding, though fertile women don't normally get to a point of iron-deficiency. Gastrointestinal bleeding can be another source, which is why an iron-deficient male is likely to find that this is happening. Of course, diet can be an issue, though bread, cereal, fr...

Yeah, I may as well be a spokesperson for it... click to watch

Just when you thought I quit running (you didn't think I quit, did you? I just did a 10-miler last week and a 7-miler yesterday!), I am here again to take about the Nike+ website. Nike is having a virtual race for those with a Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. It is taking place on Sunday, October 21, 2007. As long as you are willing to pay $45 and log 13.1 miles (even walking) on that day, you can receive a keychain designed by Tiffany and Co. as well as a T-shirt. I wish money grew on trees and that I didn't have class that weekend. Click here for more information. It really is a good cause (leukemia and lymphona). Also, from May 31 to August 5, the miles logged at the Nike+ website can go to one of three charities. I chose to log mine (60 so far) to Team in Training . Click here for more information about this campaign. Yes, I am still completely happy that I am a member of the Nike+ community. Having the sport kit has kept me motivated to run consistently. Here is a current screensho...