A Case of the Runs

So yesterday, I had my VO2 Max tested using a New Leaf metabolic test kit, which is a metabolic measure of "the maximum capacity to transport and utilize oxygen during incremental exercise " (Wikipedia). This test was one of the prizes I had to choose from that I received for high gym attendance during the holiday season. The test involved wearing this green mask that basically made me look like a fly (see pic on the right, although I was on a treadmill and my mask is green and mine to keep). The mask blocks off oxygen/carbon dioxide from coming from/out of anywhere but a tube that is connected to a reading device. I also had to wear a chest strap heart monitor covered in gel. The test began with walking 3 mph, increasing to 6 mph, incline then going from 0.0-6.0 grade. Since I was still a bit run down from a cold, I was having a tough time toward the end of the test, but I made it through. The result? VO2 Max is 49 (38 is average for my age and gender). So I am above average...

I had a chance to see this with my friend, sister, and company. The movie follows the stories of a few La Salle Chicago Marathon 2005 runners, ranging from Kenyan to Deena Kastor to an old man. Also featured were famous running people such as Hal Higdon and Paula Radcliffe. There was a lot of subtle running humor in this movie. For instance, the old man said that the only time he has a runner's high is when he stops (I concur!). I was amazed by this couple that eventually both ran Boston together. I hate to be vague, but my other sister has not seen this movie and should catch the February 21, 7:30 pm encore. Yes, this movie was originally one night, one time only. Watching the more emotional parts of the movie brings me back to my first marathon last year, my third race ever, and how I nearly lost it at mile 22-23... I don't mean physically either. I think I was too tired to hold back both frustration with my cramping legs, the kindness of a fellow runner who stopped to spray ...

EVENT : Carlsbad Half-Marathon DATE : Sunday, January 20, 2008 LOCATION : Carlsbad, CA RACE BEGAN : 7:30 am FINISH TIME : 02:12:23 Part 1 of 3 of the Triple Crown ! The Carlsbad Half-Marathon is the first race of the Half-Marathon Triple Crown series and claims to be the fastest half in the West. This race was slightly complicated because it is about 100 miles from where I live, but thanks to my friend who took me down to the expo and my sister who lives about halfway there, we managed to get to the start line about two minutes before start. The start line was at a Westfield mall. I know I started off a little too fast, though the field was very narrow and crowded throughout most of the race. I was doing a lot of rude weaving because people were just being rude. I can't stand when people shove their way to the front of the start line when they just intend on running a few steps and then stopping. And walkers belong at the END of the pack. Why can't people line thems...

I was going to wait until after running a 20-miler to review this, but I could not wait. Drinking a bottle of Accelerade (lemon/lime flavor) during an 18-miler yesterday didn't make an obvious difference during the run or even that period right after, but this morning, I woke up with pretty much no soreness, climbed stairs at the courthouse, walked around downtown for an hour, and then headed to the gym for some elliptical. I was trying to rationalize this. I did a few things differently for this run that may have contributed to the seemingly quick recovery, such as: Took 2 salt tablets during the beginning of the run - per my sister's recommendationl; I think that was to help with cramping during the run and does nothing afterward. Drank a bottle of Accelerade Ate 2 Clif Shot Bloks - for sustained energy and hunger deterrence during the run, as I usually don't eat during them Drank 2 "recovery" ( L-glutamine ) pills afterward - per my sister's recommendatio...

This is another entry that emerges from my drive to get more protein to heal my sore muscles, especially (in today's case) the quads, a.ka., my running guns... With 30 g protein for only 160 calories (11 oz/serving), I expected another gag-fest as I poked a straw into this high-protein shake. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I did not really gag... this actually tasted like a really thick version of chocolate milk. There were no grainy bits or anything like that. I'm sure it would be a little better if it was thinned out with a little soy milk, or maybe even water. I'm impressed! Note, though, that there are 5g of carbohydrates in this, which really made all the difference in the world, I think. As with all milk or soy drinks, make sure, as I did, to refrigerate these things before drinking!! I have to worry about the milk content messing with my lactose intolerance, but if it doesn't do much of that sort of damage, I wouldn't mind drinking it again if it wa...

EVENT : Avia OC Half-Marathon DATE : Sunday, January 6, 2008 LOCATION : Newport Beach, CA RACE BEGAN : 7:30 am FINISH TIME : 02:08:14 I've been behind on posting complete race reviews, but at least I get them up. Prelude: I stayed over in Irvine the night before the race, but in the process, I somehow left my shoes at home... NOT a good sign. Luckily, my friend picked them up for me, so I was good to go. Overall, the course was a gradual uphill most of the way, narrow at many parts, and particularly crowded. The views were not spectacular; the highlight was a creek around miles 9-10. The rest were roads, residential areas, and even through some semi-private living areas. Very strange. Although it had been raining the night before (and poured post-race), I overheated starting at mile 2-3, and I was only in a T-shirt and shorts. I knew something wasn't right when I saw my sister pass me at mile 3 (she usually does at 6). I was just feeling low on ener gy and decided not to push o...

Thanks to some very suggestive hints, I got a pair of these shoes in a size 8.5 for Christmas (credit goes to my sister... big thanks!!)! That was good timing, since my current Mizunos are at over 450 and probably not going to last much longer, though it will remain my primary for a litte while longer. I knew I wanted these a few months ago when a Nike salesman convined me that Nike now makes a larger variety of running shoes that accomodate more people. I tried a pair on and thought they were very comfortable. Today's test run, 4 miles, went well. I was happy that I was more cushioned than usual (my previous shoes are not very cushioning but are a little lighter). Also, there is nothing like the springiness of a new pair of shoes. The second thing I noticed was that I felt air coming through the left sides of the shoes while I was chugging along. That was actually quite nice, but I hope that doesn't mean that dirt or water could get in (they always do, though). I know that th...