I am just as much of a gear hound as the next runner. I thought it might be useful for people to see what stuff I have in my arsenal to train, race, etc. I asked around on Twitter yesterday, and it seems the basic set for people right now is:
Watch or GPS device
Shoes (brand loyalty seems big)
Heart rate monitor (for some, not most)
iPod or Zune
I may be one of just a handful that train without an iPod (call me a purist, but it’s mainly because I am finicky about how much stuff I carry). Other than that, there are several things that I can’t be without. Check out the video via the link below, and let me know what’s in your “Runner’s Toolkit.”
I am no Southern boy, but I have lived in NC and then GA since 1999. So, that means managing the heat is critical for me. I grew up in the hills of Vermont, where there were a couple of truly hot days each year, and the average humidity was well under 50%. Nothing like waking up at 6:00 to 90% humidity down here. So now that it’s getting really hot, I’ve been thinking about the best management strategies.
Run Early. Not only does this provide cooler temps, but it’s important for training your body to race. I recently read an article (I can’t remember where!) that talked about the normal human strength deficit in the morning. With training, this deficit goes away. Since most major races are run first thing, we need to train as such.
Stay Hydrated but DO NOT Neglect Electrolytes. I carry water or sports drink when I need to run anything over 70 minutes, or if I run in the midday heat. It’s important to not over-hydrate, and be aware that your body also loses key electrolytes when you sweat. My rule of thumb – just take little sips to thirst. After the run, replenish salts and other electrolytes with sports drink and a healthy snack.
Get in the Pool. I recently re-instituted pool workouts for cross training. The benefits are wonderful, including released pressure on your muscles that allows cells to expel free radicals that can build up during heat-induced cramping and fatigue. Check out Kathy Runs for a great post about this, which I’ve mentioned before and I’ll probably mention again!
Train for the Heat. If you must run in the heat, just train for it like anything else. Start small, build up, and know where your limits are. And always tell someone where you are going and when to expect your return, just in case the heat is too much on any given day.
OK, this is silly, but I am waiting for two things to come right now. I am a little bit excited about the first, a Garmin Forerunner 305 that I ordered on yugster.com. I am REALLY excited about the second, the first baby for my wife and I.
So I was thinking on my run this morning, “which will come first?” Whenever I check my order status at Yugster, it shows that my Garmin trainer is in “pre shipping” (whatever that means). My wife is full-term (and doing a GREATjob of hanging in there), but the due date is on the 26th of this month.
@BklynRunner Do whatever you need to do to feel good this weekend. Rest is always OK when needed! 7 hours ago
@BklynRunner It's ok! Just take the day off, don't sweat making up the miles, then be strong for the next workout. I skip days all the time! 7 hours ago
