Skip to main content

Old School

When I first started training for marathons in the 1990s, there were no Garmin watches or GPS systems that the "common" man could buy.  I simply read Runner's World, put in the mileage and ran races.  I kept a weekly running and diet log as well.  Over the years, I personally have found that the more gadgets I accumulated the slower I have gotten, perhaps there is a correlation.

I used to run for feel and enjoy the scenery. I was must more in touch with my body and focused on my stride and muscle balance.  I paid attention to signs of dehydration and hunger much more intently and did not care what a "watch" said I should be doing.  I decided based on bio-mechanics.  All during the 1990s and up until 2005 I was able to maintain 8:30-10 milers/ half marathons and 10:30 marathon times.  Then I got on the electronic band wagon and my times have decreased ever since and drastically.  Whether it was Nike+ apps, Garmin, etc.  Electronics gadgets=slower times and distraction for me. In the 90s, I had heart rate monitor and was way more successful.  

Yesterday while on vacation at the beach, I went old school.  I got up and a small breakfast of half bagel, oj and 1/2 cup of fruit and 4 oz of coffee.  I waited 1 hour and then out the door.  I only took my ID, money and water.  I ran 16 miles and felt fine. No Gu's. No Gels, No Gatorade.  All that stuff makes me feel nauseous anyway.  The evening before I had a little meal around 7pm of a few crackers with cheese and fruit and during the day I nibbled on fruit, veggies and nuts.  My largest meal was @ 1:30pm with a small veggie wrap and salad.  Hmmm...This reminds me of how I used to train.  I was fitter and faster.

It is time to go old school again and re-discover what make running fun-Keep it simple baby-Keep it simple.

~Stayfitt

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/74192748/?new_route=1

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Grit- Road to Chicago Olympic Triathlon

Definition  Grit in psychology is a positive, non-cognitive trait based on an individual's passion for a particular long-term goal or end state, coupled with a powerful motivation to achieve their respective objective. This perseverance of effort promotes the overcoming of obstacles or challenges that lie within a gritty individual's path to accomplishment, and serves as a driving force in achievement realization. Commonly associated concepts within the field of psychology include "perseverance", "hardiness", "resilience", "ambition", "need for achievement" and "conscientiousness".  This is who I am. Stacy the Grit.  Yes, I could spend a lot of time talking to you about my finish time and what I could improve upon yadda yadda yadda but anyone who reads my blog knows that I rarely focus on the outcome.  I focus on the process. I focus on how did I arrive at a specific point and time. I focus on the jour...
6 comments
Read more

Just the Facts…Only the facts.

  General Health Facts. According the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of three U.S. adults or 31.3% has high blood pressure. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, Diabetes affects 25.8 million people of all ages 8.3 percent of the U.S. population. A 2011 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the following: ·       The average male consumes 175 calories a day from drinks containing added sugar (like soda). ·       The average female consumes 94 calories from these drinks ·       About half of the population drinks a sugar-sweetened beverage on any given day. More than 45 million Americans now belong to a health club, up from 23 million in 1993. We spend some $19 billion a year on gym memberships. Of course, some people join and never go. Still, as ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Goals: A healthy lifestyle has no finish line

As a coach, I get many questions on exercise, weight loss, running, etc. All are great questions. However, I find myself asking clients the same question. What is your goal? General health and performance goals share many commonalities. To meet healthy lifestyle or performance goals, both require the following: ·       Defined goal ·       Nutrition balancing ·       Exercise ·       Consistency However, there are some key differences between general health goals and performance/sport specific goals.   ·       Goals- Is your goal to “get healthy” What does that mean?   Does it mean lose a few pounds or run a marathon? Be specific. How do you plan to measure your success? This is important. Why? Some people say they want to “get healthy” without defining what that means for them. Define what healthy means for you. Write it down. If ...
Post a Comment
Read more