Runners Lounge

A Salute to Running Moms

Here is a rerun of our annual Salute to Running Moms.....

A salute to the running moms who make running a priority and have the discipline to plan and stick with their training even when real life doesn't cooperate.   And also for the moms who don't.  A salute to the running moms who opt to sleep in an extra 30 minutes after being up all night or skip their run to help with a last minute school project because they know right then something else is more important.

A salute to the running moms who have the strength to eat the right foods at the right times to make sure they have the fuel they need to power their running.  And also the moms who rely on a PB & J sandwich as a prerun staple and left over mac n cheese for a little pick me up.

A salute to the moms who look great in spandex and sport tops - without a coverup - because they are runners.  And also the moms who don't, but wear it anyway because running makes them feel good enough to wear running clothes in public.

A salute to the moms who dig down deep to run hard and competitively in their races and set the bar higher for all women.  And also the moms who run their own race and race to finish just to show their kids it isn't always about winning - it is about finishing what you started.

A salute to the running moms that squeeze in a short run here and a long run there between errands, practices, work and kid crisises and don't miss a beat.  And the moms who also squeeze them in and show up at work, at school, or at home red faced, sweaty, stinky but happy because they got their run in.

A salute to the moms who run so her favorite pair of $100+ designer heels match the priceless look of great running legs.  And also the moms whose only pairs of $100+ shoes are her favorite running shoes.

A salute to all running moms who could just as easily stop running because it would make life a little easier, but don't, because they know it makes them a better person.  It keeps them healthy when their kids aren't.  It keeps them sane when life is crazy.  It keeps them out of their fat clothes.   And, it gives them personal challenges that are uniquely their own.

A salute to all running moms, regardless of age, speed, ability, or goals who are proud to tell their family and friends they are a runner.   We salute them because they are a role model for their daughters, sisters, and the next generation of running mothers. 

For these running moms, we say thank you for being a runner.

14 Dreamy Gifts for The Running Mom In Your Life For Mother's Day

Yesterday I wrote about some of the simple gifts which can mean a lot to the running mom in your life.  Today, I take it up a notch and get into the gifts that cost a few dollars more than the (almost) nothing list, but are worth the money when chosen correctly.

Everyday Dreamy List

This list represents the everyday items I wish would magically appear in my house or car or running trail at just the right time to make my runs even more enjoyable.

1.  New tunes.  I always remember that my play lists are a bit stale about six steps into a 10 mile run.  And then when I get home and remember,  my iTunes account is nearly empty.   Fill 'er up!  Add some dollars to the iTunes (or other music accounts) and as an extra boost - clean up our playlists (if we ask).

2.  Hydration bottle.  A handheld water bottle or belt has been on my belt for sometime now.  Why I don't just buy it...I have no idea.  Not everyone is a fan of these or are super particular about what they might like - so this is one that requires careful questioning to pick out the right one.

3.  Stock of Gu, Powergels, Hammer Gel, etc.  We don't mind eating the kids fruit roll ups and stale Halloween candy for our long runs, but it would be nice to get a few electrolytes and all those other special powers that the real long run magically potions contain.  We just don't get to the store or online in time to remember to buy what we need.  And then stash it in a secret place so little Johnny can't find the chocolate ones.

4.  After Run Shoes.  We aren't quite as young as we used to be.  I know it is hard to tell, but we sure notice it in our feet after our runs.  Give us a soft, yet supportive, open yet somewhat structured, hip pair of shoes for post run.  I  saw a pair of Riders in the May/June Women's Running Magazine - my feet begged me to get a pair - super awesome!  And of course, I droll over the Keen Whisper ads that come into my email.

5.  Massage.  Need I say more.  Need one.  After every run.  I hear it is recommended by 9 in 10 running moms after every run. 

6.  Pedicure.  Since you are thinking about picking up those wickedly cute shoes from gift idea #4 and they are bound to show off more than the tops of our ankles, we are definitely gonna' need a pedicure.  Runners are some of the most beautiful people in the world with the exception of their feet.  They are smelly, calloused, blistered little tug boats that sit at the bottom of our shapely legs and buns.   Help us make our toes feel pretty again. 

7.  Spibelt or running belt.  These cute little spandex shorts we wear don't hold all the things we would love to take along on our runs.  We need a place for our keys, phone, tissue, lip balm, fruit rollup/GU, etc, etc.   

8.  Subscription to a running magazine.  I look forward to my monthly dose of Runners World, Running Times and Women's Running.   Give the gift that keeps giving!

Once a Year (or Lifetime) Dreamy Gifts

1.  Running Vacation.  We love to go on vacations.  We love to run.  Put the two things together and we will be the happiest running mom alive.

2.  Shopping Spree at Running Store.  Give us free rein (or at least a big gift card) at our favorite local running stores - when we don't need shoes.  Say these words, "Take your time and buy the running clothes you really WANT.....".   Believe it or not, yes we do need more socks, more running bras, a few more perfect shorts and pants for all seasons and conditions, and of course...the perfect running jacket.

3.  Full Spa Treatment after the big race.   Forget a one off pedicure or massage.  Go big and send us away for a day or two for the works.  The face stuff, the feet stuff, the massage, the special meals, the expensive wine and chocolates.   There are places that even mix spas with running vacations.  Ohhhh...

4.  Medal showcase.  Our medals, finish line cups, tshirts, etc all need a special place.  Have them framed or showcased in a way that is special to us (and goes with the decor).  If you don't know, ask an expert.

5.  Running t-shirt quilt.  We have enough t-shirts to make blankets for the Duggars....yes we know we have too many.  But they are all really special.  Help us sort through them and come up with our really special stack to be made into a t-shirt quilt.

6.  Garmin or Watch.  Runners are either technology enabled or not.  It doesn't seem like there is a lot of middle ground.  I am not a watch or Garmin person but I know so many runners who rave about how much a Garmin helps them improve and track their running.  In fact,most runners name their Garmins.  Yes, that is how much they like them.   How do you know if your runner wants a Garmin or super fancy running watch?  Trust me, you would know.  They would tell you all the time.   You would probably even know what they would name it.

Ten Things Running Mom's Really Want For Mother's Day That Cost (Almost) Nothing

Tom and I have been providing lists for friends and families of runners off and on over the last few years as a public service to runners.  Runners have a tendency to be somewhat reserved in just asking for what they want - we can be be an enigma to our friends and family - must be that all that "alone time" with our thoughts while running makes us weird.   So we have taken it upon ourselves to collect gift ideas and share with others. (Hey - There is a whole category in the Lounge on gift ideas for runners!)

I have been a runner for more years than being mom.  And now that I have been a mom for 10 years, I really can't remember not being a mom.   Put those two facts together and I can't remember the time when I wasn't a running mom.   So, in my mind, that makes me a near expert on the topic of what mom's really want for Mother's Day.  

But, I could be off base so if you haven't had the chance, drop by the forum today or Wednesday and leave your idea on what running moms really want for Mother's Day to make your self eligible for the chance to win the book, The Ultimate Runner, for you and a friend.

Here's my list....feel free to add on....

1.  Things that make us smell good after running.    Yes, we know we smell funky after a run and we can almost stink after a long run in the summer.   In fact, sometimes we can downright offend even ourselves.  So give us some of the good soaps, bubble baths, mists, and sprays for us to use to pamper ourselves after the runs.   If you don't know what we like, we love a chance to go shopping for it ourselves if given some time.  Regardless of what the kids tell you, they don't really know what fragrances we like best as they have a tendency to pick out stuff that smells like Great Aunt Mildred or Great Grammie Vivian.   Both who smell like fake flowers from Walgreens drenched in $1 perfume. 

2.  Time to use the good stuff you bought us.   Ok moms out there, raise your hand for the number of times you have been fully able to shower and clean up after runs.  Hold 'em up high....let me count them.   Looks like it is a 1 in 10 chance.   You complain about us stinking, but it is because we rarely have enough time to run AND shower.  There's soccer, gymnastics, baseball, school pickup, groceries, and on and on.   So the gift of time would be great.  And if that breaks the bank to give us time - splurge on a box of baby wipes for our car.  And the good ones - no skimping.

3.  A good book to read or video to watch after a long run.   So many choices, where to start....oh, I know, I know...  The Ultimate Runner.  Come on, you had to see that one coming.  But seriously, most runners are readers and do like something to do to after a run to relax the legs and body.   You can go with the classic running books (see this list the Lounge built ) or go with my favorite Once a Runner.  Pure runner bliss!   And another book shout out for running gardeners - Easy Container Combos - fantastico!  Videos are great too!  Grab a favorite movie, or a Instant Download Netflix subscription so your runner doesn't even need to get up from the couch.

4.  Time to read the book or watch the movie.  We are so well aware of the amount of time we spend running that we hate to take more time for ourselves when we get home.   So help us relax.  Give us some time to crash and read the book or watch the movie.   Get us an extra comfy pillow, blanket or chair.   See this handsome red devil on the right... That's my reading chair for just such an event...as rare as it happens...I still live for those moments when I can sit in it and read something besides Dr Seuss.

5.  A place to celebrate our running memories.  Look closely above the chair - that is my small space in the house devoted to my running.  My lovely husband mounted my old medals in a frame last year.  And the picture is a one time only signature print from my god daughter a few years ago.  And when it is cold, I drag out of the footrest a running t-shirt quilt.  I am in running memory heaven.  Give the mom runner in your life a place to look back and remember what they have done.  It doesn't need to be fancy - but it does need to be about her.

6.  Drinks and snacks.   Runners are usually creatures of habit. They like about the same things to eat or drink before or after a race.  They go to about the same trails or clubs.  So treat them to a gift certificate to make it easy for them to stop and pick up their favorite drink or snack before or after their run.  My kids treated me to a $10 gift certificate a while back.  It took me 8 long runs to use it up - that was nice!

7.  Listen to our race report.  We know that after the first major run or race in our life, our race reports started to sound about the same to you.  We are pretty keen to your level of actual listening when we prepare to respond to the question, "How was your run?"  which we can interpret to mean "So glad you didn't kill yourself out there, good to see you home, now let's get on with the day."  For the next race, listen to our stories.  They are really good ones.  Even the ones about the porty potty's, the big guy with the little spandex shorts, and the 8 year old girl and old lady who out sprinted us to the finish.

8. Give us a field trip.  Before we were moms we ventured out to some really cool trails, out of the way of our daily chores and commute.   After motherhood, our runs have had a tendency to be scheduled in more convenient places and times.   Give us the gift of a field trip to go run on our favorite out of the way trails.  And even better - join us or send us with a friend we never have a chance to run with anymore.

9.  Become our personal fan club and cheerleader for race day.  We appreciate when you come to races.  And we appreciate when you stay home with kids so we can race.  Really, we do.  But for mothers day, step it up a notch and do the unexpected.  Make a big dorky sign.   Have the cute kid hold the ultimate "I love my mom cause she is a runner." which will make all the other running moms start to blubber like babies while they run by and mutter, "wish my kids and husband were out there."   Give us flowers at the finish.  Offer to hold our sweaty socks or extra shirt.  Or even better, have ready our absolute favorite food we stopped eating weeks ago in the name of a PR. (what were we thinking!)  And if you are going for "best husband/friend ever" - send us a card or note when we are still training - for no reason at all - but to encourage us to keep running.  (Here is a card we sell a lot of on line!)

10.  Let us take a nap.  Lordy, the granddaddy of all wishes of running moms.  Especially of those moms training for any kind of race.  We get dog tired.   If we get to take a shower, I guarantee many of us wish we could crawl into bed for just a few minutes after we are in our clean, comfy clothes.  Just a few winks...a little shuteye...close our eyes for a few minutes....What a dreamy thought.

Could it be....

This week is Drake Relays!  Woo hoo!

I can't wait to take in all the events I can fit into my schedule.  There is nothing more inspiring to my running than watching these awesome athletes compete.   And I know I will be caught up in the spirit so I will plan to hobble along in the 8K and enjoy the company of local runners.

But new for this year is the Grand Blue Mile.  A 1 mile run on Tuesday evening.  There are of course the elite fields, but there is a wave for ordinary runners like me.  I mentioned this event to Tucker, my 10 year old son a few weeks back and he gave it some thought and decided he wanted to try it. 

This surprised me because he likes to do 5K's, but prefers to walk.  And after the last two years events of 2 surgeries and 13 casts to reconstruct his feet he still isn't the prettiest runner out there.  But nonetheless, we have hit the trail working on getting his mile below the magic 15 minute cutoff.  Some moms dream of their kids to go on to break out a 5 minute mile at his age.  Not me, I just want us to finish before they shoo us off the course at the 15 minute cutoff.  He tells me that he just wants to see if he can do it.

So tonight he comes to me and says, "I don't know if I want to do it after all."  When I asked him what he was thinking he says, "Well I want to do it but I don't want to do it all at the same time."   So I asked him what he was looking forward to - his answer, "Finishing".  So I asked him what he was NOT looking forward to - his answer, "How hard it is."  

Much to his displeasure, I started laughing.  

"Why are you laughing?" he asks. 

"Because now I know you are a runner!  You are thinking like one!"

What he didn't realize is most runners at one time or another have had the same thought, on a continuous loop, which doesn't stop until we finish.   Only a runner would keep moving forward to try it when all of the rational side of their brain is telling them not to start.

So what did we do about his thoughts?  We hit the trail to try the mile again and see how it felt.   Time wise - it wasn't so hot.  Sag wagon city for us if it had been the real thing.   But I wasn't disappointed, we had a ball doing it.  And its hard to run fast when you are laughing hard.

Tripping Over Myself: Post Marathon Attention (PMA)–How to Keep the Thrill Alive

Post Marathon Attention (PMA)–How to Keep the Thrill Alive

By Blaine Hawkes at Another Day, Another Run

The feeling of crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles of running and seeing friends and family there cheering you on is an incredible sensation. For some of you, this may be your first time in the spotlight. You have just earned the attention similar to someone who has just saved the world from the earth-destroying meteor that was hurling toward the earth. The problem that you now face is how to keep the thrill of attention alive in your life. There are some key techniques to accomplish this.

The Marathon WalkThis is the easiest and effortless attention getter to start with. Your naturally slower anyways so take it a step further and add some facial expressions and Going a little slower and wincing as you go up and down the stairs and give a groan every now and then. This should last you a good 4 or 5 days depending on your time in the race. Remember to ask your friends and family to “walk a little slower”.

Social Media

It’s time to use modern technology to its full advantage. Take time to post all your recovery stats on your Facebook and Twitter pages…sign your friends and co-workers up to receive the up to the minute text stats that the race organizers send out. Above all else….be sure to update your blog. You could even go out on a limb and bring your marathon story into a comment on someone else’s blog although we don’t condone that sort of behavior.

Race Mementos for Your Co-Workers

Make sure to bring souvenirs back to all your co-workers. Buying the race photos that are put on mugs and mouse pads are a great choice. Since Christmas is only three months away now is the time to order your gifts. You must be careful to only give out items that will not be used on a regular basis, but has enough value that it won’t be thrown away immediately. This allows you the perfect opportunity to bring up the topic many weeks or months after the race. While you are visiting with a co-worker, pick up the souvenir and say something casual like “oh, you still have this (blank) that I got from that fall marathon. That sure was a fun race…” perfect opportunity.

Casual Fridays, Halloween, Company Athletic Events, etc.

Let’s be honest. How many race shirts do you wear while training? Why do you think they give them out with your registration? Because they are assisting you in this process. Race organizers understand the importance of reminding people about your marathon. Take advantage of the company casual Fridays, community service projects, taking your kids to the park, etc. There is nothing like a bright orange technical shirt with the word “MARATHON” on it to become a conversation starter. You’ll want to associate with different people each time you wear it to keep the interest alive.

I’m sure this is the just the tip of the iceberg. With some additional thought you too can master the art of PMA.

Tripping OverMyself: Warm Weather Gear

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

It’s time to start stocking up on your warm weather gear while prices are still low. I’m not talking about finding great deals on last year’s gear. That would be way too practical. I’m talking about Global Cooling.

The age of Global Warming is coming to an end and the latest trend in environmental theories is Global Cooling. In an article released this year in The Guardian scientists have evidence that we are beginning to experience a period of reduced solar flaring. This could result in a cool-down cycle that would effectively counteract global warming.

Imagine the possibility of being able to walk from Manhattend to Staten Island over the ice. Ice skating sales would skyrocket. With this happening, singlets would no longer be a hot commodity.

Bikini sales would fall; running topless would no longer be a debate.

Shorts would be replaced with pants. Long sleeve shirts and war weather gear would be in high demand.

It’s time to start stock-piling the winter gear now before the prices skyrocket. Get your running spikes now before the stores run out.

You might as well train for the upcoming Polar Bear Marathon that will appear also.

In the off chance that this year is just a fluke and global warming comes back, it may be a good idea to stock pile your summer gear also or at least put them in storage.

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

Tripping Over Myself: My 5K Play List

 

My 5K Play List

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

My latest 5K Race could easily be a playlist on my iPod. Here’s how my race went.

The days leading up to the race: Greased Lightning
I am determined to beat my 5K PR. My sights are set on two goals. 1. Beat the 15-year-old neighbor kid who overtook me in the last ¼ mile in last years race. 2. Beat my 5K PR. Even though I am training for a fall marathon, I have been working on my short distance speed and being able to pick up the pace down the last stretch.

Race Day: Guns N Roses-Welcome to the Jungle
Over 500 people are lined up for the 5K. It is a sea of runners because we are all crammed into a side street for the start of the race. The strollers are lined up in formation, the race walkers are set and the gun is about to go off (gun is metaphor for guy with his arm up in the air and as he slashes it down to the ground, he says “go”.) The race begins. The journey begins. The adrenaline is high.

Mile 1: U2-Where the Streets Have No Name
I’m feeling good about my pace. I did some light jogging and then some stretching before the race so that I would be warmed up and ready. The racers are falling into their paces. The pack has separated into the different speed sections. I am feeling pretty confident. I am also feeling that because of the adrenalin rush, I may have started faster than I was able to sustain. I ignore the street signs at each corner and allow myself to focus on putting one foot in front of the other.

Mile 1 ½: Life is a Highway-Rascall Flats
I’m feeling like this run is never going to end. I definitely started too fast. There is a water station coming up. Get a drink (bad idea) and wonder what would happen to my time if I took a few seconds to vomit on someone’s lawn. I decide it probably would kill any hope for a PR and the poodle that is barking wildly by the runners as they pass its house would probably attack me.

Mile 2: Metallica-Creeping Death
I see runners going the opposite direction as me. It’s a blasted turn a round. In a 3.1-mile race, who would do such a mean horrible thing as to rub it in my face that I’m no-where near as fast as the guys who are passing me. It’s even worse when they yell out words of encouragement. I envision myself picking up a small rock and throwing it at the next idiot who claps and tells me “good job” as he passes me going the opposite direction. My shoulder hurts and I’m definitely feeling like this race has turned into a marathon and no one told me.

Mile 2 ½: Dashboard Confessional-Reason to Believe
I can see the building where the race began and will end. I’m feeling like maybe I can just go a little further. There is some hope left in this world after all.  I don’t have any idea what my time is at this point and I really don’t care. All I care about it to keep running. Nothing else matters at this point…just finish the race and go home. The thoughts of what I might possibly fix for breakfast enter my mind. A couple eggs, maybe a smoothie or a waffle?

Mile 3: Cold Play-Speed of Sound
The race is almost over. The reservoir of energy has opened and I put everything thing I have into the final few moments of the race. My friend is next to me. I can’t remember if he falls in my age bracket or not, so I am focused on getting past that finish line first in an effort to place in my age division. It’s now or never…do or die.

The finish: U2-Beautiful Day
I finish the race. I’ve given it all I had. I hear my kids cheering for me at the end and my son giving me a high five and telling me my finish time. I didn’t even see the clock as I finished the race. I beat my PR by 58 seconds. My two daughters have volunteered to man the post-race food booth (free food for them) and I grab a muffin and some chocolate milk knowing that I absolutely left nothing on the table with this race. I turn back to the finish to cheer on the rest of my family members who ran or walked this race.
It definitely is a Beautiful Day.

 

My 5K Play List

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

My 5K Play List

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

My 5K Play List

 

Tripping Over Myself: What To Do After A Triathlon

 

What To Do After A Triathlon

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

My swimming skills suck, the bike I own has more dust than grease on the chain and the word triathlon isn’t in my vocabulary. My ideal triathlon would consist of running and well hmm….I guess I don’t have another two options…so I am a monathlete?

I’m at a loss as to how I would react after doing a triathlon. I have some strategy involved in letting others know that I just conquered the asphalt and they should be in awe. Here’s my system:

5K: Casually drive the kids somewhere in my running attire making sure that the number is visible, but in a way that appears I just forgot to take it off. This also gives the added benefit of showing how great a dad I am in that I ran a race, but still took the time to take my kids somewhere.

10K: All of the steps listed above for the 5K, but walk a little slower. Maybe tell my kids in a loud voice to slow down because I haven’t fully recovered from the 10K. I’ve found that for a couple extra dollars, my kids will even bring it up to a total stranger and say something like “Guess what! My dad just did a 10K.”

Half Marathon: I will use a combination of the 5K and 10K (except the walking slow isn’t really on purpose) techniques. Having the race medal and a better shirt lasts a longer time. The half marathon has a longer lasting effect in that I can take the medal to work and hang it above my desk. I can bring it up in a meeting if I groan or wince a little when I sit down. If I’ve sufficiently informed the right people beforehand I can get this to last until mid-week.

Marathon: This is the granddaddy of the race techniques. I pull out the big guns for this one. I definitely use the techniques of the 5K to Half Marathon, but then I get the secret weapon….the homemade sign or banner. If I play my cards just right and maybe even throw in a couple bucks for the kids I can get two or three homemade signs that will be displayed on the course and also at home in the window.

Triathlon: This is undiscovered territory here. How does one sufficiently let people know they have completed a triathlon? Wearing the swim cap around town is a little obvious. Who forgets to take off their cap? Bicycle shorts? Yeah right…that’ll get me the equivalent of the 5K. Having the number on my leg or arm is getting better, but only equivalent of the 10K.

A triathlon definitely deserves better, but as of yet I haven’t discovered what. Until then, you’ll see me on the road, but nowhere near the water or the bike.

 

What To Do After A Triathlon

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

My swimming skills suck, the bike I own has more dust than grease on the chain and the word triathlon isn’t in my vocabulary. My ideal triathlon would consist of running and well hmm….I guess I don’t have another two options…so I am a monathlete?

 

What To Do After A Triathlon

 

Tripping Over Myself: To Be Fast, One Must Look Fast

 

To be Fast, One Must Look Fast…..or Look Scary

 

By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

Some may say that shoes are the most important thing to their racing success. You’ve seen the stories of runners who have stocked up on 10 pair of their favorite shoe so that they will always have a pair even when the line is discontinued. Others will say that their speedwork or intervals or long runs are the most important aspect to their running success. While all of these items are good, they are way off base.

The key to successful running is the fashion. When was the last time that you saw a runner wearing cut-offs and an old college t-shirt grace the cover of RW? At the last marathon as people were crossing the finish, did you ever hear the announcer say “Hey look, way to go runner in your mismatched short/shirt combination with what is shaping up to be a bad hair day! Way to take on the race!”? Didn’t think so. Instead you hear, “Look at runner 3459 in her pink shorts …way to burn up the course!”

Where do you fall in the fashion category? Are you in the mismatched short, top combination with a Hard Rock Café hat on looking like you just rolled out of bed and got caught in the tide of runners? Or are you a smartly dressed runner in bright technical top, compression shorts with the appropriate logo combination? What message are you sending out to yourself and your competitors with your fashion statement?

The smart dressed runner gives off the air of “having it all put together.” They have obviously given their race day outfit some thought and effort and money to intimidate the competition. For example, Kara Goucher would still have finished with a superior time at the Boston Marathon in a pair of sweats, but would she have looked as fast as she did in her compression top and shorts? She went one step above and beyond intimidation, though. She started her own fashion trend with the NFL style gloves she is wearing. Within six months, she’ll have her own line and I will be able to shave off a good minute off my 10K time with a pair.

The flip side of this is to scare the other runners around you. Obviously you are not out to take the top prize, but rather to get the perfect photo opp. I had a neighbor who wasn’t a runner but could fit in this category. Every year she would dress up as a homeless person, get on the school bus and proceed to bother and embarrass her children. The first year she dressed up, my father came in and told us to stay inside because there was a crazed person out front. This is precisely the desired effect that the “outrageous runner” is looking for. They achieve their running results because the competition moves out of the way. Think Cindy Lauper with a pair of Asics.

My own testament to this is that running fashion has definitely improved since that first 5K race. As a result, my times now are much faster than they were back in the mistmatched short, shirt, Hard Rock Café hat period. I noticed the other day as I set out that I was wearing my Pearl Izumi shorts with coordinating socks, Mizuno top and shoes. Let’s just say I had a fabulous run and no one moved out of my way in horror.

 

To be Fast, One Must Look Fast…..or Look Scary

 

Tripping Over Myself: The Girl Scouts and 7-Eleven Are Missing Out

 By Blaine ( Blaine's profile & Blaine's blog)

 

This week’s theme on the lounge is nutrition. We could spend a great deal of time talking about spinach filled smoothies, pasta overload before a race or sucking in air from those air packaging pouches in an effort to oxygen boost the blood. Instead I’d like to bring up a running aid that gets the big guys quaking in their energy bar-filled boots. We’re going to talk about Girl Scout Cookies and Slurpees.

 

You may be wondering why I’m bringing Girl Scout Cookies now, considering they only come out once a year in March. It’s May. By now, the average person has finished off all their boxes of cookies and can only find them on eBay selling by the ounce. If you’re like me though, you see the hidden value of these chocolate covered goodies and have stocked up. Girl Scout Cookies are an excellent and tastier alternative to gels or blocks in a marathon. Let’s take a moment to compare.

 

Gel-Slimy sticky substance with a texture similar to something that is a cross between cake icing and something from a horror movie that would move on it’s own if squirted onto the ground. Wonder why some people get stomach aches with gels? Ever seen invasion of the body snatchers? (Strawberry GU) 100 calories, 25 g Carb, 0 g protein

 

Blocks (also know as filling removers)-That’s what it feels like when they hit your stomach. It’s just too painful to cover.

 

Girl Scout Cookie-Chocolate covered (I could stop here, but I’ll continue), crunchy texture to switch your mind’s focus from the blisters being formed on your feet to a new sensation in your mouth. In addition, they are easier to handle than a gel, easier on the environment (no empty packages lying around) and come in a convenient easy to distribute carrier. (Tagalong) 140 calories (wow!), 13 g Carb, 2 g Protein, 9 g Fat (a little fat is good for you… ask any nutritionist and if it’s saturated it’s even better because it is concentrated.)

 

Clearly the Girl Scout Cookie wins…

 

Compare the Slurpee to water or even some nasty yellow/green Gatorade.

 

Water- Good for you, not a lot on taste. Good for pouring over your head on a hot day to cool off or to just look like the cool runners do on TV.

 

Gatorade- Depending on who mixed the batch it could be really mild to something akin to battery acid. Has electrolytes, sugar and water. Not recommended for dumping on your head. (8 oz endurance formula) 15g carb, 246 calories, 26 mg Potassium, 0 mg caffeine, unknown qty of fructose

 

Slurpee- Fabulous on a hot day. Great taste. The brain freeze accompanied by a Slurpee allows your body to run without the nagging thought of “What do you think you’re doing?” Again, not recommended for dumping on your head. (8 oz) 111 calories, 28 g carb, 52 g sugar (that’ll get you moving), 25 mg caffeine, 14 mg Potassium

 

I think the evidence is pretty overwhelming in favor of the Slurpee/Girl Scout Cookie aid station. Feel free to test out my theory. You may have to do some strategic planning to work in the Slurpee, but who said change was easy?