I'm Back

In case you missed me, I was in North Carolina for a few days visiting universities with Ian. I am still having a hard time realizing that he is old enough to start planning his exit from my house. We saw Duke, UNC Pembroke, and UNC Wilmington. Duke was our favorite, by far with Wilmington as a great alternative. Anyway...

You guys have been quite chatty. I have not run in several days, but I have driven a car for 13 and 1/2 hours over 2 and a half days. I took a little break after the Turkey Trot. I didn't stop running; I just slowed down. I am such a numbers freak that I can get caught up with my pace and I start competing with myself. If I can do one mile at this speed, then let's see if I can do the next one faster. I know it is not really healthy, but... So, now I am trying to use my neurosis in a different way. When I run my base miles, I play with the numbers on my heart rate screen. I try to keep my heart rate in the mid 140's. Then it is fun to see the download of my Garmin to see what my pace was. So, let's see you guys have mentioned several things to comment on.

Heart Rate Monitors: I have always used Polar until I got my Garmin 305.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=349
Cathy, for a triathlete, you would love this thing. It is a GPS with heart rate monitor that tells you pace, distance, time, heart rate and so much more. You can switch between sports, so you have different settings and measurements for biking versus running. And, it manages multiple sports. I love being able to go off road or on a new run and know how far I have gone. The map is helpful if you get lost. Mostly, I like having everything in one place and all my number and info tracked together. It is a bit big on my wrist and I had to snip the stitches on the heart rate strap and re do them so that it fit me. (so many of these gadgets are made for men. It pisses me off, like girls don't train hard and like serious training tools? But, that's another post). Nonetheless, if something happened to mine, I would have another one today. It is expensive, but I have trained with mine for years now.

This is my first Garmin and Pete uses it now. It doesn't have a heart rate monitor, but it will switch between running and cycling. It doesn't download or track your workouts to your computer, but it saves them for about 2 years worth. By the way, I love the virtual running partner, but I drive myself crazy trying to beat him.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=231

This Christmas he has asked for this new version. It is much more reasonable and seems to meet most needs. See what you think.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8539209&type=product&id=1188559780846

There are several versions in between the 3 that I posted. Whatever you choose, I absolutely concur with advise you been given about incorporating heart rate training into your workouts. If you need help with determining your resting and your max heart rate, just let us know.

E, I am so glad you are walking again. I think the treadmill is a fabulous idea. I also think Rachel has a good advise with yoga or pilates. I really wanted to start a yoga class this year, since I am so rigid the thought of touching my toes scares me:) Unfortunately, the one they offer at my gym is not convenient and I am worthless when it comes to working out at home. Maybe they will change the schedule this winter.

Diet: Wow, this is a really big topic. I love Dr Oz and Tosca Reno. I also like Dr Liz Applegate and her books on eating for athletes:
Eat Smart, Play Hard: Customized Food Plans for Sport and Fitness Pursuits
Encyclopedia of Sports and Fitness Nutrition
Power Foods: High Performance Nutrition for High Performance People

I eat fairly clean with some cheating built in. That said, I have been eating like this for so long that most people would not consider many of my cheats to be cheats. Like Rachel, most of my food is from the natural source and I really limit my sugar (especially if I want to tighten up). I don't worry as much about my fat because I run so many miles and most athletes really need their fats as long as they are good fats (olive oil, nuts, etc). Potatoes and bread are my downfall. I have them, but I limit them. I am also at a good weight and composition, so I am not as strict when just maintaining and not racing.

There is a lot of info out there. Let us know what you need. It can get overwhelming. Remember, eating healthy is a part of being an athlete and you need to do that 90% of the time. But just like anything else we have discussed, be reasonable in your expectations. I don't have an "off season" with my food, but I do ebb and flow, just like my training. I want to be able to enjoy food (and unlike E, I really enjoy food), enjoy the season, but also be able to eat to train. I really enjoyed eating out with my son these past few days, but today, I am back to the miles and it will be grilled chicken, whole grain rice and veggies for dinner.

Sorry it was so long. I am off to run!