I was challenged last week to actually provide running relevant content in this running group blog. While on it's face it seemed like an outlandish challenge, I accepted. Be warned that this entry contains information that actually could make you a better (and more informed) runner.
But first, let us get the elephant out of the room, shall we? Every year at this time, Sue Wait (may she rest in peace) liked to remind anyone who would listen that "cinco de mayo" did not celebrate Mexico's Independence Day. (That's September 16th.) Her quest in life was to right this wrong and make sure that people learned that it actually celebrates the Battle of Thermopylae where King Leonidas of Sparta led an allied Greek army against the invading Persian army of Xerxes. Read all the details here. Thank you, Sue, for your dedication to the truth. The world is a sadder, and less informed, place without you in it.
This past weekend was TRY runner-ific. A few of us braved the drive and the weather and contributed to the Making Tracks for Celiacs event in Jamesville. The highlight for me was using my Jeep like the very manly vehicle that it was and towing a truck out of a tricky spot where it had gotten stuck in 0 inches of muck and mire. Seriously, for 24 hours, I felt like such a man that I did not even have a single urge to play this Shania Twain hit. Another high point was watching one of my nephews ice the field in the 5k. Unfortunately he was not pushed, so he cruised to a victory without having to show his true skill. Lastly, it is always nice to have TRYers come out and support another TRYers passion project. So, thank you to all of you who made it out and to all of you who could not make it out but made a point to donate to the cause. Me and my first wife appreciate it!
On Sunday several TRYers delayed their Star Wars Day celebrations to light up 10 miles of pot hole free asphalt through Syracuse. The ones I saw in person and the pictures I saw on Facebook were sporting smiles so it seemed like "the Goat" delivered another great race day experience. The only negative I noticed was that Escalade bragged online (and therefore implicated her father in the process) that she was "doing the baby goat". Not only is that immoral...but I'm pretty sure that it is illegal?! Escalade, you may want to move in with a relative and lay low for awhile until this whole thing blows over.
Lastly, and also on Sunday, at least one (elusive) TRYer ran through 3 miles of colored cornstarch and showed the world that dad rhymes with RAD. Congratulations to the ever elusive one:
Now, the "challenge" for this week. Sit down. Follow these links. And learn:
1) This beauty goes into the mechanics of your stride to convince you that you need strong and flexible hips, glutes, and hamstrings to help you run faster. The "Hip Extension" and "Recovery Phase" sections are the best description I have ever read on the subject and truly do help to visualize the suggestions I've passed on in the past about "good form running". Then it has a few exercises and a stretch that could all be done at home if you have an elastic band. (And 3 of the 5 do not need anything other than your body.)
2) Ever wonder about a post race massage and whether it would be worth it to wait in line to be rubbed down by someone still covered in the previous 17 runners sweat? Or maybe more recently, ever wonder how good of a time Steve was having in the VIP tent? (Should we call him "VIP Steve" from now on?) Well, wonder no longer, as this article gives scientific answers to your massage questions. Don't feel like reading it? Then at least know that massage does aid in recovery and light self massage can be useful beforehand. (Not THAT self massage, Ron. I mean foam rollers and tennis balls and the like, which I've written about in the past.) The part I found most shocking in the article? That compression apparel seems to be a lie. There was no proof found to show that it increased performance or prevented injury. But there are mixed results showing that it can boost recovery. As Meat Loaf famously did not sing (this Meat Loaf, not our meat free Meat Loaf), "One out of three ain't bad".
3) End with a quick one saying that 4 seasonal produce items are the best in season options for runners. (Fine, don't read it, but at least know that it's asparagus, beets, kale, and strawberries. Hmmm, how would those four taste in a smoothie?)
That's it. Yes, I realize I crushed that challenge...you're welcome planet Earth.
(Major bonus points for anyone that clicks every link and reads the three challenge articles and listens to all the songs. Please post a comment to claim your prize. Seriously.)
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