How To Reign In The Rain

With six days left until the marathon, I have been checking the weather forecast every hour in hopes that it will magically say something different. All reports suggest steady showers with highs in the 60's and lows in the 30's. I think above all other concerns of a possible running injury, missing a long run, or not finding something pink to wear, this was my biggest fear of all. Rain on race day.

Having consulted as many articles as I can muster up the interest to read, I gathered some helpful tips for successfully running in the rain. It is best said that failing to plan is planning to fail, so being prepared to run in a downpour is the most important consideration.

1. Wear a trash bag over your clothes while you wait for the race to start. Stay as warm and dry as possible.

2. Don't overdo it with extra layers. Your body will become overheated as you warm up.

3. Wear running attire made with wicking fabric. Not cotton. A waterproof cap is good idea to keep the rain out of your eyes.

3. Don't start out the race too fast. It is tempting to speed up when you are cold, but remember to pace yourself.

4. If possible, have dry clothes at the finish to change in to as soon as possible.

5. And of course try to have fun. You have worked hard in preparation for this day

There is still a chance that the weather forecast will miraculously change. So keep your fingers crossed for me!

BYOB

The March/April issue of Women's Running features an awesome online service that allows you to build your own bar. YouBar was created by a mother and her marathoner son, putting a healthy spin on customizing your own nutritional energy snack. With nearly 50 different ingredients such as peanuts, goji berries, and almond butter, you can now tailor a bar to your own tastes that also meets your dietary needs. The website is easy to use, and while you are building your masterpiece a complete nutritional facts list appears in the upper right corner and quickly crunches the numbers as you customize your creation. The coolest part? You get to name your bar. I'm still working on that. Clairathon bar? Last call bar? Bar belle? The options are endless. Check it out!

Runner's Digest

I have rather carefully followed The Rookie Marathon Training Plan, so now with one week left before the big day, I have researched several different articles so I can focus on what and what not to eat. I learned that for shorter runs a cup of coffee will more than suffice, and has even proven to result in faster times as well as increase the body's ability to produce energy while burning fuel. And whether it's pasta and meat sauce the night before a marathon, or a slice of toast with peanut butter the morning of a 10-miler, the research indicates that carbohydrates with a side of protein is most beneficial in preparing for longer runs.

Some foods that are commonly listed specifically to fuel peak performance for runners include salmon, sweet potatoes, eggs, almonds, whole grain cereals/breads/pasta, chicken, black beans, mixed salad greens, low fat yogurt, mixed berries, oranges and dark chocolate.

And who doesn't need a treat every now and then? Might I suggest the new Haagen-Dazs Reserve flavor, Fleur de Sel Caramel? Caramels coated in chocolate with accents of french sea salt are submerged in a vanilla and caramel base. It is to die for! And a good reason to run.

This Run's In The Bag

I generally get one of two reactions to my decision to run the Napa Valley Marathon.

1. From what are you running? Get your head checked.

2. Awesome. That is fantastic. Best of luck!

So I cannot express how excited I was to receive this sassy tote from one of my more supportive and most thoughtful patients at work, as a pre-congratulatory reward. The bag comes from Toss Designs, one of my favorite stores in town. And while I would gladly walk away with anything and everything from this shop, you cannot go wrong in finding the perfect gift for someone else here. Toss Designs offers a variety of products such as travel bags, tennis covers, stationary, barware, pet carriers, placemats, jewelry, clothes and shoes, to name a few. Their styles, patterns, materials, and designs are so much fun. Check it out.

Something to Celebrate

Last Sunday I ran the longest run my marathon training requires. My running mate, Sherry, joined me to run 21 of the 26.2 miles we will endure on March 1st for the 31st Annual Napa Valley Marathon. The most difficult running homework is now behind us. Truly something to celebrate.

Through many practice runs and a little experimentation, I have found the winning list of necessities, guaranteed to make running 26.2 miles as enjoyable as pounding the pavement for four and a half hours could possibly be.

1. Saucony Pro Grid Ride running shoes

2. SmartWool Adrenaline Light Micro Crew socks

3. CW-X Stabilyx running tights

4. Gatorade G2 Ice Punch (50% less calories and just as kicked up as original Gatorade)

5. Clif Bar Shot Blocks Black Cherry flavor

6. Bananas every 6 miles or so

7. Water

8. Sherry Hill. She is someone with whom you want to be "stuck" if you are going to be running for hours! Funny, energetic, motivating, genuine, and still looks like she just stepped out of a salon having just knocked out 21 miles.

So these are a few of my favorite things. I have yet to determine the perfect jogging bra and top. There is still time to shop with only 16 days left in the final countdown!

Truly Worth Test Driving

I'm not talking pistons, horsepower, and ball-bearings, but rather Pinot Noir. Full bodied, balanced, and in my opinion, more well structured than the automobile. Testarossa Vineyards makes some exquisite wines. Most recently I enjoyed an amazing bottle of their 2006 Gary's Vineyard Pinot Noir. Intense berry flavors with subtle notes of black pepper accompany a beautiful deep red color. Ridiculously delicious!

'Til Death Do Us Part

If you are afraid of commitment, this is not the lipstick for you. Chanel cosmetics have always played a leading role in my sister's and my Christmas stockings. Unable to live without the lip liner in nude, I added an ultra wear lip colour to the list this year. I have it in Pink Diamond, but all of the shades are beautiful. This dual-ended delight offers a long lasting fluid lip color on one end, then flip it around to seal the deal with a high shine, clear and glossy finish. It lasts forever!

Armoured And Dangerous

It's raining, it's pouring, and here I am shopping. I love waking up to the sound of heavy rain, knowing that I don't have to get out of bed for any good reason other than simple desire. So with coffee in hand, propped up with pillows, I find myself browsing some of my favorite websites in case I stumble upon something I cannot resist.

I'm nervous. The marathon is only weeks away and I still haven't answered a most important inquiry. What am I going to wear? Something pink, for sure. But what?

I have always been a fan of Under Armour. The clothes always fit, the fabric is fab, and the colors are fun. I love that Under Armour supports breast cancer awareness and research. For each item purchased throughout the Power in Pink promotion, $2.00 will be donated to breast cancer charities. So this was an easy sale. The Power in Pink Zone Longsleeve should find it's way to my doorstep any day now.

The rain just stopped and so must the shopping. For now.

CW-X marks the spot

I used to believe that shin splints were the runner's equivalent to medicine's chronic fatigue syndrome. That is, it doesn't exist. You're tired. And your shins hurt because they don't move enough. Well I have changed my tune, on at least one count. I felt the twinge coming from below my knee during my last 15 mile run, and after consulting several running books and a live physical therapist, I am convinced that shin splints are real.

I have been taking the necessary steps, or rather lack thereof, by resting, icing, and have just changed running shoes and truly feel I am on the mend.

So I was very much intrigued by a review in Runner's World rating their top favorite running tights. CW-X was at the top of the list with something I knew I had to have. The Stabilyx Tights in black and gray. They have a most intricate web design which actually provides extra core support, stabilizes the knee joint (which is really where it hurts right now), improves movement efficiency, and reduces fatigue. And I am inclined to believe just about anything if it is written well, so I am now the new proud owner of a pair.

Aside from the most humbling experience of trying to squeeze into them, and I followed the size chart, I can already tell that these tights will make running more enjoyable.

We Can Do It

My marathon training plan had tapered down to a mere 15 miles this last weekend, and I was wondering where on earth I would find the drive and energy to knock this one out. With less than four weeks until showtime, I must admit that I am tired.

My running group rocks. This year I happen to be the only one training for the marathon, but I haven't run a single long run solo. The ladies have changed their schedules, e-mailed encouraging words, and staggered start times to make sure that someone is running with me the entire distance. I cannot believe how awesome these women are.

I have had some difficulty navigating through a most useful website, Mapmyrun.com, and while I can't imagine a running life without it, I am still having to consult my fellow runner, Kathy, to help me out. She graduated from Duke so I figure she can do anything. Sure enough, she whizzed through the program and provided us with a beautiful 15 mile run.

We tried something new, the PowerBar Gel Blasts in cola flavor. They taste like the good old gummy coke bottle candies I used to love as a child, and they pack a pretty nice little energy punch. I love them!

So thanks to my running mates, I completed my training assignment feeling stronger than I had imagined.