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!

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.