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!