Anyone got a carrot? Anyone?

Somehow, in my years running, I've actually become more health conscious when it comes to eating. I don't remember the last time I had a Snickers bar or a Milky Way. Occasionally I will eat a snack size packet of M&M's. And who doesn't like Hershey Kisses from time to time? Also, I gave up dark cola's (e.g. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper) cold turkey they day I started running. I still eat pizza, lots of pizza, and jump at the chance to eat a Jack Daniel's burger or steak. It's the obvious stuff that I steer clear of now. As much as I would love to take down a Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, I just don't do it. It's a small price to pay now if it'll help me live a longer, more healthy, active life. Besides, as a runner and triathlete, I experience highs above and beyond that provided by aforementioned cheesecake.

The weather is still awesome although the forecast is calling for a rapid cooldown by mid-afternoon. This mornings 10-miler may have been the last warm-weather run until April/May.

Sore Soleus

They say you learn something new every day and this morning I learned about my soleus muscles. They're in the back of the leg, just below what you commonly think of as your calf muscles. They're hard muscles to stretch but I found a way and managed to loosen them up a little before rolling into work. They feel fine now so I'm thinking it was due to wearing my Brooks for the first time on this morning's 8-miler around Westlake. The weather is still ideal! Low 60's I would guess. It was 52° when I left the house at 4:40 this morning wearing shorts and a long sleeve top.

Marathoners face higher risk of cancer

A co-worker left this article on my desk for me...

WASHINGTON - Marathon runners face a heightened risk of skin cancer, likely due to more sun exposure or an immune system inhibited by arduous exercise, researchers said yesterday.
Researchers at the Medical University of Graz in Austria studied 210 male and female marathon runners and 210 other people of the same age and sex.
The marathon runners were found to have more atypical moles. They also had more so-called liver spots -- small, flat, brownish, harmless lesions, also known as solar lentigines.
The number of these moles and liver spots is considered a strong independent indicator of increased risk or developing malignant melanoma.

Wow, and how much money was spent on this study? Good to know that long term exposure to the sun is still harmful!

New Wheels!

Bought some new wheels last night and gave 'em an 8-mile test spin this morning. I had a bad experience with New Balance about 3 years ago and have steered clear ever since. However, the 825 model appears to have been made just for me. As weird as it sounds, I can usually look at a shoe and, without even trying it on, know whether or not it'll work for me. Like my Saucony's, these have a synthetic/mesh upper making them very light. Plus, their accented in red and who doesn't like red shoes?

Also bought a pair of Brooks ST Racers for my tempo runs and local 5K's. I'll be under a lot of pressure when wearing these because they're yellow. Yellow shoes = fast runner.

'Bout Time for an Update!

Big news! I have been asked by Team in Training to be a run coach for the 2007 spring/summer season. I will be joined by Jody Herzog to coach athletes for the Rock'n'Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 3 and the Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska on June 23. From my experience, Team in Training coaches are amazing people, which means I've got a lot to live up to. I think I'll do OK! I've come a long way as a runner in a short time and am hoping I can use my experiences to convey the joys of being part of such an amazing organization and setting out on such a worthy cause. I'm really looking forward to the next 7 months!

Back at it...

Hooked up with Cathy and Bryce for a 12-mile run Sunday morning at 6:30. I'm amazed, and am becoming increasingly appreciative, that I have such great friends who are willing to show up at the crack of dawn to do what 90% of humanity dreads! I didn't even bring my watch but Bryce said we were just over 92 minutes, which is roughly 7:45 pace. My knee started to yell at me near our turnaround point and wasn't too pleased when we started to go again after a brief rest. However, it felt better a few minutes later. I would like to continue with tempo runs once a week until the early spring, at which time I'll begin to work in some hills and speedwork to build strength again for what will hopefully be a solid spring marathon. To Boston or not to Boston? That is the question!