The Runner's Track

If you want to gain weight and strength, I think squats are by far the best exercise out there. But spotting and technique are absolutely essential. You can destroy your knees and back with squats. I was able to do the bar and 2 plates on a side (225 lbs. almost double my weight) and could bench my weight long long ago. I don't lift anymore - I'm married. It was a young skinny guy thing trying to fight my body type. It was good for me but cardio is so much more important for general health which is my focus now.

Sounds good Hope you're feeling better bro.

Apsalar wrote: Joel, did you run much earlier this week, say Tuesday or Wednesday? f**king freezing. I'm almost jealous of everyone sweating it up in 30 degree weather. Thankfully I've only got another three 'n' half weeks till I'm out of here.

I was assuming as much; 'tis a shame 'bout the fruit allergies.


Did a 32k race this morning, I'm not sure whose smart idea that was, been so long since I've done longer stuff. Hit 'the wall' 'bout 27k in, longest last 5k of my life.

Joel, did you run much earlier this week, say Tuesday or Wednesday? f**king freezing. I'm almost jealous of everyone sweating it up in 30 degree weather. Thankfully I've only got another three 'n' half weeks till I'm out of here.

June wrote: ^ Yeah, that makes sense. After today's run, I really felt still thirsty even an hour later, so I think I just need to listen to my body. Speaking of salts (kinda digressing from running here)... I've generally been avoiding all those sport drink type things, but I have a belt event at karate in two weeks and I've thinking about getting something like that, but I'm not sure what would be best. I've never done runs longer than 12km, so I've been sticking to water, but jogging is really not as muscular as karate. So I'm hoping for recommendations. The last one I had lasted about 4 hours, and I was totally exhausted when it was time to do the fights (after the kion and the katas), despite having eaten dried fruit and 2 granola bars during the (very short) breaks. Suggestions?

I think it has been a wise choice. I drink the stuff most days, and it is going to do no favours to my teeth in the long run. The salts themselves help retain the fluid you taken on (the salt does make you more thirsty so you drink more), and hence stay hydrated, but also you get the most efficient up take of the carbs, which is the important factor if you exercising for longer durations (60-80min plus) so in general if you're doing recreational running they are not of much use.

How long are your karate comps.? If in the past you've had a big crash, you could try watering it down, likely it wont taste as nice, but the potency wont be nearly as strong. A lot of runners do this, mainly for the fact they cannot stomach the full strength with their insides jouncing around. I'd probably steer towards fresh fruit over dried fruit in these circumstances, since with dried fruit you've lost all the beneficial waters contained in these foods. It is also very easy to take on too much energy in this form. One would probably not consider eating 5 apricots in one sitting, but can very easily eat 5 dried ones without a second thought., since the waters are not present to tell you 'I'm full' Maybe I'm talking through my arse :P

It's always best to trial these things in a practice environment. On most occasions it comes down to what works for you, so there is always a bit of trial and error till you find a happy medium.

colorofmoney91 wrote: A couple days later, I still feel fatigued. I'm making an effort to chow down on a bunch of protein today, in hopes of healing myself.

That sucks :( Hope things are on the mend soon.     

I didn't run, but I walked at about 3 mph for 2 hours straight.

^ Yeah, that makes sense. After today's run, I really felt still thirsty even an hour later, so I think I just need to listen to my body.

Speaking of salts (kinda digressing from running here)... I've generally been avoiding all those sport drink type things, but I have a belt event at karate in two weeks and I've thinking about getting something like that, but I'm not sure what would be best. I've never done runs longer than 12km, so I've been sticking to water, but jogging is really not as muscular as karate. So I'm hoping for recommendations.

The last one I had lasted about 4 hours, and I was totally exhausted when it was time to do the fights (after the kion and the katas), despite having eaten dried fruit and 2 granola bars during the (very short) breaks. Suggestions?

June wrote: Urghhh... ankle and shin pain today after barely 4km today. Adjusting to the +30 celcius temps after months of running at around 15-20 degrees tops is tougher than I remembered. Phewww... Anyone has tricks besides staying hydrated? I'm not going to take the risk of running after sundown, so I get the feeling I'll have to wake up really early all summer long.

colorofmoney91 wrote: I've been feeling super fatigued lately, and I've only been running a total of about 12 miles per week. I guess I should eat more, or run less, or something else - I don't even know. All I know is that I consistently feel like crap. I'll probably still go out for a few miles tonight. I've started running at 8 pm because they days are just way too hot.

Actually, I hate how crappy I feel - I'm going to run tomorrow instead. Today will be abs + rest day.