Musings

          SORTING THROUGH THE CONFLICTING INFORMATION IS RARELY EASY

 One of the most difficult things for new runners, intermediate runners and elite runners to do is to sort through the bevy of information out there (internet, social media, periodicals, podcasts, news outlets and even the metaverse for crying out loud) when it comes to important topics regarding training, nutrition and injury prevention to name but a few. For example, today alone I received 7 different articles about what is the best way to improve your VO2 levels. One champions short sprints, another touts long runs, and yet another is a proponent of only during tempo runs. These differing opinions on the ¨how¨ are not just from the writers, or coaches with different approaches, but also from the medical community. They are constantly putting out there  contradicting positions and studies that back up these positions. I understand that times change, new information is realized, new research is uncovered, and technological progress is made. But what is one supposed to do with all this conflicting information? Just look at the debate on shoe drop and the studies done that determine that they are all correct. It is confusing at best and dangerous at worst. Knowledge is supposed to be King but which piece of information, or study or research finding gets you to the Wisdom Throne? 

I have been there, confused and frustrated when trying one of the approaches and realizing (after wasting too much time on it) that I was heading down the wrong running path. What I have finally realized is that every runner is different. The reason there are so many conflicting studies is because the human runner is made up of so many conflicting and different people. What works for one, likely does not work for all. Sure you need to do your research if you really want to improve yourself. Just make sure you understand who makes up the participants in the study, whether the person or group doing the study have a vested (financial) interest, and whether the publisher of the article has an ulterior motive. Learn what works for you by doing. If it does not work, abandon it, if it does, then embrace it. As the Romans might have advised runners back in the day, Cursor Cave (Runners beware).


March 25, 2022-        Crazy and Unusual Race Preparations

Did you ever wonder what other runners do to prepare for a race? Sure there are the usual pre-race preparations, like proper rest and nutrition, and the pre-race poop,  but what about the more ritualistic or superstitious pre-race antics? Well, since I am also a quirky runner filled with my own rituals I might as well start things off. I get so nervous before a race that if I do not perform the following rituals I cannot run the race. First, everything must be laid out the night before, but not just laid out but in a certain order. My running shoes on the bottom, my socks each placed separately on each shoe, then my running pants folded in thirds on top of that, then my shirt folded loosely on top of that with my bib (with safety pins already inserted into the four corners) topping off the pile. Then the whole pile is placed on the bedroom chair. I know it is a little quirky but it has become so ingrained in me I can no longer prep without this process.

Fortunately I am not the only one with runner peccadillos. I have spoken to 10 runners who broke down their own ceremonial pre-race habits. 

Salvador from Mission says that his biggest ritual is that the hours before the race he has to hear ¨Running with the Devil¨ By Van Halen. This gets him going and adding a little air guitar means he is ready to go. 

Alexander from Reynosa says that he envisions everything that he thinks can go wrong and then mentally destroys them. “If they do not exist they can not happen”. Very Zen.

Herbert from Columbus says that he only has one ritual, that is to make sure he dresses the way a builder builds. That is, socks first, then running shoes, underwater, pants, shirt, face mask and hat. Bottom to top. Hmm…seems very constructive.

Patrick from California touches the face of Eliud Kipchoge before heading out the door for the race. I assume that is a picture and not the real person.

Post some of your interesting and unique pre-race rituals, quirks or habits. 






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