There is somewhat of a controversy about running with music. Some studies suggest that listening to music can make running feel easier, and it can break up the monotony of running on a treadmill during the winter months. Others argue that listening to music, especially while running outside, can be dangerous. Having headphones plugged inside your ears removes you from the sound of that dude creepin' up on you with a blade, cars whizzing down the road at top speed, and various bodily cues that provide feedback about running speed (e.g. breathing).
Personally, I never run with music. I find headphones uncomfortable and don't like exercising with any additional clothing or items on me. Also, I spend a good portion of my day outside of my body, e.g. absorbed in a book, in front of a computer, multi-tasking appointments, and surrounding by a lot of noise that I need to block out. The activities make me feel out of touch with my body. I find that running helps me reconnect with my body and helps me focus on my immediate physical environment. But, with that said, I do like listening to music before a big race, specifically 70 and 80s classic rock.
So, what do you think? To run or not to run with headphones?
FYI: Here are some informative articles on running with music from Runner's World: Running w/ Music.
6/10/11
6/3/11
Road ID
My Road ID bracelet
Much thanks to David, I am the proud owner of this snazzy Road ID bracelet. David's door prize at the 5K Time Journey Charity Run held in Lock Haven, PA in April 2011 was a $15.00 coupon to Road ID.
I was so excited about this coupon that I logged onto their site to order my Road ID right away. First I must say that I was totally impressed with this company because they gave a coupon that was basically the whole cost of an item. Not your typical only $1.00 off coupon. I had to pay $2.68 for shipping. That's it! So SCORE for Road ID from the get go. I ordered a bracelet but they have many different options to choose from - wrist ID's, sneaker pouches, fireflys, etc.
Next, their website is very organized and user friendly. If you know me, you know that I am a sucker for order and organization. (Okay, a tad OCD, I know). It was refreshing to log onto a site and not be immediately turned off because there is too much going on.
So, I chose my bracelet, http://www.roadid.com/Common/LearnMore.aspx?PID=42, and was onto the design part - the fun part. Here is where you enter the information that you want someone to know in an emergency situation - your name, who to call and what number(s) they can be reached at and also if you have any medication allergies or any known health problems. I added my personal mantra, Never Ever Give Up" to my bracelet, for me to see when I'm getting ready to run and just don't feel like it that day.
After completing the order for my bracelet, I read a little more about their company and how they started. It's a cool story that you should read when you go to their site to order your Road ID. BEST PART: This company donates proceeds from sales to charity - one of their choices is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. BIG SCORE for Road ID from me.
My order arrived a few days later with a nice thank you note from the company owners (ok, it was a typed letter that I'm sure is standard with all of their orders) but it made me smile. These guys have a great sense of humor and seem so down to earth. I've been wearing my bracelet every time I've ran since I received it. I won't go without it even it I'm not running alone.
So, my final thoughts: Great company, great product and it may save your life. No one wants to think you'll ever need it. But, do it for the peace of mind, if not for yourself then for others.
Thanks again David. I love my bracelet!
Food and Fuel
Stuff I struggle with: Not eating enough or drinking enough before and after running. The result: Lack o' energy. :(
The solution?? Pay attention to this stuff:
CARBS:I saw a nutritionist today and she pointed out some things about carbs and protein for runners. She said that carbs should provide 60-70% of your total calories... AND... to figure out the total # of grams that is right for you, you should multiply your weight in pounds by 3.2- to give you the number of grams of carbohydrates you should consume per day. I have been eating way under the amount I should be eating.
PROTEIN: 
Next, she talked about protein. If you use up all of your glycogen stores, due to inadequate calorie and carb intake, protein is used for energy rather than for muscle growth and repair and may contribute to as much as 10% of the energy needed for exercise. The use of protein in this way is expensive and inefficient. Multiply your weight in pounds by 0.6 to calculate the number of grams of protein you should consume per day. Again, I was low on this.
Stuff to eat if you are anti-bandit runners:
Nike Air Zoom Streak XC2
The Basics
The Zoom Streak 2 is a racing flat for the distances between 3k–10k. The shoe is super light (5.4oz, size 9), has a full mesh upper, minimal overlays, and a low heel-to-toe drop (21mm–18mm = 3mm). Despite its light weight, the shoe has more cushioning than other racing flats of comparable weight. Wha? The shoe’s light weight but ample cushioning is due to the fact that the shoe’s upper is like a feather, thin, light, and questionably durable.
The Wear Test
I ran sockless in the ZoomStreak2 for roughly 50 miles. My running was on roads, track, some grass, and on a cinder trail. I used the shoe for racing and speedwork (intervals, strides, tempo) under a variety of moderate weather conditions, e.g. heat, cold, rain, sleet. Overall, the shoe had good traction, fairly good response, and was perfect for racing and fast training. Nearly all aspects of the shoe are still in near perfect condition. The paper-thin tongue hasn’t ripped, the tread hasn’t worn away, my big toe hasn’t torn through the mesh upper.
However, I did have one problem that led me to banish my ZoomStreak2s to shoe hell. The major problem I ran into was that while running a hilly 5K in the rain, the material on the heel of the shoe began to wear away, and the lack of fabric began to rub against my achilles. At the end of the race, my achilles was a bloody mess. I had to bandage my achilles for the next week, but another race in these ZoomStreak2 led to another shredded achilles.
The Verdict: 3/5 Bandits
Super light, super comfortable, great ride, good wear, but my achilles tendon will never forgive this shoe. R.I.P. Zoom Streak 2.
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