Tag: health Page 2 of 3

Mind performance impact

On December 17, 2018

The mind has so much influence on physical performance. My switch to the Garmin Forerunner 25 reminded me of some new personal records.

Apparently, the watches themselves keep track of the personal best times and do not check with the profile history on Connect. That’s ok as it is nice to feel the “new records” appear on the watch as I have those better days.

As I look back on my current personal records in the 5k, 10k, and half-marathon, I am reminded most of those were accomplished when I had some exciting things happening in life. There were new challenges and adventures on several fronts which apparently provided some additional motivation.

I’m still working through the book, Running Flow, and many of the examples and research points are very relatable, and it is good to read the stories of other runners.

Now, to work on freeing my mind so I can run free of mental obstacles!

Winter skin issues

By ps401t3

On December 12, 2018

In Blog

Corn Huskers Lotion is my favorite. Why – because it helps relieve the irritation of dry weather skin and has a minimalist scent. Screenshot from 2018-12-12 14-09-18

I know I’m not the only one who has dry skin when the cold weather sets in. Combined with the additional hand washing during the winter cold and flu season, the hands can get a bit irritated.

Hands, feet, even my nose gets rough in the winter weather. Elbows and knees, shin and toes too! Yes, my nose… if you run outdoors, I think you’ll agree, you need a handkerchief or towel to keep up with the condensation while running. The recurring wiping can really dry the skin. Again, the Corn Huskers is mild enough to help even there.

Screenshot from 2018-12-12 14-11-32 With my best efforts to maintain and/or revitalize the skin, I still have the occasional skin-split around a fingernail (cracked fingertips). If you’ve ever had these, you know how much they can hurt and impede ordinary tasks!

I use one of the “liquid bandage” products for these cracks. The product provides a layer of protection and doesn’t wash off quickly, plus I believe it helps speed up the healing process by reducing the open exposure.

Yes, it stings a little going on, but no more than bumping the split on something just one time.

You’re slim, why count calories?

By Jerry Schotz

On December 6, 2018

In Blog

Screenshot from 2018-12-06 09-50-44

People watch us. Over time they may be curious enough to ask some questions as to what makes you tick.

Most people in my acquaintance did not know me when I had a 38″+ waist and was around 230 pounds. When or if they hear I run a lot often the conversation turns to my habits. Some have found it strange that I track my calories after losing the weight so many years ago.

I do record my food, and my Garmin tools document my exercise. When I say I track my calories, it’s more superficial than scientific. I know folks who are into the macro-nutrients, proteins, carbs, various fat sources, etc. I think those are great, but they bore me to sleep.

I am in health-maintenance mode, where I want to remain healthy to do battle against the forces of time and environment. The better prepared the soldier, generally, the more success in fighting.

I saw a doctor posted an article on LinkedIn called “Health: One Measure to Rule Them All” where he explores so many elements of our healthy living. A few quotes from his article:

We do not routinely direct our collective will at the true, root causes of our decline.

Even despite the terrible toll of opioids, depression, despair, and suicide- diet is the single leading cause of premature death in America today.

Keep fighting the good fight!

Why run?

By Jerry Schotz

On November 15, 2018

In Blog

Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com

I’ve had these questions asked in various ways.

Why do you run?
Why don’t you run races?

You know, there is this 5k here or this 10k there or this half-marathon, marathon, etc. Or the “you should” statements come out frequently along the same lines. Other questions that baffle the non-runners include:

Why would you run if no one is chasing you?
What is your motivation to run every day?

It’s sort of comical now after all these years and I usually answer with something like “running is my time,” “it’s what I like to do to stay healthy,” “I like to eat a lot.” These are all elements of running for me, but not all. There are books about getting in the “flow” when running and there are times I can relate to that, but most days, not so much.

I do find running provides health maintenance, but I’ve really come to the point where my morning is more of a meditation, learning, and me-time which I just happen to do while running 8+ miles. That 1.5-hour slot opens my day, and I would miss it terribly if I couldn’t exercise to start my day. The nice thing is I don’t hurt or have any real recovery time needed to do this routine.

I was reading today about folks who do like real runs and racing. I was reading about people who do 100-mile runs in 12+ hours. Wow, that pace and endurance must require a lot of training, and that’s cool for them. I do think about this kind of running from time to time, I’m just not sure that’s where I want my running to take me.

I do like to run in new places, new cities, parks, etc. When the surroundings are new, the miles seem to go by so quickly and with less effort.

Bodily eliminations and running

By Jerry Schotz

On November 9, 2018

In Blog

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

This topic can be a bit sensitive depending on how you handle it. When you’re a long distance runner, sometimes you need to relieve yourself along the way. When you’re far away from others in the fields or woods, you have some flexibility, but if you’re in town, you need to be a bit more strategic. Men also have a little more flexibility than women here at least for the urination side of elimination. I should state that I’ve known some females that can pee faster than men. 🙂

When I travel to regions out of my norm, I will try to map out routes and alternatives for the next morning. If the area is urban/sub-urban I make a note of where the public restrooms are located should the need arise.

I’m primarily addressing the need to urinate during a run. However, there have been just a few times where the bowels have launched a full-scale attack mid-run. Gas station bathrooms are far from my favorite places, but when your bowels are screaming, they look like a beautiful thing. It’s amazing how low your clean-freak standards drop when your options for relief are extremely limited.

I saw this article last year which adds some additional perspective on this topic.

Most places have decency standards and think about how you’d feel if someone was relieving themselves in your front yard. Plan ahead, have a backup plan, be courteous and civil, then enjoy your run!