Four tips for optimizing marathon training
I cannot even tell you how interesting my current marathon training has been going. I PR'd (personal record) in a half marathon back in late November and my winter running has been getting better ever since then!
WHY?
I ask myself that same question!
But seriously, I attribute it to four things: 1. Training in the cooler weather.
2. Eating according to my Hauser Diet Type (Monkey)
3. Running with people faster than myself.
4. Don't take things so seriously.
Hum? Interesting you say?
Weather and sports performance? I am extremely heat-intolerant. I have been my whole life. I never liked the heat. Even as a baby, my parents tell me I would get heat rash. We find those who are heat intolerant to have alkaline blood pH levels. We are the only clinic that we know of who actually tests the blood pH. We even published a study on our results of blood pH testing on five triathletes exposed to extreme heat and supported our claim. The article is entitled Hyperthermia Induces Venous Blood pH Alkalosis: A Study in Five Ironman Triathletes. Click here to read that study. As the body heats up, the blood pH rises. As the blood pH rises, so does the incidence of head aches, nausea, muscle fatigue, tiredness, and the dreadedBONK. When I train in the cooler weather, I FEEL GREAT. I am a completely different runner. I PR'd with a 2:02 half marathon in November (my last PR was 2:28 always done in the heat of the summer.) So to cut off 26 minutes at my age after 10 years of running, is nothing short of miraculous. I'm not sure why it took me so long to realize that I should run in the cold! I have been running through the winter like a mad woman now! Snow, sleet, wind, you name it, I've been out there! And it's been a great winter for running! Knowing your blood pH helps you know how to train smarter!
Eating right for your Hauser Diet Type: Food changes your blood pH. With the above heat intolerance problem, I need to eat more lean protein and vegetarian based meals (Hauser Monkey) and be especially strict with this during the warmer months as protein and fat can make your blood even more alkaline. During the winter months, I can actually eat a little more protein and fat and feel great because of the negating effect of the cold temperatures! (Get to eat more like a Hauser Bear.) Nice, eh? So I have been eating primarily vegetarian for most breakfasts and lunches, and only eating meat/fish at the dinner meal. This has been working and keeping my blood pH in balance. Do you know how food affects YOUR blood pH?
Running with someone faster than yourself: I had hit a plateau for the last five years and have not been able to dramatically improve my running times. However, I have not actually worked that hard at doing it, I just assumed I could not do it. Then I started running with others who were faster than me and I realized I actually COULD keep up with them. Amazing! Try it but you definitely have to go into it knowing it's going to be hard! If you lag behind, tell your friend you'll catch up at the end. You'll be amazed how well you can do. Running faster will also increase the heat you generate, so all the more to keep your blood pH balanced!
Chill out! Right now I am training for a May Marathon which one? I don't know! I am going to pick the one that has the chilliest temperatures at race start! I am serious! What program am I following? Hum, a mixed bag. I run when I feel good. I sleep when I need to. I work hard, so I skip a workout if I am too busy. I eat great and take supplements for healing and immune function. I have not gotten sick for years. I still have fun. I play with my kitties. I go on fun trips with my husband. I get the workouts in when I can. I think this "low pressure" attitude has also helped me not get injured because I don't run when I don't feel good and get plenty of rest. You might want to try it! Seriously! I am pretty much following the run less, run faster method where you run three times per week, with speed work, tempo runs, and long weekend runs. The bottom line here is to limit the stress in your life if you can.
How's the training going? This weekend, I ran on the Illinois Prairie Path for 18 miles with my best friend (Dr. Hauser) and one of our good buddies, JD. We laughed and talked about food, recipes, swimming (still trying to get me to do a triathlon, but that's another story), cats, friends, family, politics, and boy, did that time go by quickly! It's amazing what positive people do for you! I took walk breaks every 1 mile and simulated the race walking for only about 30 seconds to drink water, electrolyte drink, or food. I peeled off the layers when I started getting warm even though the start temp was 40 degrees. PERFECT weather for me! I finished the 18 miles in 2:57 which is about 9:57 pace which included one trip to the woods and all of the walk breaks. My goal is a 4:30 marathon, and I am on my way! I just hope that the weather stays cool, so my pH stays balanced!
The day after the 18 miler, we ran a 5K with our two nephews the Leprechaun Leap! I know, crazy! But seriously, the legs felt pretty darn good after taking enzymes and eating protein after the big run. I managed to place 2nd in my age group too! See? It's working!
What to do? Are an athlete who is getting Prolotherapy who wants to optimize healing and sports performance? Are you training for a marathon and have a nagging injury? You are? Give us a call! 708-848-7789 or email scheduling@caringmedical.com.
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