KCFit.Net

Tuesday Training bLog: Week 2

by Chris Culbertson, posted Aug 11th 2009, 20:34

To learn more about the people we are following in our Tuesday Training bLog Series, you can read their Profiles!

Brian – Weekend Warrior

Tell us about your training last week:

After a reasonable start the week before, last week I put up a donut.  It wasn’t that I stopped at Dunkin Donuts on a run, it was that I ran exactly 0 times last week.  For all of us who fail to exercise, the excuses are many.  One of my excuses was that I forgot my running shoes when I went out of town.  That would explain why I didn’t run during the week, but the rest of the weekend I didn’t run because my wife and I had errands to run and it seemed like we were quite busy.  It is a classic example, of not making exercise a priority and therefore it doesn’t get done.

What was the hardest part of your week?  The easiest?

The easiest part was not running by far.  The hardest was the guilt with not being a good boy and doing what I am supposed to do.  I am already making my vows about how I will not miss another day until the KC Half Marathon in October.  I hope that comes halfway true, otherwise that race is going to be really, really long.

Do you do anything special or different nutrition wise while training for or before a race?

I spent years competing at a high level and back then I really didn’t need anything at all.  But the last few times I have attempted a longer event, particularly the half-ironman triathlon, I was probably under-nourished.  I am not a fan of the carbo-loading philosophy and I don’t really buy into the power bars while you run either.  So I have a bit of a gap in my race day nutrition, since I really prefer to not have food in my stomach while I exercise.  I would be happy to hear how others have prepared and what they eat during an event.

Aubrey – Busy Mom

Tell us about your training last week:

Last week I was a total slacker because my race was over and I have been setting up my new classroom. I played volleyball on Wednesday night and did Yoga on Thursday night. I can really tell the difference when I don’t work out. I feel sluggish and nasty! Even a couple days can make me feel like my clothes fit differently. I also do not like this heat!!! I am ready for cool weather again. I am ready to get back on track this week to get my mileage in for the upcoming 1/2 marathon.

Do you do anything special or different nutrition wise while training for or before a race?

Before a race, my safest thing to eat is almond butter on bread/bagel. Most other things make me have a stomachache. During a race, I will shoot a Gu and just take in plenty of water and a little sports drink. The night before a race, I’ve always been told to pack a lot of carbs, but I naturally don’t like pasta and don’t eat a lot of carbs, so it is always hard for me. I like to have some veggie pizza the night before in hopes that makes me have more energy in the morning.

Caleb – Avid Runner

Tell us about your training last week:

Training went well this week.  I ran 60 miles, really no speed or track workouts.  Two days were significant in my training.  Friday i ran a 10k (Psycho Night 10k Trail Run) with really tough terrain (hills, rocky, and really muddy).  It was tough, but a really fun race.  Then Saturday i ran my first 18 mile long run of my training for Chicago Marathon….  Long runs are my least favorite of all…but a must

What was the hardest part of your week? The easiest?

The hardest part of the week was my long run…around mile 13 the heat on Saturday was already well into the 80’s, and the last 5 miles in the heat was mentally tough to hold my pace.

Do you do anything special or different nutrition wise while training for or before a race?

I really hydrate with water starting 48 hours before a race, I eat a good protein meal two nights prior, and good nights sleep 72 hours prior.  Those are a few things I try to focus on prior to a big race…

Chris – Working out for Wedding

Tell us about your training last week:

I had a bad week. I got off of my training. If you wake up one morning and give yourself a “day off” then it is so much easier to do it again and then again. I finally got a few things done over the weekend. Maybe I should be the “Weekend Warrior” instead of Brian. I helped my brother move in the heat on Saturday and that is better workout than you’d think. I played golf and basketball on Sunday.

What was the hardest part of your week?  The easiest?

I gave myself one day off. It is just so hard to get back on track. It gets easier and easier to make excuses. The easiest was basketball. I love to play so much that I don’t have to convince myself that it would be good for me.

Do you do anything special or different nutrition wise while training for or before a race?

I have a few “guidelines” I try to follow when it comes to nutrition and diet. They are not necessarily for training, but just for life. I try to avoid Trans Fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils – as read on the label) at all costs! I do my best to eat as many servings of fruits and veggies available. Anytime I eat grains, I do my best to make them whole grains (most restaurants have whole grain if you ask). Lastly, I try to stop eating when I am full. This is tough for me because I grew up with a big brother and we never wasted food. It was always a challenge to eat more.

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