I will run the Twin Cities Marathon in my penny loafers if anyone can beat a blind taste test comparing a soft, gooey Sugar Daddy candy bar and a soft, gooey Medjool Date. Holy cow these dates are delish! A pure shot of sugary goodness.
I have been experimenting with different sugars during my long runs, and dates are quickly earning the go-to status. This week I ate a bowl of oats and a banana an hour before my run, then I hammered 2 plump dates 45 minutes into the run. These plumpies are each 70 calories of unrefined sugar. They also have a good amount of minerals and fiber, and zero fat or cholesterol. Seriously, eat 2 of these bad boys and your brain will be convinced you just ate a Snicker bar, except all the calories are from sugar not fat. You won't even consider fat-dense foods the rest of the day...and if you do....hammer another few dates! 2lb tub on sale at Sam's Club now for $8.
I ran on the Track & Cross Country teams for a few years in Jr & Sr High School, but I never really learned how to run properly. Each year I'd hit the path in the spring and have to take a break by fall due to shin splints or other various leg pains. I never really got faster, but just plodded along.
As I set out to run more miles this year than any previous year, I took it upon myself to learn how to run. I started with an evaluation from Courage Kenny's RunSmart program. They recorded me on the treadmill, tested strength, etc. I got the same advice from them that I have gotten from every other experienced runner since. Turns out I was over-striding and heel-striking like crazy. This was sending a shock up my legs with each stride, not to mention it was terribly inefficient.
I am now over 250 miles into my training and my legs are only getting stronger, with less soreness, no pain, and quicker recovery. I attribute this to technique and also to eating 100% whole plant-based food.. It feels like the only thing my body has to do each night is recover my muscles and harden my bones, because it is no longer burdened with toxins, digesting dead animals, and general malnutrition. Already this week I have a 92-minute 12-miler under my belt, followed the next day with 4.5 miles on the trails....all with no pain. It's a miracle!
Here are the basics of what I learned:
Keep stride short and quick (160-180 strides/minute)
Strike foot underneath my body's center of gravity
Land on midfoot or forefoot, not heel, and roll forward into next quick stride
Stand up tall with slight lean forward from ankles, not waist
Find "sweet spot" between leaning too far forward and leaning enough so that gravity pulls me into next stride
That's it. This video is the best I've found to summarize and show what I'm talking about. This was, and is, a make it or break it year that will determine if I can be a "real" runner, or have to pull pack due to injury and breakdown. So far, I am very encouraged and grateful for good advice and a willing body. I pray it continues.
