Ever wonder why you feel hungrier on a rest or recovery day? More often than not, it has something to do with how you fueled before, during and after a hard workout or long run. Under-fueling – especially on long run or hard workout days – can lead to the feeling of being ravenous on rest or recovery days because your body is essentially catching up with itself.
Read MoreA couple weeks ago I participated in my team’s (DWRunning) intra-squad track meet. I was excited to compete in the mile, 800 and 4x400 even though short distances have never and will never be my strength. Prior to the meet I had put in some mile-specific work and gotten out on the track far more than I have ever done before and I was really hoping to see an improvement—maybe even a PR. Well - if you follow me on social - you know that didn’t happen - and for a couple of reasons that upon reflecting on - make complete sense.
Read MoreOne of the most common conundrums runners face is stomach – or gastrointestinal (GI) – distress mid run. It doesn’t happen to everyone – and is highly specific – but I have had way more complaints of inability to eat before, during or after a run due to an upset tummy or fear of having to use the bathroom mid run. Why does it happen? And is there anything you can do to combat it?
Read MoreWhen the temps start to heat up, my mind always turns to hydration. It can literally make or break your work out. In fact, it can be a major contributing factor to a race day DNF or PR– whether it be from over- or under-hydrating. Making sure you are sufficiently hydrated will also get you to the finish line feeling good. Your goal? Start and finish adequately hydrated.
Read MoreIt’s taken me a minute to reflect on my last marathon. I’ve gone pretty silent on social media and haven’t had the energy or time to really think about how the race went until today. I had a lot of doubts in my ability and wondered whether the goals I set for myself for this block were too far fetched. Would I ever be able to run the way I used to again?
Read MoreToday’s post is going to be a little more personal and less nutrition-y. But I think it’s relevant and may help those of you on both the nutrition and training front. If you follow me on social media, you know that this past Saturday I ran the F^3 half marathon here in Chicago. It’s truly one of my favorite races as you never know what you’ll get from the weather (I mean a half marathon in the middle of January in Chicago), the Chicago running community comes out in full force for it and it’s a great course - starting and ending at Soldier Field
Read MoreTo talk about re-hydration following a workout, it’s also important to discuss what to do pre- and during your workout to stay adequately hydrated. One of the worst experiences I’ve ever had during a race (as well as many of the clients I work with) has been a consequence of being dehydrated. No matter how long your workout, you need adequate fluids before, during and after to prevent dehydration.
Read MoreLast week I introduced you to the 3 Rs of post-workout nutrition to help optimize recovery so you can get the most out of the work you put it. We focused on repairing and rebuilding muscle with protein - probably one of my favorite topics to write or talk about. This week we focus on the other macro-nutrient essential to recovering after a workout - carbohydrates.
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