Runners.... I have questions.

hav2run · April 2011

I have very recently discovered that alcohol sabotages a good run. If I have one stinking glass of wine, my legs feel heavy and crampy. Is this normal? I am shunning all alcohol on running days, but I was shocked by my discovery. One glass, really?

I sweat when I have a good run. It gets in my eyes. How do I combat that? Sweat bands, maybe? I know there is a simple answer.

I need a shoe fitter. Where do I go on a budget? I don't want to get killed on the price alone. I have flat feet, overpronate, and need someone who knows what I need.

What do you eat before or after a good run? Need advice and any resources you use regularly. I feel like I am slumping, and need to pick up the energy level. My goal is a race this summer. I can do it, but feel my progress is lacking at the moment.

TIA. I appreciate any tips you can offer.

KristenBtobe · April 2011

Bob Roenker's for shoes. You can get a good pair for around a hundred. I don't run but a good shoe for working out is a smart investment.

jerseygirl81 · April 2011

Ditto Bob Ronckers. They'll watch you run and then bring you a bunch of shoes to try on. It took over an hour for me to pick my shoes, but it was well worth the hassle. Yes, they will be expensive, but $100 is worth not having any dumb injuries or blisters.

Yes, alcohol will kill your runs. Don't drink until after your run. Even then, you'll probably find that your desire to drink goes down. Body fuel is a big effing deal. I've never known more about my body and what it needs to function properly. Hydration is really important, and alcohol will NOT help that.

I sweat, but don't like the feel of sweatbands. I've just gotten used to having it everywhere, I guess.

How long of runs are we talking, here? Because that will dictate what you need to eat before and after. Same with the time of day that you're running. I run best (even on super long runs) in the early, early mornings with a tiny breakfast of an english muffin or waffle with peanut butter and honey. Some people need more than that. I try not to eat less than an hour before the run, because otherwise I just feel sloshy and gross. When I run in the afternoons I have a Luna Bar and a banana about an hour before. When I run at night, I have a small portion of whatever the family dinner is and then eat more afterwards. If we're planning to go out to eat, I make sure it's on a night that doesn't involve running. Just keep trying different things until you figure out what works for you.

jerseygirl81 · April 2011

Also, once you get fitted for good shoes, you can just buy them online next time. I paid $100 for my first pair, but I bought the second (identical) pair online for $50.

anotapotamus · April 2011

hav2run:

I have very recently discovered that alcohol sabotages a good run. If I have one stinking glass of wine, my legs feel heavy and crampy. Is this normal? I am shunning all alcohol on running days, but I was shocked by my discovery. One glass, really? Wine will do that to me. I can not drink wine on the night before a run at all. I can have a beer or two (gotta get those carbs!) but I alternate every alcoholic drink with a huge glass of water. Figure out what works for you - you just figured out wine doesn't. Oh - and crampy legs are usually a good sign you're dehydrated.

I sweat when I have a good run. It gets in my eyes. How do I combat that? Sweat bands, maybe? I know there is a simple answer. I wear a baseball cap. Or a bandana. Or a cute headband I have that sits lower on my forehead.

I need a shoe fitter. Where do I go on a budget? I don't want to get killed on the price alone. I have flat feet, overpronate, and need someone who knows what I need. Insert everything jersey said about Ronckers here and add a few more nice comments. I spent about $100 on getting properly fit for my first pair - now that I know what I wear, I catch sales and can usually get my same exact shoes for $50/pair. If you're going to run, don't skimp on shoes. Cheap doesn't work for the majority of people and will get you hurt. Any pair of shoes is a waste of money if you're injured and can't wear them.

What do you eat before or after a good run? Need advice and any resources you use regularly. I feel like I am slumping, and need to pick up the energy level. My goal is a race this summer. I can do it, but feel my progress is lacking at the moment. Ditto jersey. Depends on how far you're going. For a morning run, I have a powerbar about an hour before I run - anything over 6 miles and I need to add a banana to the routine or have some gatorade on route. For an lunch run, I eat a good breakfast (eggs & a protein) and if that doesn't seem like enough, I add a piece of fruit mid-morning. For an evening run - a light lunch with a decent snack about 3:30-4:30ish. I will say I can NOT eat any dairy within 2 hours of a run - makes me feel sick.

Check out coolrunning.com - you'll find some really good articles about the things you need to know. Ronckers also has some good articles on his website.

hav2run · April 2011

Thanks ladies! I am in such a bad slump that I am just trying to figure it out. I will definitely use your suggestions. Shoes-I was hoping someone would suggest someone other than Running Spot. I already got screwed on price, by about $40 there, and I did not love those shoes. I know I need someone to advise me, so I hope it works better this time. I knew I was dehydrated, as I had a violent stomach bug that I have not completely recovered from, and the dehydration from it was rather severe. I need to keep pushing water. I was shocked that the glass of wine on the patio messed me up that badly. Glad I am not alone in that. I thought I was crazy for a second. I just need to keep on trying, and eventually I will have a good run, and a nice runner's buzz afterward. I miss that. Thanks to you all for the kind replies!

KristenBtobe · April 2011

You could try Fleet Feet if you don't like Roenkers.

anotapotamus · April 2011

I've heard good things about Fleet Feet also. I just haven't tried them.

Not to suggest something questionably 'nice', because I would never do that. LOL

But - you could go to Ronckers and have them fit you - do the same at Fleet Feet and talk to them about WHY the shoes they're suggesting are what they think is right for you. And then take the information with you to shop around for a better price elsewhere. There's no obligation to buy just for being fit.

Now that I know what to look for (solid gray instep & heel on a shoe = a stability shoe, being what I need), I can shop for them online or anywhere. I'm also lucky in that I have a wider foot and a larger size for a woman, so when Ronckers does their $50/pr sales - I can walk in and find a pair of two of my shoe left and scoop them up. (It's REALLY HARD to find wide width running shoes outside of a running store.) This year I bought two pair to get me through the year and didn't even bother to try them on before I purchased b/c I know what brand/style works for me.

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