6 Keys to Staying Hydrated

                                 Hydrate

                               
                                 Nutrate

                               
                        Poop

                               
                                 Run

In the summer, planning out your run the day before is just as crucial as logging those miles.  I am a Weather Channel app addict.  Extreme amazement at how often they get it wrong.  It still helps to have some sort of expectation as to the elements.  The next two weeks are gonna be scorchers here in Chicagoland.  With training runs of 16, 17 and 2 10 milers during the extreme heat I've gotta plan on getting up as early as possible to get some relief from the blistering heat and have a strategy for hydration.

If you are planning a long run, walk, or hike here are some tips to stay hydrated.

1. Hydrate before you go.  This takes some planning so you don't have to "go" when you go, but if you start hydrated it's easier to maintain hydration.

What's On My Reading List; Measure What Matters.

Variety improves the things that we do too often, but it rules the things that we don't do often enough. -Daniel Gilbert

My reading list is much like my running play list.  I like to mix it up.  A little American history,  running stories, motivation,business, self help, and some good science fiction.  As the quote above indicates, by reading a variety it improves the experience by keeping it fresh.

Here's a review on a more recent read.


Measure What Matters: OKRs: The Simple Idea that Drives 10x Growth by John Doerr
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The case studies in this book are a fun read, especially in the audio book version which has each person related to the specific case study read their portion. The variety in voices kept the book entertaining.

Where the book lacked

Build Flexibility into Your Marathon Training Plan

The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

A training schedule to prepare for a marathon is a must, but you must build in flexibility both in your plan and in your mindset.  Things are going to happen.  Life is going to happen over the course of the months you will spend training.  If your schedule is too rigid it can cause frustration or worse, cause you to give up.

My 2018 schedule is loaded with

What's on My Reading List; Born to Run

Running is a great sport to give a whirl because you literally do not need a thing to get started.  Zero start up cost.  You don't like it; no worries, you're not out a thing.

If you do like it and stick with it, unlike other sports that require a ton of expensive equipment, you can maintain a very low budget.  One way I keep costs low is by not worrying if my running

Training for the 2018 Chicago Marathon

Chances of getting drawn were slim to none I thought.  It was November 30th and the last day to enter the lottery for the 2018 Chicago Marathon.  "I'll never get drawn anyway" I remember thinking as I completed the on-line registration.

The very next day I got fired.  My very first thought as I stared at my boss as he delivered the message was "shit, now I'm not even going to live in Chicago.  I'm going to get drawn for sure now". 

Not that you need to live in the area of the event, but it does make it more convenient, much less expensive, and you don't have to burn vacation days to do it.

Fast forward, and here we are, day 1 of official training.  I like to do my training in reverse of most conventional training schedules and start with the long day.  This way instead of dreading

What's on my reading list: Shoe Dog

Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my all time favorites! I listened to it on Audible during my commutes. Sometimes I would sit in my car in my driveway and just keep listening. I found the history, geography and world culture lessons given through the lens of someone sharing their life story absolutely fascinating.
In January 2008, I saw the movie The Bucket List and crazy as it sounds, as a non-runner put "run a marathon" on my list. I've been running in a different brand ever since, but now that I have read this story I am going to the running store to pick up some Nike's immediately.
Thank you Phil Knight for your contributions and thank you for sharing your story.

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What's on My Reading List: 1776

1776 by David McCullough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Belief was a strong characteristic that enabled George Washington to stay with his task even when discouraged and feeling hopeless. His belief in 'why' they were defending the United States gave him remarkable courage and determination to stick out the war. At a time when he may have been the wealthiest person in the US it would have been understandable if at any time he would have backed down.

The book is great and written in a way that keeps your attention page after page. McCullough may be my favorite author.

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