Blog Update from Running Ambassador Chris Stuchko
Thanks for clicking on the link to read this article, but I have a weird request of you after reading this first sentence.
Open a new tab on your browser.
In this new tab, go to Google, and search “diet for running a half marathon.” You will see that about 997,000 results are available.
Now, open another tab on your browser.
In this new tab, go to Google, and search “gear for running a half marathon.” You will see that about 1,200,000 results are available.
If you take the time to read through all of those results and finally decide the best diet and gear to prepare and run in the St. Luke’s Half Marathon it just may be in time for the event’s 50th anniversary in 2028.
There are few topics — school, religion, politics, and sports — that everyone has an opinion about and would be willing to share their thoughts to anyone who will listen. In addition to those previously listed, ask a runner about diet and gear, and be ready for a long conversation about what gels they use at mile eight of their half marathon (Clif Shot Energy Gel Vanilla Flavor) and their six different pairs of shoes they have for six different running conditions (I wish I had that many shoes!).
The advice about gear and diet that you get is similar to the tales everyone wants to give you when they find out you are going to have your first child. Things are never as bad as they make it out to be and sometimes it is really hard to see when it is as good as they say it will be. Of course, lack of sleep plays into some of those thoughts, but sleeping the night before a big race is another blog post.
As I referenced in my introductory blog post, I really enjoy listening to podcasts whether on the run or working around my house. One of my weekly must-listen shows is the Rich Roll Podcast. He is a 51-year-old endurance athlete, who has completed some of the most physically demanding races and feats, all while transforming his body, eating a plant-based diet and battling through alcohol addiction. He has a very simple outlook on gear that I think is valuable for all runners.
In a Facebook post on June 4, 2017, Roll said, “Don’t let the gear get in the way. And never ever let your lack of toys become a reason to sit on the sidelines and prevent you from just getting out there and DOING.”
While it may be cool to have the newest GPS watch, tightest compression pants, or the most fluorescent sweat-wicking headband, those things do not make someone a runner.
There is no magic diet that makes you a better runner; no superfood found deep in the rainforest that cuts minutes off your half marathon time. If there was, who among us as runners, would not be implementing it?
You have to put in the miles, follow your training plan, and learn by doing. You need to find the foods and the balance that makes your body function the best. It is one of the reason why I love running so much — it’s about you and your path to self-discovery about what makes you function as an athlete to face the challenges of race day.
Remember, the volunteers inside J. Birney Crum Stadium won’t put a finisher’s medal around your neck at the end of the race because you have the coolest socks and ate the most balanced diet. It is because you put in the miles and finished the journey.
Good luck and keep getting out there!