So, OK! Let’s start today’s training update with another Gear Check. You thought that this was all serious business about training for the 2009 ING Miami Marathon? Not quite. This post however, has to do with marathon running. There are other important things to optimum performance, such as proper shoes, (covered here) clothing, gadgets, music, etc. I usually don’t “wash my laundry in public” but this stuff I gotta share. Today’s Gear Check is absolutely awesome, and if you are an inspiring runner, or even a couch surfing hipster, you might want to check today’s Gear Check on proper running attire: bamboo underwear.
But first the stats of the long run.
Today’s Stats: 09/30/09
- Temperature: F 58
- Distance: 13 miles
- Time: 1:56:29
- Pace: Target 08:58
- Pace: Actual 08:58
- Running Goal: Long run
- 15 minute post workout pulse: 102
- Pre-run Weight: 236.2
- Post-run Weight: 230.4
- Fluid Loss: 5.8 lbs
- Pre-Workout Nutrition: 56.7g carbohydrate drink
- Supplementation During Run: 4x 16g of 4:1 carbohydrate/protein formula
- Post-Workout Nutrition: 113.4g carbohydrate drink
- Calories Expanded: 2257
Here is what the run looks like on a map. Today's 13 mile run lead me along three bodies of water (Spring Lake, Grand River, and Lloyd's Bayou) and through three municipalities (Spring Lake, Fruitport, and Ferrysburg). For all of you who want to use this map for your own runnig purpose, the starting point (green) is the Spring Lake Rite Aid, but you could use any mile marker really. Below the map is the elevation for the entire run. A little hilly.
Tomorrow I will provide some information on the necessity of checking two weights. Your body's pre-long-run and post-long-run weight. There are many things you can do with this knowledge, I'll show you. That however has to wait until tomorrow, now lets turn out attention to today’s Gear Check.
Gear Check: Bambou Running Underwear
Gents, lets be frank. We usually don’t discuss the brand of underwear we buy or wear everyday over a brewski, a game of pool, or on the race track, right? Nor do we try to impress the ladies with our impeccable knowledge of Egyptian cotton! So NOT cool! Spending a few minutes in a men’s locker room, necessitates this post even further!
Most dudes think it is perfectly acceptable to don boxer shorts depicting a favorite alcoholic beverage, Santa Claus (I never got that one), The Seven Dwarfs (why)!, Tweedy Bird (OMG), Glow In The Dark Cherry Red Lips (come on, really?). With each drop of the pants, underwear faux pas everywhere! I am talking about grown men here. Not teenagers, not preschoolers. No, we are talking about adult men. This post is officially dedicated to all the men who severely lack an eye for function and fashion. Please follow my advice, if not for your sake, do it for the people who might encounter you in your not so white, tighty-whiteys on a regular basis. Such as in a men’s locker room. Thank you.
JM makes Bambou knickers right here in North America. JM decided to keep manufacturing jobs in Canada instead of moving to some place, who knows where? It is a family business and in the same hands since the beginning, thirty years ago. Their business philosophy really rocks too. Kudos to them.
JM is creating and designing a collection of body fashions for men that are stylish and offer optimum comfort and fit. Hey, they had my vote already, but now, I am a JM/Bambou apostle!
Recently I browsed their website and saw that they offered a new product. Bambou underwear! I had to do a double take, I heard of edible underwear before, I mean, who hasn’t? But Bambou underwear? Really? Not afraid to try something new, I ordered several pairs looking for the perfect occasion to try one pair in harsh running conditions. Today was the day. I gave the Bambou underwear a first performance test. A 13 mile long run in cool, windy conditions. I gotta tell you, this environmentally friendly underwear performed way beyond my expectations. It kept me dry and warm throughout the run. Most moisture was readily absorbed. Moisture management of course is extremely important in endurance running. The run is hard enough already, you don’t want to end up with chafed skin. Bambou's are made out of 92% bamboo and 8% spandex and highly breathable and absorbent for maximum comfort. An added benefit of bamboo is that it has natural, anti bacterial properties. A long distance runner’s dream.
Holistically speaking, Bambou underwear is a win-win situation. Good for the runner, good for the planet, good for local communities right hear in North America. Totally worth the $24 price tag!
Anyone remember how long my run was today?
Beste Gesundheit and “Cool” running!
(literally and figuratively)
Werner
PS. If a JM company representative is reading this post, how about one free pair of Bambou “Cool Dude” knickers for every 100 impressions on the following link: http://www.jm.ca/bambou_en.htm