Walks: Saturday to Wednesday, Jan. 14 to 18

Who's Goofy now, eh?

First, short and sweet:

Saturday at 8 am, 10K if weather permits (a few of us are walking Sunday instead; contact me if you want to join us)

Monday and Wednesday at 7 pm, 8K if we can.

Next, the report from Disney via Libby:

The Disney "gals" accomplished the mission arriving home with three well earned medals. Our goal was to have fun and that we did,! The weather was cooperative although the finish of the marathon was a very warm 27 C.  Early am starts of 5:30 each day with a bus ride and long 20+ minute walk to corrals meant a 3 am wake-up two mornings in a row! 

The course of the half was wickedly crowded  with very few break away's particularly in the theme parks, making for lots of jostling- not a race anyone could expect a good time.- so we just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery and characters , bands and amazing support along the route.  We stopped for character photos along the way! The full was slightly less crowded ( a mere 18000 vs. 23000) but required careful maneuvering through 5 theme parks. Ruth stayed with us for the full (too crowded to find her for the half until the end) and she was a fabulous third hand to prevent people cutting in front as we walked in tight areas. Arlene and I are suffering from broken blisters today but amazingly well otherwise. The slower pace certainly helps in recovery!

Ruth passes along this important info for those who use Advil during long walks:

The information we got prior to the Goofy contained the following information, which I have to say was quite a shock to us (though one of Libby’s friends said that she was already aware of the warning).

“Recent medical research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc. may be harmful to runners’ kidney function if taken within 24 hours of running.  Only acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) has been shown to be safe.

NSAIDs are thought to increase the possibility of hyponatremia while running long distances by decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and interfering with a hormone that helps the body retain salt.  Therefore, it is recommended that on race day (specifically, beginning midnight before you run) you DO NOT use anything but acetaminophen if needed until 6 hours after you have finished the race, are able to drink without any nausea or vomiting, have urinated once, and feel physically and mentally back to normal.  Then, an NSAID would be beneficial in preventing post-event muscle soreness.

Vitamin supplements (Vitamin A, C, and E) can alter urine color, so be wary of hydration status if taking these supplements.

Caffeine and other amphetamine-like compounds containing pseudophedrine, such as Sudafed and most sinus and cold preparations, taken within 24-hours of race time can also raise core temperature, increase blood pressure and heart rate, and should be drastically limited during this time.”

I did a bit of Googling, and there does indeed seem to be research showing that NSAIDs prior to a race are harmful.  So, particularly on hot days and for long walks/races it might be best to avoid NSAIDs (and of course to be sure to replace electrolytes using gels, Sharkies, and/or Gatorade or other drink containing electrolytes).

Our race interest lists are filling up! The Detroit Half has quite a crowd of Shore Things. The Alfie Shrub 8K this year is having its 10th Anniversary, June 3rd. Early bird rates in effect till Feb. 15th. And I'm thinking that we might hold our Shore Things 10K on the Island this year. What say you?

Good luck to Margy and Rainer in the Bermuda Half on Saturday! Bring some of that weather home.