1. Beginning runner problem
2. What is fartlek?
Dear Bartman,
I began running about 3 months ago so I can lose weight and
feel better about myself. My problem is
that my boyfriend makes fun of me and says I look silly in running shorts and I
should quit. What should I do?
Rosie in Houston
Dear Rosie,
Congratulations on your running! My advice is to keep on
running, improving your health, and losing weight. While you’re at it, consider losing your
current boyfriend and replace him with a good running group with positive,
upbeat, supportive people.
Dear Bartman,
I have been running about a year. I recently found a nice running group I meet
with twice a week. This weekend someone
mentioned “fartlek”. What is this all
about?
Tony in Tulsa
Dear Tony,
There are two definitions of fartlek, one traditional and
the other, not so traditional.
The traditional definition is that fartlek (translation:
speed play) is basically variable pace running, the intensity of which is based
on how the runner feels that particular day.
The famous Swedish coach Goesta Holmer is the founder of this manner of
training and it was perfected in the forest of Sweden in the late 1930’s and
early ‘40’s and produced several renowned champions of that era. Fartlek is still considered a very effective
method of conditioning.
The not-so-traditional definition is that fartlek (pronounced: fart-leak) was founded by an anonymous British mountain climber known for consuming large portions of sauerkraut, hard boiled eggs and huge quantities of room temperature Guinness ale, who abruptly took up cross country running when his climbing companions resorted to threats of bodily harm after repeated voluminous emissions of greenhouses gasses while confined to a small tent in a remote location of the Himalayas.
I would have to know more about your running group before I
could determine which one they were referring too. Better yet, I will leave that up to you.
Dear all-wise & all-knowing Bartman,
ReplyDeleteI have heard that chocolate milk is good for you after running or walking. It provides protein, carbs and of course and most importantly, chocolate! Can you provide some wisdom on this?
The inquisitive mind of...
Lynn
Dear Lynn,
ReplyDeleteGreat question, I consider chocolate milk a great stand-by recovery drink. Ensure is another back up that we have used. Although there are products currently available that supply a greater spectrum of nutritional ingredients that aid recovery, chocolate milk is my choice when my preferred option, Hammer Nutrition Recoverite*, is not available. Be aware that the jury is still out on what the ultimate recovery drink should consist of, when we must take into account the type of activity, intensity, duration of the event we are recovering from and age, which all influence this equation. The most important aspect of a recovery drink is that it is consumed within the 120 minute (some say 90 minute) window of opportunity after completion of activity to best impact lean muscle mass growth and glycogen restoration. So, until the scientists arrive at a consensus, I would say we enjoy the chocolate milk.
*http://www.hammernutrition.com/products/recoverite.rr.html?navcat=recovery
For a slightly better understanding of some the variables involved with recovery nutrition, I am providing a link to an article by Dr. William Misner.
http://www.hammernutrition.com/knowledge/why-we-use-a-3-1-ratio-in-recoverite.2724.html
With regards to recovery drinks in general, and for the sake of full disclosure, Stu a close friend of mine who can run circles around me even while going uphill, swears by Black Raven IPA by Olde Hickory Brewery as the best recovery drink found. When questioned about his choice he, without hesitation, quotes Benjamin Franklin, “Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”. With scriptural evidence lacking and the research backing this statement still pending (although there appears to be no shortage of test subjects) we will have to take Ben and Stu’s word for it and consider it for the present as the ‘happy recovery’ strategy.
Bartman
I'm with Ben and Stu! ...and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, Johnny B Baker subscribes to this recovery beverage with any activity!!
ReplyDeleteDear all wise & all knowing Bartman,
ReplyDeleteWhat is the best Power bar or meal bar on the market?
Sometimes I am looking for something to pack for a quick breakfast or snack. I will be traveling to Cambodia and would like to carry something on the plane so that I won't perish from lack of nutrition on that long trip.
Patiently waiting,
Your favorite sister in-law!
Hello Lynn,
DeleteWhen it comes to energy bars, it's kinda like the lady that used to kiss the cow; it's all a matter of taste! One of our favorites is Cliff Bars, that come in a variety of flavors. Another favorite is Mariani Sesame Honey Bar. Both of these provide high energy and have never upset our stomachs.
Enjoy the good eats!
Bartman
PS..... I want your recipe for those yummy treats you keep in the fridge!
ReplyDeleteHello Lynn,
DeleteStayed tuned for an upcoming post regarding "those yummy treats" aka Bart-bars, in the very near future. Thanks for asking.
Bartman