A Runner's Journey, out & back: End of Vegetarian January, back on my feet, and dog

My Annual Food Challenge

Is over. A few years back I decided to eat strictly vegetarian for 30 days, and January seemed like a good time to do it: No major holidays, family get-togethers or American style food fests. The next year I took on the challenge again, and since then (that was 4 years ago) I just do it every January. "Why?" is what most people ask me, especially since I'm not a "real vegetarian".

Its a nice recharge, not a "cleansing diet" (which we all know are bullshit) but just a way to mix it up, introduce foods and meals you might not consider otherwise, and explore your options outside the American staples. Its actually not that hard to go out to eat as long as you avoid American chain restaurants, which somehow manage to sneak meat into anything and everything.

I think most people who are vegetarian or vegan do it (at least partially) for the notoriety and title, the privilege of saying "I'm healthier than you", "I love animals more than you", or even just to sound tough enough that they can do it (all kind of "holier than thou" factors). On the other hand, if you eat a healthy diet of mostly vegetables and carbs, but don't have a problem eating a steak, burger, or chicken sandwich then you can't call yourself vegetarian. This is more my style. I like eating healthy, I like vegetables, I eat mostly carbs while training, but I also really like a good medium-rare steak, burger, chicken sandwich, hot dog off the grill, or fish tacos. Why deny yourself what makes you happy?

Honestly, I'm getting sick of all these ultra runners trying to push their "alternative diets" on the rest of us. It all seemed to start with Scott Jurek's "Eat & Run" book. Since then I've heard about the benefits of going on diets that are Vegetarian, Vegan, Fruitarian, Gluten Free, Paleo..the list goes on!!

Now Running: Me

Went out Monday for an easy 3 miles, seemed to feel okay so continued the trend Tuesday with 6 miles. Back strain seems to be resolved. Wednesday I headed to the track for an easy track workout. The workout was a 400 meter repeat, with 200 meter rest, an 800 w/ 400 rest, and then 3 x 1200 each with a 400 meter rest. Though this was meant to be done at 10k pace (roughly 6 minute miles), I am supposed to be taking it easy so I just did them a little below Marathon Pace.

Thursday was another 7 miles easy. Back is feeling fine, though ankles and feet aren't quiet perfect. Glad Friday is my rest day. I have been running in the Hoka's a lot lately, but I still think its important to mix up your shoes. Monday I ran in my Saucony Mirage shoes, the ones I wore running Chicago. I have determined that I don't really like them. After getting used to the cushy Hoka's, my feet felt tired, ankles a bit sore, calves were sore, soles of my feet even felt like they had gotten a pounding. Saturday I will do a 12 mile easy run with my running club, most certainly run in the Hoka's.

Minimal = Marketing. Looks cool at least!

I have come to a few determinations as a result of running with traditional running shoes (and heal striking) in the past, as well as using more "minimal" type shoes and running in the super cushy Hoka One One's (both meant to be run with a mid or fore foot strike):

Minimalist is mostly hype and I wouldn't recommend minimal or barefoot running to anyone. That being said, there is something to be learned by experimenting with some barefoot or minimal techniques to improve your form and efficiency, and getting away from a huge built up heal.
If you are happy with your race times and progression, do not pronate severely, and have shoes you enjoy running in, don't mess with your form - if it ain't broke don't fix it.
If you do pronate severely and heal strike (like I used to), its worth your time and a season or so of running to explore your options. I am a believer that heal striking is inefficient so changing your form to a mid foot strike should (in theory) have far better energy returns over the long haul.
If you wish to go from being a heal striker to a mid or forefoot runner (a novel approach), be prepared for a very long transition (guessing 5-6 months), and some possible injuries along the way. You will need to fix a lot of other issues along the way with your form, and your lower calves will take a lot of time to get used to the added workload.

Dog

Abbey, also known as "the puppy" or "cutie"

In other news, my fiance and I recently got a dog. She is not a running companion, more of "recovery" companion, i.e. good for relaxing on the couch post run. Name is Abbey, about 13 pounds, 2 years old, Dachshund mix, got her from the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. She is just too dang cute not to share! Oh, and a Washington Redskins fan to boot!