Thursday, March 19, 2015

Catching up...


I'm off work this week, and I'm trying to get caught up on household things. Since I'm the queen of procrastination, I haven't gotten much done, but yesterday I decided to plow through the pile of Runners' World and Running Times that have accumulated on my nightstand. I don't know about you, but I just don't read magazines anymore. I get a free subscription to Runners' World with my Chicago Area Runners' Association membership, and I subscribed to Running Times because my niece was selling magazine subscriptions for her school. Needless to say, they come in the mail, they look interesting, and I set them aside to be read later. With the internet, I look up what I need to know and read it that way. Plus, after all these years of reading Runners' World, I'm starting to feel a sense of deja vu. How many articles can you read on picking the right shoe? Injury proofing your body? Power foods? And don't get me started on all those subscription cards that fall out of every issue. I already subscribe, people! I like to read in bed and those cards just keep falling out. Sometimes, I wake up with print on my face because I fell asleep on one of them.

I actually like the more technical articles in Running Times. But the editors have cut publication of that magazine to 6 issues per year.

Anyways, I read all the issues I had, back to November, and found some articles that interested me. Today I'm linking up with Amanda at Running with Spoons for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, and I figured I'd share some of what I read.

November 2014 had an article on muscle cramping. Where was this when I needed it in October? Remember that fabulous finish at the Chicago Marathon? Where I reached up to grab a snack and my legs froze up? I nearly fell to the ground but someone caught me, put me in a wheelchair, and whisked me off to the medical tent, where they offered me bananas. That was weird. I was well hydrated with my Tailwind Nutrition and to this day, I have no idea what happened. According to this article, it most likely was muscle fatigue. The author makes a good point when he says that if dehydration alone could cause a muscle cramp, then people could just cramp up in saunas, hot tubs, or even on hot days. I had this image of people seizing up at a Cubs game in the middle of July. At least, they can't blame the heat if that happens. Maybe just the Cubs...but I digress...So what works for muscle cramps? Pickle juice (yep, Mish, you were right!) and stretching, which is what I did to get myself out of that medical tent. What doesn't? Bananas, mustard, and quinine. I'm allergic to bananas, so I can feel good about turning down the bananas in the medical tent.



December 2014 had an article titled The Writer Runner, about Jamie Quatro, a runner, who writes stories, and now a book. She recently published a short story collection titled I Want to Show You More, which has been a critical sensation. Reviews by readers on amazon.com have been a little less generous. The article in Runners' World made the book sound like it was all about running but the amazon.com review describes it as "dark, bizarre, and sexual". Hmmm. Quatro seems so normal, and the best quote from this article is: "Keep a clean life so you can be messy on the page. I believe in that motto." Not so sure this book is one for the book club.

Naturally, the January/February 2015 issue had an article on resolutions. This article was interesting to me because it was more about motivation and goal setting than actual resolution making. I'm not a believer in resolutions, since it can be a recipe for failure, but setting goals is a whole different thing. I'm all about goals. I've actually written quite a bit about that on the blog, and at the end of every month, I check in with my goals for the year. There was also an article on Liz Ferro, founder of Girls with Sole, which is an organization to bring running to at risk girls. The goal of her organization is to build self esteem and fitness. Ferro, who was a former foster child, is a runner. She's written a book about her life story as well. Maybe her story will be one for the book club?

David Willey, editor in chief, writes in the March 2015 issue about the National Runners' Health Study, which is set to shut down this year due to lack of funding. This study of over 113,000 runners, has been ongoing for 19 years, has generated a lot of data, all of it showing the health benefits of running, and lots of scientific papers. There's a National Nurses Study too, looking at the lifestyle and health habits of nurses. I wonder what other groups are being studied? I had no idea there was a study of runners, and wouldn't it be a shame if it stopped? You can write to the Secretary of Energy, Dr Ernest Moniz (secretary@hq.doe.gov) to show your support for continuation of this important study.

I found 2 articles that inspired me in the April 2015 issue. One was a picture of an inspirational runner, Toni Carey, co-founder of Black Girls Run in Atlanta. Besides all the great information about her on this page, I was distracted by the cute running top that she was wearing, a Brooks Run Happy shirt. Could I pull this one off? I guess we'll see since I ordered it! On sale! Score! Just what I need. More running clothes!

The other article that inspired me was about Kathy Martin, age 63, who is breaking all kinds of Master's records for running. She recently ran a 3:10:27 marathon, setting an American record for the 60-64 age group. If that isn't inspiring to this later bloomer, I don't know what is.

And I've finished them! All right, now I'm all caught up! Maybe now I should clean out my closet and dresser....

What have you been reading lately? Do you still read magazines? What's got you Thinking Out Loud? Be sure to head over to Running with Spoons to see what everyone is thinking about.





71 comments :

  1. Okay, now I am intrigued by all these articles. The funny thing is, I also subscribe to these magazines but haven't even opened them in months. I guess it's time to go through my back issues. Thanks for the nudge!

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    1. There's always one page folded over in every issue...makes me go back and reread...

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  2. I don't know how long I've been subscribing to Runner's World, but it's been several years (7 or 8?). I also notice the topics repeating, at least there's different featured writers and I figure it's still valuable info (that needs repeating). I think they need to do away with the constant shoe reviews, though. That could be a yearly thing, or maybe feature one shoe a month and have a link to their website for all the "others." These mags pile up on my night stand, also. I page through them immediately upon as they arrive, then they join me in bed for more in depth reading (while I listen to Jimmy Fallen) before konking out each evening.

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    1. In those 4 issues, there were shoe reviews...trail shoes, crossover shoes, non-running shoes...yikes!

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  3. I am with you on Runners World. Been there, done that. (Though I did buy March 2014 because I was in it! In the "ask the coach" column.) I don't subscribe anymore because I don't read magazines anymore either. They just pile up. Even Yoga Journal, the only magazine I get goes mostly unread.

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    1. I would totally buy it if I were in it! Actually I'd buy a lot of copies to give to my family!

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  4. It's funny, I started reading "Runner's World and enjoyed the accessible articles. I read it cover to cover. As a fairly new runner, a "late bloomer," as you are, Wendy, I absorb it all even though some is over my head. I enjoy the articles about people, the food columns are always good, (I have the "Runner's World Cookbook" and use it often. I'm not into stuff so the articles about gear, including shoes, I skim. I get my shoes at a local running store and that's all I need. I don't buy running shoes over the internet.
    My husband sometimes bring "Running Times" home from school. I picked up immediately that it is far more technical and geared toward the more experienced running. Still, I read it all, even what I don't fully understand. I figure by osmosis some of it will penetrate, and if I come across something similar again it will be familiar and hopefully get through this old head.

    By the way, "Runner's World" is the only magazine to which I subscribe, so it's not hard to keep up with it. That said, when my subscription runs out next year, I'll let it go.

    Enjoy your week off. I'm off today, personal day, to get read for the Ciampanelli St. Joseph's Day Feast tonight. Come on over if you desire a carb load---pasta, of course---and zeppole for dessert. It's only a 1,000 trek. ;)

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    1. Yum! Sounds delish. I much prefer Italian food to anything else!

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  5. Re: dehydration and cramping, you'd also see a lot of people cramping up after a long night of drinking if that were the case! I have a big stack of running and yoga magazines to read through, too. They're currently in my desk--setting them aside for when I need a little writing inspiration.

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    1. True story! Maybe pickle juice would be a good hangover cure?

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  6. I used to be a magazine junkie but not as much anymore. I feel like they have the same stuff over and over. I do like a few though.

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  7. I've quit reading RW (I runfessed to this not long ago). I tried to flip through RW a few weeks ago and now I find it's hard to distinguish the articles from the ads! When did that happen? Did you notice?

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    1. I thought about you when I wrote this post! And since they're publishing less frequently, we must not be the only ones. Yes, the ads! Makes me crazy!

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  8. I'm with you about magazines. Every magazine seems to just constantly recycle material. I usually buy one when I'm travelling because it's light reading material and since I don't read them often then its a little more fun. But I won't subscribe to monthly magazines.

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    1. I would prefer to read them on my iPad--I read all my books on there now. It's so handy!

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  9. I'm not a big magazine reader, but I've somehow gotten free subscriptions to Fitness, Women's Health, and Shape. I pay for a Runners' World Subscription and love that magazine, but I feel obligated to read the others even though I'm not all that interested and it takes away from my book reading time. haha. I should just give them to a friend or something but I feel guilty not reading them!

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    1. Those women's fitness magazines are not for me! They make me feel old!

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  10. I used to subscribe to Runner's World, but now I can always find what I need online. It does seem like the same topics have been recycled, but every now and then I'll find an interesting piece.

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  11. I agree with the shoe reviews. Most people should just go to a good running store and be fitted with shoes that work for them, regardless of a Runner's World review. That being said, my husband is learning alot about running from the mags being kept in the bathroom, and he's not even a runner! I also use them sometimes to make motivational collages with photos I cut from them. I'm a nerd I know.

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  12. I love reading my Runners World as soon as it comes in. I don't usually save them but that would prob be a great idea. I get runners times too but yes a little technical and prob above my ability. Love that shirt too!

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  13. I never read magazines anymore either. No time! And I have had good success with mustard and pickle juice to stop muscle cramps immediately! It all depends on what causes the cramping. After my last big race I was severely salt depleted and was in agony for almost 7 hours. It took that long to get my electrolytes straightend out and NOTHING helped. ARRGGGGGH....

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    1. I had that after my first marathon. If I moved my legs the wrong way ( and who knew which way was right?) I get debilitating spasms that I couldn't stop. I'm sure I was pretty dehydrated but nothing would turn it around.

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  14. I don't subscribe to any magazines anymore because I never found myself reading them. That top is so cute! And I don't know if I could do pickle juice for cramping- I don't even like pickles! I guess I'll have to stick with stretching.The one time I got a really bad cramp at the end of the 5k I ate a banana and it didn't help..lesson learned!

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    1. I'm going to try pickle juice...I'll try almost anything once...

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  15. Wendy, I do still read my Runner's World magazines; it's really the only one that I do read, other than the ones that I skim for new recipes - ha! I'm glad you're caught up now! I do save my RW magazines, just in case there's something I'm looking for and I can go back and find an article/tidbit about it. I like the segments they do on injury prevention and form. Hope you're enjoying your time off!!

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    1. That's the info I like too. And yes, I'm liking this time at home!

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  16. I used to have subscriptions to various magazines but like you I just stopped reading them...so I stopped subscribing. I find most of what I need on blogs now!

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    1. And Runner's World has such a great website...everything you need to know, right there.

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  17. I hate getting behind on my magazine subscriptions too. I always feel like I'm missing out. I think you would love Women's Running Magazine. I love that its focus is a woman runner and the women on the cover are always so inspiring!

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    1. I actually used to get Women's Running Magazine--from the very first issue. But I ran into the same problems after a few years, the same stories over and over..

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  18. I think I'm going to let my RW subs. run out. I'm with you, I like RT better. I read mags only because I get subscriptions ridiculously cheap. I think my RW was $6 for 3 years.

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    1. If I didn't get it as part of my CARA membership, I wouldn't subscribe. I let it go years ago for the same reason.

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  19. I read Women's Running and Runner's World cover to cover as soon as they come in the mail. I used to subscribe to more but let them all lapse. I remember the article about Kathy Martin...love to hear about us old ladies.

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    1. Those are stories that inspire me! Maybe we need a Masters Runner magazine?

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  20. I will pick up Runners World when it is delivered to my apartment (as part of my CARA membership) and I enjoy it when it is delivered. I liked Running Times better though!

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  21. I have a huge stack of magazines that has piled up. I plan on taking a couple of them with me to Florida when we head there for vacation next Saturday!

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    1. That was the plan...but now I'm all caught up! Which means I get to read books!

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  22. We used to subscribe to about 10 magazines- but thanks to the internet, I cancelled all of my subscriptions. We would just keep them sitting in stacks cluttering crap up LOL.

    Jen@jpabstfitness

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  23. I subscribe to Runner's World and don't open it as often as I'd like. But as soon as they come in the mail the first thing I do is shake the magazine over the trash can so all those cards come out! Hate those!

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  24. I get fitness magazines but like you, I don't really read them much. I found a deal through a magazine site where you could get 12-month subscriptions to 4 different magazines so I signed up. Now I get all of these magazines and they sit in a big pile. Never again. And oh my gosh, I HATE those little subscription cards that fall out of magazines. In this day of the internet, I seriously wonder how many people fill those out to subscribe to a magazine instead of just going online. It seems like a waste of paper to me.

    I absolutely love that Brooks top. You'll have to post about it once you get it!

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    1. I will! So funny, I folded the page over just because of the top. Do you ever do that?

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  25. I love the pickle! Made me laugh and I sure need to. <3

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    1. We sold big dill pickles at the kids swim meets. The swim team kids would fight over the pickle juice once the pickles were gone. They always sold out.

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    2. Interesting! There's something about that pickle juice...

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  26. Good grief - that should be a heart at the end! Looks abit questionable - sorry! Heather

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  27. I used to read magazines, but now I don't even read them on the plane (that used to be my "guilty pleasure" when traveling.) I've pretty much stopped getting them.

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    1. I'm so attached to my iPad that magazines just don't do it for me anymore!

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  28. ...pickle juice? o_o (I'm really glad bananas work for me. I'm sorry you're allergic! :[ Pickles don't really sit too well with me, but that comic is adorable! Yay for Anchorman!)

    I haven't read magazines in ages, but I do like leafing through the recipe ones! :]

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  29. I mostly read online on Runner's World and Women's Running, and then if I really like something I read, I will actually just print it and keep it in a binder by my bed.

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  30. Very interesting about the study on runners. I must have missed that when I was reading through my issues. Although I switched to Kindle subscriptions and I feel like I probably miss a lot of things versus the good old paper copies.

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  31. I do still read some magazines, usually when I'm taking a relaxing bath. I take them in bath with me since they are safer than an iPad! However, the subscription cards to fall in the water and that does get annoying!

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  32. Ha, I'm the exact same way. I have so many unread Runner's World magazines and you are totally right, they are all the same. They just spin all of the articles slightly different. I think you just convinced me to not renew my subscriptions :)

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    1. Oh no! And the editors will be waiting for me tomorrow morning, ready to break my kneecaps...

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  33. i've started reading many magazines on my kindle, which gets rid of those pesky cards. i do still read a few in print though and grr. yes, i agree that runners world isn't nearly as content full if you've read it for awhile but i still enjoy it as a quick read. :)

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  34. I stopped reading RW. It started to seem like the same stuff over and over. I've started reading yoga magazines :)

    Have a fabulous Friday Wendy!

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    1. I used to read Yoga Journal. I really liked it....but like anything, I just found myself letting them pile up!

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  35. It does feel like deja vu reading Runner;s World. I get if I am going on a trip and want some reading material but I no longer feel like I need to buy the newest issue right away.
    I am a little distracted by that shirt as well, I may have to check it out.

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    1. I'm kind of excited about the shirt. I'll let you know what it's like when I receive it!

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