the 619 runner

I have an ANNOUNCEMENT! Zone Perfect bars are the most tastiest nutrition bars I've ever ate... I'm not trying to be a commercial here but it's true. I've been buying the strawberry yogurt bars for some time now. And I also just purchased the Cinnamon Roll flavored. I'm just amazed how tasty these bars are. Plus they are full of healthy vitamins. Another great thing is that if your not satisfied about the taste you can get your money back. They have this "Great Taste Guarantee." Make sure to pick up a box and you'll agree that these are the best tasting bars out there.

I have a problem with rocks jumping into my shoe after a trail run. Yesterday, I went out for a run at a trail run course in Chula Vista and a bunch of rocks ended up in both shoes. Although, the terrain isn't that bad I still have issues kicking up rocks. After the run I notice blisters usually on my right foot, which is extremely annoying. Now I'm in need of a solution. I've done a good search and found a product that prevents this from happening. It's called trail gaiters. They cover the top portion of the shoe. I'm not too fond about the style aspect of it but it seems functional.

I've debating whether I should get some new sunglasses exclusively for running and possibly cycling. Lately I've been using my Spy polarized sunglasses that I've had for the longest time. They've done the job well but they aren't the lightest for active sports. I think it's time to have a devoted pair of sunglasses for running and cycling.

Last month I was able to try a few Nike and Under Armour sunglasses at Road Runner Sports. The Nike sunglasses definitely stood out. They were extremely light and felt as though I wasn't wearing sunglasses as all. They have a great nose pad that provides great grip so the sunglasses won't fall off. But I've been also looking at Oakley's as well. The half jackets and the Flak jackets look very sporty. I hope to try them on this weekend and possibly make a decision.

Running in the heat is a challenge. I went out for a run on Labor Day to challenge myself against the heat. I put on my sunscreen and had my Nathan's Quick Draw Water bottle ready. I felt the heat on my face and skin. Although the heat wasn't desert heat it was definitely hotter than my usual runs. At that time I was coming off my 6 mile run a few days ago. My legs were a little sore from the distance. The course I ran this time had a lot of inclines which made it a little difficult. And when you pair the heat and inclines it made things difficult. I was a bit disappointed by my run. I wanted to run 3 miles but I ended up running 2.62 miles (Garmin).

For starters, I should've worn my sunglasses and my running hat. I totally forgot to bring these items with me when I left the house. I started a little fast in the beginning. I should've slowed down and not overworked myself.

I found 6 tips to run through the heat.

Switch gears and adapt. It takes about two weeks for your body to adapt to the heat and cool itself more efficiently. Slow your pace and reduce your intensity and get the run in rather than pushing through it. Doing so will allow you to more efficiently acclimate and continue to run. Your body will gradually become better at cooling itself in the warmer weather allowing you to continue to run at your normal pace.

Work with the heat. Run by your effort level rather than your typical pace until you acclimate. It is all about managing your body core temperature and not allowing it to rise too much, risking overheating and really slowing down. Like a car, if the temperature rises too high you will overheat.

Accessorize. Wear light colored, loose fitting wicking running gear. Technical apparel will allow moisture to pass through them to be evaporated, keeping your cooler. Wear sunglasses that filter UVA and UVB rays, waterproof sunscreen, and a hat or visor to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.

Timing is everything. Run at cooler times of the day in the morning or in the evening. If you run in the morning, you'll avoid the heat, but may encounter a higher humidity. The air quality is also better in the morning, since ozone levels increase soon after dawn, peak at midday, and then again in the early evening. Times to avoid running are noon till 3pm.

Extreme measures. If there is a heat alert or poor air quality day, take your workout indoors. You won't get any super-human reward for pushing in dangerous heat and it most likely will take your body longer to recover from the workout. Train smart.

Hydrate during your workouts. For workouts shorter than 45 minutes, water works just fine. For longer runs, research suggests consuming about a cup of sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes to fuel your muscles and aid in maintaining electrolyte levels.

Lately, I've been trying out a variety of different nutrition and protein bars to fuel my workout and my increased appetite. So I came across the Snicker Marathon bars at this years AFC expo. They have an Energy, Nutrition and Protein bar. I was impressed by the test and purchased a 6 pack box of Snickers Marathon Chocolate Nut Burst at Wal-Mart. It has 21 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber.

Overall, the taste was so-so. It tasted like a candy bar with its chocolate flavor... It's very sweet being a protein bar. When taking a bite it has a slight crunch from the peanuts, which I didn't like too much. The downside about this bar was the use of high fructose corn syrup, which is bad. I wouldn't purchase this bar in a regular basis. One would definitely get tired of the taste.

Yesterday I was able to complete my first 6 mile run of the year at Chula Vista's J Street Marina Park. I had my water bottle with my Powerbar Refuel drink mix and my Clif Bar Shot Blocks. Within 25 minutes of my run I decided to consume the Shot Blocks. I opened the package and ate 2 blocks. Minutes after I felt I had more energy to extend my run. After I completed my first lap (3 mile). I decided to go for
I was able to complete my 6 mile run in 63 minutes... Not bad?

I accomplished an important goal in my quest to run a 1/2 half marathon! 6 miles is only half way...