Boy am I glad...

... that I went running this morning! It is June 28th, and looks like February. Currently, I can hear thunder outside, and the rain is coming down. I'm glad we got a nice four miles in this morning- when it was a bit windy but not cold at all- instead of doing an evening run in the rain.

Weekly Summary

This week I was off to a rought start, but I made up for it in the end. John and I ran at Lake Natoma yesterday morning for five miles, and it was moderately hilly. This morning we ran ten and a half with the Fleet Feet group. My left knee was killing me at about seven and a half, so we walked more than I would have liked, but we still did a lot of good running this weekend.

Miles this week: 22
Miles in 2011: 408

Night running

In case you've been hiding under a rock, it has been hot here. On Sunday, my seven miles starting at 8AM left me with a bit of heat exhaustion that lasted into Monday. There was no usual Monday run for me this week, which really bummed me out. Tuesday I did weights with John, which was good, but still isn't running. Then yesterday, we couldn't manage to get up to run because it had been so hot at night that we didn't sleep well.

I was pretty sad that I had gone a full three days without running, after I'd been doing so well. So after watching Lost, at 9PM, we went running in our neighborhood. It was dark, there was a nice Delta Breeze, and we did an easy 3.5 miles. I felt like it wasn't enough, but at least we did something.

It was actually pretty nice to run at night. I think I can do it more often if morning doesn't work- at least during summer when after work isn't an option.

Sunscreen woes

Several factors convinced me recently that I should consider switching sunscreens. I have used Neutrogena Ultra Sheer for years- since it was introduced- and have loved it. It doesn't sweat off, powders instead of runs when one sweats, and doesn't get in my eyes. Plus, it works well to prevent sunburn.

The Factors
Environmental Working Group has published reports for at least a few years on the effectiveness (in terms of sunburn and cancer prevention) and safety (in terms of personal health) of sunscreens. My chosen product does not fare well. The report discusses how many sunscreens contain ingredients that may be hormone interrupters, may promote cancer development from sun exposure, and other harms I'm not quite certain I understand. Bottom line, the report got me to reconsider my product loyalty.

In tandem with my re-acquaintence with the EWG report, the Food and Drug Administration announced changes last week to how sunscreens will be labeled. This covers the EWG's findings that many sunscreens prevent sunburn (caused by UVB) but not skin cancer (caused by both UVA and UVB). New labeling will require sunscreens to be labeled "Broad Spectrum" if they cover both UVA and UVB, and have an SPF over  15.

The New Purchase
I took the EWG's handy reference card with me to my favorite retailer to help me choose a new product. The card outlines what ingredients are best (titanium and zinc oxide) and which are worst, plus what other factors to consider. I found a new Neutrogena product that met all of the requirements. Boy, was I excited!

The Result
I dutifully applied my sunscreen as usual before my Sunday long run. It was hot out- maybe 75 degrees and sunny at 8AM. After about five to ten minutes, the sunscreen seemed to lift from my skin, sitting in droplets on my arms, legs and face. This made me sweat more than I normally would have early in my run. It was just dripping off. People I was running with made it the running joke of the morning. To make matters worse, I felt hotter than normal for hours after my run, even feeling like I got too much sun expose (headache, etc.). Whether or not that was related to lack of protection from the sunscreen, I don't know.

I'm bummed that I will be going back to my tried and true sunscreen, which may or may not prevent skin cancer and may or may not be poisoning me. I really wanted my new, natural product to work. Man, am I disappointed.

Weekly Summary

I ran five times this week. Three morning runs before work (2.5 to 3 miles), and a morning run on Saturday (3 miles). We tested a few variations on the usual out and back by our house, so that was nice. I wanted to do 10 this morning with the Fleet Feet group, but a combination of factors conspired and I ran seven (I'll explain later).

Total Miles this Week: 18
Miles in 2011: 386

Goal for next week: run on a trail somewhere.

Trail running

As I mentioned on Sunday, John and I signed up for a trail run at the end of next month. It was partly due to someone mentioning it at our Sunday group run, and partly because we both needed a challenge to motivate us before fall race season. Over the past few days, we've both become very excited about it.

I pulled out the special trail issue of Runner's World from a few months ago, and we've started talking about going up to Folsom and trying a few runs before the race. John realized we needed new shoes (in addition to the new shoes we just got), because the hills can require traction apparently. Always the one to buy new gear, I've been shopping online.

I'm excited about this new challenge, but also scared- it won't be on the road. The most off-road I get is the gravel portion of the Parkway on Sundays. We'll see how it goes.

Weekly summary and some news!

I did a great job this week! Yay me! I did the milage I wanted to, and finished with a strong 9 miles this morning.

Weekly total this week:  20

Miles in 2011: 368

In other news, both John and I got new shoes this weekend. I got Asics 2160, which are much lighter than the redesigned Mizuno Wave Alchemy redesgin that I have been running on for the past 400 miles or so. John got some slick New Balance shoes- very light. 

Also, we signed up for the Blood, Sweat and Beers Trail run! On July 31st, we will attempt a hilly, 5.7 mile trail run in Auburn!