You may be wondering, who are these clowns insightful bloggers, anyway?
The running blog is a couple of weeks old now, so let us share some personal running data. Dan Weintraub is a former Bee political columnist now writing a weekly column for the New York Times; Sam McManis is the health and fitness reporter at The Bee; Gina Kim is a general assignment reporter at The Bee.
Here's how they filled out a questionaire:
DANIEL WEINTRAUB
Shoes: Saucony ProGrid Guide 2 (trainers), Saucony Tangent (lightweight trainers and possible marathon shoe), New Balance 1001 (5K racing shoe)
Favorite run: Tempo pace run on the American River trail from the 0 mark to 2.5 mile and back.
Morning or evening run: I almost always run in the morning. I like to run on a relatively empty stomach after a full night's rest. I find that when I try to run at night I am tired from being on my feet during the day and I feel full from eating breakfast and lunch.
Best night-before-race dinner: I have not found a favorite. I usually just try to stay away from red meat and other difficult to digest foods. And I try to keep the portions small.
Pre-workout ritual: Change my clothes and go run. If I am meeting someone I will usually get there early and stretch. But I don't have much of a ritual. For races I am fanatic about getting there early because I hate to rush to the starting line. I will do a long warm-up and then stretch and do strides out in front of the start. I don't care how long I have to wait as long as I don't have to rush or worry about finding a place to park.
Recovery drink: Ensure meal replacement, Vanilla flavored shake
Fuel of choice: Vanilla-flavored Gu
Hydration of choice: EFS (Electrolyte Fuel System), fruit punch flavor
Why I run: To stay in shape, to compete, because it's fun. I like the solitude and the time to think.
Favorite part of a run: After a mile or two of running at speed, when I am fully warmed up, I usually hit my stride and my form is good and I'm pain-free. That's when running feels effortless and fun and good for you, before it starts to hurt and it begins to feel more like work.
Number of marathons: 1, CIM in 2007.
Marathon Goal Pace: 6:29
GINA KIM
Shoes: The least offensive looking pair at Marshall's or Ross. Sorry, Fleet Feet but if I'm going to pay $150 for a pair of shoes, they better pair with something other than spandex. Note: This is because I'm a neutral runner. A running store will be able to tell you if you need special shoes because you pronate or over-pronate.
Favorite run: The levy along the American River, either from Sutter's Landing or Glen Hall.
Morning or evening run: Morning. After the initial horror of getting up at that hour, it's nice to see the sun rise and the feeling of accomplishment follows you throughout your day.
Best night-before-race dinner: Something that includes most of the food groups. No beans.
Pre-workout ritual: A GU Energy (chocolate outburst). And if it's a 10-plus mile run, I take two ibuprofen before bed.
Recovery drink: Chocolate milk
Fuel of choice: Jelly Belly sports beans (lemon-lime)
Hydration of choice: Water
Why I run: Because my dog likes it. I also love exploring the American River Parkway.
Favorite part of a run: Being done.
Number of marathons: Zero. The CIM 2009 will be the first.
Marathon Goal Pace: 12 minute mile
SAM McMANIS
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