Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Roger Kobayashi shared information on Collapse Point and how you can extend your collapse point through training.

Collapse point

Collapse Point is the point at which you “hit the wall”, where your body runs out of glycogen, the primary fuel source (the high octane fuel) and switches on its secondary fuel source, free fatty acids (low octane fuel). It feels like somebody suddenly pulled the drain plug on your energy tank.

How do you determine your collapse point? Take your total mileage for the 60 days prior to the marathon and divide by 20. If you ran an average of 9 miles per day: 9 x 60 = 540, divided by 20 = 27. By that simple formula, your collapse point would be three-fourths of a mile beyond the marathon finish line.

The collapse point calculation is based on your marathon pace being identical to your training pace. One way to avoid hitting the collapse point in a marathon is to run a lot.

However, most runners aren’t ready for 60 miles per week. In your first year of marathon training, you only have one marathon in your body – Don’t use it on a training run.

Another way to move your collapse point – Slow down.

For more information on how to figure out your collapse point and how to extend your collapse point through training, read the full, unabridged summary of Roger’s presentation in the Doc’s Talks:
1) Go to the Honolulu Marathon Clinic web site (http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/)
2) Look under the “Categories” listing.
3) Click on “Doc’s Talk”.

Table Duty

Thank you Staff Leader Alberto for manning such a great table. Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence:

Mr. Roger Kobayashi shared thoughts and guidelines on the elements that create a Running Style that works for you.

Elements of Running Style

R     relaxed
Keep your arms and hands “loose”.
Why?  When you clench your fist, your arm and shoulder muscles are under tension.

S      silent
Run silently.
Why?  If you can hear your footsteps, your feet are probably “slapping” the pavement.  That increases the impact when you land.  Generally, distance runners land on their heels and roll forward.

T     tall
Stand tall – perpendicular to the horizon.
Why?  That position requires the least amount of muscular effort.  If you lean away from the perpendicular position, your trunk muscles will have to work harder to keep you erect.

For further information on the reasons for these guidelines, read the full, unabridged summary of Mr. Kobayashi’s presentation in the Doc’s Talks:
1)  Go to the Honolulu Marathon Clinic web site (http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/)
2)  Look under the “Categories” listing.
3)  Click on “Doc’s Talk”.

 
 Table Duty:

Thanks to Sandi for doing another great job at table duty!  As usual, everything was perfect! Continue reading →

Doc’s Talk by Andrew Laurence

Dr. Scaff gave a few additional pointers on running shoes, and then spoke to the group on some of the dangers associated with running and the body mechanics of warming up, core temperature, dehydration, fluid loss and heat stroke, high blood pressure, salt in your diet, drinking water, and urination.

Due to the importance of this information, and the details involved, it is recommended that everyone read the full, unabridged summary of this Doc’s Talk:
1) Go to the Honolulu Marathon Clinic web site (http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/)
2) Look under the “Categories” listing.
3) Click on “Doc’s Talk”.

For more information on heat stroke and fluid replacement, Chapter 9 “Ninth Month”, of Your First Marathon – The Last Word In Long Distance Running, by Jack H. Scaff Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S.M., is recommended reading.

It is highly recommended that everyone, especially those who have high blood pressure, or those whose doctors think they have high blood pressure, or are on diuretics, read:

Chapter 22 “Hypertension – More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About High Blood Pressure,” of Your First Marathon – The Last Word In Long Distance Running.

Dr. Scaff’s book is available for purchase at the Honolulu Marathon Clinic on Sundays and online at: http://yourfirstmarathon.net/buy-online-today/

Table Duty

Thanks to staffer Lisa K. for the great food and drink at table duty for the second week in a row. Your very cute assistant (daughter) was a great helper! The oranges, pretzels and pastries along with the drinks were great! Continue reading →