advice

http://www.yourrunning.com/blog-still_running_on_low_iron

OK... my serum ferritin has actually gone DOWN a tad, from 35 to 33, according to my latest blood test.

This is weird, considering that a) I am mainlining iron supplements of several different types and b) I'm responding to training so much better.

http://www.yourrunning.com/blog-a_shot_in_the_arm_is_worth_four_in_the_b...

So...back to Doc Fran at the urging of coach Bobby for a course of iron shots. "Ask her about getting intravenous iron" said Bobby, "we'll have to consider it if things don't pick up soon." He's as frustrated and surprised as I am that I'm cranking out 80-second 400-metre repeats with all the sound and fury of someone doing 74s. My heart rate stays low; my lungs just can't get enough oxygen. I gasp, pant, heave -- afd feel like I'm jogging.

http://www.yourrunning.com/blog-pain_pays_off

There were times during the first month of starting Pilates to rehab my adductor strain that I wondered whether I was actually a Pilates practitioner who happened to do a bit of running, rather than a runner using Pilates to recuperate.

http://www.yourrunning.com/blog-first_secret_time_trial

No Drills with Bobby this morning because most people are recovering from Bolder Boulder. I needed a substitute. Right on cue, Dr Owen Anderson announced the latest issue of Running Research News was available. I downloaded it and found two great articles to get me going.

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-how_to_run_with_a_dog_on_a_leash

Q: I feel so sorry for my dog. She's not a mannered pooch -- she does well at most things but "come" is a skill not yet mastered and staying close to her guardian is not important to her -- so on walks or runs she has to be on a leash. But I find that I can't run with her on a leash, because inevitably I come home with a twinge of pain. I think what happens is that holding the leash throws off my gait and I run improperly -- and I have longstanding issues with shin splints that this seems to exacerbate.

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-all_that_stands_between_me_running_and_...

Baselbutt says:
Let me start by saying that this is not an advertisement for the company I'm about to gush all over and I do not work for them.

Having tried every running gear company known to man (as well as a few that aren't), an Australian company - 2XU (two times you) is hands down the best thing to come around since Coolmax underwear.

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-i_need_a_great_cold_weather_tight

The one piece of equipment I'm missing for my North Pole outfit is the absolute best pair of cold weather running tights on the market. They would be used as a base layer for my legs (obviously)..Any recommendations? Please post a link to a place to get them if you can!

Runner NYC says:

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-caffeine_help_or_hurt

Q: Lately I've been downing coffee in the morning, before going out for a run. It got me to thinking: Do the positive effects (jolt of energy, increased altertness and focus, enhanced mood and performance) of caffeine outway the negative (dehydration, dependence, stomach issues from coffee - especially if consumed on an empty stomach)? What have you guys experienced?

Simon says:

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-best_pre_race_food#comment-4501

Q: I've got a pre-race food question. I'm not sure what, how much, or when to eat before a race. With races usually occurring the first thing in the morning - what is the best food to eat? What ingredients should I be looking for - which digest easy or provide the most prolonged energy? Also, when should it be eaten - how long before the race?

Brianna says:

http://www.yourrunning.com/forum-the_vampire_aka_donating_blood#comment-...

Simon says:
Just found this while I was looking for something else (you know how the Net is):

Effects of blood donation on exercise performance in competitive cyclists.

Clinical Investigation
American Heart Journal. 130(4):838-840, October 1995.
Panebianco, Robert A. MD; Stachenfeld, Nina PhD; Coplan, Neil L. MD; Gleim, Gilbert W. PhD

Abstract: