Coffee is the only thing I take that I might consider an ergogenic aid to my running. It not only helps wake me up but also assists in attending to my morning constitutional, ahem. I bring this up because yesterday I tried chia seeds for the very first time, more on a whimsy than with any real expectations of noticing some difference in my workout or recovery.
While the field of supplements has exploded I’ve staunchly resisted anything but my daily multi-vitamin and glucosamine chondroitin. I will admit that back in the old days we used to grind up our aspirin, mix it with DMSO (horse liniment) and apply to our sore, tired muscles. You could tell who was using the protocol by the profound “aroma” that exuded from their skin and breath.
With today’s “better living through chemistry” mindset, it is not so easy to tell who is taking what. And even those that use “enhancement” products rarely know exactly what they are putting in their bodies. The more sinister and dishonest may know and just not care, looking to gain that competitive advantage by hook or crook. And there are those that do, they are the scoundrels of our sport. I’ve known a few, had my trust betrayed by their smile, my faith shaken by their word, it is hard to accept that a friend or competitor could stoop so low.
All of our USATF National Championships, both for open and masters athletes test for banned substances.
If you have any concern about whether or not your favorite supplement might contain a banned substance you can go to the Global Drug Reference Online webpage here http://www.globaldro.com/us-en/default.aspx and check to see. A search of chia seeds showed no results so I guess if I get a psychological boost from drinking the little nasties then no harm no foul. I am and remain, as clean as a whistle.
Suffered my first minor set back of the training cycle today. The upper head of my left adductor longus became very tight and painful. Discretion being the better part of valor, I walked it in and am doing stretching, strengthening, and icing the rest of the afternoon. First workout I’ve missed, 9 weeks into the program. Not worried a bit.
Here is the artwork that will grace the pint glasses we give out at this weekend’s 6th Annual Ni-Bthaska-Ke Trail Runs. Thanks to Lincoln artist Hannah Voelker for the whimsical interpretation of the grueling event.
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