Products I use:
Metamucil - I wish someone had told me about this stuff when I was 21. I've said this to just about everyone I know: before I started using it, I didn't even know I had a problem. Here's how it works. It's a fiber supplement. You take it before you go to bed, and the next morning about 10 minutes after you wake up, you have to take a number 2, and everything just slides out no problem. You're down and up in less than 1 minute. No need to worry that maybe you'll have to go during your run. Skid marks on your underwear are a thing of the past. I started taking it because my doctor said my cholesterol was a little high (192), and this stuff brought it down to 185. Metamucil has really changed my life. It comes in several different forms, pill, wafer, and the powder that I use. I mix the power, then chug it because it tends to clump up and get sandy of you don't drink it right away. I'm usually taking it twice a day now, morning and bed time. If I remember, I'll take a dose in the middle of the day. So there it is. If I ever go out on the job market again, this part of this page is coming down, because employers will read it and think I'm some kind of nut.
10 minute Pilates - I recommend Pilates, and for me, I know that if it's any longer than 10 minutes, I'm not going to do it. So I do this routine 5 times a week, and I feel totally strong around my abs. I feel as though I could run any pace, and not get a stitch. Again, I wish someone had told me about this when I was 21. I think I may have evolved into a different runner. All I ever did was 100 sit-ups of different kinds every night, which is all most people did. With Pilates, you never do more than 8-12 reps of any kind of movement, but you end up a lot stronger.
Hanes Low Rise Briefs - I have a friend who says I'm crazy to buy underwear off of the internet, and that he buys all his underwear at garage sales. Nevertheless, here is my take on underwear. I know it's supposed to be cooler to say you wear boxers, and that President Clinton told an MTV audience, when asked, that he wears boxers and not briefs, and that he was subsequently elected, but I just can't understand why anyone would ever wear boxers. These are so much more comfortable. I used to just wear my running shorts, but they're not as supportive where it counts. Further, these ensure a healthy separation between yourself and the rest of your body with no pinching at all. I wear these under all my running shorts now on all of my runs. So comfortable.
Body Glove Wet Suit - Well, it's warm enough now (August 13), that I don't need this thing, but those of you who like swimming, and who don't like cold water, should give this some consideration. I'm a skinny runner, and don't have enough fat to insulate from the freezing water you're going to find from Memorial Day through to July 4. Wearing a wet suit is like wearing a big sponge on your body. It soaks up some water, and your body heat warms that layer of water, and you stay relatively comfortable in cold water. I can just wade right in - no need to pause and think about how cold it is. I bought the Arc Short Arm, and I look hot in it. You've seen Baywatch? That's what I look like.
Finis Snorkle - This thing will eliminate your breath stroke. Now, you can just swim straight ahead, without ever lifting your head out of the water. I've had mine for about a year now, and it works great. What's more, you can swim across lakes and such in relative safety. Why? Because, with a snorkel, if you get tired, you can just stop, and hang out floating just beneath the surface while resting. I've gone on swims up to 80 minutes with my snorkel. I saw a snapping turtle while snorkeling in the Adirondacks this past July 4. Fortunately, they just swim away if you approach them in the water. They only snap if you go after them.