Run Danie Run: A Beginners Guide to Running

By: Danie

Running in theory is simple...

Step 1. Put running shoes on.
Step 2. Step Outside.
Step 3. Run.....

So easy it is mind boggling why it has taken me 7 months to even attempt it lol. My excuse was that I was 9 months pregnant 7 months ago, it was awesome. Now it is time to get down to business! My son is jogging stroller age appropriate (you have to be 6 months or older for those, who knew?!), I purchased new running shoes (my feet are a little bigger than they were pre pregnancy :( ) and well, I don't have an excuse any more.



Yes, I have done my fair share of running so I am not a complete "noob" BUT it's been so long I am going to pretend I have no clue what I am doing (lol pretend! Who am I kidding?). The schedule below seems like it would work universally for anyone in O.K. shape, however slow and steady wins the race if you have to start out doing 15 minute runs that works just fine also (alternate training plan at From Couch to 5K). As long as you get out there and do it you're doing well. Consistency is key with running!

 

Since I am genuinely treating this as a new experience I am going to focus on my "form." A lot of emphasis has been put on how you run over the past few years, i.e. are you a heel striker (land with your heel first) or midfoot striker (also called the Pose Method). I KNOW that I am a heel striker and I think that is why I don;t enjoy running as much as I could. Using the Pose Method is supposed to help you run more efficiently and decrease possibility of injury. I truly believe that a good foundation is also going to be key in making running enjoyable!

Keep a Training Log!!!!

It doesn't have to be anything extravagant it can be a simple note book to keep track of how you are doing with your training plan. Or you can get high tech and log your running online at Runners World or Active Trainer. 

As you progress you can log your miles and over time notice improvements! You can also ensure that you are truely pacing yourself. Once you have made it to the big time, you can use the log to to work on your time. Logging would be more of a motivational tool for me but I think that is important to be able to see and track your progress (maybe even track weight loss??).

You have to admit the best part about running (other than weight loss and sense of personal acheivement).... ok the third best part about running is all the cool stuff! I just put a few things there is so much more hydration belts, shoes, camel baks... above are just a few things that I thought were cool!

• Polar heart rate monitor because it is always important to track your heart rate and know if you are working at your potential. It is a really great way to pinpoint if you are burning fat or working on cardio. Print your own chart for reference! 
• No that is not a tennis skirt, that is a running skirt! It is all the fad and to be honest I used to run in my tennis skirts all the time it was way more comfortable because you have the tights under so your thighs don't rub and your shorts dont bunch.
• Nike+iPod Sensor is marketed like your own personal trainer but I just think its a great way to log without having to physically do it. You just get home sync your computer and BAM done :) You can also manage your running music. Check out RockMyRun.com for FREE running mixes!
• Compression socks, you see a lot of people wearing them but you arent wuite sure why?? Well I was curious (even more so when I saw these cute ones).... I will give you the "compressed" version of my research. It helps with blood flow (decreses blood pooling in the legs) and decreses the muscle vibration (i.e. less soreness).

Looks like its time for me to RUN DANIE RUN!!!!

HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL

Flirting with Fitness

by: Ashley

Finally, it's Friday!!  It was hard going back to work after two weeks of working from home with some vacation days off to spend with the family.  But I'm excited to get back to a fitness post!

It's old news that when you work out with a buddy you stick to your fitness goals better. It's a lot harder to skip the gym when someone else is depending on you to be there.  But last year, I found out that working out with your honey is also really good for your relationship.

A friend of mine convinced me to sign up for the full (26.2!! miles) marathon.  My honey and I had just started dating and were in that phase of getting to know each other.  I asked him a couple times if he wanted to run with me to which he basically said no way in H-E-Double Hockey Sticks!! But he realized that if I was out training that meant we weren't spending time together.  So it didn't take long to get him on board too.

As our training progressed from early summer running about 3 or 4 miles to mid-fall running up to 16 miles, our relationship also grew.  There was nothing to distract us while we ran (besides the occasional side cramp) so we just talked about everything... childhood, life, likes, dislikes, pet peeves, goals and ambitions.  Well, we never made it to running the full marathon (I injured myself on that last 16 mile run) - but it doesn't matter, because we both cherish those months that we spent running together.

This spring I plan on running a half marathon.  And even though my honey doesn't want to run it with me this time around, he is so supportive!! For Christmas he bought me running shoes and some accessories.

So grab your honey, a friend or even a neighbor you've been wanted to get to know.  You can motivate each other to get in shape and you never know what type of relationship will blossom!

Brooks Ravenna

Running on Love

by: Ashley

Woo Hoo - It's MARATHON weekend!!! My friends in San Antonio are carb loading and resting those legs to get ready for Sunday's 13.1 or 26.2 mile run! (Rock 'n Roll San Antonio) When I was brainstorming about what I could write the Friday before the marathon, I thought about providing inspirational words, or ideas about what to eat the days before, or my own experiences training for and running the half marathon.

But something totally amazing happened and I have to share! So I'm going to turn the pages a little bit and talk to you about my one of my best friends.  We met freshman year of college.  When I met her, she was in a lot of pain - her mom died from breast cancer just a few years prior.  Losing a parent hurts, no matter what age you are. It makes you question things. It makes you angry. It makes you sad. You feel incomplete like there is literally a hole in your heart.  The pain was still fresh in her.  The pain doesn't go away, and I won't even say than it lessens, but those sharp edges become a little more dull, and the pain becomes something you can live with.  And the one thing that helps the most is having a strong circle of friends and family to lean on, to talk and cry with, and most of all to give you something to smile and laugh about.


My friend met her now husband in college as well and they started dating sophomore year.  As with any couple, they've had their ups and downs.  But no one would doubt their love for a second.  Part of their struggle in the beginning of their relationship was a result of the pain and hurt that my friend was still dealing with concerning the loss of her mom.  She had walls put up all around her and he was trying his best to get behind them.  And it wasn't always the easiest task, but in the end love won, and they ended up together.  I said it at their wedding and I'll say it again, they are the true example that when something is meant to happen, it will.  But I digress - I just wanted you to understand the beautiful relationship and why I was so touched by what my friend's hubby did for her. 


He never knew her mom. But he knows that she must have been an amazing woman because he can see it in his wife.  So he surprised his wife with something so touching that I got goosebumps and started tearing up when she told me. This Sunday when he runs the 1/2 marathon he will be running in honor of his wife's mom.  And not only will he be doing this in spirit, but he made a custom bib. I didn't even know that  you could do this!  And I just couldn't get over how sweet of a husband he is! So of course I had to get the information so I could share it with you guys.  The website is HonorBib.com :

HonorBibs^™ are customized back bibs made out of Tyvek^® or seed paper to honor those you love and make a difference in this world. At least 10% of each HonorBib^™ sold is donated to charity.

Each HonorBib only costs $10 - and better yet, at least 10% of the proceeds go to charity! I am so excited about this.

HonorBibs can be keepsakes in a frame or scrapbook, pinned to the back of a shirt, worn on a race belt, taped to a mirror for inspiration and planted in the ground to grow wildflowers*.

I lost my dad about two years ago, and being able to make a keepsake bib makes me want to run another half marathon... or maybe even a full. Because running for the man that made me who I am today would certainly help me get through 26.2 miles of pain!

If you are looking for inspiration to run a marathon check out HonorBib - what better reason to test your strength over 26 miles then to do for love and in memory of someone that meant something to you, someone who you wish could be there to see you cross the finish line. 

P.S. Happy Veterans Day!! My life has been touched by many who risk their lives to give us our freedom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!