Crosstraining... Yep Gotta Do It!

It's like a swear word to runners... cross training... ugh! We can't just run and run and run and expect to feel okay or improve! Running puts quite a bit of wear and tear on a body, and only builds minimal muscle and improved endurance. I don't enjoy cross training any more than the next runner, but I do it!

My favorite forms of cross training DO NOT happen in the gym. I avoid gyms at all costs, I do not enjoy feeling like a hamster or staring at a clock watching the minutes tick by. So, I like to take out my bike and log some miles! You get to travel, see some beautiful scenery and its a great activity to do with friends or to see new places! Find a nice trail and take water and snacks and get lost :)

I do strength training (minimal) a few days a week. I focus on my arms, back, and core and also do some squats do target my legs. I add muscle very easily in my lower body so I do limit it, and focus more on my upper body. Here are some good exercises for that! womensrunning.competitor.com/2014/10/cross-training/6-exercises-strengthen-upper-body_30865

I also LOVE Tabata! Its simple and you can pick any exercise to incorporate into a fun program! Like jump squats, jumping jacks, burpees, etc. Tabata is a series of 8 sets, 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off. Repeat 8 times and move onto another exercise! I like to do a total of 5 exercises. Its quick and VERY efficient... if you're new to it expect to be very sore the following day... or two.
Here is my personal favorite plan :) www.wayofgray.com/get-started/

When I'm sore, need a break and to relax my go to is YOGA! I love a good Bikram Yoga class, but when finances and time is tough I resort to Youtube, or making up my own little class. Having a good stretch sesh is great for running recovery and builds lean muscle. Incorporate stretching into your day, everyday! Just do it. 

Finding Yourself Through Running

Sometimes life can feel a little hard. Its not all skipping through joyous runs, runners highs, and rainbows. This blog isn’t about finding something interesting to post day in and day out. Its about sharing my life, whats important to me, and my running lifestyle. And lately, life has been a little harder than usual.

A lot has changed in the last month, I moved apartments to a much quieter, less touristy area of Central Florida. Moving into an apartment alone is brand new for me, and I really enjoy it! Its great being able to get up and run at all hours and not worry about waking anyone else up. My space is always clean, organized, and peaceful. An important relationship in my life came to an end, I have a lot of dissatisfaction with my job and the career path I thought I always wanted, and that is causing a lot of unrest for me. I know that I put WAY too much pressure on myself, and I always have. I had my “Dream” fun job full time upon college graduation, and yet a month later I felt restless about not moving into my “Career” and without thinking through left, and have been bouncing around office jobs ever since, not happy. Moral of the story is to follow your heart not your head, and don’t rush through life.

How does this connect with running? To me, running is not my exercise. It is my meditation and my time for myself to be only with my thoughts. Here as I am pounding the pavement and huffing along I have my most intimate and real thoughts. There is no one, no technology, no media to distract my mind so that I be one with my thoughts, my real hopes and desires of life. I no longer feel tied down to anything, I am free.

Try a "naked" run. Take off your watch, leave your headphones at home. Try a new route, get lost on the path and in nature. You won't regret it :) You may just find yourself.

Keep running friends!

A Florida Gal's Tips for Running in the Heat!

I read an article the other day in one of my dad's old marathon training books (beginning to piece together a training program), and came across how temperature can affect your pace and when it is too hot to run. I had to laugh….

85 degrees or higher: Don’t even bother.

So whats a girl to do who loves to run (outside) and lives in Central Florida aka heat and humidity central. Its not uncommon for a day to be in the upper 90’s and 100% humidity. Driving your car which is a moving sauna will get you sunburned, walking to the mailbox requires a shower afterwards, which leaves running to be probably not the smartest decision.

How does one run in these conditions? Dedication!

1.       Run early, or late in the day. (if you want to run outside)

Check the forecast the day before and plan your run accordingly. I like to be finished with my runs by 7:30am at the latest, when the sun is starting to cook the pavement. Or, run after dusk/dark when it begins to cool down.

2.       Hydrate! 

I like to shoot to drink a gallon of water a day. Yes, water, not coffee/tea/soda. These will de-hydrate you. Limit them. I like to also drink a NUUN tablet in about 32oz of water after a run/throughout the day. nuun.com It has electrolytes and helps to hydrate you!

3.       Wear light and loose fitting clothing.

These are my current favorite running tops: Here! loose, breezy, comfy! Paired with a pair of shorts, and a light colored hat I am all set to go.

4.       Cut your mileage. 

Since it is so much hotter, the heat puts a strain on your body to compensate and sweating more will de-hydrate and tire you much faster. Marathon training in the summer may work in cooler climates, but I wouldn’t recommend it here unless you plan to use a treadmill. I run more often, and shorter distances. This is also a good time to cross train, and maybe even try some yoga!

5. Protect yourself from the sun!

I am very pale, so sunscreen is a must plus a hat or sunglasses! Running tans are cool, running burns are not.

Remember these tips, and take it easy! Heat REALLY affects performance, don't let it get you down!

Keep running friends :)