Making Adjustments

Jeff Galloway always has good advice.

This post from his blog has some good suggestions for adjusting your running patterns and training to address aches and pains.

Learn More About Low Heart Rate Method

Are you familiar with the "low heart rate" method of training?

I was unfamiliar with this concept until I began reading about it via a post on the Run To The Finish blog.  The approach was popularized by endurance training expert Phil Maffetone and allows you to substantially increase mileage.

Check out this post to learn more about this approach to training.  It includes links to resources that will share more details about the low heart rate method of training.

Improve Yourself, Improve Others

There are some really great programs out there that help you not only help yourself with programs to train for endurance events, but help you help others.

Training for a marathon, half marathon, triathlon helps you improve your fitness.  But certain charitable groups exist that help you gear your training program toward raising money for a favorite charity at the same time.

Team Challenge is one of these program.  The Carrots "N' Cake blog recently posted about how to utilize this program to help you train for an event.  Team Challenge's website is http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/. 

Team In Training is another popular program that helps you achieve similar goals.  Check out their website at http://www.teamintraining.org/.

Dealing With Digestive Issues

Many runners and triathletes experience stomach issues in their training and even worse . . . their competitions.

I have been very lucky and have never experienced these problems, but I know many runners who have.  This post from Maria Conner on www.active.com goes into great detail about a variety of things that can set off digestive problems as well as ways to address these problems.

Why Aren't You The Runner You Want To Be

There are a variety of reasons we don't achieve the levels of fitness we desire.

I thought this post on the Shut Up and Run blog offered some interesting perspective on issues that can set you back in your running and/or other fitness activities.  Listening to the wrong people, injury or just being plain lazy are just a few of the reasons that can contribute to your setbacks.

Take a look at this list and make sure you're not falling into one of these "ruts".

Using A Virtual Trainer

What is a virtual trainer?  Is it for me?  Will it work for me?

Check out the Jess Runs blog and she explains about her experience using a virtual trainer.  The trainer assists her with her workout and dietary needs.

You can learn if this application is right for your situation.  If you don't have time to visit regularly with a trainer, the virtual trainer can be a cost-effective alternative.

Running In The Snow

So . . . it's mid-February.

What does that mean for your outdoor running? If you live in Iowa, you might get some unseasonable warm weather, but it most likely means there is a good chance there is still snow on the ground.

Christine Luff writes about tips for running in the snow for www.about.com. Have you tried Yaktrax? What about putting screws in your shoes? Or running in trail shoes?

These are just a few ways to make your running experience in the snow more productive.

Firefighter's Workout

This firefighter doesn't mess around when it comes to fitness.

Check out the routine of this Indiana firefighter from the Wall Street Journal.  Not only does he do some creative activities to keep up with the physical demands of his job, but he plays dodgeball as well.

This is a "must read" if you're into intense physical fitness activities. 

Taking a break here for week . . . will be back soon!

Maybe Just Do Half

As I read this post from "The Happy Runner" blog, I was reminded that doing a half marathon is a pretty challenging event.  It can also make you happy.

Here's what I mean . . . I wrote a couple of weeks ago about preparing for a marathon.  If you think you can complete a marathon, that's great.  But it is equally as great to set your sights on a goal that is perhaps not as lofty in a half marathon. This post from The Happy Runner points out some of the training elements of preparing for a half marathon.  It's nowhere near as grueling. Which makes for a happy runner!

I recently completed a half marathon that I thoroughly enjoyed.  I was certainly a bit sore afterword, but recovery came quickly.  If you're not up to putting yourself through a marathon, then maybe a half marathon is another great goal.

Marathon Post Recovery Meals

These items looked pretty tasty.

Even if you hadn't run a marathon, they still looked like pretty good meals.  Read in this post from the Run To The Finish blog why these meals are good for recovery following a marathon.

Strong Core

Do you have a strong core?

The test outlined in this post by certified triathlon coach Adam Hodges will tell you.

The article goes on to highlight the importance of a strong core and exercises to strenghen your core. Take a look.

How To Pick A Marathon

Running a marathon is increasingly making its way to people's "bucket lists".

A great New Year's resolution is choosing to run a marathon. Choosing a marathon to run can be a process beyond physically preparing for one. 

Review this post from Christine Luff about choosing a marathon to run from www.about.com to learn some considerations that are part of the marathon event selection process.

Workouts From Iowa

I am going back to the Iowa Girl Eats blog.

She has some great workouts posted on her site. Here are some great treadmill workouts of varying lengths along with some other fitness workouts.  She also keeps a daily log of workouts she does.

 

Check it out here. 

I am going to take some time off from blogging over the holidays. See you soon and enjoy your holiday season!

Smart Food Substitutes

Smart substitutes are just plain smart.

This article from the Des Moines Register highlights some healthy alternatives for some of your food choices that may not always be healthy.

Protein Sources

How about some delicious protein snacks?

Protein is a great source of rebuilding and recovery.  Check out this post from www.active.com by Shoshana Pritzker that highlights several very tasty snacks you can consume as heavy sources of protein.

What You Need For CrossFit

I have discussed CrossFit in the past. It is a wonderful way to add a different dimension to your workout routine.

The Carrots 'N' Cake blog recently posted about some of the accessories you might need for CrossFit.  The author highlights shoes, socks, jump rope and other items.

Take a look and see what you might need to add to your fitness shopping list!

Clean And Lean

It's always easier to do something when you do it with a group.

Here's a novel idea - the RunToTheFinish blog reports about how a group of folks are committing to clean and lean foods for 28 days.  When you do an activity like this with a group, it helps keep everyone accountable.

One of my good friends who is a fitness instructor likes to distribute daily small workouts people can do each day of the month beyond her classes.  She shares the workouts with her regular students and they often check with one another, "Did you do the workout today?"

Living a healthy lifestyle is especially easier when done with a group.

Try TRX

Have you heard of TRX yet?

It's a great product for doing a variety of exercises with two straps.

Check out this post from www.active.com.  The article features several different exercises with photos you can try with the TRX system.

Get Fit In The Park

I had never thought about this.

What about getting fit "in the park".  Think of all the ways you can do exercise in a park between the jungle gyms and other equipment.

This article from the Des Moines Register shows you how to "steal a workout" from a local park.  This can be especially helpful if you have children who enjoy visiting a park with you!

Summer Hydration

Hydration is always important, but it's even more important during these warm summer months.

Marc Evans wrote a post for www.active.com where he details a program for keeping yourself consistently hydrated. 

 

Water is so important for athletes.  It has so many benefits beyond training.  Everyone should have have their own system for hydration to stay healthy.