Minimalist Running Event

Here is an event coming up in the Des Moines area that local runners may find interesting --

Eric Orton, renowned innovator in the minimalist running movement and founder of B2R, is returning to Des Moines for another informative and exciting running clinic. This time, Eric and the B2R team will take on downtown Des Moines with an hour-long clinic/demonstration over the lunch hour on June 2nd at the Pappajohn Education Center Lawn area (Western Gateway Park). What could be better than spending your lunch hour outside in the fresh air learning from and exercising with the foremost authority of this movement?

What: B2R Minimalist Running Clinic
When: Thursday, June 2nd from 12:00-1:00p.m
Where: Western Gateway Park - Pappajohn Education Center Lawn area
Cost: FREE, with opportunities to win exclusive B2R merchandise

If you haven’t already, please make sure you take a second to LIKE B2R on Facebook for more information!

Here's a link to his website.

Walking/Running Program

Here's a great program to get yourself back in shape.

If you haven't been keeping up with a fitness routine, this program from Women's Health is a way to ease back into things. It's not hard, but features a nice mix of cardio through walking and running along with a couple of exercise programs to "tone up".

This is a "no brainer". It's May and you're getting ready for poolside. Try this to make it happen.

Going to take a break from blogging, so we'll see you soon.

Quick Strength Workout

When we're busy and running from one stop to the next, it gets hard to keep up with all of the workout goals we often set for ourselves.

Here's a quick 20-minute strength workout designed by Wayne Spaulding of USA Triathlon. While the workout is designed for triathletes, anyone can use it. All it takes is a chair and a fitness band.

Check this out and maybe the next time you're traveling or plowed under with meetings, this workout helps you meet your fitness goals.

Muscles Used When Running

Do you ever think about the muscles you use when you run? More importantly, do you know which muscles require stretching and warming up when you prepare to run?

This post on the Running Runners blog reminds you of the primary muscle areas used in running and how to stretch and warm them up.

Three primary muscle areas are used in running - lower back, calf and Achilles tendon and the hamstring. Check out how you can make sure to properly stretch and warm these muscles up prior to a run. These tricks will help you avoid soreness and injury following your runs.

The Joy Of A Run

When life hands you sour grapes, a difficult work schedule and other obstacles, that's when we can truly appreciate the benefits of a long run.

This post from the Run DMZ blog is a great reminder about how long runs can help us deal with the stress of our lives.

Quite honestly, any form of fitness you enjoy is a great way to help ease the stress in your life. Whether it's a long run, a yoga practice, a bike ride or whatever - take time to get active about controlling the pressure in your personal and professional life. It's a great form of therapy.

Runner's Diet

Here's some help for runners looking for a diet that's made for runners.

The Runningrunnersrun blog features a great diet for runners rich in vitamins and minerals helpful to runners. It's based on raw foods that are lower in calories and feature more in the way of things we need.

This diet is based on what an experienced runner has practiced for decades, so give it a shot.

Setting Realistic Time Goals

If you're preparing for an upcoming event, you're probably thinking ahead toward a time goal.

Let's face it - if we're competing in an upcoming event of some sort, we're competitive by nature! Some of us are thinking toward "successful completion" and there's nothing wrong with that. But most are thinking, "I want to finish in XX hours, minutes and seconds."

Gale Bernhardt of www.active.com has some great thoughts on this topic. The best place to start in determining time goals is previous performance. This data usually comes from previous race events, but it can also come from training activity as well.

Read Bernhardt's tips, but be realistic in setting your time goals. Don't set yourself up for failure or disappointment.

When Does Running Get Easier?

Beginning runners often face the issue of "when does it get easier?"

Running can be a challenging undertaking, particularly at first. If you are just trying to get into shape, it can be a big challenge.

As you question whether running is "your thing", you will start to wonder when to increase mileage, increase pace and make other adjustments.

This post from Christine Luff on www.about.com answers some of these questions. She makes two key arguments - don't rush yourself and stay mentally strong. Winning the "mental game" is the trickiest part of staying committed to successful running.

Changing Nutrition Seasons

Moving from recovery to training season as it relates to your nutrition can be challenging.

Your body is seeking more of certain things when we become more active, so you have to make sure you're providing the right "fuel" for your body at that time of year.

Even though we're not working out as much in "recovery" season, we tend to treat ourselves to holiday treats and other indulgences at this point of the year. Moving to a point of the year where more discipline is required in nutrition makes it trickier.

Check out this article from www.active.com to navigate these transitions in your training smoothly.

Tips On Finding The Right Personal Trainer

More and more folks are turning to the use of a personal trainer for help with their fitness goals.

We've addressed this topic in the past, but I thought this post by Paige Waehner from www.about.com raised some of the appropriate tips here.

There are many options available for hiring a personal trainer, but what are you really seeking when you hire the right personal trainer for yourself? What are the costs? What certifications should you check? What should your expectations be for a typical session with a trainer?

These questions are addressed in this post. I have a friend who recently topped 70 pounds in his weight loss and he swears by the use of his personal trainer. There's no doubt this can help you meet your goals as well.

Are You Ready For An Ironman?

The answer for most of us is obviously "no".

However, you shouldn't completely dismiss the concept. If you're reading this post, chances are you have done a fitness endurance event of some kind and maybe it's worth pursuing.

I know my knees couldn't bear the heavy running training involved in preparing for an Ironman event, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give the concept consideration.

Check out this link to a complete guide of articles about the swim, bike and run portions of the Ironman event from www.active.com. There is a wealth of information here that will help you decide if you're ready to take on the ultimate test of individual fitness.

Running A Way Of Life

Running becomes a way of life for many of those who enjoy it.

Take David Willey, editor-in-chief of Runner's World. He regularly logs 50 miles a week, runs with many friends and colleagues and surrounds himself with numerous reminders of a fit lifestyle.

Read the Wall Street Journal profile about Willey. His spirit represents the commitment to the sport that many runners show. Most of us are not "elite" status, but we love what we do and commit our lives to truly enjoying the sport.

Boot Camps "Kick Your Butt"

I see many people running to these "boot camps" in order to get "instantly fit and slim".

Somehow the thought of the word "instantly" coupled with "fit" and "slim" is a bit of an oxymoron. There really is no way to become fit or drastically lose weight overnight. I think that's what some of these boot camp-type facilities try to sell.

Additionally, I believe it can pose a health risk to jump into a highly intense training program without some preparation.

This being said, the Kosamas of the world have their place in fitness. I know many people who supplement their routine with visits to a boot camp-type workout each week. This certainly makes sense. An intense, fast-paced aerobic workout is a great way to mix things up in your routine.

This article from Juice provides some of the features of many of our local facilities in the Des Moines area. Check it out.