Wonderings of a Wandering Weekend Runner

I call myself a "weekend runner" because, while I don't just run on weekends, I pretty much run no more than once a week - if that.  So, I consider myself a novice at all this.  Lately, as I've been hitting my groove, I find that my mind starts to wander and I start to wonder about many things...Like, "Why I could never really run before?" Like, "Why are my feet no longer getting blistered?" and so on.  And, since I've lately increased my distance, I've been able to come to some conclusions that I thought I would share, in case any of you reading this are also "weekend runners".

1. Proper footwear make a big difference! I used to run in my cross trainers, but I found that, even though I'm only a "weekend" runner, I did need to invest in a pair of proper running shoes. I also purchased some running socks - super cushiony insulated socks.  My feet are oh so happy now during my runs.  No more burning on the bottom of my feet or blisters on my heels!

2. What goes up must also come down! Most likely those hills you are enjoying running down, you  will either encounter again going up on the way back, or they will have an uphill counterpart along the way. You don't usually run straight down into a ditch.  You do have to somehow get out of that you know!

3. Go to the bathroom before you start! I know, I sound like a mom (which I am!). But, from a pratical perspective, when you have to stop for a squat, it really messes with your rhythm and your time. 

4. Turn up the Tunes! I can't believe I've been attempting to run all these years without tunes! Statistics show that running to upbeat tunes actually helps you increase your pace and distance. And it sure makes the time go by faster.  And no bothersome ear plugs for me - I just stick my iPhone into my jog bra and away I go! (I know, I'm weird that way, what can I say!)

5. Use some Tools! I started using the MapMyRun app to track my distance and pace, and I'm so much more motivated! I had tried to map my route by driving it in my car for mileage, and using my stop watch for time, and then doing some kind of math to figure out my pace. But take it from my the app is much more accurate. And if I want to add a couple of extra cul-de-sacs, I know exactly how much additional distance that added.

6. Set a Goal! By using my tools, when I start out, I now know exactly what I want to accomplish, and it's measurable. Maybe I want to run the same distance but at a faster pac. Maybe I want to go from 5.27 miles up to 6.  Having a measurable goal helps me to push through the pain!

7. Run Agains the Traffic! Yes, this actually crosses my mind each time I encounter an oncoming vehicle. I'm thankful that I learned this rule somewhere along the way, especially with all this distracted driving we have going, because afterall, I really do prefer to see if someone is about ready to mow me down rather than be surprised by that!

8. Temperature is Important! I'll admit it - I used to think the point of running outdoors was to get a tan; thus, I'd hit it around 2:00 pm on a sunny summer day....and then I would wonder why running was so dang hard!  Now, I truly appreciate a nice 50-60 degree morning - dressed in a layer or two so I can shed them along the way.  Now, I'm running to meet my goals - not to get a tan!

9. Pay Attention to Your Body! I do a lot of other fitness activities, so I don't have time for injuries. Thus, I find myself really focusing on proper technique - running heel toe, not slapping my feet to the pavement, not pronating inward. And face it, on those distance runs, what else have you got to do but think about stuff like that?

10. Running is Mental Sport! I used to wonder why running was so hard for me; afterall, I was in good shape - I could do step aerobics all day.  Well, I did learn that running takes a certain type of lung endurance that I did need to increase, but I still struggled to get thru a run. So, I started focusing on my body: Was I really at my max? How winded was I? Was I tired or just physically or mentally? What I realized is that my body was good - it was my mind that was in doubt! 

So, now when I run, I try to keep my mind occupied - by listening to my tunes, by paying attention to my technique, and by drafting out blogs like this one that capture all the wandering wonders of this weekend runner!

I Said "Yes" to My Dream - and Ended up Sweating on the Beach!

After two weeks home from my Atlantis vacation, I'm still riding the wave of adrenaline, inspiration, motivation and enthusiasm that was so prevalent on this trip.

You see, this was no ordinary Atlantis vacation - this was a vacation I won, from Beachbody, for achieving certain goals as Beachbody Coach. I got to take my family; I got to meet and hang out with other top Beachbody coaches from around the country....AND....I got to work out LIVE every morning on the BEACH with SHAUN T, LEANDRO CARVALHO and TONY HORTON.  Check out this clip of our Insanity workout in the sand:

Not everyone would get excited about going on a tropical vacation and choosing to get up for 2 hours of sunrise workouts every day - but I know those of you reading this get it!

It was funny, because even though the agenda said the workouts would be on the beach, we thought surely they couldn't mean on the beach - like, in the sand. They did. They said to bring your own towel, and we thought that meant a hand towel for wiping ourselves off. No, they meant a full size towel in case you didn't really want to lay your sweaty body down in the sand for push ups, stretches or child's pose.
     

We got out there each morning, just before the sun rose, sporting our shirts or jackets in the cool morning air; yet we quickly learned that once that sun came up, the less you had on, the more comfortable you would be. Oh, and we also learned that 2 hours of working out in the early morning sun requires a good sweat-proof sunscreen unless you want to be too burned to enjoy Atlantis' water delights later in the day.

And to top it all off, each morning, we were served freshly made Shakeology after our workouts! Paradise indeed!

Both my daughter and my husband did most of the workouts with me (2 each morning) and I asked them if they have ever been so exhausted on a vacation before. We all happily agreed that despite the very sore muscles and the intense desire to take a nap mid-day, we had truly had the time of our lives! We all came back with a renewed commitment to our healthy lifestyles, to our Beachbody family and the wonderful Beachbody coaching opportunity, and, best of all, to our family! (I believe that the family that sweats together, stays together!)

Six months ago, I would never have dreamed this would be my life. Just goes to show how saying "Yes" to an opportunity - "Yes" to your dream - can change your life.