Picture

Running Tips.  Be sure to scroll all the way down!

So, you want to be a runner?

Well, at the very least you know you had that fleeting thought a few times as you were trying on bathing suits in that awful florescent lighting that exaggerates the dimpling effect on your posterior.

Let's face it. Most of us really aren't interested in running because we love the action of running. I mean, besides Forest Gump, I really don't personally know anyone who loves to run, simply because they can!

I have a confession. I have never loved running.

As a matter of fact, I avoided it at all costs, choosing spinning, weight lifting, aerobics, jazzercise (remember that?), Kick boxing and even child birth to avoid running on a regular basis. But underneath my aversion, there was a part of me that really wanted to be a runner.

I just couldn't kick it.

So finally, now in my mid 40's, I can tell you I love running. It's a new found love and I'm so glad I gave it another chance.

I've been asked many times, "How do I start running?"  "How can you stand to be so sweaty and exhausted?"  "Why can't I breathe when I'm running?" "What do you think about when you're running?"  "What tunes are on your ipod?"

So, aspiring runners, acomplished runners, and runner wanna be's...these tips are for you! 

Please share your own tips here! 

I'll add them to our arsenal.

There's always more to learn and ways to do it better! 
Picture

Taking it to New Heights! 
Hill Training.

I’m not quite sure what it is about my personality, but I just love a good challenge.  

Not every day, mind you, just often enough to keep it fresh and keep my body moving in a progressive manner.

Sometimes it takes a good challenge to kick my booty out of a slump.

Hill repeats are one of my favorite boots!

Our town, Lakeland, is relatively flat.  On our weekend long runs, I think often of my friends running in Atlanta, Colorado and San Fran and am VERY grateful for our terrain when traversing the slightest grade.

BUT, to be a strong, fast runner, hills are essential at least every week or two.  

Lake Hollingsworth, our community’s 3 mile paved running path has about 8 nicely graded hills. (half of Lakeland is there in the morning).  I meet with a fabulous group of runners early in the morning and share the lung burning, pulse throbbing in the temples, quad-burning experience.  (Misery DOES love company.)  

It’s quite simple.

Just run (jogging or walking will get it done as well) up the hill and then slowly run down.

Repeat until just short of collapse!

Here are a few tips to help you squeeze the most out of hell work.  

 1.  Use a short stride.   Work to keep your feet under your hips.  Just dig in, and keep moving!  Going slow is great!  Just grind it out.  I personally can’t stand prolonging the pain...I prefer getting it over with and go up as quickly as my lungs can handle.  We’re all different.  No rules!  Get it done

2.  Relax your shoulders, arms, hands, face.  Those white knuckles and clenched jaw won’t make it any easier!  (And that exertion induced overbite is really not attractive!)

3.  Use those arms!  I’ve found it’s impossible for your feet not to keep up with your arms.  If you speed your arms up, your feet will match the tempo!

4.  Vary your speed on different stretches of the hill.  Can you dig a little deeper at the steepest part of the hill? (my favorite) Or maybe start out quickly for a certain number of steps and increase that number for each hill you tackle?  The possibilities are endless!

5.  Don’t stop till you reach the top!  Don’t give up when you see the end point!  Keep on going!

Each hill is it’s own victory!  There’s nothing like the exhilarating feeling that comes from conquering hill repeats!

On a more intrinsic note.  Hill training is much like life.  There’s always a challenge that you haven’t tackled before looming ahead.  

One of my Dad’s quotes is , “And it came...to pass” It will take determination, fortitude and a never say die attitude, but life's challenges, as well as the hills WILL pass as we continue to just keep moving forward.  
  
Happy Training!