Taking It Easy

"In my dreams I am a Kenyan"

It's been quite awhile since my last post. I have been sick over the past two weeks. I had a sinus infection, got antibiotics, felt better & all the while, pushed through with the workouts. I should have been resting because about 1 week later, I was running a 102 fever. As I was lying in bed, shivering with the fever, I said to myself, "That's it! You need to start listening to your body!" So, now I'm on antibiotics again and feeling better.

 I really have been trying to be a little less harsh on myself. I couldn't run last week and instead of feeling guilty or upset about it, I actually enjoyed the variety of some different workouts. My week looked like this:

Mon - 30min walk, 30min strength -legs
Tues - 30min strength-upper body, playing w/my kids outdoors (yea, I count that too!)
Wed - 30min elliptical, strength -core, house cleaning (It all counts!)
Thurs -30min walk/run (outside of Walmart, while waiting for my script to be filled :)
Fri -    40min strength-upper body
Sat -   5 mile run with a friend
Sun -  Rest

This morning I had a great 5 mile run before the sun came up. It's finally warming up enough that I don't freeze to death. I love Spring! This week, I'll try to run again Wed., Thurs., and Sat. I'm also going to try a "Brazilian Butt" workout from Fitness Magazine later today. I'll let you know how it goes. (The last time I did a leg workout, I couldn't sit down for a week!)

Have a fit week!

Genie

Diets Overwhelming??

Do you find all the hype for different diets nowadays a bit overwhelming? I know I do. Just type "diets" into Google and about a million different things will come up. Vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, beer diet (no, seriously, that really was in the results from Google!), etc. So, what should the everyday, average person, wanting to lose weight or just eat healthier do? Here are my thoughts/suggestions:

1. Research your different options. If you want to try eating vegan (or any other kind of diet), then go for it! See how it makes you feel. Determine if it's something you could stick with.

2. Steer clear of fads. Stick to what's tried & true (more fruits & veggies, lean meats, whole grains) because they are just that: tried & true.

3. Don't "diet". Just make changes that will work for you; things that you know you can stick with. For example, skip the mayo on your sandwich or start drinking your coffee without sugar. After awhile you won't even like it with sugar! Use sliced strawberries in place of jelly on pb&j's. I know, I did it. All the little changes add up!

4. Check out the Super Tracker for more tools. Create a profile, keep track of the foods you eat and log your workouts. I think it's a great site!

What little choices do you make each day to be healthier? I'd love to hear some other ideas!



Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/f-oxymoron/5350584347/

Running in Cold Season

Check out this great article from Runner's World Magazine. It explains why many runners catch a cold leading up to or right after a hard run or race. It also includes many useful tips on how to avoid the sniffles.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--14078-1-1-2,00.html

Many runners would rather die than take a sick day from running. If you are already sick with a cold, how do you know if it's still ok to run? Well, considering you still feel up for a run, symptoms such as a chest cold, bronchial infections, and body aches require time off. Symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, or stuffiness shouldn't pose a risk to a runner continuing a workout. But remember, there are times when you may be feeling run down and going for a run could do you more harm than good. If your temperature is above 99 degrees, skip the run. During exercise, your heart pumps large amounts of blood from your muscles to your skin, dissapating your body heat. If you have a fever, your temperature will rise even higher, putting additional strain on the heart as it works to keep your body temp down. You also may have achy muscles while you're sick and running on these muscles could leave you prone to injuries. Listen to your body! When you're feeling better, ease back into your training program slowly.

Written by: Genie Bianchi, RRCA Coach

Cross Country Mom

My daughter is in 5th grade and just had her first day of cross country club at her school. I was so excited when she came home & told me she signed up. She said she had fun and I was happy to hear the kids warmed up, stretched, ran for awhile, and even did some strength work in the form of planks, push-ups, etc. I believe running can do so much for kids...not only for their physical health, but in the way of boosting their confidence, teaching dedication, commitment, and the fact that hard work pays off. She may love the running, but she might not enjoy me too much this season. I can see I'm going to be one of those crazy, embarassing moms that is the loudest one at the meet. This morning I told her I was going to make a sign to hold at the meets that reads,"Run like snot". She wasn't having any of it..lol. I am officially banned from making any signs. :(