Interesting Article for Beginning Runners

New York Time: For Beginning Runners, Advice Can Be a Hurdle (click here!!)

Importance of Rest Days



My new goal weight! lol


After speaking to a friend (who will remain nameless :)) today I decided to do a little research on the importance of giving your body a break every once in a while.  I fully believe that your body needs time every once in a while to recover.  I also fully believe that your mind needs a break.

My reasons are:

• You don't want to burn out.
• Your body will get used to the work out and plateau.
• You can hurt yourself.

Now, those are just the reasons I came up with, with no evidence to indicate one way or the other.  So, after searching the good ole' world wide web, I came across this article.

Runners World Article

Their reasons are:

• Prevents overuse injuries
• Restores glycogen stores
• Prevents mental burnout

I know for me personally, I sometimes feel that if I'm not doing things 100% then I'm failing but that's not true.  Last year I was having a lot of hip pain caused from my back.  I was currently working out and doing a lot of the elliptical machine.  That is extremely low impact but it was still causing my pain to flare up.  After talking to my surgeon, he encouraged me to continue to keep working out but the second I felt just the slightest twinge of pain to stop.  He said even if it was only 5 minutes to stop.  5 minutes was better than nothing but 10 minutes certainly wasn't worth hurting myself more.

 

So, my personal opinion, I think you will ultimately do yourself more harm than good if you don't give your body a break.  You have to take care of yourself, first and foremost, otherwise you might just miss a months worth of workouts vs 1 workout a week.

Find Your Strong

With school starting last week, I've had a very hard time finding a time to get my walk/run in.  Carter has to be at school between 7:00 and 7:30 and Preston and Liam have to be at school at 9 and John starts working around 7:30ish.  The sun isn't coming up until around 6:45 and I'm not comfortable going out while it is still dark.  And it is so freakin' hot here right now, any time after 7:30ish is absolutely miserable.

I did work out yesterday for a short 30 minutes which is better than not doing anything.  However, I didn't feel like it was enough.  I worked out over at my good friend's house on her treadmill.  Definitely a nice change of pace and she helped me tons with encouraging words and pushing me a little further than I wanted to go.

This morning, I went out and decided to start the Couch to 5k program.  UUGGGHHH!!  That's what I have to say about that.  It was terrible.  I almost had to call John to come pick me up.  My shin on my left leg hurt so bad.  My first mile was about 17 minutes which isn't too bad for still walking A LOT but I was in so much pain by the end that I was averaging a 21 minute mile.  I guess I need to concentrate this week on building my endurance up a little to get back in the groove and start the 5k training next week?  Part of me feels like I'm making excuses but the last thing I want is to injur myself. 

I ran across this picture this morning and I really like it.  It says "Find Your Strong."  I think everyone has their own strengths and when it comes to getting healthy you need to do what is best for you.  My strong right now is not my running but I want it to be.  I know it's in there...I've had it once before.  I will find my strong again!!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!

~Heather

New Gear

I went to a wonderful store yesterday, Run On.  They have a few locations throughout the DFW metroplex and they were the nicest most helpful people.  They measured my feet, watched me walk, and jog.  Talked to me about what I wanted to do with the shoes and asked about any problems I'm currently having.  Kandice is who helped me.  She recommended 3 different running shoes for me.  Asics, Brooks, and Mizuno.  I tried each pair on compared them to each while walking around the store.  I chose the  Mizuno Wave® Inspire™ 7 and I LOVE them.  They are very light weight and supportive.  I can't wait for my first run in them. 

They have a few different color choices but I got this color.

I also got a new sports bra.  I had what I thought to be a good sports bra but as soon as I started running, I quickly realized that it was a terrible non-supportive sports bra.  I mean, I was in pain with every step.  Horrible!!  So, I tried a few on and got the Moving Comfort Women's Juno Bra.  I'm in love with this bra.  The ladies don't move an inch with it on.  It isn't the easiest bra to take on and off and I'm a little nervous how I'm going to take it off after a sweaty workout but I think it's going to be so worth it. 



It is a razorback, has adjustable straps, and regular bra closure in the back.

I also got a few pairs of new socks.  I didn't splurge and get the super expensive socks but did get some that are more than what I usually spend.  They are the supporting type of socks and supposedly wick the sweat and everything away.  What I loved about them is they came in lots of different sizes.  I've found  that most women's socks come in a one size fits sizes 6-11.  Well, I wear a 5 1/2 or 6 so those socks are usually big on me.  I put these new ones on and thought they were too small at first but nope.  They just actually fit!!

So, hopefully I can get a run in and try everything out soon!  This week has totally thrown me for a loop since school started this week.  I have to get Carter to school by 7:20 so our routine has completely changed and I have yet to figure out how to run in the mornings.  I'm working on it though so hopefully in the next few days.  I go for my weekly weigh-in tomorrow so I will be back then!  Hope y'all are having a great week!!

~Heather

Sticker Chart

I wanted to post what helps keep me motivated.  I think we are all kids at heart and whatever motivation worked as kids will still work as adults.  Who doesn't love stickers??  I use stickers to reward my kids all the time.  They love to show me stickers they got at school or from doctors' offices etc.  It gives them that little boost for a job well done.

I created a chart to track my weight and exercise progress.  I have it broken down in weeks as I'm also using it as a countdown to a cruise my family is taking in February.  (That's my other motivation :)) So on the far left I have week # which is how many weeks until my cruise along with the dates for that week.  Then the next column has the month.  The next 7 columns are for the days of the week, Sun - Sat.  The top number is the days left until my cruise and the bottom number is the date.  I pencil in my weigh ins and any notes.  I also have highlighted my first 5k that I registered for yesterday!!  (eeek!) 

So, I bought a pack of smiley face stickers (and praying that my boys don't find them!) and I put a sticker on each day that I walk/run or exercise in general.  It really helps to see when I've exercised and motivates me to get up and go the next day.