A Well-Rounded Athlete

I love to run, but I also love my boot camp classes.  I am very addicted to both.  I was wondering whether I should just focus on one, since I would like to run a marathon in my near future, but I am happy to report that I've learned that cross-training is best for me.

In fact, it is likely that it corrected my IT band problems, as they have completely disappeared.  I wasn't sure whether it was that I improved my running stance or what, but an article in the Hamilton Spectator entitled 'Variety is the Key' (August 2012) states that IT band problems can be due to a weak core.

A runner cited in the article stated that while training for a marathon he ran so much that he injured himself before he could even race.

Since I've been doing boot camp exercises that focus on strengthening the core, this is probably why I've had not a single twinge of knee pain for over a year!  Hurrah for core strengthening.  I knew those push ups and planks must be good for something.  Let's plank some more!




 

Worst Run Ever!

My visit to the gym the other day motivated me to do more running and strength training. This morning I got all excited and I geared up and headed to the trails. That's when it started going downhill. Actually, don't get me started on the downhills now, that's still coming.

The class the other night really took a toll on my thighs. I was doing very low squats with weights, even the instructor told me I didn't have to go down that far. I should have listened. The worst pain always hits me two days after a workout and this was the day. I started my run with a walk to warm up and almost 2K later I was still only able to run a few hundred meters at a time because my legs were so stiff.

The weather was extremely hot and humid, and I've already ranted about my thoughts on humidity. I had a hand-held water bottle and it was so hot out the water did not refresh. Then to top it all off, I lost my iPod Shuffle charge cord so I had no music.

I made it through about 8.5K of running, or let's face it, mostly walking. For once I looked forward to the uphills. They were easier than the downs because the tops of my thighs hurt so bad going downhill was agony. I was so stiff there was no spring in my step. I probably looked like some wierd robot bouncing slowly down the hills on stiff legs.

I kept going by telling myself my sore muscles would loosen up, and they did. I never did get going very fast today, but it did get easier. In the end I was telling myself this was a character/environmental run and therefore beyond my control.

At least I got out of the house, burned some calories, built up some muscle and cleared my head in the woods. I'm glad I went, because no matter how bad the run is I never regret going . But my legs still ache.

Fresh and Easy Garden Salsa

3-4 Tomatoes
1/4 of an onion, minced
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp lime juice
garlic to taste
salt to taste
(optional) red chillies, red pepper flakes, cumin, avocado, corn, beans

Heat a pot of water until it is boiling. Pierce skin of tomatoes and place in water for about 30 seconds. Remove and let cool. Peel tomato skins off.

Cut tomatoes and combine with onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Let sit in fridge until flavours mix.

Getting it back

Well, my prediction from my last post proved true. I let a lot slide this summer. I did do some running, but not nearly my normal amount and strength training went right out the window. So here I am, starting out again, trying to get back to where I was a couple months ago.

Last night I went to a new boot camp with Jen. It was great. The exercises were similar to what I had done before but still new and different. I was happy that I managed to keep up throughout the training, as red-faced and covered in sweat as I was. And today I have a nice muscle ache in my legs reminding me I have more work to do.

Last night I regretted not keeping up with my exercise, but not so much today. It was nice to have a break over the summer and not stress about getting out in the heat.

I'm getting my motivation back after last night's class. I find that once I start exercising it leads to more exercise and better eating as well.

Now I'm off to make a salad for lunch with some swimming afterwards and maybe eventually I'll get my muscles back.

Running at Awenda Provincial Park

         












I've just been on vacation.  Sometimes it's a challenge to keep up your fitness when you're away, but I didn't find it too hard this time, because when you're at the cottage and camping you generally do exercise anyway in the form of hiking, biking and swimming.  So it all worked out very well.  I even fit in some running.

We were camping at Awenda Provincial Park in Penetanguishene, which is a beautiful park.  It has 30 K of trails!  This is great for a runner.  The trails were just what I like too: nice forest trails.  There were lots of different trails to choose from, or you could also run along the roads.  I don't generally like road running, but these roads were camp roads, so they weren't as crowded with vehicles and they were surrounded by beautiful stretches of forest.  You could even run on the beach if you wanted.

Exercising on vacation: a must if you want to counter the calories in the wine, beer, roasted marshmallows and Jiffy Pop!  (And that was just the first day.)