March Movement

I mentioned in my Runfessions the other day that I was toying with the idea of a March run streak – something to help shake things up and maybe help me find my running mojo. While an intriguing idea, in the end I’m not convinced that 31 straight days of running is really for me. I’ve come to embrace my rest days and know how important they are for keeping my legs happy. Plus, with more snow last night and more to come later in the week, the thought of trying to do the streak on a treadmill might just push me over the edge.

What I do like about the idea of the streak is committing to doing something every day – so that’s become my goal for March…. 31 days of movement in the form of strength work, yoga and running. I was psyched to see that Black Girls Run! Boston is doing another 50 mile challenge – these are always fun as we cheer each other on, so I’ve joined in and am hoping to get in on some group runs if the weather cooperates.

yoga-pose-rodney-yeeI’ve also dusted off my yoga DVDs and kicked off March Movement yesterday with a little Rodney Yee! If I can swing a studio class in with my schedule than that will be a bonus, but at least the DVDs will guarantee I’ll get two days of yoga a week — along with 3 days of running, 2 days of Trainer Stacy’s strength work should make for a good week.

So that’s my plan for March! What are your goals?

 

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Yoga practice is a must for runners

Last May I signed up for a “Yoga for Runners” class in the hopes of finally building a consistent yoga practice, and I can truly say I think it has made a big difference in my running. Originally, my sole motivation for attempting yoga was to get “a good stretch.” And while my hamstrings are challenged to open up, there are other great benefits yoga offers runners.

Strength-Building — Yoga is a full-body workout. Many of the poses challenge you to engage upper and lower body, as well as your core. As runners, we often repeatedly work the same muscle groups – yoga gives you a more balanced workout, and improving muscle imbalances can go a long way to preventing injuries.

Body Awareness — The balance and alignment required to move into the various poses, has made me much more aware of my posture and form while running.

Improved Flexibility — Without a doubt, yoga helps to open up tight muscles, especially the hamstrings, hips, glutes and quads — all critical for runners! Again, tight muscles can cause imbalances in the body, stressing key joints like hips and knees.

Improved Mindset — It may sound cliché, but the practice of yoga is a journey. The poses are challenging and take a while to learn, much less master. My yoga instructor is constantly reminding our class to “honor your body;” to accept what you can do now and not push your body beyond its limits. She often reminds us that yoga is a “practice” – it requires patience. You don’t simply achieve the perfect downward dog and are done! All great reminders for us goal-oriented, time-obsessed runners! I also love that yoga helps me to stay in the moment – my mind doesn’t wander, I’m very much centered on what my body is doing (or trying to do). A worthwhile benefit to carry over into my training.

If you have not tried yoga yet, I highly encourage you to give it a try. Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, coordination, and concentration, while eliminating both physical and mental stresses. What’s not to love?

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Coaching, Yoga, New Shoes, etc.

Coaching….

I had my bi-weekly check in call with Coach Bennett this morning. We reviewed how the first couple of weeks are going and he gave me some suggestions on my pacing and acclimating to this never ending heat. So far I’m really enjoying working with him – he’s got a great attitude and has put together a plan for me that is both challenging but doable.

Yoga…..

Last night was week #9 of my Yoga for Runners class – it continues to be a bit of a 2-hour torture session but my hamstrings always appreciate it later! If you aren’t already doing so, I seriously encourage every runner to incorporate a little yoga into your training – really makes such a difference!

New Shoes…..

Finally got my first run in the Merrell Pace Gloves on Wednesday — love them!! I think it was the right call to keep the first run in them short – there is really a big difference in the feel of a zero drop shoe. My calves were a little achy later in the day but a little time in compression sleeves seemed to take care of that. For now I’m going to plan to use them just for short runs and stick with the Kinvara 2s for longer ones.

etc……

I cannot believe that we’re just about at the half way through July! I still have way too much on my “want to do this summer” list. I’m trying really hard to balance that feeling of “summer’s too short and we’ve got to get it all in!” vs. staying in the moment and enjoying the days as they come (sometimes easier said than done).

How’s your summer going so far? Does it feel like it’s flying by?
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Friday Five

  • What is it about doing speed work at the track that always puts me on such a high for the rest of the day? I need to do more of it, because if nothing else it’s a confidence booster!
  • Some how I’m now just 10 days away from my next half marathon. I feel like it’s kinda crept up on me. Time to start obsessing …. checking the 10-day forecast.
  • Yoga is kicking my butt! I joined a “Yoga for Runners” class taught by an amazing yogini/marathoner. Last night was the second class and it was tougher than the first! I am ridiculously tight and while I try to break out the Rodney Yee DVD with some consistency, there’s clearly nothing that compares to having the instructor there to point out all your flaws…correct your form!
  • My youngest announced to me this morning that he only has 15 days of school left before he becomes a 1st grader! He’s looking forward to being out of school a whole week before his older brother – I’m panicking because that means I have only 15 days to finish any of my house projects or they go on hold until the boys start camp in July – Yikes!
  • The weather’s finally turned picture-perfect around here so I plan to live in my garden quite a bit this weekend. My boys gave me some beautiful perennials for Mother’s Day that I still need to get into the ground. So in between the usual kids’ sports/chauffeuring to b-day parties/etc., I hope to be happily up to my elbows in dirt 🙂
What have you got planned for the weekend?
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I’ll take another week like that!

Last week was a good one!

There were no snow days, which meant schedules were fairly normal for the first time since the begining of January.

I got all of my planned workouts in except for an easy 3 miler which I opted to skip in favor of yoga to keep my ITB happy. On Friday, I treated myself to a Thai Massage which was heavenly and really helped to relieve some of the pressure/tightness I’ve been feeling in my hips and lower back.

Saturday night we went to a fun event to raise money for a new school playground and I walked away a silent auction winner for a pair of Vibrams! Cannot wait to get them – more on that to come.

And finally on Sunday, I got to run outside again for the first time in 3 weeks!! Without our weekly snow storm I figured the roads would be clear enough to venture out. And despite having to dance around black ice and being a bit tired (did I mention we went out Saturday night…did I mention there was a lot of wine involved?) I was psyched to say goodbye to my new BFF and get my 7 miles outside!!

On the decks for this week:
Rodney Yee's Yoga for BeginnersToday: Yoga. I was tweeting with Sage Roundtree and she forwarded a couple of her podcasts to try. I also just got Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners DVD.

Tuesday: 4 miles

Wednesday: My weekly TRX/Pilates class

Thursday:  Tempo run or speedwork — with less than 2 weeks to go until the Hyannis 10k I’ve been trying to figure out which workout is more beneficial.

Friday: It’s suppose to warm up around here (read 40’s) so I’ll probably run again with some yoga as well.

Saturday: my weekly Pilates Reformer group

Sunday: my first attempt at 8 miles!

How was your week? What have you got planned this week?

Happy Running!
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