Reverse TIaRT

Good morning, friends!

My peeps over at Runner’s Lounge are doing their weekly Take It and Run Thursday, but this week, in REVERSE! This pretty much just means that I ask the questions, and provide an answer. (While also hoping for more feedback in comments here.) Let’s Go!

Question 1
I’m not a runner/I’ve never run/I don’t know how to do it/I can’t run a mile/I’ve always been overweight/I don’t know anything about fitness… How do I start?

Answer:
Just do it, baby! I’ve said every one of those things before… and it really is about just DOING it. For me, I really need a super structured plan. And I needed “permission” to start small. I’m notorious for biting off more than I can chew. :) I need to know what I’m doing for my runs every day! That really helps.

Question 2
Running is really hard, and I feel weak… How do I fight feelings of inadequacy?

Answer:
You have to forgive yourself for getting into your (tubby) position, but stop making excuses for yourself. Find a support group, either of bloggers, family, friends, whatever, and tell them what you’re doing. Keep checklists, charts, graphs, or notes about what you want to do, and how far you’re progressing towards those goals.

Question 3
Okay, I’m running… and I feel like I’m going to keel over and die! What gives?

Answer:
SLOW DOWN!!!

No…. Really, Slow down.

Question 4
I’m afraid about running a race. I’m sure I’ll be the slowest one there. What should I do with that?

Answer:
Remember that in a race, it is all about you. Your time, your pace, your endurance. No one else matters, and no one else will be crossing the finishline for you. Don’t worry if a crazy speed walker passes you. :) Just do your best, and focus only on your own abilities… The pride you feel accomplishing your goal will be all your own.

What questions and/or answers do you have as a new or experienced runner/athlete?

February 26, 2009 | Kelsey | Tags: , , | 5 Comments »

Take it and Run Thursday: 6.5 minute strength

I'm a new fan of the Runner's Lounge and they do a really cool thing every Thursday. They'll ask a question, and ask for input from the RL community! They call this "Take it and Run Thursday"…
 
Here's today's question:
 

If you could spend 6 1/2 minutes each day building your strength to benefit your running, what would you do?  What are some of the most effective strength training exercises you do to help you run faster, longer or more comfortably?  How do you fit them into your regular running and other workouts?  Share your favorite, simple strengthening tips.

 
I'm REALLY feeling (and seeing!!) changes in my abs! I'm not sure if it is from the posture of running, or from the strength training that I try to do 3 times a week (that might actually happen more like 1.5 times a week :D ), but it is pretty cool.
 
In the mornings when I wake up, I often try to be quiet as a mouse, because D wakes up later than I do. Luckily we have a BIG closet, with plenty of room to do a few quick moves. I do my AM stretches there, and try to be sure to do a few reps of abs and a couple of lunges.
 
I LOVE oblique excersizes, and try to do those every time I strength train.
 
I've been reading several health/fitness publications lately, and I have to admit that I really love the idea of of these micro workouts they outline. "Here are 3 fool proof ways to get a six pack in 2 months!", "Do these 4 moves, and your calves will turn heads by Tuesday!"… I'm relatively new to the whole working out "thing", so I'm still in the exploratory phases of excersize. I can say, however, that it is awesome to feel strong in my own skin. That seriously rocks.
 
Plainly, if I only had 6.5 mintues, I'd probably do squats, reverse crunches, sit ups with a twist, and some of the harder yoga moves I love. :)

Posted via email from kelsnotchels’s posterous

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February 19, 2009 | Kelsey | Tags: , , | 4 Comments »