This past week was interesting in that my schedule got out of whack, and I could not follow my routine as I had planned. Additionally, I started out feeling a bit tired and consequently I did not follow my plan as laid out. I did however do the best I could under the given circumstances. So, we are at Friday, and I have 3 workouts under my belt with one to go. I ran on Monday, Wednesday and swam yesterday. My runs are getting stronger, and I can go longer. Earlier this week I was able to take my feet outside instead of downstairs to the treadmill. I love running outdoors where I feel the fresh air and I move with the animals, and soak up the sun's rays. My runs were in zone, and for about 40 minutes each session. The Swim I did yesterday was a bit forced and not as smooth as past times because my throat was hurting, and I did not have my usual energy. I did get through 30 minutes of doing laps, only completed 500 yards compared to my usual 900. I concentrated yesterday on doing the strokes properly verses just doing them to knock em out. Now I am training myself to swim properly and with less effort. So, it's 3 strokes to the right, and come up for a breath, then 3 strokes to the left and come up for a breath. My left side is weaker than my right because I've been swimming only with breaths up from the right side. My balance has been off for the past 2 years of learning. From here on out I am training myself to swim the proper way each time, even though my body is saying do it the easy way you know. My brain says, don't do it unless it's the right way. I think I will go for a bike ride tomorrow, and that will total 4 workouts this week.
LESSON: Constantly evaluate your fitness progess by talking to the experts and reading up on the latest reseach. If you are going to put the effort into working out, why not do it right. Finally, let your brain lead your body. When it comes time to make a correction, do not follow the path of least resistance.
On another note, last night I attended a Running 101 seminar to hear what ultra marathoner Lisa Menninger suggests for improving one's running. I was pleasatly surprised to learn what this sage had to share. To begin with, I love her experession, "don't let that old person move into your body." So true Lisa. It is up to each of us to keep vital and young. Excercise is the fountain of youth afterall. Lisa emphasized the importance of stretching, and walking about 5-10 minutes as a warm-up to your run. If your are running and you keep getting the same injuries, treat the cause not the symptom. For example, an IT band problem in your knee is probably an issue with a weak core. Work to srengthen your core. Another very important thing Lisa brought up is that runners should change out their shoes after 400 miles of running in them. Proper support comes from a shoe that is still in support, not worn out. Check out Runner's Soul for shoes. So much more great information, which I will share with you later, but in the meantime visit lisa's website at lisamenninger.com.
Have a kefi-nated weekend, and know that I want you as healthy as humanly possible. :)))))
xo
The Roadrunner
