My Bed Won
My bed was so incredibly cozy today!! I had planned to run this morning, followed by some gentle yoga (I even laid-out my workout gear and yoga DVD last night), but when my alarm went off at 5:15 AM, I hit snooze… hard! My body was more interested in sleeping than exercising. Oh well. There will definitely be an AM workout tomorrow!
I apologize in advance for another oatmeal repeat. I loooovvvveee this cranberry loaf-bread pudding oatmeal that I have been eating for the past few mornings. It’s delicious and filling and delicious! 
I jazzed-up my bowl with a spoonful of Raspberry Peanut Butter Spread, which was a yummy addition to the sweet cranberry bread.
With early morning reading and a glass of icy H20…
Running Tips
A received a few comments on the blog yesterday asking for some running tips. Let me start off by saying that I am not an expert runner by any means. I’ve been an avid runner since high school, but my running enthusiasm comes and goes. I will run a ton for a month or so, but the following month, I will barely run at all. My recent interest in running has been ignited by all of the wonderful bloggers who have trained for long-distance races and accomplished amazing goals.
My ultimate goal is to run a marathon. I’ve walked 3 marathons, which I realize is quite an accomplishment, but there is just something about running one– I just haven’t had much success training for a marathon in the past. A couple of summers ago, Mal and I started training for the Baystate Marathon together. Mid-way through our training, I started to have some serious hip problems– to the point where I was having trouble even walking– so I stopped running all together. Neither of us ran the marathon that fall, and since then, my hips have never been the same. Running any long distance over 6 miles is so painful for me– and my hips will usually hurt for a couple days afterward too (especially my left hip). However, I am trying to slowly progress to longer distances with the hope that my hips will become stronger over time.
One of my upcoming goals is to run the Run to Remember Half Marathon in May. This time, I am giving my body plenty of time to train, and I am listening to it and giving it breaks when it needs them. I’m currently running 5-6 miles with no major hip issues. My left hip usually hurts a little around mile 4 or so, but not enough to stop running. I’m getting there, but very slowly!
Anyway, you guys probably didn’t need all of that info, so here’s what has helped me increase my distance and pace over the past several weeks.
- Intervals: Intervals are the best, especially if you are running on a treadmill. They keep things interesting and help you increase your pace. My favorite interval workouts: 45-minute Treadmill Run and Fitness NYC’s 3’s and 5’s Treadmill Challenge. If you’re running outside, “Telephone Poles” are another great interval workout. For Telephone Poles, you jog between 1-2 sets of telephone poles, and then sprint between the next set, and continue to alternate fast and slow speeds. I also use music to help determine my pace. I alternate fast and slow speeds based on the song playing on my iPod. The key to this is keeping your pace steady throughout the entire song.
- Don’t Stop: Even if I feel like total crap while running, I try not to stop and walk. I will bring my pace down to a slow jog– sometimes I will even just shuffle along. Eventually, I DO feel better and pick it back up. Sometimes, I just need to have faith that I will feel better soon!
- Mileage Goals: A weekly mileage goal has been very motivating for me. For instance, Melissa’s Marathon Challenge inspired me to set a 10-15 mile goal for myself each week until the New Year. I’m trying for the ultramarathon (52.4 miles before January 1), so I basically need to step-it-up if I want to achieve this goal!
- Gadgets: I love my Nike + iPod!! I’m sure there are similar running gadgets out there, but this little gadget keeps me on track and motivated to pick-up the pace and increase my distance. I can also set running goals for myself with it (either by distance or time), and it provides me with constant updates about my running stats (distance, pace, and time). It always seems to get me to run another 1/2 mile or additional 10 minutes! Love it!
Wow, I was really long-winded today! Jeez! I hope these running tips are helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Question of the Day
With 2008 coming to an end, what is your greatest fitness accomplishment of the year?
Posted by: Tina 54 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized, motivation
Tags: cranberry, peanut butter
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:38 am
hey tina! awesome running tips! i have a few of my own here:
http://www.seebriderun-tips.blogspot.com/
my greatest accomplishment this year was running my half marathon! here’s the recap: http://www.seebriderun.com/2008/10/marine-corps-half-marathon.html
my other great accomplishment was reducing my 10K time! it was a great feeling and its cool to know that TRAINING PLANS work! http://www.seebriderun.com/2008/11/founders-day-10k.html
have a great day!!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:42 am
My fitness accomplishment was switching up my weight workouts. I was a slave to the weight machines for 6-7 years, but decided to finally break free and use free weights! I follow different work outs from magazines and it’s so much more fun. I definitely do the machines when I’m in a time crunch b/c I have that routine down pat, but it’s fun to have some variety.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Sometimes its good to listen to your body and just sleep
Glad you had a relaxing am!
Biggest fitness accomplishment of the year- Certifying to teach Body Step! Building up the endurance to teach a whole hour of Body Step was intense! The first few times I did it, I was beat red by the end of class. Now its much much easier
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am
My fitness goal is definitely to run a marathon also! Good luck to you, I know you can do it!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Biggest fitness accomplishment: Learning to listen to my body and eat things that make me feel good – i.e. no refined carbs!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I had major hip problems when I was training for my first half. I think my problem was upping the mileage too much too fast and not having the right shoes. Even though I went to a running store and got fitted for the shoes, they weren’t the right ones for me. I switched to Asics and my pain eventually went away!! I still stretch out my hips really well whenever I feel the slightest discomfort though.
Question: I was considering a nike + but do you have to have nikes to use it?
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hilary,
You don’t need to have the Nike sneakers for it. You can either strap the little “egg” piece into your laces or you can buy the version that you wear around your wrist. Nike might even have new version of it out now. It’s pretty awesome!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
thanks for the mention. I am really glad you like the workout, it’s one of my favs. Nothing like a morning with a healthy breakfast and a healthy magazine
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Learning to love step aerobics was my accomplishment of 2008. I love the feeling when I get a routine right without screwing up (because I’m not very coordinated generally). I also finally started doing weight training on a regular basis and have never felt stronger. I love showing off my arm muscles.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Great tips!
My greatest fitness accomplishment this year was maintaining my weight
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I my bed felt the same way today
great oatmeal and good luck in the marathon training
eric
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Great tips! I totally understand the hip pain, I tore my right hip band off the bone my last year of high school cross country and its never been the same. On that note, my fitness accomplishment is that I’m able to run at all now. I’ve been slowly building back up… really slowly.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Greatest fitness accomplishment: being able to do REAL pushups! No more girly style for me
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I have so many accomplishments this year. My biggest one is losing about 10 lbs by eating healthy and getting back into shape. I trained for and finished my second half marathon in just under 2 hours. I also started eating breakfast again! It was a great year, but now I need to figure out what is on the agenda for 2009 (and not slip up after patting myself on the back for a job well done).
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:13 am
great tips Tina. I’m not planning to run a marathon but it was useful to find two intervals workout.
Thanks.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:14 am
My biggest fitness accomplishment this year was running my first 5k and coming in 1st for my age group! It was the first, last and only race I have ever run. I figured I might as well go out on top
Another one was switching to a new gym…my old one had me in a rut with their not-so-great machines and lack of good tredmils and other cario equipmet. Now I’m at a bigger and better guy w/ nicer equipment. It motivates me and excites me to use all their “new” toys!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am
My bed won this morning, too and I didn’t feel bad about it for a second! My body always tells me when it needs more sleep
My biggest accomplishment of this year is SMASHING my previous 5K and 10K PR’s. I trained to run faster this year (as opposed to just running to finish) and it felt awesome!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Thanks for the great running tips Tina! I am gonna get myself some sort of running gadget for myself this Christmas to help me keep track of my running!
Don’t worry about hitting the snooze button. I am so amazed you can even wake up before 6 am; that’s amazing!
My biggest fitness accomplishment this year was cutting back (a little) on junk food. It’s made a huge difference in my performance! hopefully I can phase myself off even more junk food, esp candy!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:17 am
oh my, I am a crappy typer. I’m at a bigger and better gym w/ nicer equipment, not guy. I wish.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:19 am
My biggest fitness accomplishment overall was losing 13 pounds, but I think it was more of an accomplishment that I made some drastic lifestyle changes with how I eat, party, and work out!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:31 am
well since I’m a running newbie, my goal right now is to run in a 5K race in the spring, then maybe gradually work up from there. My biggest accomplishment to date probably has just been my overall fitness and nutritional improvement since high school, I’ve lost over all just over 30lbs and have completely changed my outlook on exercise and eating…yay!
btw I’ve asked for a HRM of sorts, and a Bosu for chirstmas haha!!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
good tips! i might suggest PT for your hip? have you ever had it looked at? Might just be strengthening certain muscles might help? That’s helped me manage my knee pain and keep running
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 11:56 am
My biggest fitness accomplishment was running the Philadelphia half-marathon in November. When I began training, 13 miles seemed like a TON but I felt awesome and am so proud of myself for doing it!!
Good luck with your training – my friend who ran the half with me had hip issues and ended up getting orthotics which completely helped. Just an idea!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Great running tips! *Hopefully* my greatest fitness accomplishment this year will be doing my first 5k on Sunday! Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and am finally doing it.
By no means a marathon or anything, but it’s the perfect stepping stone for me!
Hope you’re having a great week and good luck with your training!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I wish my bed had won this morning. Oh well!
Thanks for all the tips.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
my biggest accomplishment is being able to do an interval run for an hour w/o dying halfway thru! i even feel the “runner’s high” afterwards which is AWESOME!
I’m really glad to detailed your own running journey & injuries. I’ve never been a runner but two years ago, i managed to courage up to a treadmill. I eventually built up my endurance & then started working on my speed but i started having knee problems. I’m not sure why b/c i wasn’t sprinting at 9.0 speed or anything. Either way, i quit totally for a couple of months to let it heal and did cardio on ellipticals and other machines. I’ve slowwwwllly built back up to running 1-2 times per week but only on a speed of 4.5-5. I’m afraid to go any higher b/c when i have in the past, the knee aches come back. i do stretches which seem to help but i don’t think i’ll ever be able to get to a higher speed again. Any suggestions from anybody as to what i can do??
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
**Greatest fitness accomplishment = getting stronger and healthier by beginning to gain muscle mass.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Tina you totally made me feel better about being lazy this morning. I did exactly what you did except I woke up and even went as far as putting my workout clothes on and then going back to bed! Sometimes you just need a rest though. I like your running tips a lot. I’ve been on a running kick too lately. Also I was wondering what you thought about this or what any other readers think. If I plan to run everyday, do you think rest days are important? If so how many a week? Thanks!
westtoeastcoast.wordpress.com
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Wow – your running experience is so reminiscent of mine. I’m in the middle of trying to recover/recovering from hip problems associated with running. I used to run 10-15km without even thinking about it and now…the pain starts at 6km in and I can’t shake it. I’m trying to run more frequently but with lower mileage under the assumption that “I’m just not a long distance runner…”.
Thanks for the encouragement though – Tonight: an interval run!
Love the blog! sally from Toronto
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Sam,
Yes, I think rest days are important, especially for someone like me who has old lady hips!
If I do a long run (5+ miles), I will take the next day off (sometimes even 2 days) or just do a short run or some other form of cardio.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
congrats on the business cards!
and i tried to run a half marathon in may, but as we all know i fell and broke baby bones in my foot. so that WOULD have been my greatest accomplishment, but i guess my new one would be my hard abs? they don’t quite “show” a lot yet but i feel how tight they have become!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I think my fitness accomplishment this year is the fact that I have stuck to exercise. I have never gone this long ( a year and a half) with regular exercise. I can truly say now that it is a lifestyle for me!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
i am glad to read you are training for that race in boston, you should commit by registering!
my biggest accomplishment, besides the 5 half marathons that i run (pr 2:02) i wanted to run 1000 miles this year, I won’t make it to 100 but i think it will be around 950 miles (i had some health issues in the beginning of july that kept me from running for nearly 3 weeks) but considering all the extra exercise i added to my routine (weight lifting and spinning classes), i am thrilled to have come so close (if i count my spinning classes, i am well over a 1000 miles)
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I really enjoyed reading about your running trials and tribulations!!
My biggest fitness accomplishment? Learning how to balance exercise and proper nutrition… which resulted in my winning my age group in the last 10K I participated in during September!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Hey Tina – I meant to post this earlier. If you decide to train for the half, you can do a really great training program with only 3 days of running per week (two short runs and one long). I have hip and knee issues and use this type of training to minimize pain and maximize recovery time. Most of Hal Higdon’s plans follow this format, especially if you select beginner programs. (You’re not a beginner runner, but you’re a beginner half marathoner, right?)
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Love running pole to pole outside! It can really get the heart rate up! Never apologize for repetitive oats! I’d eat that cranberry loaf every morning too if I had some.
Greatest fitness accomplishment was completing the Hood to Coast Relay after not enough training. Had a blast but very sore!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
The Run to Remember is a nice half marathon to start with as it is relatively flat. I ran that my first marathon training year and it was a nice run around Boston. As for your hips, I have had some hip issues as well that always come out during my marathon training and the physical therapist told me to strengthen my hips. I always felt like my legs were incredibly strong but then she gave me exercises to do and suddenly I felt like the weakest person ever. In any event, stretching, icing and strengthening my hip muscles has helped. OH and deep tissue massage…the kind that hurts! Good luck!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Great fitness accomplishment…doing Yoga daily! Breakfast looks great!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Oooo my accomplishment this year is getting back into running and now running longer than I ever have before and also dropping weight. Hooray!!
I also wanted to add, you can buy a shoe pouch (think to put keys in, ID etc.) that straps to your shoe to hold the Nike+ thing. That way it’s more secure and you don’t have to worry about losing it.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Tina, I don’t get why you insist on aiming for a marathon when your body is telling you to it can only go so far. 5-6 miles is admirable as it is. Why keep on trying to hurt yourself??? Is this a runner’s syndrome? I have a bad left knee and my left hip will also hurt the day after a good run, so I take a day of rest, like someone else said, not push my body to kill itself.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Oops, I do see you say that you take a day off after a good run. But still, why push for a marathon, for pete’s sake?
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
All,
Thanks for all of your running tips, especially the training/hip ones!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
My greatest fitness accomplishment of 2008 is running. I started running last year, but I don’t think I ran more than 3 miles until this year and recently I ran 8 miles with no problems. I think I’m finally not afraid to run. I used to get super nervous before a scheduled run, to the point where sometimes I’d skip the workout all together. That’s the perfectionist in me… I get nervous because I’m afraid I won’t be able to achieve my goal. But alas, I’ve improved significantly and even a longer run isn’t scary anymore – it just means I’ll have to run a little slower
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Running! I remember the first time I ran over 10 minutes, now I do an hour or so at a time!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
My fitness accomplishment has been going to 2 weight training classes a week. I normally hate any type of weight lifting but know how great of a benefit it is. I go to these classes and really am starting to see myself tone up!
My bed wins all the time too so it’s a good thing those classes are at night!
http://www.missymaintains.blogspot.com
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
great running tips! I need to do more interval training to increase my pace. My greatest fitness accomplishment in 2008 was completing 2 marathons within a month of eachother!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Greatest fitness accomplishment – nourishing myself, getting into yoga/walking/running, and just getting in touch with my body.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Great running tips. Thanks. My greatest fitness accomplishment this year was running the San Antonio Rock and roll marathon and finishing under my goal time.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
My greatest fitness accomplishment was running a 5K in November. Growing up I always hated running, it was always difficult for me because of my asthma. Nothing ruined my day in HS more than finding out we had to run a mile during class. Yeck! Oddly enough though last summer I started running and although I still suffer from asthma I was pleasantly surprised to see progress in what I could do. After a few “test” runs I entered a 5K with a co-worker and although I was not too speedy I finished the entire, hilly course with out walking!
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Tina, you might know this but I thought I post it in case it helps someone else. I was also having some severe hip pain. I, too, could barely walk sometimes. My doctor ended up x-raying it but found nothing that might be causing hip problems. He recommended that I try new shoes. My old ones had a lot of miles on them so I bought a new pair. The pain went away almost immediately! Even though my feet weren’t hurting, the lack of proper support was causing my body to compensate and it was my hip that ended up in pain. Obviously this isn’t always the case, but I hadn’t even considered what was on my feet might affect other parts of the body.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Sarah,
Thanks for the info! I was thinking that I might need new sneakers too! I think it’s time for a new pair.
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
BIGGEST FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Listening to my body! Over exercising led me down a horribly dark path, resulting in 3 fractures in my right foot and severe nerve damage. It’s so upsetting to write this, even. I guess I had no choice but to listen to my body, but thank G-d it wasn’t my heart that gave out first, right?!
YOGA has SAVED me and I thank G-d for my practice every day
on Dec 10th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Biggest Fitness Accomplishment: Hiking in Maine and Glacier Trekking in Argentina. This may not seem like a big accomplishment to many but I didn’t have great self esteem and with being over weight I thought for sure I would fail at both of these things and thought I would have to be air lifted off the Glacier but I used focus and breathing to get through all of it and I did it! And my healthier life has begun… finally!
on Dec 11th, 2008 at 12:28 am
I think my biggest fitness accomplishment is that I started running–and I love it! I wasted so many years thinking that I could never run; I wasn’t “built” for it. Now I run 6 days a week. It makes me feel so strong and healthy!