Stair Stepper

I wanted to touch a bit on legs today. I have been running now for years. Sometimes frustrated that I am not getting faster or better. I know my endurance is pretty strong and my lungs and heart are comfortable at the level I am at.

These past couple weeks I have been hitting some cross-training hard. Giving up my running days is sometimes hard, but it is all sacrifice for the final goal right?

I started doing the stair stepper at the gym. If I had a stadium I would go run stairs, but here in Okinawa I didn't want to drive miles to go do it in the dark. I can report however the huge change that I have seen in my runs because of my legs being stronger. I can rely on them more and count on those specific muscles to carry me through- whether up hills or in sprinting I can see a difference.

The same goes for bike intervals as well. Pushing harder on those and taking the stress off my knees while strengthening my legs has been hugely beneficial.

Bike Intervals

So, I didn't quite make it to the Habu today.....I was having some SERIOUS ADD issues. I jogged with Cole in tow, then decided to do plyo, but my foot was hurting and Liz txtd right at that moment saying she was headed to the gym for bike intervals! I headed over there and put in a good 30 minutes. My legs were sore after last night. We went to Chilis tonight and although I DID eat some Southwestern eggrolls, I had left room for them in my eating today so it's all good! And no popcorn or drinks at the movies :) That's a FIRST!

Habu anyone?

Here is where I will admit my weakness. I can't do a girls night out that involves any kind of eating unless I run first! Then I can enjoy my dinner and not have guilt. So at 2:30 as soon as Emi and Porter walk in the door I am headed over to the Habu trail. Anyone who wants to join me is welcome! My foot feels pretty good today, but it has been A LONG time since I have ran the Habu and I am pretty nervous about it. I get butterflies before hard runs because I worry that I'll have to stop. The hills are killer, but I promise you'll burn TONS of calories! Give me a ring if you want to join in. I am offering my house as a kid drop off point if you want to go. Free b-sitting, and we won't be gone for more than an hour.

See ya!
Heather
ps-day four of no caffeine!

Perfect Form

In the past couple weeks I have been working really hard on my form. I notice sometimes when I run, I don't really bend my knees- and think it was more of a shuffle or jog. Getting more serious about it, I have been hitting the gym hard for legs and really paying attention to my form. I have to run without my IPOD sometimes to do so, but I found: good posture, strong core and actually letting your legs do most of the work has helped me so much. Not to mention I took a minute off each mile by just making this one change.

Today I ran from Risner gym up past the high school, up to the USO and back down to Douglas and back around by Chili's. Didn't have my GPS on, so I don't know how far it is.. but it felt awesome.

I get hungry running at 4:30 in the morning, but hate to eat before I go. Any ideas except bananas or chocolate milk?

Beautiful weather this morning.. better take advantage of training now before it gets hot..

Run to Relief Society Activity

I had such a fun 3 mile run with Heather and Kaelee tonight. It really sparked a lot of conversation about exercise when we got to the church. Who knew it could be such a motivator for others.

Yay! A blog! Every runner has one, right?

Hey Girls,
I thought that maybe you would like to join me in blogging your runs? Nutrition ideas and helps, and maybe some affirmations and experiences? I know you are all SUPER busy, and probably keep your own blogs up and running, but maybe just check in when you can and share your running experiences?
Thanks,
Heather

If you think of someone who is a runner, or wants to be a runner, let me know and I will invite them!