Running Dangerously

Today was my first 7 mile run in more than 2 years.   The snow and ice from the storm we had on Wednesday was quite treacherous. 

There a terrific mapping program available for free on the USA Track & Field website.  Check out the route I took this morning here: http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=269047 

Completed the run in 62 minutes. 

Boy do I have a love/hate relationship with the hills around here.  On one hand the variety and scenery they produce are extremely motivating.  On the other hand, they sure are uncomfortable to navigate.

Hard Work Deserves Reward

In my case three days in a row of hard training deserves a day of rest. 

However, rest doesn’t mean that you should ignore the opportunityto enhance recuperation. 

So…this evening I took advantage of my time and performed myofascial massage using a tennis ball on my legs and stretched out using my jumpstretch bands. 

Twenty minutes of mostly discomfort, but now I feel light as a feather. 

Taking time to break up fascial tension and stretch is essential to improving your workouts from session to session.

Back in the Saddle

After a few weeks of easy spinning I finally hit the spin cycle a bit harder tonight.  I’ve got to keep focus to hit my goal of completing my first triathlon by summer’s end. 

3 minutes hard spinning + 7 Dead Hang Chin Ups for 6 Cycles

Jumpstretch band stretching for hip mobility

Fitting My Training In

Between PT sessions and the kids I had to fit my own training in a little on the late side today. 

I actually find that training after-hours often works out best all-around.  

I figure if I weren’t training at 9 pm I’d just be sitting on the couch watching the latest episode of “Fringe” or “Biggest Loser” like everyoone else.  

Instead, training late gives me the opportunity to get work done during the day,  spend extra time with my family and still hit my goals by weeks end. 

What’s more…it only took 20 minutes to get through my workout.  This is what I did:

Two-Arm Kettlebell Swings with 62lbs.  10 Sets of 10 Repetitions alternated with 10 Sets of Swiss Ball Push-Up-Jack Knife Combos for 10, 9, 8, 7…for a total of 55 reps. 

Simple, but effective…I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight