Tag Archives: running

Trails, Roads, Races, Treadmills – Running Is Running

March 24, 2015 Kim 65 Comments

If you’ve read my blog at all you know that I LOVE my treadmill!!! I log the majority of my miles on the treadmill and I rarely race anymore.

This wasn’t always the case for me. I used to hate everything about the treadmill.

I ran competitive track and cross country in high school and college. When I was in grad school (in Alabama) I raced a lot and never once trained on a treadmill.

It wasn’t until after we had Jordan that I converted to being a treadmill runner.

Because of the nature of Chris’ job –

he has always had to be away for varying lengths of time. I didn’t want to share my running (I’m selfish like that!!!) by pushing a stroller so we bought a treadmill. (I’m on my 3rd in 16 years!)

Over the years I’ve learned to love running on the treadmill.
* It doesn’t matter how cold or hot it is outside
* It is never raining or snowing or muddy

this would NEVER happen on the treadmill

* I can always pause for a pit stop without having to duck behind a tree.
* I stay caught up on my DVRed shows!!
* I could run during nap-time, early morning or after the boys were in bed when they were little and couldn’t be left alone and I was doing the single parent gig!

Most of the time I’m perfectly fine with the fact that I am a treadmill runner. However, there are times that things come up that make me question if I really am a true runner since most of my miles are on the treadmill.

I know that there are differences – no wind, not a natural incline, controlled climate…..I try to accommodate for some by setting my treadmill at 1.5 incline for all of my runs and then using the incline for hills on occasion.

I don’t race much these days – mostly because I always raced to win not just to finish a race and the training required for that is more than my body can handle these days since I have had more stress fractures than I can count.

So, sometimes I question whether or not I am a real runner. I know that there are many people who scoff at the treadmill and would say “NO, those miles don’t count.”

However, I know that running is running and it doesn’t matter where you run, how far you run, how fast you run or if you take a picture to document the run – RUNNING IS RUNNING!!!

In my heart I know that I am a runner – I am a treadmill runner and proud of it!!!

What are your thoughts – is all running the same?
Do you run? Where do you like running the most?

Happy Wednesday!!

Kim

BOSU, Calves, Core, Fitness, Lunges, Running, Uncategorized

Race Day – 50 MILES!!!

March 21, 2015 Kim 1 Comment

Today is race day – 50 miles!!!

The week was very light because I’ve been trying to rest up some before running for hours.

Sunday 3/15 – 45 side lying front leg pulses.

pull the top leg to the front (I can't get my leg straight out) — pull the top leg to the front (I can’t get my leg straight out)

I was laying in the sun because it was cold and I didn’t want to turn the heat back on!

Monday 3/16 – 45 squats with knee lift across body – hands behind head the entire time.

Squat again and then –

This move was really fun! Since I counted a right & left knee raise as 1 rep I ended up doing 90 squats.

Tuesday 3/17 – 45 BOSU step overs.

stand on BOSU with right leg - left leg steps front — stand on BOSU with right leg – left leg steps front

This move went quickly but my stationary quad was burning by the time I finished 45 reps (front-back-front).

Time to work the other leg! Start front.

I did an easy 5 mile run – 39:23 followed by 0.35 easy miles.

Wednesday 3/18 – 45 weighted pulsing lunges – set weights down, pick weights up.

To complete the rep, go back down and pick up the weights. Umm….this wasn’t my best idea since it ended up being 90 lunges total on each side!!!

And, back down to get the weights to complete one rep!!!

Thursday 3/19 – 45 oblique punches with legs up.

I liked this move – it was fairly simple!!!

Friday 3/20 – 45 boat poses with moving arms (out in front – up).

This was a great core challenge!!!

Saturday 3/21 – 45 quick back & forth calf pumps.

This was a quick back & forth move of my calves – a good stretch before my race. I took pictures of Hunter showing the move Friday morning before I left home so that all I had to do this morning was the actual 45.

Now, I’m off to run 50 miles!!!

Happy Saturday!

Kim

Uncategorized

Headed to Texas!!!

March 19, 2015 Kim 57 Comments

So, the other day when I talked about our spring break I didn’t mention the fact that I’m taking a quick trip to Texas. Really quick!!

I’m driving down today (Friday) and will drive home on Sunday. On Saturday I’m running a little race –

Yep – even though I might have said that I was moving on and done with the 50 mile races, I’m running 50 miles on Saturday!!!

One of the great things about this race is the fact that it is in

I haven’t lived in Texas in a lot of years, but it is my home country!!! I will always be a Texan!

I’m excited to return to my home state to race – it has been a long time.

Also, I’m meeting up with a blog friend – Chelsea from TheDancingRunner. She has run many marathons and has decided to give ultra running a try!!

I’m going to Texas solo – trying to plan a quick trip with the family is much harder than just going alone. However, my sister

who only lives about an hour away is going to come up and stay with me Friday night and hang out at the race Saturday!!!

I feel like I have trained hard for this race and put in the miles. Now I just need to be smart on Saturday and remember how much I love running!!!

50 miles is my goal – I know that I have it in me to complete the entire race!!!

How many times do you try something before you give up?
Do you have any goals that you have tried and failed but you know you can achieve?

Happy Friday!!

Kim

Uncategorized

Some of My Favorite Workouts

March 17, 2015 Kim 75 Comments

For years the only type of working out I did was running. Now I love trying new exercises and workouts.

I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite ways to workout. I can’t share all of them because this post would go on for way too long!

1. 10 Minute Solutions workouts – I like the variety in all of these workouts. Some are mostly cardio, some are toning and some are a perfect mix of everything!

2. Jari Love Get Ripped DVDs – these are weight training workouts that focus on high reps.

3. TaeBo – sometimes old school is the best!!!

4. Various workouts on my Pinterest board – many from blogging friends.

5. Jillian Michaels workouts – I feel like I get a good workout with all of Jillian’s workouts. I think sometimes her cuing isn’t great and she doesn’t always make sure both sides get equal work but I can work with those issues.

6. Chalean Extreme – the first time I did this program was the first time I really pushed myself to lift heavier weights!!!

7. Les Mills Combat – these workouts are just fun!!!

8. Insanity – this is definitely hard work but I love that it is cardio and toning with no equipment required.

9. Turbo Fire (and Turbo Jam) – working with Chalean is my favorite! She makes every workout fun and the time passes quickly.

10. Running!!!

Bonus: I really enjoy my daily moves! Doing these has really forced me to try new moves and do different things which I think is great for my body.

What is your favorite way to workout?

Happy Wednesday!

Kim

Back, BOSU, Butt, Core, Fitness, Lunges, Recovery, Resistance Bands, Running, Squats, Treadmill

Taking it Easy (3/8 – 3/14)

March 14, 2015 Kim 26 Comments

This week I took several days off because my legs were tired and I’m trying to rest some before next Saturday!

Sunday 3/8 – 45 sit-ups with my feet propped on the door.

Monday 3/9 – 45 rear leg lifts with band.

After one side has been worked over, it’s time to switch and hit the other side.

I did Turbo Jam – Lower Body Jam & Ab Jam – both fun workouts!!

Tuesday 3/10 – 45 reverse lunge to warrior 3.

I love how many muscles are involved in these 2 moves. And the balance challenge always makes me happy!!!

I did a 9 mile run in 68:35 followed by 1.2 easy miles.

Wednesday 3/11 – 45 crunches with a medicine ball toss (8 pound).

This was the start of taking a few days off since my legs felt tired. I still ended up with almost 20,000 steps after a day of cleaning and setting up at the venue.

Thursday 3/12 – 45 bent over tricep pulses.