Running Advice

Greetings! I have not been able to post for almost two weeks. Life has been very busy around here. My apologies.

Now, I finally found some local races!!! I am so excited! There are a few 5K's coming up in the next few weeks that I will be registering to enter. In addition, I found a local mini-marathon that will take place in September! This is exciting news. I was planning to commute 1 1/2 hours to a larger town for a race in late-spring. Now that I am committing to these runs, I will be posting my training schedule. For any of you that are avid runners, please feel free to comment on my training schedule once it is posted. OR, feel free to share any advice you may have.

Hugs to all,
Gator

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers. Have a great day with your significant other/loved one's in your life. May you all be blessed with love!

Hugs to all,
Gator

Training Interruption

My goodness! I was off to a great start in training for my mini-marathon. From the beginning, I was so hyped about it. I could just feel the excitement when I told people about my plans. I found an awesome training schedule that worked with my life and my chaotic schedule. But, lately I don't feel the excitement as much as I did when I first committed. Every time I finish a run or training session, I do get that same adrenalin rush. It is very refreshing!!

I feel like I've been battling a head cold off and on for over two weeks, which isn't helping. I take all my vitamins and drink plenty of H20, but I am not sure I am eating the right combination of foods to keep my energy levels at their peak, especially for the longer training runs. I am lightening up on my running for the next few days to allow my body to recuperate, but I will continue to walk the long distances on an incline. I don't want to lose the ground I've gained in the past month.

Hugs,
Gator

Ab Exercise - #4

Today's exercise is the Side Plank (I love this one!!). It targets the internal and external obliques.

To start, lie on your side, legs extended, both stacked on top of each other. The elbow of your bottom arm should be bent in a 90-degree angle. Shift your weight onto your bent arm and contract your abs as you raise yourself up into the side plank position. Remember to keep your body in a straight line, from shoulder to toe. Think of yourself as a wooden boad, with no slouching in the middle. You will hold this pose for 1 minute per side. Aim for 2-3 poses on each side.

~Originally published by Oxygen Magazine Summer 2008~

Enjoy!
Gator

Gluten Allergies

Since my brother was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, or what is known as the allergy to gluten, I've been doing much reading and research on this topic. I am surprised on how many americans have gluten allergies and how many more do not even know they have this food allergy. To even more of my surprise is the percentage of siblings who also have the allergy to gluten. Many people with gluten allergies have no visible signs of it, but the allergy still exists. Now my question is, "What does this mean for me? Do I act on it and revise my diet? Will I see any improvements in my overall health?" Since I am very conscience about my health, I really think I should make a few revisions and see what happens. Overall, it would just eliminate some carbohydrates from my diet. I would focus more on eating fresh fruits, fresh veggies, and lean protein. It is amazing where you will find gluten - in many obvious places such as boxed potatoes, breads, pastas, and so forth. But, it is also in some canned goods, bottled juices, all-natural cereals, candies, gum, and the list goes on and on.

I see the struggles people live with each day from this allergy. I tried to prepare a simple meal for my brother's family and my own. I had to be careful to NOT let the spoon from one spaghetti pan touch the gluten-free spaghetti. I also had to make sure to strain his first - to prevent cross contamination. It is tough. Once I get further into my research, I may have a test run to show if I have the markers for this allergy.

If you have a gluten allergy, or have any information to provide, please feel free to share it. I appreciate any comments you may have.

Hugs,
Gator

Training - Mini Marathon

I found some awesome training tips/schedules for the mini marathon that I plan to enter. The training schedule is outlined to last 8 weeks. There's two different schedules; one for individuals who run under 12 miles per week and another for individuals who run over 12 miles per week. Much information is outlined, so I will attempt to post the training outlines over the next few days for anyone who is interested in the material.

Hugs,
Coach Gator

Tight Abs - Exercise #3

Today's exercise is called the Bicycle. Most of us are familier with this ab-tightening exercise, but I am still going to disclose information for those that are not accustomed to it.

The bicycle targets the internal & external obliques and the rectus abdominis. Lie on your back with your legs extended and your hands behind your ears. Bend one leg as the opposite elbow crosses toward your knee. Alternate your arms with the opposite legs, keeping your legs close to the ground as you cycle back and forth. Aim for 30 reps to each side. Mix it up by changing your tempo. Remember to keep your elbows back as you cross. The closer your legs are to the ground, the more difficult the move.

~Originally published by Oxygen Magazine Summer 2008 Edition~

Enjoy your workout!
Coach Gator