So You Want To Run (2nd Get Live Magazine article)

We’ve all been to the gym and noticed that one person who makes you feel like a total wimp. You know, that person who is running on the treadmill next to you when you get there and still going strong when you’re getting ready to leave.  Some people are just born to run. Others need to train their bodies to be able to last longer than a quarter mile. If you want to become a runner but think there is no way you could run to the mailbox and back, have no fear, Couch to 5k is here!

Couch to 5k, also called C25k, has to be the easiest training program for beginner runners. It’s designed to help the “non-runners” complete a 5k, or 3.1 miles, in just two months. To be ready for a 5k in two months, C25k requires runners to train three days a week. The program starts by alternating walking with running. For example, on day one you would alternate 60 seconds of walking with 90 seconds of jogging. Each week your running time will increase as your walking time decreases, usually adding up to a 20 to 30 minute workout. By the end of the two months, running for a solid thirty minutes, or 3.1 miles, will seem like nothing.

The easiest way to make yourself train to run a 5k is to find one and sign up. It’s more likely that you will train for a race if you actually pay for it. A good way to get your feet wet is to make your first race an untimed one. Yes, there will still be a clock at the finish line that says how long the race has been going for, but it wont necessarily show the time you finished the race in. Untimed races are good for beginners because you don’t have to worry about what place you got or if you have set a personal record. First timers should try to line up towards the back. Lining up near the front will allow seasoned runners to fly past you making you feel like you need to push harder. Trust me, this wont end well for you. Your first race should be a fun race. Make your second race a timed one, that way you will already know how race day works and you wont run into any surprises. 

As time goes on, you’ll notice your times are shrinking and your confidence is growing. You’ll probably also notice that you are starting the race somewhere in the middle of the pack, rather than the back. You may even decide that a 5k race has become too easy and you’re ready to kick it up a notch and train for a 10k.

And don’t forget to take advantage of all the free goodies after the race!

Fad Diets: A Quick Fix?

Fad dieters must be suffering from information overload. They have so many options when it comes to trying out the latest and greatest way to lose weight seemingly overnight. Lets begin with the HCG Diet. This plan of action only allows dieters to consume 500 calories a day while taking drops of HCG. Know what HCG is? The same hormone women produce when they are pregnant.  Eating only 500 calories a day? No wonder people see results. What about the Master Cleanse? Drink lemon water, syrup and cayenne pepper all day? I’ll pass. Don’t forget about the Tapeworm Diet – do I really have to explain this one? Ever heard of the Baby Food Diet, the Grapefruit Diet, or the Oatmeal Diet? No thank you. It doesn’t matter what these diets are called, they all fall under the same category of unhealthy scams.

Why is it that so many people fall for these fad diets?  They want to see dramatic results that require little effort.  Healthy weight loss does not occur overnight.  To get a body like an a-lister, you have to commit to it.  Many people say there aren’t enough hours in the day to make it to the gym but can somehow make time for Happy Hour.  Say you have one margarita. You just consumed somewhere around 300 calories that you will now have to work off if you want to see a change in the way your pants fit. Do you know how long it takes to work off 300 calories? Longer than it took to finish your drink. If you want to lose weight, make small changes to make it happen. Cut back on how many times you drink alcohol a week. Choose a salad over chicken fried chicken. Skip dessert. Take the stairs. Take the dogs for a morning and an evening walk. Small changes will make a big impact in the future.  You have to be realistic in your weight loss goals. There is no miracle cure.

The key to losing weight is not eating a grapefruit before every meal. Know that losing weight is a process that takes time. Keep track of how many calories you consume everyday and remember the way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. So next time your coworker brings muffins, remember how long it will take to eat that muffin and how long you’ll have to spend at the gym trying to remove it from your muffin top.

http://getlivemag.com/?p=171

I'm Backkkkk!

This semester is over! Finally!! That means it's back to blogging about randy things. So let's jump right in with some new things I'm working on:

Thing One:Today is Cinco de Mayo.....or day 5 of the 30 day workout challenge my bff & I are doing. So far, so good. It's not really that hard since we only have to do some type of physical activity for 30 minutes a day. Hopefully, today's wo will be a nice long run after work, assuming these kiddos dont wear me out! If not, hellllllo Turbo Fire! This challenge is also helping me train for a half....that's in November. Yikes, I know.

Thing Two: Positivity. I cant believe how much thinking positive thoughts can change your life. I suggest everyone spend at least five minutes a day just thinking about all of the positives in your life. The power of positive thinking is amazing. 

Thing Three: We're moving!!! Mom bought a house in Austin & we will be moving in the first of June! It is so so so cute and in a gorgeous area that's just 10 minutes from Lake Travis. I cant wait to graduate and move down there to find a place of my own. I'll be there helping her get settled for a few weeks and plan on meeting with some event planning firms. I am really excited to view this one place (I'm keeping the name secret until I go see it) that holds all kinds of events. The setting is gorgeous---or so it appears on their website. I also plan on taking a Bikram class if I have time while I am there... and no, that's not flapdoodle.