What's In Your Tool Bag?

There is so much information out there when it comes to fitness and health. It's hard to know where to start. I get overwhelmed when I try to wrap my hear around everything. I realized that I don't have to know everything, I just need to find what works for me and stick with it. One of the things that is working with me is using the Nike+ app on my phone. It tracks how far and how long I run. It also gives me my pace per mile and my calories burned. This app also syncs up with Facebook and when friends like your status it sends cheers to your phone. It's encouraging to get a cheer when I'm running. If you have an iPhone, adding this app might be a great tool to have!

Happy Running!

Nike+ available on iTunes

Run Your Butt Off - Week 1

So I am two days into Week 1 of RYBO, and so far I have picked up on two things that I am going to make a priority when it comes to working out/walking/running.

1) I have a busy and sometimes crazy schedule and so I have to "pencil" in when I am going to workout. I have made the time right after I get out of class to do it. And so far I am sticking to my goal! I have to schedule my times to workout. If I don't, then I can easily go without it. But if I schedule it, then it helps me stay on track. So, schedule your workouts!

2). bring friends along! Walking/running is always more enjoyable and more motivating when done with friends. I posted on my cohort page that I would be walking after class. I had three people join me tonight! Ask friends, coworkers, or family members to join you.

Wanna-Be-Runner,
Kiana

Peachtree Road Race 2011

On Monday, July 4, 2011, I walked/jogged with about 60,000 other people to complete my first Peachtree Road Race. The PRR is a 10k that begins in Buckhead, runs through midtown and ends in Piedmont Park. After the race, my feet and legs were so sore and I felt exhausted. But simultaneously, I felt exhilarated! I pushed myself to keep going and I accomplished my goal (to finish)!

After the race and in the days that have followed, I have done some thinking about running. I am not a runner. I don't look like a runner and I don't have the stamina of a runner. However, I know that this can change. I feel like I did a great job on Monday, considering this was my first race in about 10 years and that I am not a "runner." But I know that I can push myself to become better.

My goal is to train and work hard to become a "runner." No so that I can run a 10k in under 30 minutes,* but so that I can push myself physically to another level. I want to be able to have the physical strength and stamina to be able to jog/run longer distances than I am today. I have a year to do it and I plan on pushing so that I can run the whole Peachtree race next year!

My plan is to follow the Run Your Butt Off plan laid out in the book. Starting on Monday, July 11, I'll start the 12 week plan to becoming a runner. I am not looking to become a fast runner, just someone who has the stamina to run.

The Plan: The RYBO plan is a 12 week plan moves people from being walkers to being runners. Each workout is 30 minutes long and it gives direction to slowly increase running time and decrease walking time.

Week 1: Walk for 30 minutes four times a week. I am walking on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The way my schedule is right now, these are the days that work best for me.

Please feel free to join the journey with me!

Kiana