Often times runners are plagued by injury because muscles that should be working aren't. That weakness leads to imbalances and ultimately injury. Weak glutes are a notorious problem for runners so glute strengthening exercises are a priority, so are activation drills prior to running. Taking the time to do several glute activation drills before starting your run will warm up ... Read More
6 Favorite Workouts for Runners
It's been fun to share these monthly workout round ups with you for the last year! If you're anything like me, inspiration and new ideas keep me motivated to incorporate cross training into my workout routine. This month I'm sharing favorite workouts of each blogger in the round up. You'll find great tips and get a little peak into how each blogger likes to stay fit! [Tweet "Check-out ... Read More
6 Core Workouts for Runners
If you're anything like me, you know how important a strong core is to your running, but you often neglect to incorporate it into you weekly routine. If that's true, then these six quick core workouts should give you a great resource and hopefully a little motivation to give your core the attention it needs! [Tweet "Get strong with these 6 Core Workouts from @happyfitmama @vitatrain4life ... Read More
Essential Crosstraining for the Pregnant Runner
I hit the 24 week mark this weekend and with that milestone, my thoughts have shifted from running to cross training. Although I love logging miles, I will probably be intentionally reducing my running as I approach my due date. Instead of running I'll be putting more of an emphasis on crosstraining: specifically pelvic floor, hip and core strength. Pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic ... Read More
Ab and Glute Workout for Runners
I've been incorporating more cross training into my routine for almost a year now. Focusing on strengthening my core and glutes has helped me to become a stronger runner and therefor a faster runner. The gultes are a runner's power-muscle and strong core helps stabilize all the rotation that is going on during the running motion: both are essential. Last week I came up with a little workout that ... Read More
Barre for the Runner
For the longest time I wanted to take a barre class. I'd read a few blog posts touting the benefits of barre and it just sounded like something I'd enjoy. I tried to get to a class early last year, knowing it would be good for my postpartum body but it never materialized. Then I ran all summer and fall and never had "time" to go. When my racing season ended in November my mind and body were ready ... Read More
Beginning Barre: My first barre class
I'm considering November and December my "off season." I want to continue to train harder, get faster and run well, which means that my body need some down time. I've been training and racing hard since the spring. I enjoy the hard work and love the racing, but I need a break physically and mentally. [FOr a great article on why an off season is necessary, check out Lindsay's post HERE.] While I'm ... Read More
AMRAP Workouts
Since I've been on a one week running hiatus per orders from my midwife, I've been doing lower impact exercises such as walking or biking. I've been averaging about three workouts per week, which doesn't seem like many, but on the days that I don't workout I've been doing some major projects around the house in preparation for the baby. In addition to low impact cardio I've been incorporating ... Read More