On March 21, 2010 I ran my first half marathon barefoot. I had previously run one half marathon wearing New Balance running shoes. I, unfortunately, injured my knee so bad that I could not run for over two years. It was awful.
After doing a great deal of research, I decided it was time to try something different. I discovered the book, "Born to Run" by Christopher Mcdougall, which changed my life. McDougall states 8 out of 10 runners are injured PER YEAR in this country. That is interesting considering we have a great deal of knowledge in sports medicine, podiatry, and top of the line running shoes. In the book, Born to Run, Mr. McDougall discovers a Tarahumara Indian who won a hundred mile foot race in the Rocky Mountains at 55 years old in a pair of sandals. He traveled to the Copper Canyons of Mexico and discovered a whole tribe of Indians who run hundreds of miles wearing sandals without any running injuries clear into their late life. This book is a must read if you are interested in running!!
I bought my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers and in November 2010 began my training for another half marathon. It turned out to be a success. I completed 13.1 miles 6 minutes faster than my last time and walked away injury free!!
My advice to you is do your research and see if barefoot running fits your lifestyle
To get your own copy of born to run CLICK HERE!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
THE COURAGE TO START
The are many situations that can hold an individual back from beginning a fitness program. Many people have children or ridiculous work hours. Others lack motivation or desire to put on their running shoes everyday and do some sort of physical fitness. I personally have seen friends and acquaintances become overweight and then simply not have the energy to get out of bed to work out. It is a vicious circle.
PEOPLE!! We have all heard about benefits of exercise, flexibility, and diet but I'm totally aware that just isn't enough motivation to stop procrastinating and get your butt pumping iron. Honestly, the last thing that drives me to put in my P90x or go for a run is, "I would really like to improve my cholesterol" Haha! Let's face it...we are motivated by hot bodies, weight loss, and other individuals with the same goals. This leads me to my next point
The key to beginning your own physical fitness program is to simply find out what motivates you. Personally, I need some sort of picture or inspirational book. For example, I love the P90x infomerical because it combines before and after pics along with inspiring stories. One of my favorite books is "Born to Run" by Christopher Mcdougall. Whenever I am feeling lazy and tired I utilize one of the above options. Find what drives you!!
Another suggestion is to buy an outfit that makes you feel hot! I look forward to putting on my underarmour because it tightens up all of those "trouble" areas.
Finally, find a group of individuals with similar goals. This can be difficult because if your group is lazy then you have potential to be lazy as well. This is why my recent love is the Beachbody Club online. No matter what time I log in there are ALWAYS other people working out and there to offer support.
To sum it up...find your own motivation. Remember that if you can find an hour to watch American Idol or your favorite sitcom, you can find an hour to work out.
PEOPLE!! We have all heard about benefits of exercise, flexibility, and diet but I'm totally aware that just isn't enough motivation to stop procrastinating and get your butt pumping iron. Honestly, the last thing that drives me to put in my P90x or go for a run is, "I would really like to improve my cholesterol" Haha! Let's face it...we are motivated by hot bodies, weight loss, and other individuals with the same goals. This leads me to my next point
The key to beginning your own physical fitness program is to simply find out what motivates you. Personally, I need some sort of picture or inspirational book. For example, I love the P90x infomerical because it combines before and after pics along with inspiring stories. One of my favorite books is "Born to Run" by Christopher Mcdougall. Whenever I am feeling lazy and tired I utilize one of the above options. Find what drives you!!
Another suggestion is to buy an outfit that makes you feel hot! I look forward to putting on my underarmour because it tightens up all of those "trouble" areas.
Finally, find a group of individuals with similar goals. This can be difficult because if your group is lazy then you have potential to be lazy as well. This is why my recent love is the Beachbody Club online. No matter what time I log in there are ALWAYS other people working out and there to offer support.
To sum it up...find your own motivation. Remember that if you can find an hour to watch American Idol or your favorite sitcom, you can find an hour to work out.
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