RachelElizabeth's blog

You are probably doing too many crunches, and pushups/bench presses, on top of a heavy running routine, and most likely sitting at a computer every day for work.

Am I gettin' close?

This makes you so front-heavy with muscle that it makes you slouch and ruins all attempts at good posture.

Try adding core strength exercises like plank and side plank, stretch out your chest, and a strength training focus to your back and shoulders.

I was recently asked this question by an old acquaintance. I know it's a common issue so I decided to share it, blog style! :)

Q:

What exercise would you recommend to someone who loves to run but can't very often because it hurts their knees? She is getting married in the fall and wants to shape up and running just isn't working for her anymore. Any help would be appreciated! : )

A:

First of all, ask yourself: do my running shoes support my feet correctly?? How old are they? -You need new running shoes at least every 6 months.

35 minute program, work up to 2-3 x week:

warm up 3 minutes walk/jog easy

1 min all out sprint
4 min jog
1 min sprint
3 min jog
1 min sprint
2 min jog
1 sprint
1 min jog
1 sprint
2 min jog
1 min sprint
3 min jog
1 min sprint
4 min jog
1 min sprint

5 min cool down easy jog

*Consult your doctor before starting any new fitness program, especially if you have any known heart problems. This is intense interval training.

Good morning!

I just thought I'd share some of my personal and 'eternal' motivation with you all.

Every where you look there are plenty of motivational quotes like the one I posted yesterday, but did you know that there are even examples of sports motivation in God's word, the Bible? How awesome that the God who is not only creator of the universe cares about pushing each of us to be our best!

Check it out...Motivation from 'Big Guns' upstairs:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

"Stick to your task till it sticks to you;
 beginners are many, but enders are few.
 Honor, power, place, and praise
 will come, in time, to the one who stays.

Stick to your task till it stick to you;
 bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it too;
 for out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
 will come life’s victories, after awhile." - Anonymous

It's been a week now since I've been back from my eye-opening trip to Los Angeles for FMI 2009 and I am already beginning to see how life has a way of trickling in. While listening to Clark speak at the conference, feverishly trying to make note of every single word he said with paper and pen, I vowed to myself I would keep up with at the conference: follow up, follow through, stay focused on my goal, keep pushing, driving, stay motivated....easier said than done, especially while in the midst of so many people who have made it in the industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M2cT7IyM9g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cVgt0hoRI4

Enjoy! More to come...

Rachel Elizabeth