Hump Day Giveaway: It’s Not About the Miles
The one thing Donald Rumsfeld and I have in common: we both work at stand-up desks. Think he has a flowery office rug too?
About six weeks ago, while waiting for a latte to drink with with a Jo, an out-of-town RLAM’er, I rested my hands on a really tall, faux marble counter. In a world where I stoop to brush my teeth, wash the dishes, get the shampoo out of my hair and generally just function, I took notice. Is this what it feels like to be 5’7″? Feeling both average and extremely tall, something clicked. Suddenly, I had to have that counter.
It wasn’t until about an hour later, when needing to focus on something else besides my shaking legs in Pilates, that I realized what I needed. About $300,000 to customize our house for our family of 6-footers. (Our kids aren’t there yet, but believe me. They will be.) Short of that windfall, I settled on something more doable: a desk as tall as that counter.
A desk that allows me to stand, which would:
1. let me improve on my posture instead of perfect my slouch.
2. relieve the crazy tight hamstring and IT band in my left leg, which gets turned a couple more cranks anytime I sit for longer than 15 minutes.
3. according to a Google search, provide me with more energy (sign me up!) and less mental constipation, thanks to increased blood flow.
4. make me look smart like an architect. (Or at least make my office look as 70’s-swanky as Mike Brady’s looked.)
So I recruited John, my engineering brother-in-law who was visiting for the weekend, to head up the project. He happily obliged. It’s basic, it’s super solid, it needs a paint job and I love it. I’ve reaped all the benefits I was looking for. I stand taller, I don’t feel as stagnant or frustrated, my leg is unusually quiet and–bonus points–even when I’m working in my stained sweatpants, I feel trendy. Huh? Check out this recent feature on stand-up desks in the Washington Post.
As runners, we often think we change our lives by miles. And while we definitely do, it’s what’s between the miles–the foam rollers, the strength training, the stress levels, the hours of sleep–that matters as much as the numbers your Garmin displays at the end of your run. You can’t run four miles four times a week, sit for the rest of the week, eat too much melted cheese, let anger eat up your innards and think those 16 miles mitigate everything. They don’t. (Not that sitting for the rest of the week is an option for any of us–just play along with me.) Although I knew rationally that running is a lifestyle, not just an activity, I pretended for far too long that my strong quads could make up for my keyboard slump, my veggie-barren meals, my middle-child tendency to take on way too much and desire to make everybody happy.
So I’m doing my best to health up the rest of my life, one small step at a time. The other significant change I’ve made recently is not turning on my crackberry until 7:30 a.m. I realize this may still seem early to many of you, but I often checked at it 5:20 a.m. before I headed to sweat. Then I checked it at 6:20 when I was stretching my hamstrings And 6:38 when I was buttering the waffles. And 6:54 when I was making school lunches. And 7:03 when I should’ve been helping Amelia find her socks. And…you get the point. Believe it or not, the world will not stop if I’m not aware of the free shipping on all fleece gloves at Land’s End before the sun even rises.
Dare drivers to ignore you in this innvotiave jacket. (Coordinating tights included.)
What health-related things do you do that help make running a lifestyle, not just a mile count, for you? Let us know, and you could win the ultimate winter running outfit made with ViziPro, Saucony’s line of notice-me! clothing. The eye-popping orange and reflective hits on the Heiress Soft Shell Jacket are bright, but here’s true innovation: there’s a light on the right sleeve of the weather-resistant shell. And although the Omni LX Tight II isn’t as flashy as the jacket–a good thing, as I’m betting orange tights aren’t flattering on anybody but Halloween pumpkins–they do have streaks of visibility, plus a zipped back pocket and serious wicking capabilities.
So I’ve taken two steps in the right direction, but what are you working on? Off the road, how do you strengthen your running lifestyle?
p.s. Tune into our Facebook page later today to see if the home or away team–or you–won the Merrell Charade jacket. If you’re here for the first time, welcome–and please like our page (quietly asks the middle child).
another mother runner 
As a long-time expat living abroad, I strengthen my expat community by mentoring, helping and encouraging the newcomers- showing them how to ride a tram, teaching them how to grocery shop online, where to find coveted American goods like chocolate chips and real peanut butter. Whenever one tries something new, it helps to have someone ‘experienced’ help you figure things out. The same goes for running. I strengthen my running lifestyle by helping and encouraging other runners (experienced or not). I share local race info, great running routes and shoe stores, and of course, this amazing BLOG- RLAM! And at the same time. I look to other runners for support and encouragement and connection to a great running community!
I just started taking yoga classes, and I notice a major difference in how loose I feel. My husband and I are making a concerted effort to get to bed by 10 every night, which makes it easier to get up at 5:30 for my runs. The earlier bedtime also helps us be more playful, energetic parents, and we’re just all around happier for the extra sleep.
Wow – how perfect would that jacket be for my early morning (DARK) runs in the cold! Very cool giveaway. As far as how I lead a healthy lifestyle beyond the miles, I am starting to do some – gasp – crosstraining. Mainly workout DVD’s right now (I have a love/hate relationship with Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred!) but also some strength training. I am also trying (but not yet succeeding at) getting more sleep.
I keep telling my boss that I want a stand up desk as I have a hard time keeping my rear end planted for 8+ hours. I may have to follow your lead to adjust my home computer.
Was taking yoga, but gym membership is out, so I’m starting P90X on Monday. Finished my half marathon on Sunday, so hoping to give myself some extra strength and lose the belly fat I still have from (not healthy!) chips!
I do Yogamazing episodes. They’re short enough that I can usually fit one into my busy day, or I can do a couple of episodes back to back for a longer session. I also try to focus on drinking enough water and getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. Running workouts also go on a calendar. I look at the week ahead and figure out if they’re going to be any tricky spots of fitting in a run. Being a busy mother of two with a full time job, it’s too easy for everything else in life to fill up the day. Scheduling runs makes them happen for me.
The biggest thing that I could do to strengthen my running lifestyle is to eat accordingly. I log many miles but that doesn’t give me an excuse to eat junk food on a daily basis. Although, the occasional splurge is fine, I need to take the attitude that food is my fuel for running.
Not much. I’m generally in a pretty un-healthy season of my life. Well, I *have* lost 33 pounds since January, so I must be doing something right… but I still feel like I eat too much junk and not enough veggies. I’m always tired, always stressed. I have way too much going on right now (trying to finish my PhD, working PT, orienting for a new job, mother to a 2 year old, wife, other family stuff). Plus when I do get time to do things, I procrastinate too much and spend too much time in my Google Reader, adding more stress later. I definitely need to shape up and start eating more veggies, sleeping more, and making better use of my time to reduce stress!
I stop eating meat a little over a year ago, in hopes to eat more veggies. And the rest of my family has kind of followed suit. The other thing that I have been doing lately, is instead of being dressed normally when I get my kids from school, I have started wearing workout clothes and my running shoes. That way, we will go to the playground, or soccer field, and I will actually run around with my kids and play. Don’t get my wrong, I still love chatting with a friend while the kids play at the playground, but it is great to get out there every once in awhile and show them that it is fun, and that I love them!
I try to eat right, get enough rest, cross-train (when I can) and I used to be really good at fitting in a yoga class at least once a week. Unfortunately that has fallen off. REALLY need to get back into it b/c as a few have mentioned – you can totally tell the difference in your running! You do feel more relaxed and looser. I’m thinking of planning out my fitness schedule for the week instead of randomly trying to fit it all in…. Good topic! Makes you reflect on your non-running life!
When I am cooking, I do single leg lifts or squats. My kids think it’s hysterical and then follow along with me. I’d love to start yoga and have it in my “January slump” month lineup.
My overall mindset right now is to focus on being healthy, not skinny, not fast, but healthy. That is hard for me to do because I am always so goal oriented!
Instead of mindless web surfing at night, I’ve been kicking myself off the computer and getting to bed at a more reasonable hour.
Me too! I feel so much better in the morning, too.
I run a daycare in my home. I use the swing set to do modified push ups and pull ups while the kids are playing. I also have a laptop set up in the kitchen on the counter so I stand for much of my computer time, too. I have just purchased some good running lights for my head and ankle so I can get those early morning runs in OR run in the early evening on my way to a meeting or a play rehearsal or something. (The people know me so it’s okay if I stink!)
Drinking water and stretching. These are my 2 greatest shortfalls. So now, I have to earn my coffee by drinking water first and I don’t stand for more than 5 minutes without easing into a good calf stretch. Everytime I do these things I’m reminded that I’m a runner- no matter what else I’m doing at the time, I’m a runner. And that helps change the way I approach everything.
Aside from cheese I eat very little processed foods, good cheese is my chocolate…
Yoga once a week
Weights 2 or 3 times a week
Swim at least 1600 m once a week
Bed at 9;00 lights out by 9:40 (this will be earlier now that TMZ has moved to 10:00 vs 9:30 cannot stay up that late, even for TMZ)
Up and working (work at home) by 5:15 with my breakfast.. I sit on a ball while I work…
Run 4 or 5 times a week, often pushing at least one kid or on the treadmill…
I had a carotid ultrasound scare last week, that had me rethinking my ‘lifestyle’ and what my real motivation is… Thankfully the cholesterol and BP came back perfect so it is not all just for my size 2 jeans… ; ) Not that I would give those up even if my cholesterol was junk, vanity is not always a bad thing…
oops… my bad… Jami I did want to say I had an achilles problem last fall and got myself in the habit of stretching them while I wait for my oatmeal in the AM and pour my coffee.. I like your drink water before coffee rule!!!
I try to drink lots of water and I do a pilates video a couple of times a week. Since I had children my core muscles are very weak. This pushes me to keep them pulled in a bit. Otherwise I constantly look 14 weeks preggo. Awesome.
My part time job – owning a Pilates studio. My full time job – being a mother of 2 pre-teens.
I am tuned in to making sure that everyone I see during the day is takien care of!
Until recently I had put myself on the bottom of the totem pole. I realized I am the chief of this tribe! In order for me to give freely I needed to replenish myself.
I have my sacred running time, but sometimes that feels like work and I needed something that was completely separate, something just for me and something that didn’t involve needing a shower, something that didn’t cost money, something that didn’t take me away from my home, something that could soothe my mind.
So I taught myself to crochet! to learn to crochet!
Crocheting has fulfilled given me time to sit and the best is I can help with homework as I stitch!
It has created a balance of giving and taking.
Well, until recently, running (and, indeed, exercising at all) was new enough that just maintaining that was my big concession to improving my health/ not assuming that I’m immortal (still suspect that I am, however. If we’re being honest.) But now, I’m ramping up my efforts by also trying not to get hit by a car while doing so. So far my work on this has progressed to the stage of searching for “reflective gear” on ebay and joining a gym that’s on the second floor of a building and thus unlikely that a car will bust into it. A multi-pronged attack is important.
I challenge myself at work with goals that I can accomplish by learning new task. Like adding mileage, I add bits of new knowledge that I celebrate when I get to master.
I also try to challenge myself as a mother and to pass along the love and joy of doing something you love like running in my case to my kids.it can be anything, making a craft, baking cookes, taking them for a bike ride. Running has tought me to listen to my body, and to be patient but most of all tonever give up. To know as a certainty that if I think I can do something, very likely I will. Like the little blue engine: “I think I can… I think I can…”, which by the way, was my mantra while attaching the slopes on the 1/2 marathon I just did last weekend. When I was hitting my wall, and thought I could not go any further, I remembered the many times I’ve told my 4 yr old son to say it out loud, when he faces something he is afraid of, and then, magically, it will work .
In my case, t hat little blue fine got me through the first 13 miller of my life, and now I know I can continue to tell my child to try it, by teaching by example.
Strength training, yoga, eating a pretty healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep help me keep my health balanced with running. I could be doing a seriously better job on each of those. As my weekly mileage crept up with marathon training, the other habits slowly fell out of focus. Now that my marathon is finished I have been making an effort to bring that balance back into my life. By the way, Dimity, I dig the room in your picture. The bright walls, floral rug, custom art and of course the desk – love it all!
Thanks, Sarah. The office was painted that way already, so I was psyched I didn’t have to pick a color and don’t mind the yellow. Rug: crate and barrel, on massive sale. You don’t see the rest of the office, which is a m.e.s.s.
My husband says I’ve started a running revolution by getting many friends to run with me. I also try to eat well and get enough sleep.
I’ve been on a whole foods diet for almost a year now.
I do yoga or corework every day
I alternate between sitting on a stability ball and kneeling when I’m on the computer.
Really DC has a flowered rug?
Hey Marcia: That was a joke that didn’t go over too well. And then I realized it was donald rumsfeld at the stand-up desk, not dick cheney (not that they’re super different). so fixed it all. hope you’re well. 🙂
I am usually not very good about remembering to take my bp medicine so in order to be a healthier person over all I have added a few vitamin supplements (multi, b12, d, and potassium). Come to think of it maybe I should add some ginko to help with my memory! 🙂 Also I need to drink more water – it just hasn’t become a habit yet.
I used to have trouble with this, but started setting an alarm on my cell phone for the same time each day that I knew I would be home, it really worked, I always take my vitamins now.
I don’t check my email first thing in the morning any more and limit the number of times I do check. I sit, check, deal with it and move on.
I also limit my “screen” time… tv, internet, etc.
Love the desk – need that at work ! (and love your decor also) I’m only 5’9″ but the ergonomics in my cube have never worked for me. I may create my own standing level workspace…. What else do I do? I found it helps my hip flexors tremendously to avoid sitting w/ knees below hips (makes angle of hips less than 90 degrees) whenever possible (car trips, ugh) thus I sit on a balance ball at home when working on the computer, sit on a stool to eat at home, and snuck in a spri balance disk to put on my chair at work – it’s really helped! Trigger point, foam rolling, chiropractic and ART are also in my current arsenal, an occasional massage, and I plan to add yoga. My chiro – an xterra athlete herself – wants me to have a gait analysis (already have injuries and orthotics) and to have a session w/ her strength coach to set up a core/upper body program once I’m done w/ my fall race. I try to eat well on most days, take appropriate supplements, drink lots of water, going to bed much earlier than I ever have since I started controlling my own bedtime (9pm!).
Thanks so much for the blog!
Hot yoga and lots of it…. especially being 7 months pregnant, I need to keep everything limber if I want to keep running
I do yoga before bed every night. Nothing fancy, just a few positions that stretch and crack what need to be stretched and cracked. 🙂
I have made a conscious effort to reduce my intake of processed foods, which has greatly improved my mood and energy. I still eat them on occasion, but I am amazed by how much better I feel when I don’t. I also cross train with lots of core work and plyometrics. My goal in all of this is to achieve balance…physical and mental… Love this blog, keep up the good work!
I finished my first marathon a couple of weeks ago (Chicago) so I’m taking it easy for awhile. Since I, too, felt like I spent a lot of time away from the kids during training, I decided to take my two younger ones with me for short easy runs. The first time they both rode their bikes while I jogged behind them. Then yesterday, they actually jogged with me! I think that by involving the kids in some of my easy runs lends itself to making running a lifestyle for whole family and not just for myself. In the end, I’m trying to lead by example, and hopefully, they will follow in my footsteps.
I involve my kids. If they want to run with me, I take them along (either in the stroller or just run slower/shorter so they can run with me) and just finish my miles later that day on the treadmill.
Running isn’t just about me being healthy. It’s modeling ‘healthy’ for my kids so that exercise and good nutrition is second nature to them when they grow up.
That’s my view, too! After running a 10K and a 5K, my 2 year old daughter and 6 year old son were ready to run like mommy does. So we did a non-competitive 5K as a family. I ran it and my sona dn husband ran/walked it and my daughter was in teh jogging stroller for most of it, but got out at the end. I can’t say how much it means to me, as a mother, to see my kids want to run, too. I guess they do pay attention sometimes:)
I find that I have been more conscious of drinking water throughout the day, not just when I am running. Also I have added pilates into my exercise routine in hopes to feel more flexible and get that core strength built up!
Not a lot, but I do try to fuel my body with healthy food. I don’t always accomplish that, though!
Sleep – that is the hardest part for me. I work night shift and seem to get fewer and fewer hours of sleep so I don’t miss out on the family activities. Still working on that one. I also love the elliptical. Nice break for the legs every few days.
This might sound crazy, but I’m making an effort to play more. Goof off with my husband, chase my 9 month old around the living room, laugh with my sister. Running makes me feel good about my mind + body, and playing makes me feel good about my soul.
I seem to be spending more and more time on the foam roller. When reading a book I just lay down and get a great calf massage. Sunday is a no running day for me and after church and naps we head out to the mountain biking trails and have fun!
I have been making a conscious effort to drink water instead of Diet Dr. Pepper and eat yogurt instead of vending machine finds when I need a snack at work.
Love the stand-up desk, Dimity!! And love the color of your office walls. Working at the dining room table is becoming VERY OLD for me, and I am in need of some serious home-office inspiration. Thanks for giving me some! Miss you.
I sm really trying to hydrate. I know how imoortant drinking water is but I still fall short.
I think the two biggest things that running has influenced in my lifestyle is my posture (how can you spend an hour and a half thinking about elongating your back and opening your chest without it creeping into the rest of your life without you noticing?), and the automatic tightening of my core (ok this might go with posture, because I just keep my abs tucked automatically most of the time now).
Loved your book for months, just found the blog a week or so ago, and here I go with my first comment – woot!
Since I started running earlier this year, the biggest other health change I’ve made is looking at food as fuel. It’s profoundly changed the way I think about what I put in my mouth, and what I put on the table for my family. The Oreos that once seemed so appealing don’t hold sway over me anymore, and I’ve learned to love protein, especially all the “alternative” sources. Pardon the pun, but one of these healthy choices “feeds” the other. The healthier I eat, the more I want to get out there and see how it improves my performance; the more I run, the more cognizant I am of giving my body the good things it needs to make that possible. As someone who has struggled with my weight my entire adult life, I know that I’ve finally found my key to taking control of that.
I’m trying to worke harder at crosstraining and strength training. It’s an area in which I struggle to make the time, but I notice a big difference in my running form when I DO make the time.
This is something I’m working on as part of the whole “I just ran a marathon; it’s over; now what?” funk. I know my weaknesses, and I know they affect my running. I eat too much sugar. I don’t stretch nearly enough. My core is weak. My hamstrings and quads are weak (hello, runner’s knee!). I find that I am so focused on getting the miles in, that I just can’t find the time for a 20-minute core strengthening routine. And I’m so constantly stressed that I’m eating munchkins for breakfast today instead of something with nutritional value. Don’t even ask about the Halloween candy I’ve bought and am eating daily. 😉
So the short answer is that my long-term plan for the next year is to work on my core, find time for yoga and/or pilates, ditch the junk from my diet rather than actually “dieting.” My hope is that losing 15 pounds will make me faster, and to me, that is more motivating right now than dieting for the sake of fitting into a bathing suit!
strength training, cross training (not a swimmer and hate biking!) and nutrition. so pretty much everything else aside from running. i know i feel better on my runs if i am diligent about these things, so why is it so hard to do it???
I have noticed two changes that have helped me!! 1) Hydrating: my Nalgene bottle is my best friend (I take it everwhere! I can tell when I don’t get enough water, I feel exhausted and sluggish), and 2) Streching. I love to strech!! Growing up, I was a gymnast and we sure did a lot of streching! I do it a couple times a day. My 14 month old son thinks its fun to climb all over mommy while I strech! Makes my Giggle!
something I’m starting (today) is grace-based parenting that I want to stretch to grace-based living. Forgiving my children for misdeeds (not all but more often than not) like when they ask to watch Blue’s Clues 50 times and make me repeat my “no” each time. Or when little brother sits on big brother and annoys him (I’m letting them work that one out). Or when I am too tired to get up to run; instead of beating myself up for it, forgive myself. And run later.
I think too often we don’t forgive each other, our children, or ourselves. That can build up stress in your life and make it all that much harder.
Trying to improve my running lifestyle with Pilates twice a week, Yamuna Body Rolling nightly, really trying to pay better attention to drinking more water…and the biggie for me closing the laptop, turning off the crackberry and TV and going to bed at a reasonable hour! It’s amazing how much better my runs are with proper sleep!
I do a boot camp style exercise class on Tuesdays and Thursdays and run the other weekdays with one long run on the weekend and one DOR. The weekdays satrt at 4:30 a.m. I am trying to find a yoga class to fit in that schedule, because I think it would make a HUGE difference, but so far no luck. I have 2 little ones at home (3 practically grown ones too) and work full time. Plus, my husband works shift work and through the end of the year, 3-11, so night time duty is on me.
You sound crazy busy, but maybe a yoga DVD? Then it can fit into your schedule whenever you have time and it would be fine when kids are asleep?
I have been struggling with this lately as a newbie runner. I have got the 4 times a week running thing down, but I want to be stronger in other areas of my body, especially my core and arms. Now I have to try and find a routine that will fit these in as well and I have had a hard time adapting this. I know it will happen over time, I am just trying to find an activity I love that will accomplish these goals.
I have also been focusing on what I eat. With a history of reflux, I have noticed that eating certian foods and running do not mix with all the “sloshing” that goes on inside. I am trying to reduce my sugar intake as well becuase well I am an addict!
So all in all, I am trying to incorporate a lot and it can get very overwhelming!
I do the yoga, cross-train, sleep lots, and the strength training (more hopefully now that I’m in “off-season”, and try and eat right, but I find the does the most good for my running lifestyle is looking at my calendar at the beginning of each week and scheduling in my runs and other workouts to get them in writing. They are so much more likely to happen when I do that versus when I don’t.
Well, I don’t stand at a desk in the morning while I’m here reading my email and drinking my coffee but I do choose to sit on a ball instead of a chair… not sure if the benefits are as good but I figure in the off time it can’t hurt my balance! 🙂
I have gone to an almost all organic, whole food lifestyle. No soda or candy – except for 2 oz. of dark chocolate 3X per week. (Helps keep the chocolate cravings down and it’s healthy!). I drink lots of water and 3 cups of green tea a day. Was on Weight Watchers several years ago and have kept up with the lifestyle changes made then – watching food intake and some type of activity(running/walking) for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. I’ve been adding some type of strength training into my weekly activity – not a big fan, but know it’s necessary. I work at home so I purposely put my office on the second floor and use the main floor bathroom exclusively during the day. I run the stairs up and down every time. Every little bit helps!!
Mine are mostly dietary: I take a multivitamin (with iron) and calcium daily — and have been doing so since my mid-20’s. Also I try to incorporate a ton of red/orange/green veggies with each lunch and dinner meal (I just can’t do veggies with breakfast though). I also eat complex carbs (brown rice, etc.) instead of high glycemic sugary items. And, instead of 3 large meals per day, I will eat 5-6 smaller meals.
In my perfect dream world? I would get more sleep each night (this shall come when my 6yo daughter finally starts to sleep well). I would also work on my abs, lift weights, and stretch on a daily basis. I keep these in the corner of my mind (should do, need to, want to). They will happen, eventually. 🙂
Strength training–I actually feel in better shape during the winter than i do when training for triathlons/half-marathons during the summer. In the off-season, I do a twice a week ‘lift’ classes at the gym (in addition to cybex machines, squats/lunges, and core work 4-5x a week) and notice a huge difference in my strength and muscle definition. Now I just have to work on flexibility and hiding the halloween candy from myself!
I try not to try to be perfect. I’ve noticed I feel better about myself if I pat myself on the back for doing well even if I am not doing the best I possibly can.
I have never been into a healthy lifestyle. Running has helped me live a more healthy life because in order to be a better runner, I have to make healthier choices. I run better when I drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep, and eat good carbs and protein. I feel better the next day when I eat a good recovery meal after a run.
I would not have made those healthy choices just to be healthy, but I will do it to make me a better runner.
I’ve cut Diet Coke!! And it makes me so happy!! I’m trying to eat better and do other types of exercise like swimming.
The best thing to keep me going is to focus on getting 8 hours of sleep per night. While i don’t always accomplish this goal it has truly made me feel better. I have more energy on the days after that glorious sleep!
I don’t drink pop anymore (don’t miss either), and have added some swimming and spinning for cross training. And I try to stay motivated by being motivated by others who run, particularly the working moms I come across.
Looks like my thoughts are the same as most others. The stretching, yoga, eating healthy, strength training. I’m close to 40 and truly in the best shape, health of my life. I’m a part time math professor so I have a lot of grading, and I do it all standing up. I also stand while sewing, scrapbooking, and other crafting.
So I’m trying to start eating properly. As an empty-nester whose husband works evenings — Cheerios, popcorn, or a good stiff drink are often what I have for dinner. Maybe not the most healthy choices. I’m going to be crazy and try an actual green vegetable sometime this week 🙂
Things I try to do now:
-take my vitamins daily
-drink more water (very little soda at all…one a month, maybe?)
-eat healthier snacks
-limit computer time at home
-positive thinking
Things I still want/need to do:
-strength train
-stretch
Since I am relatively new to running (1 year), the whole lifestyle thing is definitely on the radar and I think about it A LOT, but I haven’t really gotten around to making any lasting changes (other than running regularly . . . which is huge for me). Soooooo . . the things I think about doing are: more sleep, more flexibility (I stretch, but I’m thinking yoga), and some strength training.
I have 2 full time jobs…a mom of 5 and a 5th grade teacher. Making sure that everyone’s needs are met and I am doing my best as a teacher leaves lttle ME time. I have realized that through running I have found some time for me. What do I do to enhance my running? Well, I eat in a more healthy way this causes me to cook better meals for the family. This requires forethought and planning but I know they are better for it…and so am I.
I also knit. I love to knit all kind of things. This is so relaxing for me. I can knit while I help with homework, while sitting on the bleachers watching one of my kids play ball, or while waiting to pick someone up/drop someone off. I do not feel guilty that I am not out running…I feel blessed that my hands can create something beautiful. This enhances my running…when I get the time out on the trail I can fully enjoy it without feeling like I should be somewhere else. All of these things set a good example for my kids and teach them healthy living as a part of everyday life.
I feel that running, eating healthy and knitting reduce my stress…this makes for a HAPPY MOMMA…and when Momma is happy…everyone is happy.
I try to remember to take it easy on my legs on my running days, especially long run days. I find that once the initial tightness/tiredness wears off, I’m right back to running here and there, climbing, kneeling, squatting, jumping, etc. By the end of the day, it feels like my legs are going to fall off. So, my way of improving my running when I’m not actually running is to work on recovery for longer than 15min!
While this hasn’t been an intentional affect, I’ve noticed that when I cleaned up my diet about 14 weeks ago, my running times improved. I started a diet to rid myself of post-pregnancy weight, which consisted of carb cycling. It was around that same time that I also started training for my half marathon. As my diet improved and I lost weight, my running times were becoming consistently faster. I started this whole experience about 25 lbs heavier and 3 min/mile slower than I am now. I only recently started connecting the three: Better diet & clean eating = happier & healthier weight = better & faster running! I can pretty much guarantee it was this new lifestyle of clean eating that caused the weight loss that caused my 10:03 average pace at my half marathon this past weekend. Now that I’m where I want to be with my weight (for the most part), I now have the tools I need to keep up with this new “clean” eating, which will only come to my advantage in my running.
Oh, and PS… I LOVE the rug!!
Some of the changes I’ve made since I’ve started running are to drink more water (some Nuun), stop eating after 7:00 pm, and go to bed consistently at 10 PM. These have helped me get up early for a run before hubby goes to work and to be showered and ready to greet my five children.
Would be tickled to win. I run all winter long and could really use some new winter gear … since I’ve lost over 30 lbs since last winter. =)
Love the stand up desk! I’m also tall and “stoop to brush my teeth, wash the dishes, get the shampoo out of my hair and generally just function”. Taller kitchen counters would be my dream come true!
I am making slow steps to be better to myself and our earth. Growing a garden, raising chickens (for eggs), and teaching our kids about gratitude are my outward efforts. Running, yoga, and (gasp!!! I can hardly say it – it’s new) no wine during the week are my gifts to my body right now. (But let’s not fool anyone, I love my Syrah, I’m sure it will be back soon) Cheers!
I’ve started crosstraining and strength training. That way if I’m in a “i just don’t want to run” mood I have a few other options to get the stress out. My family appreciates it and so do i! LOVE the jacket!
Running more a lifestyle than just miles… Hard one…. I think I have found more focus on exercising in general in the past year. Although a lifetime active person, I became that person in which I did not want to me—-just a mom. Don’t get me wrong, that is what I always wanted, but I got lost in the motherhood with at the time, 3 kids under the age of 2.5 It was crazy, it was survival mode, it was take care of the kids, and if there was time, I got my “me time.” With the kids getting older, more self sufficent, I found that time just for me. I started running on a regular basis, marked it on the calendar and if need be, got a sitter so I could do my time. I also started coaching (swimming) again and made it a priority on the days I was not coaching, to get in the water and swim the workout before I gave it to the group— this way, I could make adjustments and honestly, be able validate their feelings- easy, hard, boring, or way to intense– and pretty much tell them to suck it up and finish.
To wrap it up, making fitness a priority has encouraged my husband to get up every morning and do the dreadmill (lost some major lbs) and given my kids the idea that, exercising is healthy, fun, and crazy all at the same time.
Acupuncture has become my saving grace for the final level of my mental, spiritual and physical wellness. Having a partner in wellness and stress and anxiety relieve have allowed me to be a better teacher, feel fresher when I’m out trekking around the neighborhood and sleep sounder. It also encougages me to make those healthy food decisions.
And Little D – I love the photo and I couldn’t be prouder of this post if I birthed it or you myself!
I am trying to change my tendency to try to do it all at once. My (French speaking) honey reminds me to “buche un arbre a la fois” – an expression that mean you cut down a forest tree by tree, and no faster. One thing at a time. It isn’t always easy.
Love the quote from your honey!
I am a coach for Girls on the Run at the elementary school in my neighborhood. Yesterday, we barely made time for running at our meeting; our discussion on bullying was far more important! I work with third, fourth, and fifth grade girls and they make me feel like a HAPPY HEALTHY OUTRAGEOUS GIRL–running or not.
Sam, I just signed up to be a coach for 3rd and 4th graders 🙂 any advice you can send my way would be awesome!!
Thanks
Grainne – tipperaryrules@aol.com
One of the main reasons I run is to pass on a healthy lifestyle to my kids, 3 & 4 years old, so I make sure that when I come home from a run to talk to them about what I just did and answer their cute but constant questions, “Why are you so sweaty? Did you win your race today? Can I have your medal?” I tell them about my run, how it went, how long and far, and explain (again) that not every day is a race day with a medal. (Even though, after every run, I feel like I’ve earned one!)
Then later on, I’ll have them do sprints up the block as they believe they are “in training like momma” for a Thanksgiving Turkey 100 yard Dash.
The other thing I do to make sure running continues to be a lifestyle, is work on the husband! I read him stats and short articles about running and health, sleep, nutrition, in the hopes that he will be thusly inspired and still supportive. And he has been- two 30 minute runs a week on the treadmill. He’s not interested in races but seeing his look of awe when I completed my first half meant everything, “Wow, that’s a lot longer than 3 miles, Laura! YOU ROCK!” Damned right. 🙂
Strength training has really helped my speed and endurance. Now if only it can counter-act my genetic disposition to carry excess fat in my inner thighs…
In the past almost two years I have changed how I eat…more healthy foods, smaller portions, less junk, etc. Wanting to be a better runner has helped me to see food as fuel for my body, and helps me to make much better eating choices. I see and treat my body differently (in a good way!!) since I became a runner.
And since I get up so stinking early to run, I have been a lot better about getting to bed earlier (early to bed, early to rise!) and some days laying down for a little bit while the younger kids are resting. It is a big picture thing for me for sure… not just the miles…although I do love those miles too. 🙂
The jacket and tights are GREAT!! 🙂
While I was on maternity leave, I was taking some strength training classes – but being back at work and running around with 3 kids that has unfortunately been something I have had to give up. Since stopping I have had some pain in my left hamstring, especially after longer runs. A good friend told me my lower back needed some work, so every night I try to do some lower back exercises. TBD if it is helping….
I have been a runner for 11 years and have finally realized that I have to, have to, have to, incorporate better eating habits and strength training into my routine to get the full benefit of running, swimming and biking. We are a family of runners, my husband is one too, which is so important. My children love to do kids’ races, and have even completed several kids’ triathlons, and so I believe we are passing on the healthy mindset on to our children. Lastly, I have an “app” for my phone to log what I eat. At first it seemed obsessive to log everything I eat, but what it really does is to make me aware of the nutrients, or lack of, that I am putting into my body to fuel my run. It is very eye opening.
After a disappointing marathon last fall followed by a sprained ankle, I’m finally doing what I should have been for awhile – taking a 2x week strength training class. After 3 weeks I can already feel the difference! The fall setback also had me put on a few pounds so I’ve cut out the afternoon candy bar (although I’m not sure how I’ll make it through Halloween without at least a few Milky Ways!). Finally, I’m varying my workouts more – biking, Zumba, etc to focus on healthy, not just running. I’m hoping in the long run it will all translate into better running!
I had a series of events that all seemed to coincide over 6 month time frame.
Sept 09: I final got back to my goal weight, losing almost 70 lbs, but I did it all eating processed, pre-packaged frankenfoods. Lunch and Dinner and sometimes even breakfast. (Oh the humanity!)
Dec 09: I realized it was really hard to maintain my goal without exercising so I started running using the couch 2 5k program. (You would think I would run to LOSE weight, but nope, just to eat more.)
Feb 10: Graduated Couch 2 5k but realized Lean Cuisines and fake sweetners weren’t doing it for me and felt pretty nasty with all those chemicals floating around in my system. Reading in Defense of Food and other whole food books along with our Lenten theme of “simple shifts” got me to give up Diet sodas, join a CSA and start cooking actual food (gasp!) for the first time.
I haven’t had a diet meal or diet soda or packet of splenda or equal since. But I have finished 2 half marathons and planning on a 3rd and a marathon in the next 3 months! Yeah, I would say a complete lifestyle shift totally happened for me this year. Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings!
Dimity: My best friend of high school is a graphic designer w/severe back issues. Last year he took some money and invested in a stand up desk. I believe it was one of the best things he’s done for himself.
This year I’ve definitely brought the run into a more mental realm. Before it was just trying to make it through physically and ignoring my tired mind. But I discovered actually reading about running and amping up the information in my brain about body, mechanism, mentality, fuel, distance – pure information that powers me while I’m pounding the ground. It’s made me very aware and stronger physically as I use the information I’ve gained while I’m running. It’s validated the need for strengthening both mind & body during off hours. Instead of feeling pain, I now can place the pain to a muscle or joint or body part and have a visual of what’s going on and maybe how to fix it. How to run differently next time for a better result. What fuel I need to not crash. Etc. –
We nurture our kids & families – I’m learning how to nurture both my mind and body 🙂
I have really noticed a difference in my eating since I started training for a marathon a year ago. Junky food just doesn’t sound as good anymore. I buy better food and cook healthier meals. I also fell in love with the gym again after being side lined by a stress fracture. Really building my core and leg strength. Hoping to bounce back stonger!!
I do strength training three days a week and a 10min. Pilates workout every night before bed. I have noticed a huge difference in my running power. I also eat as healthy as possible, you need fuel to run, and when I eat crap I run like crap.
I am that 4 miles 4 times (well, more like 3 times)/week runner…at least right now! After I messed up my Achilles tendon but good overtraining for a 10 mile race…after having messed up my back training (for the first time) in below 30 weather for a 1/2 marathon…I got serious about injury prevention and cross-training. I now do a beginning yoga class 2x week right after I run. When I couldn’t run at all, I took “hydro-training” classes…and if I didn’t have to be home with my kids at least a few evenings after work :), I would still try to take one or two water classes. I also cross-train by biking and walking and always think about doing weights…but rarely actually do.
Yoga and counseling. Healthy body, healthy mind one step at a time.
I get enough sleep. I try to cross-train and do fun things like Zumba that make me happy to return to running on the days that I do run. I run with my friends and my dad so that we can catch up and spend time together. I try to drink less wine, especially on the nights before longer runs (also helps me sleep better). I sometimes run at lunch on days that I’m at the office and then spend the afternoon working in my sweats… one of the biggest perks of my company.
I don’t buy dessert very often. Rarely does my house have ice cream or cookies or cake in it. Because not only am I trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, I’m trying to show my girls that dessert doesn’t need to be every night. It’s a treat.
I have been taking a yoga class for two years now – it has helped me pay more attention to my posture running and working at the computer. And it has improved my flexibility! But most importantly, yoga has given me time to focus on myself and relax.
I try to eat a giant green salad with tons of veggies before eating my “regular” dinner. I figure, if I fill up on “healthy” stuff, I can eat whatever I’m feeding the rest of the family for dinner (frozen pizza or chicken nuggets) and not feel guilty!
my favorite thing, and it drives my passengers crazy is… I park away from the crowd and WALK to where I am going. I walk to talk to co-workers instead of sending an email. I walk/run my errands on my lunch. and lots of water, commute by bike, and eat a lot of peanut butter. my non-active co-workers think I am crazy, if only they knew how good they would feel!!!
I always lay out my running clothes the night before (and pack my gym bag if that is where I am headed). I pack food/snacks so I always have a healthy alternative with me (my coworkers used to make fun of my lunch box, but I didn’t care!). I cross train and listen to my body more–I am sick of injuries! I read as much as I can (not just about running but about health, nutrition, hiking, biking, cooking light, real foods, etc.) and in any format I can get good information from (books, magazines, internet). Little tweaks to my daily routine really help running become part of my lifestyle and not just a hobby that I occasionally dabble in.
I am taking a class to become a personal trainer. It’s been about 18 years since I thought about axons, dendrites, neurons, ATP, levers, etc…but I’m excited how this knowledge will help me with working with others.
I’ve finally gotten into a consistent toning program for strengthening my core–after a hilly 20-miler a couple months ago that left my legs perfectly fine but my shoulders and back sore, I figured it was time. I also count calories religiously–it keeps me accountable and makes sure I’m only eating what I think is “worth it.”
I’ve been trying to involve my kids in my running more, either taking my 2.5 y/o in the stroller or having my 5 y/o run around the block with me before I go for my longer run. I really need to get back to pilates and yoga too!
Enjoying cross training on non-running days. Stopping to smell the roses on my runs while not “training”. Focusing on drinking my water and making healthier food choices (i.e. not eating power bars/zone bars/clif bars as meals all day because I don’t want to take the time to make a healthier option!) More real food. Less of the not so much!
I am SO guilty of eating Power/Cliff/Owalla bars instead of meals. Sometimes it is so hard when you are on the go to stop and make a real meal.
I walk to work 3 times a week, and stretch during work those days. I try and walk to the bank, mall, and to get frozen yogurt too! I also keep subscribing to my CSA to keep my veggie intake up!
Thanks for the kick in the pants I need to remember that I am re-committing myself to cross-training and adding in strength work! I do eat my veggies, do my crunches (most of the time), successfully added some speed work, do my hamstring exercises, and get enough sleep (at the expense of laundry). Phew…always more to do!
I had my spinal cord severed (on purpose) at the end of January and trying to heal from such a *big* thing made me realize that the poor habits, excess weight and bad sleeping routine was making me weak in a time that I need to be strong.
While the doctors still expected me to be resting in bed I started walking and then hiking. This August I signed up for my first 5K and bought RLAM the same day.
Since then I’ve completed two 5Ks and run at least three times a week plus Curves and a long hike in the mountains. It’s hard and I’m really tired and sore all the time.
Adding vitamins dropped how often I get sick (it used to be at least twice a month) and seems to really help with muscle cramps. Now I’m working on adding water to my day. I’ve noticed that those 6:00 AM runs are a lot easier when I hydrated appropriately the day before.
Next up – bed time. Ugh. We always go to bed between midnight and 1:00 AM which makes 6:00 AM awfully early.
Yoga!! I feel like both yoga that makes me sweat and “yin” yoga where you are holding stretches for several minutes at a time help me remain limber and toned. Running on days after yoga feels so good and loosey goosey 🙂
Cross training has been a big one for me lately- I added yoga, pilates and a weight training class. I started tris this summer so bike and swim too, but haven’t been doing that lately. As for other stuff, I just try to take time for myself (often that is my run) and eat healthy. We joined a CSA a few years ago and picking up a basket of veggies each week definitely helps us eat more veggies.
I’ve decided the best thing I can do for my health this year is sleep more. Insomnia is making me crazy, but I’ve been avoiding all sleep meds because I don’t like the idea of being addicted to anything. On the other hand, the days after I let myself take them and get a full 8 hours are the happiest, most productive days. I know my body needs to sleep, so I’m going to work on the balance this year!
I have been very guilty of treating running as just racking up mileage, and tended to overlook the other aspects of the lifestyle. Lately I’ve been trying to make sure I get my cross training and strength training done, and I’m also reforming my diet: eating my fruits and veggies (which I was horrible about doing) and not eating anything I want in whatever quantities I want just because I think I’m going to burn them off with running. (My recent bit of weight gain has shown me that NO, I cannot eat whatever I want whenever I want!!) Next up…making sure I get enough sleep every night. I’m still really bad about that!
I try to walk my kids to school – uphill both ways 🙂 – and get them out for walks on the mountain trails that I run on. It teaches them that exercise is important, as well as lets them see where “mommy always is when we wake up”. It also reminds me that there are amazing places to see and enjoy when you’re not streaking past them on a run.
I’m also the PTA President at our elementary school, and I have spent the year focusing a great deal on healthy lifestyle choices. We’ve established a mile walking route that the teachers take their students to do daily, as well as a new PE Program that gets family members involved with teaching and coaching. We host an end of year “fun run” that allows the kids to see the improvement in their fitness levels from the beginning of the year and encourages parent participation. All these things remind me that running is a lifestyle choice, not just something I have to do every morning to fit into my jeans. 🙂
I love what you are doing with your school!
Good food, as in healthy food, is the main thing I’m doing right now to make my lifestyle healthy. I really need to add flexibility and strength training though. My aging body is starting to let me down, so I need to help it out.
Nice desk! I bounce on a ball at my office…but that’s solely for back issues, as the NYTimes nicely pointed out, there is no calorie burning!
I would say letting myself go to bed when I’m tired….which means not too long after my kids konk out and occasionally before the older one is down, and she’s only 3. Between the 1-2 BF and a LO still in bed with us, I know the best time to get good sleep, without a child on me, is early in the night….
It means less time with the DH, less time to get lunches prepped, laundry done, less time to read, etc, etc, but it also means I’m ready to get up in the am when the LO wakes up at 5 and I can survive a day at work or at home with the kids without resorting to 5 cups of coffee and still feel like I could take a nap.
…I think the post baby lbs have started to slip off too since I started to allow myself to do this….although only marathon training will get me back to the pre-baby weight….inching towards that, one PT session after another.
About six weeks ago I committed to a healthier lifestyle outside of just running. Obviously, not an easy thing. So far, I’ve been sticking to it pretty well…eating less and healthier, two strength training sessions a week, and less red wine. I’ve lost a few pounds, but more importantly (to me anyway) I ran the fastest 800s of my life yesterday! I’m also feeling really good, not so run down, and I’m enjoying running even more.
I also adjusted my desk to be standing at work! (Although I had to lower it this morning, due to a cold that is making me dizzy… falling over would not improve my running!) Other than that, I am finally getting that food is fuel and not comfort and I’m starting to treat my body better. Mostly though, I just have to keep running!
@SAM R. I, too, am a GOTR coach! We had the same thing happen on Monday…the Bully discussion was far more important than running on that day. Some days are like that! I want the girls to know that it is all part of the package!
I find that when I get the sleep I need, things go much more smoothly, both on the run and in the home. I try to be in bed by 10pm and up early. When I get enough sleep I am more motivated at 5:30 am, and am much less inclined to be short with my 3 children throughout the day.
sleep, vitamins, yoga, weights and spinning
I’m still a newbie runner, but have begun cross training in the last few weeks. I *love* it!! I’m doing a fun spin class twice a week and plan to add pilates to the mix. It’s a gradual change, but I’m also thinking more about what I eat and how much I eat.
Thank you everyone for all the great ideas. I am printing the schedule to get back to yoga class and am going to work on getting a stand up desk for my hobbying (quilting, scrapbooking, etc.) Maybe the balance will help with the winter blahs.
A stand up desk is brilliant!!
I try and live calmly as much as possible. I once saw an interview of a very old woman and she said that the secret to her longevity is that she stays calm.
Kind of goes with the mellow style of barefoot running. Its good practice for me since I can get worked up so easily.
Cheers and I hope the desk is wonderful!
I plan our meals for the week every Sunday, post a menu on the side of the refrigerator, shop for all the ingredients and often do a little bit of dinner prep in the morning while my kids are eating breakfast. Getting everyone back in the house and fed at the end of the day can be very stressful – having dinner planned out means there’s at least a fighting chance we’ll eat something decent.
I’ve recently re-joined the gym. This time instead of focusing only on cardio, and loosing baby weight, I’m going to be brave and be that newbie in some of the classes. And geez… the pool… I’ve never been a strong swimmer… maybe now is the time. I have lots of things I’m working on… picking my battles with my kiddos, keeping up on laundry, eating my vitamins, less time in front of the computer, reading more etc. etc. I ran cross country and track in high school. Dabbled in and out of shape and gyms and running for 13 years. When I was pregnant with my second baby I had this overwhelming urge to RUN. Two years later running is now a huge part of my life. Without it, I would be that Mom at the grocery store yelling at her kids. I would be that Mom we’ve all seen and wonder if that’s how we sound or look. I hope not.
No more fast food!! When I started running 10 years ago, I knew I had to eat more healthy and I haven’t been in a fast food joint in 10 years! I also strength train 3 times a week. I have also found that in order for running to be a lifestyle for me I have to stretch at least 30 minutes a day! A lot less injuries and more time for running since I have been stretching properly!!
When I’m doing well at the healthy lifestyle thing, I start and end each day with stretching, plus stretching my calves and quads throughout the day. I commute either by public transit and a fair bit (mile or two, total) of walking or by riding my bike (12 miles each way). I lift weights about twice a week, and I try to get in a swim at least once a week (which was a lot easier when I had a group to swim with).
I’ve never been inactive, but the jump from nominally active to marathon and triathlon training has had huge health benefits for me – I’ve been sick less and recovered faster, and my mood and energy levels are much higher.
My current missions are to improve my core and upper body strength and to get more sleep. Standing more at work might go on the list now, too.
I am a teacher so I stand most of the day. This helps keep me from getting sore and stiff!
My running partner and I do strength training two to three times per week and also try to get in plenty of core and stretching. I would love to be able to fit in a yoga class!
I also try to eat healthy and sip on water constantly throughout the day!
I do a quickie core workout while our 80’s era washing machine is filling up, or clothes are de-wrinkling in the dryer… We also have a pull-up bar attached to the doorway of the laundry room, so I knock out a few pull-ups while down there (started out being able to barely do 1 wimpy one, now am up to 5 or 6 at a time, multiplied by the times I go downstairs to switch loads- you’re looking at close to 20 pull-ups a day! I have twin toddlers- I do A LOT of laundry! You should see my guns). 😉 I have noticed the stronger core has really helped my running form.
I just started adding a daily stretch – I am a horrible stretcher. I am also in the process of changing my desk chair to a balance ball.
Great post, Dimity! I’m a big everything-in-moderation kind of girl, but I’ve definitely been guilty of using my running as an excuse to go overboard at times with some not-so-great foods (and, ok. cold beer and red wine). But I’ve been getting better about this, particularly as I’ve ramped up my running in the past six months. I’m also going on a year of twice weekly pilate sessions, which has really made a difference for me — I feel stronger in my core, leaner, happier! What I’ve really been working on lately is getting more sleep and not spreading myself out too thin, whether it’s for work, friends or activities at my kids’ school. It’s not easy…but I think I’m making some progress, which is a good feeling.
Drinking a lot of water is the big change I’ve made since I started running a couple of years ago. When I first started out, I’d get these killer headaches about an hour or so after running, so painful that I’d often be reduced to tears and out of commission for the rest of the day. Dehydration is not fun I learned. Also, making sure I get at least 7-hours of sleep does wonders for my mood. Next up is more strength training and eating better.
Going to bed earlier…drinking more water…less soda(my favorite thing in the whole world)…and unplugging from my blackberry. With four kids playing on six different select sports teams, our meals are often on the go…trying to incorporate more healthy snack options. Fall is super-stressful around here, but I never miss a run 🙂
I’m finally putting strength training back into my workout after having skipped it the last couple of weeks while we moved into our new house. I’m also adding yoga and pilates back into my workout routine on my non-running days, two things I have not done all summer long because we were living with my in-laws — there were a total of 9 people in the house, two of them being my 2 year old and now almost 1 year old, and I never, ever had a quiet moment or private area of the house I could go to.
Yoga really helps me keep my hamstrings loose and relieve back tension. I do it at least once a week.
At least 8 hours of sleep is a must! Plus, I’m going to buy myself a nice jumprope so I can jump with my 8-year old, it’ll be a nice workout while spending time with her. 🙂 Love the stand up desk!!
Mine is to get as many greens as possible and other healthy stuff in as possible, usually in the form of a green smoothie. We have salads and veggies with dinner, but I make the smoothies specifically tailored to running.
I need one of those stand up desk at work! I can tell from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day that my IT band does not like it one bit! But I get up and walk around multiple times during the hour and instead of calling people within the office I just walk over to their desk. A lot of times I do stretches at my desk as well. There’s a few hours where the office is very quite because all of sales is out on appointments. During those times I sit on the floor and stretch for a few min. I don’t do as much cross training as I would like to but there is a yoga studio a few blocks from my house as well as a dance studio I have thinking about attending. I ran by the dance studio once and they were belly dancing. I bet that is a great core workout and I have been seriously contemplating taking it! I think I will go research it now!
Wow, that is a pretty cool jacket!
I drink lots of water and try to keep our house free of junk food, that way when the kids and me (mostly me) head to the kitchen for a snack we grab some fruit instead of oh, I don’t know, lets just say handful after handful of pretzel M&M’s for example. (Have you tried those…. yummy!! No more Costco size purchases for me). ;P
Now that I am an empty nester, I am trying to go to bed earlier. No longer waiting/waking up when the children are out and coming in late. I have also discovered the “Rowing” machine at the gym and is using for cross training.
Water, water, water. i try to drink about 80oz a day. I’m amazed at how much better I feel running when i’m adequately hydrated. Plus my skin looks better and i’m not as bloated. I’m also tryign to be better about what i eat for meals/snacks. I’ve definitely foudn better fuel = better runs. My goal for the next few montsh whiel i take a break before startign to train for my first marathon is to do some stregth training & continue to improve my food intake.
Despite being a senior in college studying nutrition, preparing home-cooked meals for my hubby and son every night, and packing lunches for the hubby and me everyday, we still don’t eat enough veggies.
So lately I’ve been planning our meals veggies first, instead of the main dish. Its really changed our meals and given me more energy. I feel more nourished and its translated into my runs.
I also, changed my cross training activities to things I truly enjoy doing, like pilates and soccer. That way, I’m more likely to do them instead of just taking a day off.
Now that I’m writing this down, I might just have to stick to it. I’m trying to eat more consciously. Paying attention to what I eat (i.e. healthier choices) and when I eat it (no eating after 7).
That and getting my butt kicked by Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred on days I don’t run.
I love to run to be outside and closer to nature. Now that I have a baby, I try to think of running as a way for us to feel the weather, see animals, and also meet the people in our neighborhood. I want to teach him that nature is a part of health, mental and physical.
I’m strengthening my running by tuning in to the Mind-Body connection. I can’t disassociate myself from my achy IT Band or inflamed intestines by pretending that I’m AWAY from my body. So, I’m working to mindfully notice where I hold my stress, anger, hurt, loneliness and frustration. I’m working hard to Walk the Talk in terms of physical AND mental health, and how they go hand in hand.
I can’t imagine a worse time of the year for me in terms of stress and hectic pace. I’ve just got too much going on in October and the beginning of November. I had really developed a great momentum with running going into September, and my goal was to keep it up. I was convinced that I could do it and had it all figured out. Enter injury. No running for 6-8 weeks; Momentum gone. SO now, I am focusing on fitting in some sort of exercise in place of my coveted run, which is turning out to pretty difficult considering the rest of my schedule. We had a family yoga night on Monday; even my 19 month old got into it and we all had a lot of fun. I have been doing situps and push ups during any time that I happen to be in front of a TV. I have also been making an effort to appreciate the moments of my life and let go of things a bit more. I have found that writing my blog has really forced me to focus on the positive; writing is a release for me, and I really try to not complain when it is on the record. 🙂 I would LOVE this giveaway because I do plan to continue running once I am given clearance, and this will be the first year that I will be running in the cold dark months of the year.
During the cold winter months, I usually take one yoga class a week and a “cardio blast” class to stay active. Since I started running, I’ve also added a multivitamin into my day just to make sure I’m getting all of the nutrients I need.
I do yoga (a 40 -60 minute sequence 2 or 3 times a week) AND daily yogic breathing exercises – balancing and calming breathing before bed to help calm my mind and energizing breathing before I begin my day.
I still don’t eat enough fruits and veggies (and probably never will), but I have cut my beloved sweet tea out of my diet. I miss it big time, but it has made a huge difference in how I feel for my early morning workouts and all day long for that matter!
There are 2 things that I do to work on my running Lifestyle:
1. I teach Stroller Strides classes here in Monterey, CA. As much as I may help the wonderful mamas get a butt whooping of a workout in, they help me mentally be stronger by leading by example. So I “soak” up all there adrenaline to help me get through my own workouts and deal with my 2 crazy kids.
2. Food: I love food. Food is my best friend, especially Dominos new pizza, with chicken and buffalo sauce to be exact. Being aware of what I’m consuming daily keeps in a happy mood, and stronger when swimming/biking/running. So by trying to eat foods that physically make me happy, in turn keep me (somewhat) trim and at top performance!
Pilates 2x a week…but not nearly enough stretching in between!
Pilates 2x a week. Trying to do the eating-better thing too, but the more I run, the hungrier I am–for junk food!
Pilates, stretching more and tea! They are all ways that I relax and wind down…..which actually gives me more energy and makes me a more efficient runner. Thanks for the chance.
I cross train. Strange as it may sound, although I don’t particularly like swimming, or core training, or strength training, or biking, I incorporate it in my weeks, because I know that it will make me a better runner. And for that reason, I have now started to like all of the above. Because I don’t feel like I HAVE to do them – I do them because I WANT to do them – and therefore I also do them better!
As for my food intake, I think I’ll work on that next. 😉
One word: SLEEP – as much as I can get. Runs are easier, my mood is better, and I am a happier person.
Wow, this post really resonated with me. A few months ago, I started taking a pilates class twice a week after I got sick of slumping in my core during long runs. The more tired I got, the more I slumped. I’ve noticed a big difference if my posture in the late miles of a long run and it has helped my breathing too.
I am also trying to incorporate more fruit/veggies into my diet. I’ve gotten off track with that over the past two years and after running the Long Beach Half last weekend and eating enough grease for 15 people, I decided I need to take charge. So, I’m tracking what I’m putting into my mouth. What I put in my mouth has a direct effect on my stress level. I can’t only depend on exercise to help me de-stress but I need to also incorporate eating right (most of the time). If I feel good about myself for more reasons than running, then that is a stress-buster!
I strengthen my running by playing hockey in a women’s league once a week, when my older daughters (5 and 3.5) are at their “hockey” (learn to skate with sticks) I go on the ice with them (good example, and extra stickhandling practice!) and I also encourage all my girls to be active both outside, and in the house.
We play tag, soccer, sort-of-lacrosse, hide and seek, follow the leader, and teh favorite, “jump on mommy”, along with anything else they think up.
The bonus of a lot of random activity, is that I get in some cross training (yes, pretend belly dancing counts as cross training, why do you ask??), we all get more activity in our lives, and the kids sleep REALLY well!
I add freshly ground (as in with a coffee grinder right before consuming) flax seed to as many foods as possible. Morning oatmeal, over salads, in spaggetti sauce…you name it. “Nature’s broom” has helped me to lose 6 Ibs and feel very….light! 🙂 I also try to eat as many whole foods as possible and only eat meat 2-3 times a week max. And then no “factory farmed” meat. I believe we are what we eat and that means something to me. I also have added yoga and cross training to running. While I am struggeling a bit with motivation right now, I know that it will pass and I will run Calgary 2011 in late May. Viva Flax Seeds!
I suppose I’ve tried most of what has already been mentioned…..getting rest, eating less processed foods, more fruits and veggies, more stimulating activities like reading, less tv. Stress seems to be the hardest thing to control….I have a 3 y/o who is wonderful, but seems to go through rough patches right before I’m due to run a marathon. I’m normally a pretty patient person, but, boy, can she push me right to my limit. Need to reintroduce yoga into my routine, as I’m sure that would help. I am a true Saucony loyalist….running in them for 7+ years, 5 marathons, 6 half marathons……will be running MCM in full Saucony regalia next weekend!
I suppose I’ve tried most of the above mentioned lifestyle improvements…..less tv, more reading, less processed foods, more fruits and veggies, portion control at meals, treats on weekends only. Need to reintroduce yoga into my routine. My runs are my sanity, my time to disconnect from everything and reconnect with myself. I used to wear an ipod to run, but now I much prefer to take in everything around me. I am a mother to a 3 y/o daughter and I want to instill in her a sense of self…..”mommy is a runner”; find something you love and have to have in your life that is for you. I may not be as fast as I’d like or run as much as I’d like, but it is a big part of my life, and I hope to be doing it when I’m 80!
Love the desk, but you need a latte on it! For a few months when my back was bad and sitting was unbearable, I did have a standing desk at work and loved it! But my set up was not quite as nice as yours. I was just lucky they could dig something out of a back room that worked for me!
Great question this week: I’m lucky that I’m able to get to pilates 2x/week, I try to head to bed earlier and drink less wine after dinner (I do miss that one). We’ve always been pretty good with food choices but I do have a killer sweet tooth that running has not nipped in the bud yet. Another biggie –my husband and I are lucky that so many of our friends are runners, too and so it’s easy to support each other–you don’t feel so flaky for calling it a night early because you have to get up at the crack of dawn to run–we’re not the only ones…. I think it would be harder to maintain a healthier lifestyle if you aren’t surrounded by other like-minded people….
After suffering through months and months of knee pain, ankle pain, and finally hip/IT band pain, I knew my exercise and running routine was not working for me. And I quit. I almost unsubscribed to the RLAM emails because I suddenly was on the sidelines having a pity party. And then I got mad and decided at 39, I was too young to be having so much pain. I saw an orthopaedist (who ruled out any stress fractures and arthritis but did tell me, “you ARE pushing 40,” and oh yeah, my hips are misaligned). THen I saw a chiropractor, who confirm the hip thing and started regular sessions with him. And then I started physical therapy, where I learned those two adorably children I carried in utero for and then on my right hip for 4+ years – had done a number on my body. Has anyone else been told this? So now I am strengthening my core muscles, which are pathetically weak, and getting my chiro adjustments and I am back out there. Not doing the milage I was doing over the summer but I am out there! And I have hope that I can run well into my 80s!
On vacation June 2009 my daughter and I were caught in a violent beach storm, “Mommy run!!!” And I tried, for 1/2 a block, not the 10 we needed to go. From 265 to 175 lbs. now and logging 25+ miles a week. I treat this body like a temple: sunscreen, healthy meals for the family, moisturizing, seeing the doctor, meeting with a trainer when needed, and loads more. The coolest thing happened the other day, my 5 year old asked if it was long run day, hiking day or rest day, cause it’s chicken nugget night, picnic day or homemade pizza day: my healthy habits have become routine!!! WHAT!!!!!
I try to eat only whole foods (a little tougher now, being candy corn season and all) and drink plenty of water. I weight train and sometimes do other cardio or mixed dvds on days that I don’t run.
I love the tall counter. Very Julia Child.
I was doing strength training 2x a week and going for walks with my son after school but have gotten behind on that schedule because of allergies and what-not. Need to get back on it… With the new year, I’ll begin taking courses for personal trainer certification. Really looking forward to “paying it forward.”
I love the stand up desk. 🙂
I have had to take some time off from running due to health issues too, so I really appreciate the focus on how other choices can keep us healthy. Thank you!!
Things I am doing: learning to bake with whole grains, not eating after 7 p.m., I bought Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred dvd and look at the case every day, eat more fresh fruit
Things I am planning on doing: DO the Jillian Michael’s dvd, eat more veggies, get to bed by 11:00 p.m., plant some flowers outside the kitchen window (mental health!), add fish oil to my supplements.
Thanks again! I don’t have a running jacket so that prize looks great!
Drink more water and get more sleep!
Good food in the body, did not have ANY fast food or fried food in over a year now. No alcohol….lots of water…working on the sleeping hours…right now the TV is winning the battle!!!
I eat a lot healthier than I did when I started running 10 months ago. Fast food used to be part of our lunch diet several times a week and Iwould just throw whatever together for dinner. We know eat at home for lunch (or a picnic) and I really work on balancing our menu for the entire week. I know some days are not possible for your 5 a day but try to average that over the week. I have noticed my five year old complains a lot less about eating her fruits and veges now that home is her only option and we don’t force it. Meals are also slower and more enjoyable without someone standing over the table waiting on you!
We also get outside and play a lot more. Running gives me energy I didn’t have before so the girls and I play outside everyday! We are aiming for an hour a day and they are so much happier for it. Somedays a hike, others just playing in the yard or a walk in the neighborhood.
The hidden gift running has given us is organization. With two young kids and mom and dad with their own exercise goals, we have to have a plan. We are fortunate to have friends whom help with the girls for long Sunday workouts but during the week, we know what we are doing. It’s amazing how much better things work around here since I started working out!
I made my goals for the next few months last night and actually included some non-running goals. So while I still will be training for a marathon in May – and maybe a couple of shorter races beforehand – I know that I need to work on other things to make my running (and life) better. I, too, need to jump on the drink-more-water bandwagon. I want to get more core work in and maybe some other type of cross-training. And I need more sleep! I shouldn’t really need to have a reminder to do these things on the kitchen wall, but I’m pretty sure that if they’re up there I’ll try harder…
i started doing yoga, and I’ve been trying to eat more fruits and veggies… a lot of times its a struggle to live a healthy lifestyle!
The biggest change I made? Sleep. I will actually choose going to bed early over catching up on my Tivo’ed shows! Shocking and so not like the pre-running me!
I don’t watch TV (though I’m on the computer far too much!) or let my kids do anything with screens of any kind. We try to take a family walk after dinner every day. I do a bootcamp class twice a week (yoga will be the next exercise addition–just no time left for it now, but boy do I miss it!). The project for the next six months: overhauling my eating. I eat lots of good stuff, but lots of bad stuff too. I’ve done the “easy” things, eliminating soda, candy bars, chips, oversized portions eating out. But good chocolate, homebaked cookies, cheese and other high-fat high-sugar traps get me almost every day, and I eat too much of everything. When my husband cooks, it’s impossible not to get seconds. :^)
Wow, I guess forgoing that third cookie doesn’t count….As a mom of four just starting a new job after 12 years of stay at home mommying my health related lifestyle activities are walking fast everywhere, parking far anywhere and stressing out nowhere. Quick tater tot vs. sit down baked potato can be a hard call.
Turbo Jam, baby! I picked up some hand weights at the Goodwill ($1.99 compared to 8.99 at Target), and have been trying to get to the strenght training portion of the DVD twice a week. I love it!
The orange jacket looks awesome, I’m loving orange right now!
I was never a motivated person to work out unless I was forced to. The only way I went to the gym was to join a group class such as spinning when I was pretty much left no option but to stay the full hour. You would never see me working out on my own up until now when I took up running. After being injured, I realized how important it was to cross train. During my non-running days, I actually am motivated enough to do my own workouts at home w/ free weights. This is something I would never have done until running became a part of my life. The importance of physical fitness has become second nature to me. It is no longer a “chore”. It’s been integrated into my daily life.
After a lifelong battle with my health, at the age of 44, I was finally diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease about a year and a half ago. I’ve had to commit myself to getting healthy one meal and one snack at a time and I feel GREAT! More clarity, energy, patience, and joy!!
since becoming a runner, a real runner and not just a sometimes-for-excercise, but a runner who runs races and has a work out routine, i’ve become much healthier. i get more sleep, i actually go to bed early so i can get my required 7 – 8 hours (i’m by nature a night owl), i don’t drink as much wine as i would like (i am a bit of a wino), i eat healthier, and i see how much better of a mood i am in when i get my runs in. running has made me a much better person and mother. so i plan on sticking with it 😉
thanks for the opportunity!
I try to eat healthy, I feel sooooo much better when I put good foods in my body. That also means feeding my family healthy meals. I run, lift weights, swim, bike, play with my kids, and try to keep an active lifestyle every day. I also workout at 4:30 in the morning so that jacket would be great for those days when I run outside!!
I’ve been focusing on cleaning up what I put in my mouth. I feel so much better burning up clean foods versus refined foods. Coupling that with strength training gives me hope that coming off an injury (knee tendinitis…running again in a few more weeks hopefully) will bring me back stronger than when I took a break!
Running was the door I walked through 7 years ago to reclaim my life, in middle age. Years of gym membership (AND energetic attendance!) never gave me the joy in living that I first got from running , now from triathlon. The years of running have nudged my eating/drinking/sleeping habits into shape, so that I have the energy to hit the trail , gym, or pool at 5 30 am. The good stuff encourages more good stuff, why go backwards? Running introduced me to real playmates for the first time since college, and the playmates have become soul sisters (and a few brothers, too). I’ve been able to mentor other midlife athletes, as I’ve been mentored. Every time I step out to run, I am filled with gratitude for all that running has done in my life.
Forgot to mention Zumba, when the hamstrings are tired and your body is exhausted, nothing like a good upbeat Zumba class to put a smile on of your face, to see 60 women in class with you!! Totally puts you in a better mood!!
PS Totally need the running jacket, after a side swipe on the start of my first 21 mile run!! I got up and brushed myself off – and kept on running – Total Badass RLAM!
Yoga. Even if it’s just savasana. Even if it’s just taking a breath.
I remember the day I could call myself a “runner”. I was meeting with a student (yes, I work in the field of education) and discussing the issue of pacing through the academic rigor of high school as it related to college preparation. I mentioned my first marathon. My sub-conscious wanted to hold back from using the analogy due to the memory of my finishing time and the what-if’s that plagued my hopes of being a real runner. Learning to pace myself has been more an act of discipline than an accolade to be won. I constantly have to remind my students that college admission is not that “prize” to be won, but rather part of a life’s journey of discipline. I began running during a very extended maternity leave from my job. I discovered how healthy running was for me and at the same time, how mentally healthy working in a job outside my home could be. I am a school counselor who runs; I am a runner who counsels in a school. Both commitments serve a purpose to embrace the highs and lows of my life and those living around me. Yes, school counseling or in general, my job, requires alot of physical energy. It strengthens my running lifestyle by allowing me to apply the elements of my daily run to the strategies for academic endurance my students are learning. School can be hard! And the pressure to perform educationally is at an all-time high. Yes, running allows me to process the needs of my students in the most confidential manner. I am into school counseling for the marathon and I am into running to be the school counselor/running mate my students need to successfully cross the finish line of just one (of many) race(s). This is my lifestyle and how I strenthen every run.
I keep my elliptical and weights in my bedroom. So they stare at me until I either get on it or leave. Usually I get on it.
As much as I love my Garmin (and I really, obsessively do!), I’ve found that every once and a while I have to go run outside without my music, without my garmin and just zone out or get lost in my own thoughts. Honestly, this is probably more about mental health than anything else because I always feel so much more free or unburdened when I do this, and I don’t even know how many calories I’ve burned, how miles I’ve run or at what pace. Also, I started mixing up running with pilates and yoga to learn the benefit of slowing down and concentrating on breathing, living.
~Allison
Fit&Fab Living
I guess running has become a lifestyle because it’s pretty much my only hobby. I like to do road races, so it gives me something to train for and look forward to. That’s it, plain and simple.
well… i have noticed that since i started running again, that i don’t have to have the 4th or 5th (or 9th) cookie. but also notice that i am trying to enjoy my kids more and notice what wonderful people they are becoming (instead of seeing what needs improvement). and THAT has helped everybody’s mental health!
I’ve been running for 7 weeks and I’m trying to sleep more (can’t believe how exhausted I am) and trying not to use exercise as license for second servings! (even tho I’m HUNGRY!)
Hard, but I really do want to see weight loss as well as increased fitness!
Mary, mom to many
This past year I have finally started doing strength training once a week. I haven’t seen it help my running but my volleyball serves and spikes seem stronger 🙂
I attempt to eat healthy but am definitely not neurotic about it. I eat way too big of portions often, love ice cream and chocolate, and fast food every once in awhile.
I try to be all about moderation. I get my 8 plus hours of sleep, enjoy food, enjoy being active in other sports (volleyball, ultimate frisbee, golf, tennis, swimming). Life seems to be pretty balanced and stress free even with three active boys.
I cross train with the elliptical and the rower, but the biggest thing is doing back and ab exercises 3-4 days a week for my scoliosis….I sprinkle in some pilates moves and feel so tall and strong when I am done….it HAS to do my running good! Makes me be good about my eating and overall activity as well…when little ones don’t derail my plans!
Christy – do you think the rower helps core and upper body strength in a way that supports you in long runs? How does it affect your legs? I’m having a hard time with cross training – biking seems to make my running suffer, and ellipticals (which I don’t have access to anyway) have always been so hard for me. Someone suggested I look into rowing and an indoor erg.
Forgot to mention this before – compression socks! I wear SmartWool StandUp socks as my daily trouser socks, and sometimes sleep in them or in the stronger athletic compression socks (which I wear after long runs) as the head of my bed has to be elevated due to other issues, so my feet are always lower than my head. I’ve been amazed at the difference, and I look forward to trying the Zensah calf sleeves that just arrived today!
after running my first half marathon I decided to cut out the sugar (cookies, ice creams, etc) from my diet to lose weight for my next half marathon. I dropped 10 pounds (the final 10 pounds from my pregnancy and then some! yay!) and got a 13 min PR on my next half marathon. that was so encouraging it’s helped my to keep my diet clean 🙂
I’m finding that my running is one healthy thing I’m doing and it’s making me think about other small changes I can make. I started running in the summer and I knew I needed to stay well hydrated, so I started drinking more water and less sweet tea. I know that running alone won’t help me lose weight, so I’m making changes to my diet (more veggies, fewer sweets, order roasted chicken at the steak house instead of the beef). I’m running early in the morning, so I have to go to sleep earlier. Starting doing some strength training and stretching. Lots of stuff!! Changes are coming slowly, but they’re a lot more palatable for me instead of changing everything at once.
I started taking a Pilates class 6 months ago. And about 2 months ago, I cut way back on sugary and processed foods, especially in the evenings when my hunger meter was high and I tend to eat before I think. Little steps, but I’m seeing good results in my overall health. “Dripping water bores a whole in the rock.”
I turned forty (!!) and realized I needed to do some strength-training. I consider myself fit but not very strong. And I really, really want some uber-sculpted beautiful lady deltoids. But mostly, I think some strength-training will help me avoid injury, perhaps improve performance, and keep life interesting. Plus, it is something I can do with my husband, who pretty much refuses to run or ride (other than “family” rides) with me. Most of my runs are before 6:00 a.m., so I would fully take advantage of the Vizio clothing – and orange is my favorite color 🙂
Dimity – love the desk! I would love a stand-up desk that could straddle a treadmill. I’ve seen treadmill desks online, but home-carpentry is probably the way to go.
I’m a gym rat who just recently started running…I find that exercise works better for me than any anti-anxiety medication ever could. Now I’m hoping to give up Diet Coke.
I make sure to get 8 hours of sleep every night and take vitamins/supplements every day. But honestly, using a hard foam roller changed my life!
We’ve started eating much less meat, especially red meat, and focusing on getting our protien from veggie sources–which is a really big deal for a family that used to have steak at least 2x a week! DH and I are also working on cutting way back on dairy and we’re finding that we both feel great. That, paired with yoga or pilates on my non-running days and a semi-regular acupuncture schedule make Mama happy!
Ohhh, I love the jacket, and mine that I wear in the pre-dawn hours is black!
I feel like I am finally finding a balance to making my running click all the way around. I teach ballet, and was teaching 8-10 hours a week, plus trying to run 30+ miles a week. It was too much, I got a stress fracture. My life-running=crabby mamma! So now, I teach fewer classes (6-8), and use the more advanced students to demonstrate more to save my legs. I use my own dancing as strength training, and I keep my mileage more balanced to what is going on with the rest of my life instead of “I am going to run 7 miles this morning even if I did only sleep 3 hours and danced for 5 hours yesterday!”
I think my legs and mind are already thanking me (not to mention that whole crabby factor)
I travel a lot for work and there are two things I do for me ummm I mean my running while on the road, massages and elevate my feet at night with all those pillows you get in hotels!
Dimity – thanks to your inspiration, I made a “stand up” workspace for myself at work today – a paper box on top of a rolling file cabinet for my keyboard, a 5# jug of whey protein as a place to put my trackball, and raising the monitor up as high as it could go and tilting it. Only got to use it for a little bit, but I think I need to be in my running shoes and dress orthotics rather than dress shoes/orthotics – or maybe my ankles were just complaining from this morning’s run…..my hips were happier though. Now just hope the cube police don’t come after me 🙂
I strengthen my running lifestyle with some weight training. I consider myself fit but not very strong, so I started with weights and strength-training twice-a-week in the basement of my local YMCA while my kids are at their swim practice. And I really, really want some uber-sculpted beautiful lady deltoids. But mostly I think some strength-training will help me avoid injury, perhaps improve triathlon performance and keep life interesting. Plus, it is something I can do with my husband, who pretty much refuses to run or ride with me.
Dimity – love the desk! I would love a stand-up desk that could straddle a treadmill. I’ve seen treadmill desks online, but home-carpentry is probably the way to go.
I am not ashamed to admit I have to resort to tricking myself. First, I pack myself a healthy lunch and leave my cash at home. When I am dying for pizza at 12:30 pm, my only option would be to trek to an atm and then back to the cafeteria. 99% of the time I just eat the freakin’ salad. Second, once a day I make myself use a bathroom I have never visited before (I am sure this sounds weird, but I work in a huge, huge building and by the time I’ve seen every bathroom I will have forgotten I visited those in the beginning). This makes me get up, walk around and stretch out those tight hip muscles. Added bonus: If someone walks into the bathroom while I’m doing a few hip stretches, the farther I am from my office, the less likely it is that the person will know me.
I just instituted a new rule: no work email between 8 pm and 8 am…it is fabulous!!!! My peace of mind is improving by leaps and bounds already!
I try to watch less tv during the week and only watch things that have been prerecorded. I also have been listening to books on CD during my commute. It makes the drive delightful and keeps me off the phone which is just a bad idea all together. Okay, not hugely related to physical health related; nonetheless, the mind has to hang out in the bod.
Sleep, sleep, sleep!!! I do not function (or run) well without my sleep. As the mother of a 9 month old, there are many things I choose to give up for myself at present. Sleep is not one of them. I aim to get at least 8 hours per night, unless my daughter has other ideas. 🙂
I don’t allow myself to eat anywhere but at a appropriate eating table. IE: the kitchen island, the kitchen table or the formal dining room. No eating in front of the TV no eating while checking email etc etc. Snacks, meals, everything at a table. It makes me slow down and think about what I am eating and how much. It is amazing how much grazing you can do while checking email if you aren’t paying attention!
I’ve changed my diet and recommitted myself to strength training and my PT regimen to stay injury-free. I’m also trying to get to bed earlier but I don’t always succeed at that one!
I stay active with a SUPER local running group. We have non-running gatherings several times a year and trade advice online.
This year I cut my soda consumption to one can a day (usually), which means I’ve been going to bed a bit earlier and getting a little more sleep. I am also drinking alcohol quite infrequently. These changes have saved me money, and I feel better.
I cross-train. Besides running, I take a weekly spinning class, lift weights, bike commute, hike in the spring/summer/fall, and ski in the winter. I think the variety of activities work the other muscles/areas of my body that aren’t used as much in running. This makes me a stronger runner and will hopefully help me avoid injuries.
My husband and I both have stand up desks and I do a good deal of yoga.
Well, I’m pretty new at running so that is a big commitment for me. I’m working on making other changes and they’ll come along slowly but surely, but I feel good about what I am doing!
I do yoga and strength workout regularly. And instead of coffee I started to drink tea (yummy Earl Grey in the mornin, green tea for energy during the day and calming rooibos after my workout + shower in the evening :).
I’ve started getting up early and making it to the gym around 5am. I am still paranoid about running by myself in the early AM, so I hit the gym for crosstraining and weights early and then do my runs after I drop the kids off at school. It’s still hard for me to get up that early, but I do feel better when I do it. I’ve also vowed to drink more water during the day. I’ve always been bad about drinking water during the day and since having kids it’s just gotten worse. I drink a tall glass when I wake up in the AM and then another glass after my first cup of coffee. I carry water everywhere I go now just to make sure I get enough in during the day.
I have finally decided that wearing the cute shoes is not worth it anymore. Suffering for days after wearing the heels is not worth the day of conforming to the “attractive woman” norm. So, I now wear flats or wedges with my arch inserts and am much more comfortable, which means I can run better and move better and get down on the floors with my kids more easily. Thanks for the blog – I love it.
I always take the stairs — starting with 70+ up to my office in the morning. Often faster and always healthier than waiting for the ‘vator.
I work in an office where I could sit with my butt planted for six hours or so, but I do my best to get up every half hour or so and walk around, ask someone a question vs. email, talk on the phone while walking around, all that stuff. I really do think it makes a difference!
I haven’t gotten there yet (this is sad!) but I would like to make it a habit of doing pushups/planks on commercials when I watch my hour of TV at night (between when kids go to bed and I go to bed). I don’t DVR so I still have that time to do…..something! And my goal is to not use it to fix a snack but to do some sort of strength training.
I LOVE Merrell clothes! And that you all have so many fun giveaways!
With the exception of chasing twin 4 1/2 year old daughters and a 2 1/2 year old son, being in a doctoral program put me in front of the computer and reading a lot. So running is extra important to me because I feel like it’s the only physical outlet I have!
Anna
Many things… I didn’t start them all at once, but looking back it’s those baby steps that really add up to big changes over time!
1. Joined a gym this summer. I hate doing strength training, but paying for something that I’m not using is a real motivator, so, off I go to yoga, pilates, and swimming (which is the fun part!).
2. No more fast food. After not having it for a LONG time (years), we ate at Taco Bell on a trip last week. I found I didn’t miss it. Very bland and yucky! So glad that we made that change!
3. Cooking more. Not as many processed foods. While I’m a sucker for a candy bar or a few potato chips every blue moon, I’ve decided that there are too many unprounoucables in our food and it’s just not good for us. Hamburger helper and muffin mixes are out and making the same things from scratch are in. You know what? It takes about the same time to measure out and mix a muffin recipe as to use a mix. And it’s cheaper too!
4. Turn off the TV. Nothing good for our family was coming from it. Yes, we don’t have cable. No, I don’t miss any of it. It seems like we get up and out the door to live lift more when there isn’t that temptation. That and the kids have so much homework and after school activities, I want to know who has time for TV???
Those are just a few things off the top of my head. No, I didn’t do them all at once, like I said, baby steps. There are many more things I’d love to be doing, but that’s what the future is for – right?
I have to run on my luch break at work or it just doesn’t get done. With an infant and a an almost 3 year old my time at home is not really mine:) I actually schedule a run every day I am in the office. It holds me accountable both to me and the others in the office. Recently, I have joined our worksite wellness commitee to keep me focused on living a healhty lifestyle and to encourage my co-workers to do the same. It is always so much easier to stay on task when you have peers that are working towards a healthy lifestyle as well. We don’t think about how much time we actually spend at work and the impact that it has on our health. If we are more healthy at work we can be better for our families when at home.
I am careful with my diet choices as well as chasing after 4 young kids!
I am trying everyday to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. Stress and frustration can undo an awesome run pretty quickly, if you let it!
I love this post, because TODAY I just said to myself you sit ALL day long at work, staring at a computer. Today, I made the decision to stand and work – and I feel better already! Getting up at 5:00am to work out is pointless, if I sit on my ass all day…right?
I also have a tall “desk”. I don’t stand, but I do use a drafting table so I don’t lean over and strain my back while I work (read sew). I started a running group that has runners of all levels now, but the emphasis when I started was on people who didn’t exercise regularly. I belong to a great group of female athletes with type 1 diabetes – important for mental as well as medical support. I spend time being quiet everyday – praying and meditating. I also just started going to yoga classes.
I’ve been drinking more water.
I go to bed much earlier than I used to.
I take my breakfast (steel cut oats & fruit) and lunch to work everyday.
I started doing core workouts.
I cook everyday, we hardly ever eat out.
Running has made yoga easier for me, so I practice yoga again…sometimes only one pose a day, if I am so lucky. I do crossfit-style workouts with my husband and we got a bike trainer for a good non-running day cardio workout.
I eat vegetarian and do balance ball and pilates workouts on my non-running days. Have to get an exercise buzz somehow!
I have begun to go to sleep earlier, trying to get at least 7 hours a night and have taken to drinking a ton of water throughout the day rather than my usual sweet teas and sodas.
Running has been a real lifestyle change for me. Changes I’ve made: I read RLAM of course – and I now always try to eat a fruit and a veg with every meal, eat whole grains twice a day and walk somewhere – to meetings, to the bus stop or park the car far enough away to get a walk in to and from work.
Journaling. I have never been a writer, as an English major who hated writing I was an anomaly, so to spend time in contemplative prose is unheard of for me. True, the writing is about running, but I get so much benefit from reflecting back on the day’s run, how I felt, how I performed, how things compared to other days. Sometimes I comment on words of wisdom I heard, other times I have cut and pasted articles from various magazines. When I am less than motivated I go back and reread old entries and remember that the strong powerful woman in that entry really is me and I can do it again.
My running patterns are good — my eating patterns are terrible! I fit a run in many days between getting the kids off to school, volunteering in their classroonms and as the PTA President-elect ,doing all the errands and keeping the house in order. What I forget most days is food. Until it’s 5:00 and I’m cooking dinner and I could eat every carb in the house! Vowing to do a better job fueling!
I try to make one good-for-me decision each day… It might be picking a healthier food options, fitting in a short walk between work meetings, playing with the kids instead of watching TV, or deciding to destress. Even something small helps me feel good at the end of the day.
A couple of things come to mind…
#1) Water. Lots of it lately. Amazing stuff, really.
#2) Daily Compliments: one to myself, one to someone else.
#3) Being Silly. Life is short…only 86,400 seconds in every day, so use them wisely and have fun doing so!
Btw, loved meeting you two at your ‘race tips’ presentation at NWM…you guys just crack me up!
Running, for me, is all about my mental health. I work a pretty stressful job (estimating construction work) as well as manage my own web design business on the side. I have two small kids and a house to manage as well.
For so long I just did what I needed to get by – and used medication to manage what felt like my life spinning out of control. I’ve learned to care for myself and take time for me – and that’s what running is: my time. My stress relief, my opportunity to collect my thoughts and my time to get away.
I just started running this past March and have yet to brave a cold Canadian winter outside. Honestly, I am terrified the cold will win and I’ll fall into bad habits…
it’s a small thing, but i try to wear shoes that are good for my feet. of course, i occasionally pull out something really flashy & uncomfortable (and inevitably sit barefoot with my feet hidden under a table), but i try to remember how good my feet are to me when i’m training… i should be good to them, too!
I volunteer at a breastfeeding/babywearing store helping new moms figure out slings! IT answers a primal need to nurture other new moms!
I try to get 8 hours of sleep, I grow veggies in season, I lift 3 times a week, and i try to eat as healthy as possible without making myself crazy. I can tell the new changes made me a stronger runner
I try to eat real, non-processed foods as much as possible, keeping sugar to a minimum. I also try to make sure I’m eating a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats at every meal and snack. I have great energy and so far have lost 15 pounds.
When I am not running I am lifing weights and taking classes at our local YMCA. The Y is my refuge now. It is where my running group started. These ladies got me into and through my first half marathon and we continue to support one another. This is my anti depressant, my mood stabilzer and my sanity preserver. Without this regular outlet I can be a monster, my husband knows it, my kids know it and I know it! We are finally getting bodypump classes that I cannot wait to try again!!
The main thing for me is my eating. I really work hard to eat well and eat clean (stay away from sugar and junk food). The days and weeks I eat junk, I usually have no energy and just feel plain awful!
Also, my hubby and I work hard to be in bed by 10PM . . . which means no TV. Truthfully, I prefer quiet evening reading to no TV. Then, it is early to bed. I started weight training long before I began to run, so I just keep that up too!
The biggest change I made was how I ate, I quit meat and rely on mostly a plant-based diet. Running is something I am completely in love with, I just never thought I could do it, so while I am training myself in and out of the gym, I spend whatever free time I have left on the mental aspect of it all. Really assessing myself and giving myself the credit I’ve earned.
I save my extra money for new running gear, I try to get new shoes when I am supposed to, I try to adhere to the culture of running. I try to be a runner, even when I am not running. I eat to fuel, I wear shoes that are more on the comfortable side rather than cute side to save my feet for the next run. Its just a part of me and I use it to compass my day.
I buy good shoes (even if the new dog tears them to shreds after just three weeks of use…sad). I listen to my body…if I’m feeling sick or feeling an injury coming on, I rest. I get plenty of sleep for those early 5am runs. I run at times of the day that have the least impact on my family…or take time away from outdoor play with my 2, 3 and 5 year old.
By eating healthy, getting as much sleep as possible with a 22 month old, and really working on my strength training — mainly my core.
But, it’s mental, too. I try to picture all of my runs and imagine myself finishing. If I think it’s going to be a crappy run, it probably will be.