In training!

RUNNING.....

I put on these bad boys and have begun my 19 weeks of training for the Leavenworth Octoberfest Marathon. I have done 4 half-marathons but never a full. So here we go folks, I'm on my way to completing my goal of 26.2 miles. To make this adventure 10x cooler, my 2 sisters(Natalie and Brooke) have signed up as well. We will be kickin' it together through the beautiful scenery Leavenworth has to offer come October 15th, to be exact.

KSWISS Blade light

Seeing that I have a Physical Therapist for a husband, i am well informed on the importance of strong muscles, correct gait(walking/running correctly), correct body mechanics and proper nutrition/hydration...etc.....

Here are a few things that I have learned so far regarding running form from participating in a few running clinics and the knowledge from a PT :

1. Get fitted for proper shoes(Iron Gear Sports if you are local to Mesa AZ{or RoadRunners for other states} is a great store as they have high tech equipment to analyze running strides and mechanics. They then fit you to a shoe appropriate to your feet)

2. Pretending that a string is going through your torso and up through your head pulling you up, helping you stand tall. (having a strong core helps significantly with this and is crucial to good form and a strong run)

3. Keeping your Core tight and engaged, thus supporting your back and aligning you upright for a good stance.

4. Letting your upper body stay relaxed. (focus on loose shoulders, neck and hands)

5. Strike on your mid-foot. Stay away from heel striking all together(it is very hard on your body and is "like pushing on the brakes and the gas at the same time", putting too much pressure on your ankles , knees and hips. Heel striking slows you down because you are not rolling into your stride. It generates force behind you, instead of in front of you.

6. Forward lean, initiated at the ankles and not the hips will naturally make you "fall" forward, creating a more effortless stride.

7. Strides should be shorter in length with a fast turn-over.

8. Focus on your armswing back because it will propel you forward...like a recoil. (You will never have a problem bringing your arms forward). Pumping your arms is the best way to help you get up those hills because your legs follow your arms. (make sure your arms are not crossing-over in front of your body. Keep them aligned with your body.

I never knew running was so technical. I am sure learning A LOT and have so much to think about and improve on during my runs. Just in the few short weeks of my training I have had almost zero hip pain(my demon when I run....I have bad hips) and I attribute that to my great shoes and improved running technique(along with the hip strengthening exercises my husband has given me).

*Planks are the best exercise for your core because they strengthen your "true core" muscles and stabilize your spine.

**Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Lots of fruits and veggies and lean proteins. Low fat chocolate milk or coconut milk after your run is proven to be one of the BEST recovery drinks for your body...not to mention it tastes spectacular.

Happy running......

trust me it really does make you a happier person!

Any other tips....give em too me ; )