Wednesday, June 17, 2015

National Safety Month: Avoid knee injuries!


It's about your knees!
In observance of National Safety Month we will be talking about ways to run injury free.  Today’s post is all about your knees! Whether you are new to running or you are a seasoned marathoner, you’ve heard the naysayers caution ...
“You’re going to ruin your knees!” 

I want to ask them, “Where is the research?” I have read research to the contrary and my personal experience also attests that running can strengthen knees and ankles. I’m running proof.
Does that mean the beginner runner should throw caution to the wind? No! These few tips can help you enjoy the run while taking care to keep those very important joints, your knees, injury free.

Find a smooth surface on which to train. The local high school track was built for running. Chances are it is free from debris that can reach up and trip a runner resulting in a fall, skinned or bruised knees, or even torn ligaments. The surface is often made of rubber that is soft and forgiving which can help reduce the feel of impact – especially for heavier runners.
If a track is not available, look for a dirt road that is smooth. Avoid roads with ruts from after rain traffic or a lot of loose gravel. Pavement is another smooth option; however, its firmness can be less comfortable for the larger athlete. Avoid grass, trails, and loose surfaces until you have more running experience.

Good shoes are a must! It’s not about the color or the name brand, it’s about the fit.  A poorly fitted or worn out shoe can create the wrong kind of stress on the joints. Take the time to visit a running store and get fit for the right shoe.  You can expect to spend around $100 for a good running shoe and it is worth it! The expertise and shoe fitting is complimentary.
Listen to your body. Running hurts. Perhaps that is why it is good for us. There is a difference between soreness from a workout and pain from an injury. If you have been tripped by an unexpected object, twisted an ankle on an uneven surface, or if you are experiencing worsening knee discomfort on or after an average run, it might be time to get things checked out.  Aggravating an injury will only postpone wellness. Trust me – I’ve been there!

Ice. Give it a try. It can’t hurt. Fifteen minutes 2-3 times daily should help. If you don’t see improvement in your discomfort, see a doctor.
Celebrate National Safety Month and keep those joints healthy, especially your knees. They may grow stronger allowing you to keep running while the onlookers cringe and caution, “You’re going to ruin your knees!” Perhaps, but it is easier to get a new knee than a new heart – and running is good for your heart!

Question: Do you have a safety tip you would like to share?
 
Happy Running!
 
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Friday, June 5, 2015

Food Friday Recipe: Killer Brownies


It’s Food Friday and I’m sharing this brownie recipe I’ve been making from scratch for years.  I modified it to create this Mint Brownie Recipe that I use for special occasions.  These killer brownies might live up to their name as they have four eggs and a full cup of oil, but you can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Killer Brownies
  • ½ C cocoa
  • 1 ½ C flour
  • 2 C sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 eggs
  • I C oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla
Dump everything in your mixer and stir until blended. Bake in 9x13 inch baking pan at 350◦ for 25 – 30 minutes.

*Add chopped nuts or chocolate pieces as desired. (Personally, I don’t want nuts messing up my chocolate!)

Find more of my favorite recipes HERE.

Question: Do you have a recipe to share?  Comment below.


Happy Running!

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Monday, June 1, 2015

Book Marketing and Giveaway!


 
I presented a workshop on book marketing last Saturday to new and upcoming authors.  As I returned home after an eventful and productive day I realized that I had been neglecting one of the book marketing tools I had suggested they all use.  Yes, this blog has been lacking new posts of late.  I have an excuse!  I always have one of those.  Truthfully, my energies had been directed at preparing the book marketing information for the WOW! Write on Workshop Conference by theInspirational Women Authors and promoting my newest books, The Hard Run and Gary Learns to Skate.
Here is a little trivia about Gary Learns to Skate …

  • It is a children’s book based on a true story. 
  • Very little poetic license was implemented!
  • My granddaughter is the illustrator and she did a fantastic job!
  • My favorite illustration is the skating flamingo!
  • Half of the profits are hers.
In an effort to practice what I preached last Saturday and demonstrate the effectiveness of social marketing, I am going to hold a contest for a copy of Gary Learns to Skate. 

These are the rules …
  1. You must visit this blog post for a chance to win.
  2. To prove you were here leave a comment on this post or message me on Facebook with the answer to this Trivia Question: What is my favorite illustration in Gary Learns to Skate?
  3. Sharing this blog post on your Facebook page will earn you a second entry into the contest.
  4. No cheating!
  5. This contest will run through Friday, June 5.
Let’s see how effective this contest can be in proving the value of social media in book marketing. I will be presenting in future workshops from the Inspirational Women Authors.  This information will help develop those workshops. I can’t wait to see who wins a copy of Gary Learns to Skate!

Go!

Happy Running!

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