Cross Training - Because I can't run

It just keep falling!

What do you do when forces beyond your control require you to make a change? It’s January 4^th already and the continued snowfall and icy roads indicate I will not be running any time soon. As much as I would like to avoid it, I’ve committed to cross training until the pavement reappears. I’ve long said, “Change is good because it presents an opportunity for growth.” Whether or not we choose to grow – well, that’s up to us. I’m trying to grow. Or perhaps, I am trying to stop growing around my middle!

Today was Day Two of my indoor, group training, weights included, video led, cross training workout. It didn’t kill me. I’ve been using snow shoveling as my cross training, but it mostly makes me sore. There is some cardio involved, but I don’t know if I can honestly count shoveling as cross training.

I’m hoping that by incorporating these workouts into my routine, I will be better prepared when the running begins again. Every winter I vow to “run through it.” I’ve been successful some years and others I have not. This is one of those unsuccessful years.
Winter running tip.

Chocolate Berry Smoothie

The good news is that because I was all warmed up from the workout a cold breakfast smoothie sounded awesome. Rather than hunkering over warm eggs and toast, I indulged in one of my favorites  - Chocolate Berry Breakfast Smoothie. Yum!

Now I’m all cooled down it’s time to do some more snow shoveling cross training! I’ve been praying for adequate precipitation for years, so I’m trying not to murmur. Who knows? Maybe I am growing. I do look forward to the day, however, when the pavement reappears and I can go for a run. I really miss running and I miss my running buddies!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running! Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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Tuesday’s Training Tip: Try Something New

Are you stuck in a training rut? Do you have trouble feeling motivated to put on your running shoes and step out of the door? Do your hand weights sit in a corner collecting dust? Perhaps it is time to change things up – do something new. Whether you choose a new goal, a different activity, or the same activity in a strange venue, a little variety can help. Let’s look at a few ways you can create new interest in old routines.

We’ve talked about why you should commit to a 5K or other fitness challenge, but what if you’ve done that and another 5K feels like just another workout? It’s time to try a themed run or something a little more challenging like an obstacle course. Can you run your best time dressed in a Santa suit? Perhaps not, but you might be able to win a prize for the best costume.

Captain a team and recruit your friends to run a relay. This will challenge your physical, mental, and leadership skills. You’ll have the time of your life and forge relationships that will last a lifetime.

Go for a night run. It’s quiet and you can’t really see how far you’ve come or how far you have to go.

Use an App. I like MapMyRun. Fitness apps help you track your progress, review your performance, entertain, and encourage you along the way.

Engage in social media with other fitness folks. Follow other runners on Instagram. Their photos will make you want to go outside, too!

Ride your bike to your favorite breakfast or lunch spot – eat – return.

Whether you need a long term goal or something different to do today, there are no limits to the creative things you can do to add variety to your workouts. Don’t get stuck in a training rut. Try something new!

What do you do to add creativity and interest to your fitness routine?

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share?

Happy Running!

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Food Friday: Time to plant a garden

I

How does your garden grow?

 

It’s Food Friday and I am asking this question, “Have you planted your garden yet?” It’s that time of year.  I know it’s a lot of work, but the benefits of your own garden are bounteous. Here are a few reasons to grow your own vegetables this year:

• Vegetables are healthier than cookies.

• Gardening is a form of cross training.

• Vegetables in the garden are cheaper than a trip to the grocery store.

• You don’t have to mow grass where your garden grows.

• The neighbors will think you are resourceful.
• Overabundance of vegetables provides an opportunity for charity.  Give them to your neighbors.

Planting a garden is a sign of hope.  Hope that there will be water for the growing season. Hope that you will be around to harvest your crop.  Hope that seeds will germinate and grow. Hope in the future.

What are you waiting for?  Get your garden planted and watch it grow!

Question: What vegetables do you ALWAYS plant in your garden?

Read all my Food Friday posts HERE.

Happy Running!

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Tuesday's Training Tip: Cross Training

Go for a ride to break up the monotony

This training tip piggybacks off of my last tip, Strength Training. Cross training can be any physical activity that differs from your regular workout routine.  Strength training is one type of cross training for runners, while running is a form of cross training for wrestlers, football players, or anyone trying to increase endurance for their favorite activity. Running makes me a better skier and biking makes me a better runner.

Here are a few quick benefits of cross training -

• Engaging in varied physical activities breaks up the monotony of your sport.  No matter how much you LOVE your sport, you can benefit from a change of pace.
• Cross training can strengthen neglected body parts.  Runners tend to have weak Gluteus Maximus.  This can result in Sciatica issues.  A little strength training and yoga can help.
• Cross training can expand your social circles.  I love my running buddies, but if I only run, then my workout friends are limited to those few friends who run.  Biking, swimming, and tennis can broaden your circles.
• Cross training can remind you why you love your sport.  If you find yourself in a rut, take a few days off and do something different.  You may find yourself craving that run, ride, or gym time that you had been dreading.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share?  I would love to hear about it.  Leave your suggestions in the comments below.

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Tuesday's Training Tips: Strength training

This is a "Do as I say, not as I do" post.  Sometimes runners think that we are especially tough because we can run miles and miles.  While it is true that our legs and lungs are in great condition there are parts of our physique that often get neglected.  It isn't only that we think we are tough, but runners would rather be outside than in. That makes it difficult to implement weight training into our workouts. I know, I have trouble adding weight training into my routine, but I'm working on it!

Strength training can go a long way in injury prevention and improved performance.  You don't have to invest a lot of time to gain those benefits.  That's nice, because we all know you would rather be logging miles. 

Runners World dispels some of the myths regarding strength training in this article ...
Strength Training Misconceptions

For some strength training routines you can implement today visit ...
Strength Training Workouts for Runners

Give it a try.  Add a few minutes (about 30) of strength training a couple times a week and see what benefits you gain.

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share? Please leave it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

It's a Rest/XT day!

It’s a Rest/XT (Cross Training) day so I mowed the lawn.  I am not sure that qualifies as rest.  It’s a big lawn and I don’t have a riding mower.  Someday I am going to wear a pedometer while I mow.  Then I will know how many steps I have taken and can calculate how many miles it I walked.  I am guessing, given the time it takes to mow, that it is around 2 -2.5 miles.  It’s just a guess.  Someday I will find out for sure. 

We have a few hills and I always think that difficulty should be factored into any workout.  For instance, if you go for a run in the wind, rain, or heat you should get extra points.  Not that it matters, because I haven’t ever figured out a point system – but if there was one, those things would surely count for more!

The trees are always fun to maneuver around, too.  We get lots of compliments on our green lawn.  There are a few tricks to keeping it lush.

§  Bluegrass.  It isn’t hardy, but it is beautiful grass.

§  Fertilizer.  Yes!

§  Water.

§  Pest  defense.

§  Alternate mowing directions.

§  Frequent manicuring every 4 -5 days.

 

That’s pretty much what it takes.  It helps to have an on site crop specialist (Hubby) as well!

That’s what I did for my heart today.  How about you? Tell me about it HERE.

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It's a Rest Day

It's my day off.  I am not running today because it is a XT/Rest day on the training schedule.  That means I usually rest rather than cross train.  After all, I wouldn't want to overdo!  Oh, and there is a race tomorrow!
While on a long run recently a friend asked me what I did for cross training.
"Bake cookies," I replied between gasps for air.  It's not a lie, I do bake cookies on a regular basis.  I try to be a responsible baker and add whole wheat, oatmeal, and dried cranberries.  Like this. 
Today my XT/Rest will consist of mowing a patch of grass, hanging out laundry, and baking.  Not cookies today.  Cinnamon rolls.  They are to give away.  I baked the cookies a couple days ago.
I will also be carbo loading for the race with – you guessed it – cookies! I hope I don’t overdo …

What do you do for a rest day!  I would like to hear about it!  Comment below.

Happy Running!