Author Archives: Katherine

Overtraining Symptoms: Are you pushing yourself too hard?

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If you look to the side of this page, it says I have a half marathon at the end of the month. I have never run one before and for some reason, I have been freaking out about it since the day I signed up.

When I go running…  my mind is all over the place saying things like, “I’ve only gone 6 miles, that’s not even halfway to finishing a half and why am I so tired already?” or “I need to run faster to make my goal time.” or “Why are my legs fatiguing, what is wrong?”

I’m running my half marathon with a group of friends and I don’t want to be the slowest. It’s putting so much pressure on me. However, I know I shouldn’t think like this, I should just try my best and be happy no matter what the outcome. But being the super competitive person that I am… I’ve been going out running; training so hard, trying to improve my times, get stronger… and I believe I have hit a wall.

The sad thing is I’ve come to the point where I don’t want to do it anymore… I still want to run the race, I’m just too tired to train… which lead me to find that I’ve fallen into the overtraining syndrome. I did too much too quickly. My training was having a reverse effect on me. Making me weaker, not stronger.

Here are some symptoms of overtraining:

  1. Are you finding yourself unable to run as far as you once were running? What was once easy is now a struggle? If yes, then you might be overtraining. If you stop feeling stronger after each run and your not getting quicker or more efficient then you are probably pushing yourself too hard.

    Need a breather?

  2. Are you not seeing results? Are you working just as hard as you can and not looking leaner or getting more tone? Well this could be because of overtraining. When you increase your stress level your body is forced to release cortisol into your bloodstream. If this happens too frequently, then a negative testosterone:cortisol balance will be the outcome. All of this will lead to insulin resistance, fat gain and your muscle mass will slowly start to diminish.
  3. Are you unable to relax or take a day off from the daily grind at the gym or track? Do you find yourself repeatedly pushing yourself that extra mile, to the point of exhaustion? Pushing yourself that hard can lead you to restlessness, the ability to lack focus, poor sleep patterns, etc. Your mind and body will soon become completely fatigued, especially with everything else going on such as school, work, children, money, relationships, and so on.
  4. Are you feeling sick? Overtraining will weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, nagging coughs, sniffling nose and headaches. Lack of sleep and overtraining are not a good mixture.

    Too tired to continue?

  5. Injury? Are you feeling more muscle strains or more creaks in your bones? Overtraining gives your body less time to recover. Muscles need some time to rebuild after a hard workout. Continuously working them is a recipe for disaster.

Do any of these above sound like they may be happening to you?

Just remember to eat smart, train smart, and sleep smart.

Arch Pain: Does Anyone Else Get Foot Cramps?

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It is a horrible feeling. I have had this problem for some time now. Even before I started running, I had this problem. I used to play tennis all the time and tennis requires you to be on your toes, ready to move in all directions and sometimes when I would push off the ground the arch in my foot would cramp… Then I would cringe in pain and not make the shot. I don’t cramp anywhere else and it only happens sometimes. I have no idea why!

Now when I run, after about 20 minutes in, one of my feet will cramp in the arch. I then have to stop and stretch it out, which is not what I want to do when I’m trying for a time or just on a nice run. It throws everything off. And then, about every 10-15 minutes after that, the cramp returns. But this is only some days. Not all the time.

My one friend said it could be from changing shoes all the time. I play tennis everyday, so I have my tennis court shoes on, then I put on cross training shoes for the gym, then my minimalist shoes for the my run. I thought it was my running technique but it happened long before I became addicted to running.

This website says that I should just roll my arches with an icy water bottle. Do you do this before or after you run? or both? I just want the pain to go away. I’m going to start doing this though. So fingers crossed!

Rolling your arch with an icy water bottle

Does anyone else experience these problems? Has anyone found relief? I’m getting worried because I’m training for a half marathon and I don’t want it to affect me during my race. That’s the last thing I want.

 

SKORA: Base Shoe Review

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It’s difficult to find a pair of shoes that you can run-in, walk-in and wear out to dinner… Shoes that are good for everything. But I think I finally did it, I found my one stop shop!

SKORA

Skora is a new company, from Portland, Oregon, with lots of fresh ideas. They are different and original with a slogan that makes you want to give them a try: RUN REAL. I want to run like I was supposed to run, not run how company’s are trying to mold me. I was a little skeptical at first going to something new but literally, I have not felt a more comfortable shoe. I opened the box, put them on and didn’t take them off. No joke. I was like no way a shoe is this comfortable without breaking them in. EVERY shoe I have ever worn has recovered some break-in time. But not these. Here are the shoes I got:

These are called Base, which are a women’s shoe in light blue, white, and blue

MY FIRST RUN

For my first run in the Skora’s, I did a road run of 5 miles. It was great, and even in the rain. They were very light and not bothersome at all. No blisters, no discomfort anywhere, just a great run. You can wear these shoes in rain or shine, socks or no socks, road or trail, they are amazing.

Also, just to add-in, I’m not used to the minimalist shoe yet. So my first run did go very smoothly, however, I had sore calves the next day, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s part of the process from changing from a heel strike to a strike in the middle of my foot. I don’t mind feeling sore, I like to know my body is working hard. I did some shorter and slower runs to build the up muscle memory and get my legs used to the motion and new running style. It’s only been 3 weeks but I feel that these shoes and I will go far… no pun intended. :)

Notice the velcro straps

A WEEKEND IN D.C.

I just went on a mini vacation to Washington D.C. and I brought my Skora’s… I actually didn’t bring any other shoe on the trip. Our first day there, we walked 15 miles. Now, that’s a far walk. My sister’s started complaining about their feet and legs and blisters… But not me. I didn’t even think about my shoes once. I never had to re-tie the laces(thanks to the velcro), never felt a blister forming, and had no pain anywhere. Next day, we did 10 miles. No problems again. It even rained on us. My shoes dried so quickly, it was great. Also, I wore my Skora’s out to dinner and they look great with jeans or shorts. They are so versatile.

The Jefferson Memorial. Look closely and you will see that I am rocking my Skora’s :)

Outside the National Zoo, walked miles to get here!

THE BASE – WOMEN’S SHOE: LIGHT BLUE, WHITE, BLUE

Now more about the shoe itself. Base is a very durable shoe. The shoe has a very unique design with an X-strap system for the laces. There are no shoe strings, just velcro that crosses the shoe in the middle and it can be adjusted. There is also another velcro strap on the heel that can be adjusted to your liking. The shoe is made of a stretchy mesh material, which makes it so comfortable. Also, if you decide to run at night there are reflective details that will make you be seen by oncoming vehicles. A helpful tip is to order a half-size smaller if you decide that SKORA looks like the shoe for you. To learn more about the Base design and the method behind it, visit: 
http://skorarunning.com/#/

Overall, I’m so excited to train for my half-marathon in my Skora’s. My race is on November 25 so I’m training now and the running couldn’t be better. I will keep everyone updated with my training and how it goes. I’m so excited. It will be my first half and my friends are even doing it with me. Enough sitting for me, time to go outside! :)

P.s. If you are on Facebook, SKORA has a great page with many helpful tips, reminders, and motivation to keep you training. I love when their stuff pops up on my newsfeed.

Finding The Time to Blog… How Do People Do It!

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Lately, blogging has not been fitting into my schedule, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I like keeping busy. However, I follow some bloggers and they post ALL THE TIME! Like it’s crazy, how do they have so much time to write?! Doesn’t make sense. I’m sorry that blogging has been on the bottom of my list of things to do. But it’s summer! When I’m not working, which is rare, I want to go outside, not sit down on my computer. I work 7 days a week, 3 jobs to  be exact. I give tennis lessons, I intern at a news station and I’m a waitress at a country club, there’s not a whole lot of down time. Plus, I like hanging out with friends! So have to squeeze them in somewhere! Well, all I’m saying is if you find yourself blogging too much, get out! Or if your bored of your usually routine, here’s some stuff that I have been up to! Maybe it will spark some ideas!

Playing with a baby tiger!

Ok so this really did happen! A baby tiger came into my internship, BEST DAY EVER! But there are zoos that let you play/swim with baby tigers. Look into if your interested, cause seriously this was probably one of the coolest things ever.

 

His name was Tarzan :)

So cute!

Going to a wake boarding Competition and then actually trying to wakeboard!

Red Bull had one of their wake boarding competitions by my house, so why not go? They have events all the time, see if one is coming close to you. It’s a great social event and fun to watch! Also, go out and try it! I did and now, I’m addicted! haha. I’m ready to become a wake boarding pro just like these boys at the event! So much fun, great adrenaline rush.

Parks Bonifay and JD Webb were 2 professional wake boarders in the competition

GoPros don’t zoom :( but this is a pic of the Red Bull Event

Going to a BMX track… that was a first for me!

So I didn’t try the track… yet! But first time was to kind of just check it out, see if I could build the confidence to try it for myself and yup, I’m gonna do it! I talked myself into it, hopefully next week I get to give it a go! But anyways, watching is fun and free, some people are crazy so it’s a real good time to just watch if your not interested in actually testing the track yourself.

Golf!

I work on a golf course so might as well get good at golf! And best part about this sport is dressing up and looking cute. Love it! Makes it twice as much fun especially since I’m not that great at golfing. It’s different cause most sports you don’t really have to look nice for, so golf gets a good vote for that. Plus, I just got some great new clothes and shoes for the sport. The new Jackies from Ahnu are perfect for golf, or just the casual wear around the town, they come in different colors too! So they will never not go with the rest of your cute outfit. So no worries there. They are perfect for anyone that lives on-the-go and for anyone that likes comfort! I hope we all raised are hands for that! Check them out if you like style too!

It was a great day for the golf course

Woo! New Shoes! Jackies from Ahnu to be exact! Check’em out

Slacklining in Unique places!

It’s what I spent my first paycheck on! haha once you get it and can walk the line, you will never want to stop! I love the slack line, it’s like a trampoline, so much bounce! There are so many cool tricks too that you can learn to do on it! I put a few on my Facebook fan page if you want to see some!

Slackline for life!

YAY for Unique Places!!

Kayaking!

I love the water, so kayaking is perfect. It is so relaxing especially when you are going through mangrove trails and it’s a beautiful day. Also, going with friends is a crazy fun time!

So much fun!

A Dive-in Movie!

We have all heard of the drive-in so what not change that up for a dive-in. Get the projector out and set that up outside by the pool or check around where you live, maybe its an upcoming event! Recently, I went to a dive-in and it was so much fun! Sitting on a pool float watching Dolphin Tale. Haha. Who would have ever thought of that one, such a great idea!

I hope the fun continues! Get out and enjoy every second, I know I do :)

People don’t believe me when I say I work. haha

Taking It To The Trails: Reasons Why

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It’s a new revoultion of running… TRAIL RUNNING! That requires a new revolution of running shoes… THE MINAMILST SHOE!

Recently, I have become more interested in taking my runs from the streets to the trails. Running on the road is much different then running on roots, mud, rocks, hilly terrain, etc. I have heard that once you start trail running, you won’t want to go back to the streets.

I find Trail Running to be so much more beneficial than any road run that I have done. I also, feel that I have to work a lot harder while running on trails. Here are some of the benefits I have found to trail running.

1. Scenery Change

Mountains, forests, springs, waterfalls, nature… Trails are beautiful. The scenery is never the same. I see so many animals while running, like deer, rabbits, tortoises, birds, etc. Also, the overall atmosphere is perfect. It makes me feel like I’m somewhere different, not in Florida anymore, away from all the stressors in life. It’s very relaxing to be surrounded by trees and wildlife. Being more relaxed makes my run that much more better. Also, many of us are indoors majority of the time surrounded by concrete and walls, trail running allows you to escape all of that!

2. Easier on the Joints

Trail running is great because the surface is soft, usually covered by leaves, pine needles, dirt, and grass which are much better for your joints when compared to concrete and asphalt. And if you are like me and run a lot, you want to keep your joints pain free and trail running, will help prevent any injuries that could be caused by running repeatedly on a harder surface. Your knees will be saying thank you if you transition to the trails.

3. Makes Your Body Tougher

Running on trails requires a different type of running style. It’s not just flat ground… you are going uphill, downhill, leaping over things, etc, your body never gets used to it because the trail changes. Also, if you are a trail runner, you will have a forefoot strike rather then a heel strike. Running on the middle of your foot is what you should be doing. If you are making the transfer from heel striking to forefoot striking, expect your calves to be sore but believe me, I am making the transfer now, and what a difference. My legs actually feel so much stronger and I feel so much more efficient while running. You take smaller steps but you go further in the long run.

4. The Trail Shoe: Very Minimal

Trail running shoes are a necessity if you want to become a trail runner. They make you do more of the work. They have more tread, they are built more durable, and lightweight. Vivo Barefoot is a shoe brand that carries high-quality trail shoes. I like to run in the Vivo Barefoot Neo Trail. It has very aggressive tread for off road surfaces, and I even have tried it on the road and it is manageable for road running. It also, has a water-resistant upper that is perfect for the outdoors. It has a big toe box that allows your feet to flex and a zigzag, lace-lock structure that will keep your foot secure in all circumstances. It is a thin shoe but also has cushion, as well as a removeable insole. Overall, a great shoe for running. The minimalist design is exactly what to look for when it comes to trail running.

Vivo Barefoot Neo Trail Shoes

I know the road may seem more convenient but sometimes you should “treat” yourself to something nicer. Where I live, I have to drive to get to trails but it’s totally worth it for me. But remember, train on what you will compete on. If you do more road races then I suggest sticking to the streets. However, I feel the trails would prepare you just fine for your road races. You will be ready for anything and your body will be even tougher. Go Nature!

Who Wants FREE Shoes???

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Well it’s not all about free shoes, but more importantly it’s about spreading the brilliance of running. The Mezamashii Run Project is an effort by Mizuno to help create a more euphoric running experience — a more “brilliant” run — for more runners everywhere. Mezamashii is a japanese word meaning “eye-opening” or “brilliant” and that’s how every run should be. Mizuno is taking a different approach by spreading the word about this project through word of mouth and social media, that’s where you come in, to create commotion between those who have received invites and those who want invites. I want an invite!

First, go to 
http://www.mizunorunningnews.com/
 and read up on what exactly the Mezamashii Run Project is all about.

Second, click on the Mezamashii Run Project on the side.

Third, click on apply for an invite, then fill out the form. You will be entered for a chance to be part of the project.

I love the Mizuno’s I have now. They are brilliant! :) Quick Story, yesterday I had a 5K race on the beach and I ran in my Mizunos and it was the fastest I had ever ran a 5K. It was crazy. I can’t even describe the feeling I had after beating my own personal record. The shoes are great and when the shoes are great, I do great.

My Mizunos!

How to become KLUTCH! “Get Ready For Summer”

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For the month of May, I got to join the KLUTCHclub. It’s this cool new thing… for women, that is perfect for people trying to stay in shape and make healthy choices… so all of you! However, the future of KLUTCHclub will soon be KLUTCHmen and KLUTCHmom! So be looking for that.

1. So what exactly is KLUTCHclub?

Well it is simple. It’s a monthly subscription service that sends a curated and “themed” box of holistic health, fitness and wellness products right to your doorstep EVERY month! Each box costs around $17 but contains at least over $50 worth of products. The onto of May was themed “Get Ready for Summer”.

2. What the KLUTCHclub box contained for May!

It contained over $100 worth of products. Including O.N.E Coconut water, 2 Think Thin Bars, a KLUTCHclub water bottle, a Yoga Download Free Class, 2 Moving Comfort Apparel gift cards for $25 each!, and Hydroxatone Instant Effect — 90 second wrinkle-reducer (.33 oz). All for just $17!

The Month of May KLUTCHclub!

3.  Why do you need KLUTCHclub?

It’s a helpful boost and reminder each month for you, if you struggle with your goal of living a healthy life, then KLUTCHclub is perfect for you. With the KLUTCHclub you won’t get off track. Also, we all need some pampering, and the KLUTCHclub helps with that too. We are all busy, with work, kids, families, etc. so it’s good to just have this dropped off at the door, making you feel like it’s your birthday! I love getting packages! Also, you get so many products for such a great deal. Try it for a month, if you like how you feel and what you get, then become part of the KLUTCHclub. There are several options for purchasing, there’s no scam, you can buy a month and be done with it or continue for a year!

4. How to get KLUTCHclub?

For more info, check out www.klutchclub.com, select a membership level, then get ready to enjoy a box of goodies delivered right to your door every month. Also, a great feature that is included is being able to see next month’s offering online at anytime. You can also purchase one-, three-, or a twelve-month subscription.

Running Technique: Ground Contact Landing and Push Off

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I know, I know, I keep writing about the same thing… Running Technique, but it’s important! And don’t worry, I will move onto a different topic soon. But I have to say that how your foot lands on the ground and how you push off is significant. Because this is where painful shin splints can come from. I have fortunately never really experienced shin splints but I have some friends who can’t leave their beds because of how bad it hurts. I don’t want that to be you!

I can’t even imagine not being able to go out and run and have fun! So go out there and keep running. Practice makes perfect. I’m about to go on a run in the rain now! No excuses! :) Time for me to get off the computer!

Thank you for reading!

Running Technique: 5 Foot Position

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When I go out running, I tend to watch other runners. I look at their technique… their arms, their legs, their feet, etc. and compare it to my own. By watching others and technique videos, I feel like my overall running has improved greatly. Your feet control a lot while you run. If your foot strike is not how it should be, it could just make everything else fall out of place such as your knees, quads, and hips. And that’s the last thing anyone wants.

Running is a repetitive motion. You do the same movements over and over again, that is why you want to make sure everything is correct because repeating something wrong and putting it into muscle memory, is really difficult to change. And that could be damaging muscles or bones that will make running a living nightmare. Don’t be scared of injuries because they are preventable. Just be smart about it. Go out and try practicing proper foot technique, that duck running looks painful so make sure that’s not you! Good luck with your running :)

Thank you for reading!

Running Technique: Knee and Quad Position

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So I don’t know how serious you are about running but knee and quad positioning are extremely important. Many runners develop bad knees from bad technique. You don’t want that to be you in a couple of years! So this video should help you prevent short-term and long-term injuries that may result from bad running technique.

I suggest videotaping yourself running. Then you can play it back and relate to this video in order to double check that you are doing everything you need to be doing while running. I used to do that when I was beginning to play tennis. I would videotape my practice or a match and watch to see if my forehand technique was correct or if my footwork needed improvement. It’s not weird to record yourself. Just try it! It’s fun to watch yourself improve as well.

Also, don’t over think what you have to do. Just watch the technique and see if yours matches up. Don’t make it too complex as too where your running goes downhill because you are thinking way too much. You want to be relaxed and you also want to be enjoying running. Overall, as long as you avoid the things that cause injury, I think you will be good! And your running will be even better!

Thank you for reading!