Running Technique: Glutes and Hamstrings

Your glutes and hamstrings are crucial to proper running technique. These large muscles are very powerful and can help significantly enhance your overall running performance. You want to make sure to keep these muscles strong and in great working shape. This video on running technique is all about utilizing your hamstrings and glutes to their maximum. Take a look to see if you are on the right track and if not, now you know what to do in order to take your running experience to the next level.

Running is great for your legs and butt for a reason… because those muscles are used all the time while running. Make the most of your workout by doing it right. After watching this video, I feel better about my stride but now I have to go out and check to see if I am using these muscles to their potential. And practice it! The video shows some great ways to go out and practice these techniques.

Thank you for reading!

Show Review: Day 2 – 8K Trail Run

Trail Run!

Trail running is probably one of my favorite things to do. The scenery makes it so much more fun and enjoyable. Also, the trails are shaded, which is nice. Running on a treadmill or the road can get boring to me so surrounding myself with nature just gives me an extra boost.

Shoes still look good

Recently, I took my new Karhu running shoes to one of my favorite places to run: The Trails. I run these trails more often then any other place. It was once again a gorgeous day: Sunny, however shady in the trails, and about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The trails I run are well wooded with a packed-down ground made up of leaves, dirt, soil, and other things you find in nature. The shoes I have been running in are great for trail running so I didn’t know if the Karhu’s would be able to keep up… Ohhh was I wrong for questioning their ability. The time flew by! Before I knew it, the trail run was over and I felt great! I think I’m finally getting ready for a race, I have felt a huge improvement lately in my running ability. Also, my feet weren’t hurting, which is great news! I have experienced shoes that make my feet hurt, blister, and cramp. Avoiding all of that completely made my day. Also, just make sure you where comfortable and high socks because that helps a lot. I like extra comfort while breaking-in new shoes and I have had some problems with my socks sliding down. You don’t want to be thinking about all of that while running but thankfully, the socks are an easy fix. So no worries. :)

Make sure when you get new running shoes to really test them out. See where they work best. It’s fun testing them out and seeing what they are capable of and seeing if they are the shoe for you. If you are interested in testing Karhu products… GO FOR IT! The link is below.

Thank you for reading!

Running Technique: Pelvis and Upper Body Position

Running seems so simple but some of us unfortuantely struggle with it. It’s good to practice the correct form and technique while running to prevent injury and to make the experience more enjoyable. By watching this video (that is less then 3 minutes) you will learn how to effectively use your upper body and pelvis while running.

You want to practice having your upper body slightly tipped forward, which is something I learned. I never even thought about it! I think I keep myself too upright sometimes, so now I know, next time I go out running to work on this. Being too upright could hurt my back, so I definitely want to fix that. Also, by having your pelvis positioned correctly, it will help your body move forward more efficiently. Something that I think most runners want. Now it’s time to go out and run! Get off the computer, that won’t help your technique! haha

More videos on technique to come, so be looking for those!

Thank you for reading!

Running Technique: Arm Movement

Running is not just all legs, your arms actually set the tempo. The faster you pump your arms the faster your legs will go. It seems so simple. Do you want to run faster and more efficiently? Say YES! Next time you go out running, don’t change your stride length but instead, concentrate on your arms. Let me know if your overall run was different. Whether you are a beginner or an elite runner, watch this helpful video on Arm Movement. Even if you already consider yourself an elite runner, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of technique and being a beginner, this will help you get started on the right track!

I love running and being a runner, I know that there is always room for improvement and tips to help me keep moving forward. I will continue to post videos on running technique. I watched this video on Arm Movement and immediately went out to focus on my arms. It’s good to go out on a run with a purpose. Keep on running and keep working on that technique!

Thank you for reading!

Shoe Review: First Day in the KARHU’s – 5K Road Run

Today I did my first run in my new KARHU’s! If you are like me, I am totally new to KARHU. I love trying new things so KARHU was sounding perfect from the beginning! I was sad to go out and get these beautiful new shoes dirty. But to start, I didn’t want to overdue it… I like to ease into new shoes in order to get my feet used to the new feeling so I started with a light 5K road run on a great day. The weather was partly cloudy and about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Love it!

KARHU's Flow-Fulcrum Ride… All you can want in a running shoe.

My pair of KARHU’s are the Flow-Fulcrum Ride in Bright Violet/Scream. These shoes are said to be for the performance neutral runner seeking lightweight foot strike management with a highly responsive, durable forward ride. The sneakers are engineered with neutral performance fulcrum, the Flow-Fulcrum Ride is suited for faster, long distance running and racing with a clean, supportive minimalist design. But if this type of runner is not you, don’t fret! KARHU produces shoes for all levels and foot strikes. I already love many aspects about this running shoe. First thing I noticed when I put them on, was the extra comfort on the heel of my foot. There’s a lot more cushion along the bottom of my foot, which I like! Also, I have plenty of stability and ankle support. I laced up to the very top hole and it was perfect.  My run went very smooth. I had no problems. There was a little stiffness but every shoe I have ever owned has required a short break in period so other then that these shoes treated me very well.

First run in my new KARHU running shoes!

If KARHU’s aren’t known for their crazy, fun colors, they should be! The style nowadays for running shoes seems to be bright and vibrant colors. If you are like me, I love bright colors. I like shoes that stand out. While walking around my college campus wearing my new KARHU’s, I get so many compliments! I love the attention my running shoes give me.

The vibrant colors of KARHU made it love at first sight

I can’t wait to see where these shoes take me. I will be doing a lot more testing to see what they can handle! If you have any questions for me regarding the shoes, just ask in a comment! Or if you own a pair feel free to share your thoughts!

 

Thank you for reading!

6 Healthy Tips to Bring to the Restaurant

Eating out is supposed to be fun but for some it is more stressful because they think it will mess up their diet. Don’t make it stressful. If you are dieting and want to lose weight or if you just want to maintain weight and healthy lifestyle, here are some easy tips for what to do while eating out.

1. Stay Away From The Bread. To make this step easy, tell the server not to bring any bread to your table (if your

Olive Garden Breadsticks… 150 calories per one

table agrees with this suggestion). That is the easiest solution. However, if they do  bring it, all it takes is self control. But if you are out to eat, don’t stress. If it’s your favorite bread then have a slice, just don’t have a meal of bread before your actual meal. Also, if you have a slice do not load it up with butter. Have the power to tell yourself that you don’t need the bread.

Here are some examples of the bread at restaurants in the U.S. and how many extra calories that bread contains:

  • 1 Olive Garden Garlic Breadstick with Butter: about 150 calories
  • Outback Bread Loaf with Butter: about 470 calories. Remember: Those loafs aren’t very big.
  • Small Loaf of Bread at Carrabba’s: about 500 calories and the bread dipping sauce: about 50 calories

2. Drink Water.  It’s free and has 0 calories. It’s perfect! Also, beverages can get expensive. Drink water before your meal, during, and after. Since it’s free, don’t worry about refills, drink up! It’s good to stay hydrated and to keep your stomach a little fuller. Even while you are waiting for your meal and just starring at that bread, with your stomach growling, just drink water. It will give your stomach a distraction.

3. Avoid Appetizer’s. Appetizer’s to me are pointless. Nowadays, the entree’s are so large that an appetizer seems ridiculous to get. I don’t like to go to a restaurant and be full before I get my actual meal. If you must get one, then share it. Do not eat all by yourself. So many extra calories.

4. How To Choose An Entree. Look for entree’s that are not fried and DO NOT get french fries as a side.

A healthy and delicious side choice

Look to order something that is grilled or baked. And when picking sides for your entree look for vegetables, rice,  or a side salad (with light dressing). Restaurants offer many healthy choices, you just have to be smart enough to look for them and order them. Also, if you know the restaurant that you are going to, look up the menu beforehand and you can also look up how many calories are in each item. That will prepare you for a healthy meal out.

Look for menu’s like this (this link will take you to the Carrabba’s menu)! This menu tells you the serving size, calories, total fat, carbs, and protein.

Olive Garden Venetian Chicken is a healthier entree choice

5. You Don’t Have To Eat It All… To-go box it! To-go boxes are great. Many people finish their meal because they don’t want to waste it. So now you don’t have to keep eating even when you are full. You can save your extra’s and bring them home! Eat slow and take frequent sips of water so when you feel yourself starting to get full, push your plate a little bit away from you. Don’t eat more than your body needs.

6. Share Dessert. I love dessert but after my meal, I know I don’t need to eat more. However, if you can’t resist, share it with the table! Dessert’s are usually sharing size anyways so that makes it easy. Take 2-3 bits, satisfy your sweet tooth, and be done.

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Going out is meant to be fun. So don’t get stressed out about what to eat. It’s easy to stay on track while on diet. All it takes is some smart choices. If you are wanting to lose weight, and if you want it bad enough, you will choose the healthier choices. It’s all up to you.

Active Wear: Shoe Review

My Teva shoes… Love them!

This gallery contains 8 photos.

What you wear has a lot to do with your performance in anything you are doing. The appropriate outfit can make the difference. The shirt, shorts, shoes can make or break you. Thankfully, I had a pair of water shoes … Continue reading 

Healthy: Beyond Diet And Exercise

Many people forget that being healthy is a lifestyle and it is more complex then just exercising and eating right. I made a list of some things we may forget to do everyday. We are all busy and sometimes forget the simplest tasks.

Hygiene: Hygiene is a big category when it comes to being healthy.

1. Brush/Floss Teeth: I know this has been drilled into your heads… but I will admit that even I ONLY occasionally floss(this post is for me too). You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and don’t skimp out on the toothpaste. Also, if you have a manual brush and not electric, that is when flossing becomes even more important. Flossing once a day, before bed preferable, will make a difference in your teeth. With my mom being a dentist, I get this lecture all the time. Flossing will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease such as gingivitis. Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it breaks up and removes plaque from between teeth and at the gumline. My dentist tells me that I’m starting to get gingivitis because I don’t floss regularly so that made me want to warn everyone else what may come, I NEED TO START FLOSSING!! It takes 21 days to make a habit so let’s start today!

2. Clip Your Nails: Your nails tell a lot about your health. Their texture, their shape, their color are all key factors. I was going to tell you about it but this video says it all. And don’t find it weird if you are looking at your nails the whole video or trying the tests afterwards… that’s what I did. Your nails can tell you if you have an iron deficiency, melanoma, and problems in your glands. Determining how often to cut your fingernails and toenails is different for everyone. It is recommended to do so regularly, such as once a week. Also, when you trim them, make sure not to leave jagged edges that could catch on clothing and tear the nail. I find it easiest to trim my nails after a shower or bath. The nails become softer after they have been soaking in water and therefore are easier to trim. Furthermore, fingernails grow faster than toenails, and the nails on your middle and ring fingers grow faster than the others. Nails on your dominant hand might also grow faster than those on your other hand so watch for that!

3. Wash Your Hands: I don’t think I have to explain this too deeply but washing your hands regularly is something that NEEDS TO BE DONE! It’s healthy for you and others. No one likes being sick, there’s no time for that, so please wash them. Use warm water and lots of soap. Make sure to scrub for about 20 seconds. Washing your hands is probably one of the healthiest things you can do.

4. Athlete’s Foot: It is a fungal infection that causes a rash on the foot. Wearing shoes without socks increases your chances of contracting the infection. If you are playing sports, I suggest bringing extra socks, extra socks are good to have. That way if you go out afterwards you aren’t stuck wearing your wet, dirty socks.

5. Washing Your Body: This is a VERY GOOD habit to have. Taking showers or baths regularly is a necessity to personal hygiene. Everyday you come in contact with so many germs and bacteria that you should want to shower to get it all off. Also, not showering leaves your skin and hair oily and greasy. This is not a good look or feeling. You will become more susceptible to pimples, zits and other skin problems. Overall, showering leaves you feeling fresh, who doesn’t want that?

Sun Protection: The sun has many harmful rays that damage our skin and eyes.

Hobie Polarized Sunglasses are great for not only style but for water sports as well

1. Wear Sunglasses: It doesn’t have to be summertime for the sun to cause damage, even on a cloudy day the sun can do harm. Harmful UV rays bounce off of the ground, water, and snow straight into your eyes. Studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer. It doesn’t matter if it is artificial light either because the same risk applies when using tanning beds. Be sure to protect your eyes in any situation, indoor and out. Here are some quick tips when buying a pair of sunglasses:

  • Make sure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
  • Choose wraparound styles. This prevents sunlight coming in on the sides.
  • Don’t be deceived by color or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the price tag or how dark the sunglass lenses are.

 2. Wear Sunscreen: I see so many of my friends skip out on the sunscreen when we are out at the beach. I don’t understand why though. They always get the same after effect of burning and peeling. This is not smart. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn). I like to wear a sunscreen that is sweat proof and at least 30 spf. I don’t like spray sunblock because I feel like a lot is wasted when spraying on and it is easy to miss spots. Sunblock is expensive but that doesn’t mean skimp out on it, I definitely don’t want skin cancer and I think that would result in more expenses then just buying some sunblock now. Don’t forget to reapply too. When you are outside from 10 am-4 pm make sure to be reapplying at least every 2 hours. Especially to your face and neck.

3. Wear Chapstick: Seems easy enough but get some chapstick that contains a spf of at least 15. The lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body so you want to keep them moisturized and protected. Cancer of the lip can occur from over exposure to sunlight. This usual occurs in the bottom lip so always keep some chapstick nearby. But it is good to know that cancer of the lip can be adequately treated but still you want to prevent it.

Sleep: I know the amount of sleep needed is different for everyone, but still make sure to give yourself enough time to get the sleep you need.

I need 8 hours for me to be in a good mood and to be at the top of my game. Sleep can effect your body all around. It effects your daily performance, your mood, everything. It’s all connected. Make sure you have a good mattress and pillow that will help you to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Stay Positive: Things will always get better.

Don’t be down about not having the body you want, or not getting the grades you want. Keep working at it. Great things take time. So stay happy, relax, don’t stress over anything for too long because before you know it, everything will be how you want it. You just have to remain positive. Keep reminding yourself to smile… even if you don’t want to. It can drastically change your mood, which influences the outcome of everyday. Most likely if you are in a better mood, you will do more things in less time and do a better job. :)

Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K Run Results

Just yesterday, I ran in my 2nd 5K race (The Gasparilla Distance Classic) with one of my good friends and it was crazy! The last 5K I did only had about 200 people in it and then this one had 11,918! It was insane! In my 20-24 year old age bracket I got 11th place out of 475, which is a lot better then I thought I would have done. I’m really happy with my result. However, let me tell you about this hectic experience. Here’s a video though that I made from some footage I took. Make sure to watch it in HD… much better!

First of all, we (my friend running the race, my friend that’s just cheering, and me) arrive at the scene of the race and people are EVERYWHERE! It was just an entire street of people (you couldn’t even see the pavement for as far as you could see)! So we get there and we didn’t have any pins to pin our bib numbers on our shirts. We were panicking. In the panic for pins, we get lost in the crowd! I lose my friend that is running with me. It’s impossible to find anyone! There were so many people and we didn’t have our phones because we left them in the car due to that fact that we had nowhere to put them! Frantically, I’m searching for her. But the race is about to begin so I go to the start and thankfully, I found some pins. Finding the start was the next obstacle. I had no idea where to go. There were so many people everywhere that I couldn’t move. My other friend that’s just spectating soon gets pulled away from me by security saying,”SPECTATORS OVER HERE!” Then he pushes me forward. I was so thirsty and worried for my friends and about us meeting up after the race.

Next, the race begins. I’m stuck behind a crown of super slow joggers… I’m so frustrated because I can’t get around them. The cool thing though was that the bib had a self timer in it, so when you crossed the start line that is when your timer starts and then it stops once you cross the finish line… now that’s good technology! However, I was still walking behind super slow people when I crossed the start… I managed to make my way to the side of the crowd to run in the grass median of the road that was full of dibbits… I almost twisted an ankle. But finally, I was passing people. Sprinting to make up lost time though is a quick way to get worn out though. So after the turn around at the halfway point, I was able to run in the road again and have some space. But I was becoming fatigued… uhhh. But all in all my time was said to be 24:45, which is the slowest I have done since I can remember. But for all that I went through, I guess it was decent. And maybe a lot of people had to deal with it too because I placed high. I was just very displeased with the organization and set up. Maybe next year will be different! I hoping!

Overall, I had fun. I eventually found my friends and we took pictures to make some memories. Everyone in the race got a medal so we all felt like winners! I didn’t even know we were getting one, so that was awesome! Also, I looked great when I was running. I had new shoes on, new sunglasses and new shorts!  My new sunglasses are Under Armour Zone Performance sunglasses. They made me feel so intimidating as a runner. They are so slick looking and grip my head perfectly. I don’t usually wear sunglasses and these made me feel like I wasn’t even wearing any. They are so light! Also, it was a hot day so I was sweating like crazy(people were passing out left and right) and at no time did I feel like they were going to fall off. I felt like those glasses gave me an extra push. Also, it was so sunny outside so I was happy that I had them, I want to be able to see where I’m going! Also, I think I look good with them on. And that has a lot to do with everything!

Now, I look back and I had a lot of fun at this race even though it was kind of stressful. It was quite the experience. This race was my friends first 5K and she loved it! I can’t wait until my next one, which is on March 30th!

9 Healthy Snacks That Won’t Spoil Your Dinner

Smart snacking is the goal for many of us. We want foods to keep us on track but foods that will also satisfy that craving. The gap between lunch and dinner can be tough. And instead of overeating at dinner, we should eat snacks that help control our hunger. The best snacks contain fiber and protein. Here are a few snack options that will satisfy your hunger until dinner.

1. Peanut Butter and Apples. Apples contain Vitamin C, fiber and potassium. Also, peanut butter contains protein, fiber, Vitamin E and other nutrients. Be careful on what peanut butter you buy though, some are better for you then others. Some variations to this snack are apples and cheese or bananas and peanut butter.

2. Trail Mix: Almonds, pretzels, chocolate (just a little), dried fruit, raisins. You can mix these items however you like. Make it your perfect mix. Or you could opt for a trail mix bar. Make sure your dried fruits don’t add any unnecessary sugars. I also prefer dark chocolate. Having just a little bit of dark chocolate a day can actually be healthy since it contains antioxidants. Remember to eat in moderation because nuts like almonds or walnuts contain many calories. Just eat enough to give your body the energy it needs.

3. Pretzels/Crackers with Hummus. There are a lot of different foods you can eat with hummus, veggies like carrots or cucumbers, go great too. Hummus is made of chickpeas. Chickpeas have no saturated fat, no cholesterol, and they are high in protein. Hummus is a great healthy snack to go to.

4. Fruit Salad. Making a great mix of a variety of fruits is a great meal. Pick your favorites and make a bowl. You cannot go wrong with fruit.

5. Popcorn. It is quick and easy. Also, a 100-calorie pack will keep you track. Just make sure it’s not covered in butter and salt. But popcorn kernels are actually whole grain and contain fiber so it will help you feel full longer. Also, there is more popcorn then you think in 100 calories.

6. Smoothies. These can be very low in calories and very delicious. You can throw in all your favorite fruits. I like to include orange juice and sometimes fat-free yogurt. Smoothies are fun because there is no wrong way to make one. You can use what you want and make it your own. Just if you don’t want to spoil dinner, don’t use too many ingredients because then your smoothie will big and filling.

7. Cereal with Skim Milk. Pick a cereal high in fiber and low in sugar, there are plenty of great tasting cereals that do this. They are whole grain and keep you full. And just have a little bowl. This isn’t a meal… remember it’s just a snack.

8. Toast. If you use the right kind of bread and butter this is a great choice. I love having whole wheat bread with just a little bit of butter and I finish it off by sprinkling a little bit of cinnamon sugar. But toasted bread with peanut butter is also a good choice. Just don’t douse the bread in butter and make sure to eat whole wheat bread. Another option scrambling one egg and making a quick egg sandwich using one slice of bread.

9. Fruit S’mores. Take graham crackers and replace the marshmallows with yogurt and thechocolate with fruit. So maybe slice up some strawberries and put them with vanilla yogurt in between two graham crackers. I think it would be really good to try this: Melt some chocolate morsels and make a spread to put on one graham cracker. Use a very thin layer, this will be way less chocolate then you put on a regular s’more and then use a banana slice as the marshmallow and place that between two graham crackers. You can get creative. You don’t even have to use graham crackers, maybe you would want to try vanilla wafers or a type of biscuit cracker instead of graham cracker.

Snacks can have many varieties to them. I like to find new foods that taste great together. These snacks are some of my favorites. If you have any of your own, please share them in a comment!