creating a healthy lifestyle for mothers and women everywhere

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Core Strength for Runners

 

AH!! Lasagna!! Brent LOVES lasagna and I hardly ever make it, but tonight I was a nice wife, and whipped out a veggie lasagna.

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How come lasagna taste delicious always but never quite turns out picture perfect. The taste is what matters though right? T and B thought it was pretty fab too! Everyone cleared their plates and went for seconds.

Even as I was preparing the lasagna I snacked on veggies and chocolate chips.. its all about balance.Winking smile

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After dinner I headed back to the gym and completed a fun interval workout with a few hills. I’m still up in the air with races this season and can’t decide what I want to do. Run? Yes of course, but Ogden is in May and the thought of marathon training right now seems a bit daunting.. I guess the only way to get over it is to just register.

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I had a good run tonight, I felt good speed and endurance wise so I guess that is a good sign in the right direction! Smile

Sometimes runners focus solely on running and don’t train in other aspects that are vital to being a strong runner. Like YOUR CORE!

Here are a few reasons why a strong is important to your running and a workout!

Why Abdominal training is important for RUNNERS

You use your abdominals when you run! Having a strong core will reflect in your running.

If you have a strong core you will be a better runner.

Speed- The transverse rectus abdominals and the lower back are used when you lenthen your stride and pick up the pace. The stronger it is the more force you can use to generate speed as you push off the ground.

Hill training! You know that nice butt burn when climbing hills? Well, you lower abdominals support the pelvis and connect to the leg muscles that you use to tackle steep heights.

Lateral movement- Ever been on a trail run and had to jump over a log, avoid a puddle, or dodge a rock? Whenever you shift from side to side you are engaging your core. If your core is weak your probably leaning into it and putting strain on other joints.

Endurance- If you have ever been into long distance running you know it is easy to throw your form out the window once you hit mile 21. You are tired, and keeping that back from rounding can be hard. With a strong core you can finish strong and run more efficient. Although, you a beat, it is easier to stand up straight with a strong lower back and core.

Do this workout I did today to build a strong core and improve your running!

 

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I completed it in about 18 minutes, I ran outside and I’m sure my beads of sweat froze to my face. I also went tanning (I know, I know…) but it snowed again and it was a great, 20 minutes of warmth. But ended up burned.. eek! Which made every crunch and back extension quite unpleasant.Winking smile

In other RANDOM news:

My husband found this news article today, that we had a good laugh about.

The article claims that doing these things, they will make you a happier person.

1. Mowing the Lawn

2. Watching a Tear-Jerker

3. Getting in a fight

4. Making quick decisions

5. Sleeping on the left side of the bed.

I guess I’m doing it all wrong cause I thought happiness was about love, sex and money. oh, and running. Winking smile Haha!!

The article sure had some weird ideas of why those things would make us happier… What makes you happy?

Here is my random list.

1. Watching modern family.

2. Sweating my face off.

3. Playing with my twinners.

4. Nap time.

5. A bath.

6. A clean house.

7. A happy husband.

8. The sun.

9. Getting my hair done.

My list could go on and on.

OH, 10. Hawaii! Hawaii, makes me happy..

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WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

6 comments:

  1. TRFebruary 21, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    LOL I love how getting in a fight will make you a happier person.

    oh man, I run a lot, I do a lot of weights and strength work with my upper body..but the core is sooo neglected. :( WHY can't I stick with it!! I do pushups/planks for core, that's about it :S

    ReplyDelete
  2. Holly KNFebruary 22, 2013 at 3:14 AM

    Running looooong, spinning haaaard, warm and soft chocolate chip cookies, freshly popped popcorn, new running gear, a cool breeze on a hot day, seeing my husband smile, warching someone finish his/her first 5K!

    ReplyDelete
  3. EricaFebruary 22, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    SO true! Its easy to run and run and not think about your core. Lasagna is so good! I haven't made one in a while. Things that make me happy: 1. Josh, 2. Kaylin, 3. Frank, 4. Coffee, 5. Friends, 6. peanut butter, 7. getting my hair done!!, 8. Teaching any class at the gym, 9. Running, 10. cute workout clothes

    ReplyDelete
  4. KenzieFebruary 22, 2013 at 11:10 PM

    I want your lasagna recipe! I agree with the core stuff, I have thought about that a lot, especially when I am running downhill. What makes me happy? I have been paying a lot of money in therapy to find out the answer to that! Lol. Running, sweating, sunshine, feeling important, family, baths, ponytails, solitaire, back rubs, and sex! ��

    ReplyDelete
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