Runner's Unite

In light of the tragic events of yesterday today I'm wearing a race T-shirt.  Show your support for the Boston Marathon Runners today and wear yours!

Weekend Recap

Saturday I did some strength and core training because I want my abs to look like this:

We're a little ways off, but you have to set a goal right!

Sunday, I did the longest run I've ever done 10 Miles.  Kate and I had a great run (except my cramp) I worked it off though.  When we got back this was what her wonderful boyfriend left for us

SO sweet of him and exactly what we needed after our long run, because we were absolutely starving.  He also made smoothies :)

Monday was a crazy day.  And even though a tragedy happened I did enjoy so much of the day.

 I went to get a mani/pedi

Trying to get in the summer spirit early.  And it was my moms favorite color on me :)

<3 you mom

I also bought a few new bath products, which smell fantastic

Have a great Tuesday everyone despite recent events, let's keep our heads up and work through this

4 Foam Roller Positions for Runners

Had a Fantastic night of volleyball last night...we all played super awesome together 

( I blocked a dude!  Straight down!)

It's Friday so I thought before the weekend I would remind everyone of the importance of stretching and the benefit of the foam roller.  I've compiled 4 of my favorite Foam rolling positions for runners (or anyone)

#1- Hips

Lay on your side on the foam roller.  Move horizontally from your hip all the way to the top of your knee.  It will hurt a bit the first few times- THAT MEANS ITS WORKING!

This is to massage out your IT Band which runs from your hip to your knee, and a muscle that usually is very tight on runners from overuse

#2- Hamstring

Place the foam roller under your legs on your hamstrings.  Roll from the bottom of your glutes to the just above the knees.  The hamstrings are essential to your running so take good care of them and keep them loose.

#3- Quads

Flip over and roll from just below your pelvic bone all the way to just above your knees.  Strong quads are important for running as well as all other exercise, but they tend to get extremely tight and can cause knee pain and injury if not properly stretched.  

#4-  Back

I like to run the foam roller over my back regularly.  I run the roller from my neck all the way down through my lower back.  It just feels so great, so if your between massages hit your foam roller for some back pain relief.

What other exercises or stretches do you do to stay fresh and feel great?  Do you exercise on the weekends?

"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.  When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." - Lao-Tzu

Thirsty Thursday

Hello Everyone, this is my very first blog post and I've decided to take on the topic of water consumption.  Many people don't get enough water everyday.  The recommended daily amount are for Men 3 liters, and women 2.2 liters (mayoclinic.com)  Which is a little bit more than the 8-8oz glasses.  Water is so important because it flushes the toxins out of your body,carries nutrients to the cells, and more importantly it keeps your skin looking fresh.  Which is sooo important :)  Exercise also helps keep you looking young and fresh (but that's another blog post)

SO...basically you need to be drinking a glass of water every hour and more if your living an active healthy lifestyle!  

I'm running my first 1/2 marathon on May 5th in Gloucester, MA and I can't wait, but I need to make sure I'm staying hydrated so I can make it to the end.  Also important for the 1/2 is nutrition so I've been doing some research on different types of energy supplements to get me to the end.  So I ordered the GU Performance Sampler Pack and received it in the mail last night:

Can't wait to try this out on my long run on Sunday with +Kate Picariello and I'll give it a review on my Monday blog

Have a Happy Thursday Everyone!  And remember, "Nobody really cares if you're miserable, so you might as well be happy!" ~ Cynthia Nelms (writer)