Marine Corps Marathon / Next on the Agenda

The 44th annual Marine Corp Marathon (MCM) will be held on October 27, 2019 in Arlington, VA. As I’m sure many of my readers had no idea, this might possibly be the largest and most inspiring marathon one ever runs. I have plans to run the MCM; don’t rush me! MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, instead celebrating the honor, courage, and commitment of all finishers. Navy Shout-Out: Honor, Courage, Commitment.

Now meet Cheryl. Cheryl has been running for many years. The 44th MCM will be her first marathon in quite some time. As I watch her diligently train on the treadmill several times a week, I’m reminded it’s time to get my own rear in gear and commit to my next race. It’s called a race no matter if you’re racing as an elite competitor or against yourself. To be clear, I’m the latter. Oh you thought I was elite? Why thank you! Cheryl is a hero of mine. From afar, I admire her persistence and dedication. Not being able to run outside in this dangerous Texas heat can be a huge deterrent to runners. Waving my own hand around. And dreadmill running can suck at times. But the show…errr, run…must go on! Cheryl and many other incredible men and women I know personally will be leading the way at the MCM in quests for their own PR (personal record) and sense of accomplishment. There’s nothing crazy about chasing your aspirations as long as you feel your heart explode with thankfulness at the finish line. I’m so proud of you all – training in this brutal heat, making plans to attend as a first time MCM participant, and proving your strength can be uplifting for others.

Since I enjoy committing myself to outlandish things on this blog (ahem, the tattoo is still happening, people), what better way to prove to myself and the whopping 3 people who read this (am I right?) that I’m ready to begin training is to make this announcement:

I HAVE FOUND MY NEXT RACE!

The Texas Double is hosted in Dallas, TX on 12/21 and 12/22 at 7am. Combined, it’s the marathon distance (26.2 miles); each race is a half marathon (13.1 miles for the mathematically challenged). So, no, I’m not running a marathon. Yet. However, the distance I will cover is a marathon’s worth. Do I get extra points for this? Why not?!

Shortly I will begin training. I’ll probably be a little grumpy for awhile. I’m sorry everyone. Do you know what it takes to get up at 4am and run?! Do you?! But we do it because we love it and because we’re stronger mentally when we run. We. The collective of runners and all people who put one foot in front of the other each day. Unsurprisingly, it was difficult to locate a training plan incorporating long runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Most often, long runs are planned for a weekend day (singular) because normal people only run one half or full marathon a weekend. Therefore, training plans are designed with this in mind. I had to do some serious modifications to the plan for the Texas Double to train for a half each day. There goes my weekend plans for 17 weeks.

I’m looking forward to running again. My extended break is over and although I won’t be pounding the pavement until it cools off outdoors, I know my trusty treadmill will encourage me in the way only she knows – by not stopping. There will be days when I ask myself why I’m doing this, as well as days when I forget to “trust the plan”. Please feel free to provide encouragement and cookies. Mainly the cookies. I also enjoy your stories!

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I ask you this –

What’s next on your adventure journey? Humor me!

Do you have any music suggestions?

Leave a comment with supportive remarks for Cheryl!

Abs Only, Please / Is This the Norm?

There’s a common theme in most people looking for a new gym: “I want flat abs.” Upon further questioning (a wholehearted attempt at uncovering other goals), it’s discovered the prospective member has no desire to weight train, sweat during moderate to hard cardio, or examine their own dietary habits. Abs only, please.

Great. What other tricks would you like me to pull out of my hat?

You see, core strength and “having abs” is not the same thing. Blasphemy!

Amateur anatomy course: Abdominal muscle is composed of three flat sheets of muscle: external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis, separated on each side of the mid-line by the rectus abdominis. Come on, Kel; what does all that mean? It means your “abs” are a muscle like all the others that comprise your body. Unfortunately, it means your muscles are also subject to many other factors than the idea of ‘if you build it, they will come’! Before you get completely discouraged, stay with me.

Ab achievement, like other muscle achievement, involves targeted training, general fitness/regulation of body composition, and genetics out of your control. So sorry! Blame your parents. Genetics’ role influences fat distribution, as well as overall body composition.

Completely unrelated to genetics, but you get the idea

Now the good news! Many people are able to overcome their genetic limitations! Yeah, right, how do I do that? It involves a very strict program most people will not adhere to…and even if they do…it may not be suitable for long term. I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m saying it takes drive, determination, willpower, and a whole lot of character.

So how does this factor into fitness, you ask? Specifically, at Anytime Fitness, we use advanced curriculum from a specialized program geared toward results. In conjunction with the thought ‘abs are built in the kitchen’, you are responsible for building the body you want. I’m no drill sergeant – looking over your shoulder, shoving carrots in your mouth, and demanding you RUN FASTER! Only you can make some of the changes necessary to tighten the midsection area, increase your overall muscle mass, and make thoughtful decisions when it comes to food and nutrients.

Is it wrong to want ripped abs? Absolutely not! Is it attainable! Absolutely yes! I just ask you not neglect your overall health and wellness in place of one very strong body part. Those abs won’t prevent high cholesterol if you are not eating well. Abs won’t entirely lift the grocery bags if you’re not focused on functional fitness. Ab muscles will always be there – perhaps behind the scenes and that’s ok, too.

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I ask you –

What do you consider your “problem area”?

What are you doing to change it?

Has genetics instilled a unique trait in you?!

Runner’s High

I think running gets an unfairly bad rap. My good friends at Brooks Sports aka Brooks Running say running can significantly improve physical and mental health.

They aren’t wrong. As someone who battles anxiety, specifically postpartum anxiety and depression (post forthcoming on the subject), running has changed the way I think, move, and breathe. Because breathing is pretty important, right?

Meet my awesome best friend, Lady Treadmill

Naysayers will purport running is bad for your knees. “You’ll burn out your joints, kid!” Tell me this: if it’s so bad, then why do we encourage children to do it? Sure, some people should not be out there running. For some, it can exacerbate issues they already have. But as a whole – running is good. Cardio is good for the body and heart. With a propensity for our population to be facing heart and health issues, perhaps running could alleviate some of our weight control problems. Just a thought.

20-25 minutes. That’s the magic number for runners to begin feeling euphoria. On average, I run 45-60 mins/day. I should be so euphoric you have to pull me down from the clouds!

Alas, it’s not that easy.

Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, November 2018 – a new PR

Aside from the above photo, in which I ran a PR (personal record) of 13.1 miles in 2:28 (that’s 2 hours and 28 minutes), running can be tough! One training cycle after another really burns you out after an extended period of time. Recovery is just as important as training. Where was I going with this? Oh yes, euphoria!

A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology finds that even five to 10 minutes a day of low-intensity running is enough to extend life by several years, compared with not running at all. It shows that the minimal healthy “dose” of exercise is smaller than many people might assume.
https://www.health.harvard.edu

Did you read that correctly?! Several years! At 5-10 mins per day?! It takes me that long to make a cup of coffee (threenagerhood makes everything take infinitely longer). Do you have to run a half marathon or 10k to benefit? Absolutely not.

But if you want to run a half marathon and need a coach, training cycle planner, or race manager, I’m your girl!

I’ll leave you with one last item. See those smiles in the photo below? That’s a half marathon smile. Are you ready to run with me? I promise I’m slow. And I walk sometimes. And I have trouble maintaining a solid nutrition plan. But I get out there and run because I can. Some people never have this opportunity.

Kelly (left) Mo-Money Mo Tacos (right): Pre-Race Photo Op

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I ask you –

Have you run a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, or Marathon? Share your stories with us!

Which distance do you find the most challenging? Why?

Do you enjoy training in a group setting or solo?

What Members Want / How To

We’re not going to be everyone’s cup o’ tea. Not only is it an unrealistic goal, but it’s also impractical. Where would we put them all?! Anytime Fitness is not a big box gym; it’s not a pack-em-in-and-stack-em-high facility; we’re not made for that.

What’s more important to you: a gym with every amenity known to man (most of which you’ll never use or didn’t even know was there) or a smaller place with a home-like atmosphere where the manager knows your name and you’re able to get in/get out in a reasonable amount of time? Not to mention the humor you receive! Only you can decide.

From the gym manager’s desk: I love how Anytime Fitness brings together people from all walks of life. You all have the most incredible stories of companionship, overcoming adversity, and success of anyone I’ve ever met.

Funny how you find people like yourself when you walk in the door, right? You made this time to feel good and work on you. Oh look! There’s others here doing the same thing. Are you going to work upper body today? Oh look! I’ve never seen the personal trainer demonstrating that exercise before; let me ask him/her for some advice. Do you need to update your information? Oh look! We have extended hours so we can reach more members who need our assistance. P.S. You can call me, too.

Building a local following amidst a national brand like Anytime Fitness is a feat like no other. But it’s so worth it! To experience and be a part of the impact a gym can make in someone’s life is life-changing in its own right.

And can we brag on the secure access for a minute, please? Hello, that’s so awesome! I can walk in the member door at any time of the day or night and know I’m safe and secure while focusing on myself. I know if I need help, it’s only a phone call away. We enforce the members-only access rules because we believe your safety is the top priority (second is your health). Just because the office isn’t open every hour of every day doesn’t mean you should be weary of working out alone.

What about training? Truthfully, anyone can be strong. Even me! But did you know strength and being functionally fit are quite different? In the Navy, we call it “operational fitness”; although it’s nice to be big and strong, the Sailors who do well are the ones who are operationally able to do it all. Swim, lift, run, pick up heavy things, and seemingly never tire. This functional fitness ideal translates to everyone because if you can’t transport your groceries from your car into your home…how do you survive daily life? Anytime Fitness believes in functional training. We believe in your health. We know it takes some work, but you can be a rockstar at every activity placed in front of you. Operation Rockstar Status! (I meant you, not me). I’m like a snail being chased by a tiger.

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I ask you –

Have you ever worked out in the middle of the night? Was there anyone else here?

Who is your workout buddy? Are they an Anytime Fitness member, too?

What’s your favorite part of Anytime Fitness: the lack of crowds, the 24/7 access, the group training program, or something else?