New Goals and Runner’s Safety

A couple weeks ago, I talked about the end of summer and how this brought about new beginnings  I set new goals to increase my fitness levels and get back into my regular running routine.  So what have I done about it?  Well, if you are a runner, then you probably feel the same as me - I love to run, but any other form of fitness or exercise is a chore because I would rather be running.  Because of this attitude that I have, my upper body strength really suffers.  I basically haven’t done any upper body exercises or core strength exercises for about 1-1/2 years.  So three weeks ago I joined our community “Body Sculpt” class.  I am now running 4 times a week and attending 2 body sculpt classes and my daughter said to me the other day how great I was looking.  What a compliment, because she tends to be more critical than complimentary.  I can feel the strength and muscle in my upper body in just 3 short weeks.  My running is starting to also feel more effortless.  There hasn’t been a huge difference in my weight, but my shape and conditioning is feeling much better.

The motivation that I get from just feeling fit and running easier just inspires me to get up for that early morning run or attend my body sculpt classes.  I love the rewards from my regular exercise routine.  If you haven’t set any goals yet, I would like to encourage you to do so.  Your goal may be to lose weight.  This can also be achieved by incorporating a healthy eating plan and increasing in your exercise routine.

With the onset of autumn, I also wanted to bring up a different subject and that is the one of safety.  Since I usually do my run early in the morning, I’m noticing that it is getting darker and darker, especially on cloudy days.  This has reminded me to be aware of my running safety, so I also wanted to pass this reminder onto runners that do their runs at dawn or dusk - Make sure that you are running in clothing that you can be seen in!  Wear running apparel that has reflective strips and bright pale colours on them so that passing cars can see you clearly. If you don’t have reflective fitness apparel, then wear a reflective vest.  I cannot stress the importance of this.  Don’t be caught in the dark without reflection.

September Brings New Beginnings

[photopress:running.jpg,thumb,alignleft]September’s here, kids are back in school, summer is ended and it’s time for new beginnings.  Unfortunately I have been away from my blog for a little while as this summer we have experienced the unexpected.  I think that every summer I have ever had, I can typically say that they were great.  Well I can truly say that, for me, the summer of 2006 really sucked!  I will not elaborate too much, only to say that we had two deaths in our family.  This is what has brought the phrase “New Beginnings” to mind.

A good friend offering support said to me saying that with each ending comes a new beginning. I have done a lot of thinking about this and, in my circumstances, this implied how my life changed due to the death of two people I loved.  This was an opportunity for me to create a positive change and therefore a new beginning.  I am still having a difficult time with this as my grief is still raw.  But I do embrace this thought everyday and how I can work it into my life for a positive change. 

A new beginning on a different level has happened for everyone caused by the end of Summer.  September brings about the beginning of a new school year, a new schedule and possibly new goals.  Goals are important, so if there is a chance to work them into your life - do it. My personal goals are to increase my fitness level and get back into my structured running program.

If you are also trying to improve your running program - maybe you had a 10K run, a 1/2 marathon or perhaps a full marathon in mind, I want to remind you that if you haven’t purchased new running shoes in a while then maybe it’s time.  Do not skimp on your running shoes.  Inadequate runners can lead to injuries, so if your runners have 500 miles or more on them, then it’s time to replace them.  Even if they still look great, don’t forget that even though the treads might still be intact, the cushioning and support in the midsoles will likely have worn out.  This lack of support and cushioning transfers to the wear and tear on your body. Don’t compromise your new beginning with old sneakers!

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