A Christmas Message - Make 2009 Your Fittest Year Yet

With 2009 literally just around the corner, why not try to make it your fittest year yet.  Have you thought about your goals for 2009 yet?

I’ve thought about my goals and if I write them down here, that will make them even more concrete.  I want to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  In September 2009 I enter a new age category for running events.  Given my new age category and the adjusted qualifying time, I think that I might be able to qualify for Boston.  It will require alot of commitment and training on my part, but I’m ready.

Having been plummeted with snow over the past week, I find it hard to think about my 2009 running goals at the moment.  The ground is so thick with the white stuff that I can’t even get out for a run.  But, I have been taking advantage of the gym and running on the treadmill.  I have to admit that I don’t love working out on the treadmill, but my driving force is how good I feel after my workout.

Don’t forget to make time for your workouts this holiday season.  Continuing your running or heading to the gym will help with those extra holiday calories and balance your “holiday” lifestyle.  Remember your New Year’s goals. 

• Challenge yourself with a running goal that you haven’t reached before. 
• Mentor someone you know to achieve a more active lifestyle.

I wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas and Good Health and Fitness in 2009.

Running Surfaces and How They Affect your Body

The greatest thing about running is it’s ultimate flexibility.  That (and wanting to lose some weight) was the reason that I took up running.  I love the fact that you can practically run anywhere - on the road, in a park around a track, in a gym on the treadmill and wherever you may be at home or on vacation.  With all these choices, it’s really hard to think of an excuse not to run.

If you have a choice in the running surface you run on, opt for the softer surfaces. Softer surfaces will reduce the sress and strain on bone, ligaments, tendons and muscles and make your run more enjoyable all around.  Asphalt is preferable to concrete and dirt or bark mulch even better. With softer surfaces the impact is absorbed in the ground and not on your body. 

A word of warning though, with softer surfaces, there is usually a bit more uncertainty as to how level ground is.  Running on trails in the park can usually have some big tree roots sticking out or equally as dangerous would be a grass surface, which can mask holes in the ground.  Just be aware and don’t drag your heels.