Tag Archives: Keeping the Fitness Routine Fresh & Fun

Mixing Things Up & Giveaway Winner

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I have just reached the point in rehab where I am able to run a little bit at a time.  Yesterday was 2 miles in the dark at a conservative 9:19 pace.  A two mile run, although quite an accomplishment, and testament to the effectiveness of my rehab, still does not constitute a full workout.  So I’ve been doing a lot of random things to fight the boredom and keep moving.  Yesterday included the 2 mile run, then a 30 minute StairMaster session.  Today began with a 9.5 mile ride on the trainer and tonight I will do my weekly swim workout.  I just try to focus and keep moving while utilizing workout DVDs, various pieces of equipment like the elliptical & StairMaster and I ride my bike both inside and out.  While riding on the trainer is not fun, think running on the treadmill mindless and super boring, it certainly has it’s benefits.  The trainer gives me freedom to ride in the dark, when I’m with the kids and when the weather is less than ideal, like this morning during the thunderstorm!  I admit, I feel empowered by the fact that I can ride my bike even when it’s not an option to take it outside.  

My bike set up is below.  I move the bike on and off the trainer all the time, by myself.  So if you are looking for an indoor riding option while the kids are napping, playing or watching a movie, there is no need to spend extra money on a spin bike, just purchase a trainer and use the bike you already own.  I bought this fluid trainer years ago via an online sale at Performance Bike.  I think it was $139 circa 2006.  Just an idea to keep things moving even when the weather is bad!  And this is way cheaper than a treadmill!bike on trainer_my trek

Now, the giveaway winner!  Last night around 8pm, I read Aby all of yesterday’s comments on “keeping cool” and let her choose the winner.  She had a tough time deciding between two but finally decided that Susan D’s suggestion to freeze her underwear was the best, most creative and funniest suggestion!  She and her brother then promptly ran to their rooms for a pair of clean undies to put in the freezer.  Thanks, Susan…..I really appreciate your “suggestion”. 

Aby’s second choice was Brian P’s idea to hit every ice cream joint on the south side.  Aby loves ice cream more than almost anything and she had a very rough time awarding Susan the win when it ousted Brian’s ice cream suggestion.  Since Mission AthleteCare has been so generous with the goodie pack:

Mission Care Package

I decided to award Brian a prize too.  Susan D wins the EnduraCool Towel  & Brian P wins a 5 hour Anti-Chafe Stick.  Please send your mailing addresses to amanda@tootallfritz.com and I’ll get your prizes out ASAP!

The 5 hour Anti-Chafe Stick is one more anti-chafe product in the Mission AthleteCare line.  I had previously tried the Anti-Chafe Cream and compared it with Body Glide and was not impressed.  Body Glide vs 5 hr Anti ChafeThe Anti-Chafe Cream works well for bra strap rubbing but did not perform well with the chub rub that I experience in the inner thigh area.  It’s an issue for me and I keep Body Glide in my purse and use it constantly when I wear skirts or shorts.   So I’m a big Body Glide fan for both life and running/triathlon.  When the Anti-Chafe Stick arrived, I assumed that it wouldn’t be able to compete with Body Glide but I was wrong.  It actually goes on much smoother than Body Glide and works just as well, if not better.  So just in the “application” aspect, I now put the Mission AthleteCare Anti-Chafe Stick ahead of Body Glide.  This is big in my world and I’m happy they sent me some to try because I probably wouldn’t have bought any since the cream wasn’t my favorite.  Thanks, Mission Athlete!  Brian, I hope you like this product as much as I do!  Enjoy; I know your feet and body are taking a beating during marathon training in the heat and hopefully this will help prevent blisters on your feet and soothe any other hotspot/chafing areas you get while on the run.

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What is your favorite anti-chafe product?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

Avoiding Burnout…..

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While many of us are on the workout/running train constantly and never seem to get bored with the task….

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Please know that everyone is in a different place and there are plenty of people who are currently struggling to get out there and do it again.  Yes Hollie, this post is for you.

Get Up Time to Run-cartoon

I know there are some people who are super awesome and can run every day, like Shelly HERE.  However, it’s not something that my body or mind can handle.  My hat is off to all of you daily runners.  I personally only run 3 or 4 days a week.   My time and family obligations do limit my running but my body also creates its own limits because I can’t take the daily pounding.  When I run, I tend to run a longer distance to “make up” for the days I can’t run. 

In order to avoid burnout, it is good to change up your routine.  Here are a few things you  might try in order to keep the workouts/runs fresh and fun.

  • Run new and different routes
  • Run with a friend or try a group run
  • Try a trail run instead of just pounding your miles out on the road
  • RACE!!  If I keep a race on my calendar every so often, it keeps me focused and in the game.
  • Go for a swim Triathlon anyone?
  • Ride your bike
  • If you have access to a gym, try a class:  kickboxing, spinning, yoga, pilates, or strength training.
  • Better yet, try ALL of the classes at your gym, make it a challenge to try a  new class each week.
  • No gym?  Get some new fitness DVDs for your TV.  Tae Bo, Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred, Bob Harper’s Yoga (See RunWithJess’ Yoga Challenge), Belly Dancing, Hip Hop Abs, P90X.
  • No TV?  Get a few weights or resistance bands for the house and follow the billion various strength workouts in the fitness magazines.  Do push-ups, squats, stretching, jumping jacks, sit-ups.
  • Go for a walk or hike thru the woods
  • Play Tag and Hide & Go Seek with the kids outside

The key to being healthy is moving.  That doesn’t mean that you have to run every day or run high mileage, do what is enjoyable to you.  If you feel as if you are burnt out on running, I am reluctant to say stop running but that is certainly a decision you have to make for yourself.  If you stop running, even for a couple weeks, know that you will lose fitness and have to rebuild.  It happens to all of us, we refocus and rebuild all the time for various reasons.  However, if you are already struggling a bit with motivation or why you run, starting at the bottom again to totally rebuild your fitness may cause more questions and/or depression.  So if you decide to stop running for a bit, focus on other fitness activities to keep you strong and fit.  Keep your chin up, reduce running to a fewer number of days per week, and add in a few new things to keep it fun and fresh.  You will be happy and running faster and stronger before you know it.  Everyone goes thru spells of frustration and fatigue, this is totally normal.  Relax, breathe and refocus.

As a side note, many people are getting burnt out due to improper fueling.  If you are tired all the time, then it may not just be about your running but how you spend the first hour after your run.  I use a Post Workout Recovery Drink after my runs and this helps refuel my muscles and reduces fatigue.  Think about what you do AFTER the run and consider that it may be affecting your NEXT run.  Hydration and fueling is a real issue as to why many people are frustrated fatigued on a constant basis.  You don’t have to do what I do, just do something to help yourself get to the next workout as recovered and fresh as possible.

What is your favorite type of cross training?  How many days a week do you run?  Any other ideas as to how to keep the fitness routine fresh & fun?

Stay Active!                                                                                                          Amanda – TooTallFritz.com