Saturday, July 25, 2015

Runniversary


One year ago I ran my first 5K with my son by my side. It was just the beginning of the journey toward inner healing for both of us. This last year has continued to bring more healing and has shown me the potential locked inside both of us. 

Sunshine has always wanted to be involved in a sport of some kind, however, competitive sports are disastrous for children with RAD (Reactive Attachment) and Anxiety. But he found a great fit in running. 

Sunshine's Running Lessons:
  • His only competition is with himself
  • Its good for his health
  • It makes his body stronger
  • It builds his endurance 
  • He runs for fun!
 While the numbers are not important I tend to be a tech geek and like to crunch the numbers....so skip this part if you feel the urge to (or feel the urge to laugh at my slowness). 
Cookie 5K 2014
Distance: 2.91 miles (short course!)
Time: 43:50
Ave Pace: 15:04

Sweaty and Proud 2014

50lbs of this fluff is gone!



Cookie 5K 2015
Distance: 3.1 miles (perfect!)
Time: 40:17
Ave Pace: 13:39

2015!


(I actually ran a total of 4.5 miles in 1:01; next weeks long run is 5 miles)

Mom's Running Lessons:
  • My only competition is with myself
  • I run for my health
  • I run for fun!
  • I run because I love it
  • Its a lot easier 50lbs lighter!



See you at the next race

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Puritan's Pride

I’m so stoked to fuel my #1MillionMinutes goals with Puritan’s Pride! All summer I plan to run my way to a healthier, fitter me, and I’ll need help staying hydrated and fueled during all my running adventures!

I will make sure I stay on track and will rely on my protein shakes to keep me well fueled before, during and after workouts, and my crazy water thirst to keep me hydrated!

 
I’m most excited to try Pre-Workout Intensifier and the Daily Nutrition Chocolate Shake from Puritan’s Pride because they look awesomesauce!

One supplement I’ve never tried but am curious about is the BCAA Complex. I think it might make me extra energetic.

Bring it, #1MillionMinutes! I’m ready to go!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Summer Goals

To date the longest run I have completed included a large bridge that traverses over two expansive lakes and totaled 5 miles. My summer calendar needs another challenge! Looking ahead to the rest of the summer I am excited to share my plans. 

July 25th- Cookie 5K 
Aug. 29th- Hastings Summerfest 10K

That's it? 

Yup....

I might throw in another 5K in August but, honestly, I want to focus on logging miles and building a stronger base. I am already eying a few Autumn races but that's something I'll figure out closer to fall. 

What's on your racing calendar this summer?
How far in advance do you plan out your races? 
 
 

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Four Ways To Encourage Kids to be Active

When my oldest child turned 13 this past spring I was reminded that this was the age that I had stopped being physically active. I enjoyed running track in middle school as a sprinter and participating in relays, however, once I reached high school my fear of failure was greater than my desire to be active. So, outside of two years of swimming in high school, which at the time seemed a much better choice than one year of gym,  I never ran track again. In the end choosing swimming over gym did keep me relatively active for an average of five hours a week for two years.

Fear of failure for teens is incredibly high and it can steal their confidence and sense of value. In the midst of confusing messages given off by the media, peers, adults and the negative voice in their head, teens still need direction and guidance. 

How do you guide an inactive child toward an active lifestyle without rebellion kicking in?

1) Practice What You Preach:

Kids are far more likely to be active if they have a good example to follow. Parents who frequent the out-of-doors, participate in a sport, or are simply active as a natural by-product of their chosen activity, such as bike riding, rollerblading, swimming, skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, etc. all set a great example for children to follow. 

Kids are very smart and super quick to point out hypocrisy when they see it. If we are sitting on the sofa popping bon-bons, screen surfing or tablet tapping they are inclined to copy us.   
 
2) Disguise It As Family Fun

When the heat of the day begins to wane and the breeze is picking up is an ideal time to set up an obstacle course on the lawn, start a family soccer game or have a jump-rope contest. 

If you are an established athlete following a training plan consider creating a "plan" for your children, as well. A chart with 15 minute increments of time to be filled in with a goal of a few hours of age appropriate activity per week is a great motivator.  


3) Group or Club Activities:

 Many families have had great success with locating group workouts or activities for their children. This could be a running club that trains for a fun run or 5K, swim lessons to brush up or refine their skills, orienteering, or geocaching.

Participating in a sport or playing on a sports team is not exactly the goal, which is simply encouraging movement through a group or shared activity. 
     
4) Finding Their Own Motivation:

This past spring my thirteen year old ended her activity drought and began exploring in order to discover what she might enjoy or be adept at. I quietly encouraged her efforts; fearing that an all out parade might shut down her progress.

As I was writing this post I asked her what had changed to cause her to decide to join the local Roadrunners kids running club training for a 5K in August or her recent interest in playing volleyball this coming autumn. 

She gave two reasons: The main character in the book she is writing is very active and writing the words repeatedly began to sound intriguing to her. The second reason being that she desired a sport that was affordable and that she could do anytime without having to wait for a season. She could just pick it up and do it. Also, working on her relationship with one of her younger siblings became a priority to her; that relationship is still an ongoing effort but she's working on it and having a shared interest has been key to opening up communication between them. 

Do you have any children that prefer inactivity over movement? What have learned about parenting a child who is uninterested in exertion?