Support the Children

Happy Monday Everyone,

Now I know you were all expecting this post to be about health and running, but it's more than that this time. Every February,  my local radiostation holds a fundraiser for the Akron Children's Hospital. This year, I am trying to fund raise for them as well. With the help of my service fraternity,  Alpha Phi Omega, I hope to be able to raise somewhere between $200 amd $500 by Valentine's Day. I woukd also like to ask that you be just as willing to help those in need. If you have the time, please help the children and families at Akron Children's Hospital by donating. Yoi caheren donate by clicking here. Every little bit makes a difference.

Thank you for your kindness,
Danielle




more links:

http://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1092667&team=5822358

https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/radiothon/mobile_index.html?utm_source=Developments&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=February%2B2013

https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/event/5b486a8a5a0e32fc/mobile_index.html

Training Update: Slowing Down the Pace

Hello everyone!

As most of you know, I recently started training again. Last week I posted a running schedule for myself to help get me back into shape. I am quickly realizing that I am further behind than I originally thought. So, rather than quitting, I am slowing down my schedule. For the rest of January, I will be cutting off some time/mileage from my long runs; for February's schedule, I will most likely do the same thing as this month only slightly more difficult (assuming I can handle the extra running). I know it sounds almost pathetic to some of you who run normally, but I really never ran because I was good at it, I ran because I love it. In my opinion, the fact that I even try speaks wonders. The feeling I get from knowing that I am able to improve is nearly unexplainable. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Danielle ♥

We All Have Our Limits

You always hear people telling you to "push your limits", but I want you all to "know your limits". Too often we try to push way past our limits and are disappointed in our inability to do so. We all have our limits, and we have them for good reasons. In running, we have physical and mental limitations. Mental limitations are just a matter of your attitude and outlook on what you are doing. Mental limitations sometimes seem impossible to push past, but once you realize what you are physically capable of you can push yourself to your physical limit instead. Our physical limitations cannot be pushed too much without injury. Physical limitations change slowly over time, so don't expect to go from sitting on the couch your whole life straight to running a marathon. Unless you're magic, it probably won't happen. We have to slowly build ourselves up to reach our limits and slowly push past them. For example, I started my training (as mentioned in my last post) today. Now, I only ran 11 minutes, but prior to today I have not run in months. Factor that in with the cold weather and the Pennsylvania hills and I was pushed to my limits. As much as I hate to stop, I did take a walk break in my run. But you know what? I'm okay with that. I pushed myself as far as I could go. If I had run full out for 11 minutes, I'd probably be twice as sore tomorrow, plus I'd risk damaging some muscles or not being able to breathe. The same should go for all of you. If you are starting to run and/or exercise, the first thing you should do is learn your limits. Once you know where you stand on the physical fitness scale you will better be able to work towards getting stronger and better at what you are doing. If you are following a previously made running plan, keep in mind that it is okay to take a break. If the schedule says to run 200m intervals and it is too hard on you, switch to 100m intervals and alternate between running and walking (rather than running and jogging). Are you going on your first long run? Maybe you can't run those 2.5 miles without stopping. That is perfectly fine! Press pause on your watch and catch your breath while you walk. Obviously the shorter your breaks are the better you will become. I also don't want this to sound like I'm telling you that I am too lazy to finish my runs or that I encourage you to be lazy as often as possible. I simply want everyone to understand that we all have our limits, and we all progress differently than one another. I hope you all find this helpful and remember not to push yourselves too far to the point of injury or discouragement.

Find Your Limits!
Danielle

Training: January

As promised, I have attached a copy of my January running schedule to this post. Keep in mind that, if you follow this same schedule, I am not a professional. I have a lot of experience running, but I am not 100% qualified to give professional training advice. However, this schedule is based off the links from my last post as well as my training schedule for high school cross country. I personally believe it is one of the best ways for myself to build up my stamina and speed. Note: if you are completely new to running, it might be better to lower these running times/mileage and take two rest days instead of one. Without further ado, I present my January training schedule.