Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Featured Fit: Fit to Travel

By: LL
As I described here, I headed North for the holiday and had been trying to put together the right fit. When it comes to flying, layers are a girl's best friend. This is what I sported (true to the inspiration that I pulled from) for my travels:


(I apologize for the quality of the photos, but it is awkward taking photos at a busy airport!)

Sweater: Old Navy (similar in carbon)
Cambray: Levi's (similar)
Jeans: Gap (here)
Flats: Giani Bernini (similar)
Earrings: Pearl Studs (gifted)

One thing about flying in the winter - lugging a winter coat along at the airport. At least my other winter weather accessories (hat, mittens, scarves) can be easily packed into my carry-on until I needed them once we landed.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Fresh New Fit:Corepower DVD's!

By: Cool J
After a long weekend with my family celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, we returned yesterday after a full day of driving. This morning I was ready to get back to my regular workout regime.  It wasn't that we were completely lazy over the holidays. The D-man and I did do a 10 mile run (7 miles before the infamous Family Turkey Trot and a 5 miler the next day, as well as plenty of time running around at the dog park and playing on the trampoline.) But we definitely ate a bit more than we should have. 

So I was ready to get back into it, and decided to run an easy 8 miler this morning, and came home looking for a bit more. 
I decided to try out one of my new Corepower Yoga DVD's. 


One of my sisters recently asked me if I could recommend a good yoga DVD for runners. She was concerned about preventing injury, as well as increasing her toning and strength. Though I have tried a lot of different yoga studios in the area, I hadn't previously tried any at-home versions. I decided to purchase a few options from Corepower Yoga- A 3-disc vinyasa series and a 3-disc yoga sculpt series. 


I started with the Intermediate Yoga Sculpt, since I figured the Level 1 might have been a little too easy, as I was already familiar with the basic moves.


Level 2/Intermediate did move a bit slower than a regular yoga sculpt class moves. However, I did think that it gave me a decent workout for an at-home option. The moves were similar. There was a short cardio segment, as well as a sculpt series on both sides with weights. 

Normally, I would do any at-home working out in our basement, but our TV down there recently decided it had had enough, and stopped working on us. So I had to set up my studio upstairs. 


I only had these large 5 pound weights- not ideal, but they did the job.


I mentioned on an earlier post what yoga sculpt entails (here)
Their website describes it as follows: 
CorePower Yoga Sculpt is a total body workout designed to tone and sculpt every major muscle group. Dumbbells, body bars and free weights serve as your own personal adjuster as you move through sun salutations and other yoga postures, enabling extra length and depth in each pose. This intense, but easy to follow program compliments your regular yoga practice while pushing your strength and flexibility to new heights."
Basically, you do a lot of the vinyasa moves while incorporating weights, push-ups, and some cardio. 
A few side planks to work on core strength.

Downward dog...
(yes, there is a sleeping cat next to me- apparently, he didn't find the class very entertaining)

Utkatasana- chair pose

Overall, I thought Level 2/Intermediate yoga sculpt was okay- I would give it a 6 whereas I would give the in-studio classes a 10. I do prefer the shared experience of an in-studio class, the better tunes, the heated classroom (the D-man does NOT keep our house at a balmy 98 degrees in the winter!) I would recommend the class to someone on the road or in a city without a nearby studio, or I would recommend it to someone who has a challenging schedule for making it to an actual studio class. This would be perfect for someone like my sister, who has a young baby at home. She can do the hour long class while her baby naps. Functional Fit!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Fresh New Fit: The Long-Term Borrow



By: LL
Looking for a creative, affordable way to mix up your wardrobe? Let me tell you about one of my favorite tricks (along the lines of thrift shopping, but better) that fits into any fashion budget. All you need are a few fashionable girlfriends/sisters willing to play along.

I am referring to the Long-Term Borrow (or the LTB). This concept stems from my childhood where, growing up with four older sisters, I had a total of five closets at my disposal (whether or not they knew it!). How my sisters and I have incorporated this into our adult lives, with all of us living scattered across the nation, is through the Long-Term Borrow. Whenever we get together, we bring a few items from our own wardrobes to exchange with one another in a longer-term borrow. These items primarily include statement tops and accessories, and from time to time, a dress, skirt, or jacket. These items are still in rotation in your own closet, but you are willing to part with them (for a specific time period) in order to borrow a few great pieces from someone else. And then, you return them to the original owner.

There are a few rules to this fashion remix system:
  1. You can't take unless you also give. Each person doesn't have to lend/borrow an even amount of items, but no one should walk away empty handed.
  2. You must take care of the items you are borrowing. If an item is damaged or lost during a borrow, the borrower MUST replace or repay the lender (case in point: a great satin black blazer that I lent out a few years back that was stolen at a bar. The borrower repaid me with an item of similar value).
  3. When the lender wants the item back, the item is returned - no questions. If no end date is set, then before seeing the other person again, verify whether the lender would like the item returned.
What I love about the LTB is that it is a free way to give your wardrobe a little kick. And I know that everyone has at least one or two items each season that are too memorable or too event-specific to wear multiple times. So, lending them to someone else for a few weeks will share the excitement of the piece, and help you control your urge to over-wear it. In addition, you will have something you borrowed to fill the void in the meantime. And, the LTB is a great way to give/receive inspiration and a new perspective on what you already have. The person that you lend something to might style the item in a new way. Or, they could love an item so much that it makes you remember why you loved the item so much in the first place.

The Long-Term Borrow, or a similar version of it, has become quite the movement among women recently - and I wasn't even aware! I stumbled across The Clothes Exchange, which is a site that gives tips to women on hosting a clothing exchange with their friends - touting it as a "green" way to shop. These events are held for charitable causes and just for fun among friends and special interest clubs.

Whereas there are multiple ways to breathe life into a tired wardrobe, the Long-Term Borrow is affordable, fun, and a great experience to share with friends/family. I know that I am looking forward to the exchange with my sisters this holiday as a way to spruce up my closet with a few new pieces. A few fashionable sisters, some great wine, and lots of great style...how could I not be excited about that!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Fundamental Fit: Essential Layers


By: LL
This weekend, I laid out all the necessities for my upcoming holiday travel (one, to make sure that I have everything, and two, to make sure it would fit in my limited space). As my goods were spread across the guest bedroom, my husband made a comment about all the basics that I was bringing. He asked me whether it was really necessary to bring two white camis, two gray long sleeve t-shirts, and a smattering of colored v-necks. Couldn't I cut some of those for space? That got me thinking about layering and the need for basics - because they are a fundamental piece of an outfit. And, for the record, the two white camis are completely different and each would be worn with more than one outfit.

Crew and v-neck camis, t-shirts, and long-sleeves are staples in my wardrobe, especially when I am layering. But these layers definitely do not last long (yellowed armpits, wear in the sleeves, unstitched hems), so I refuse to spend more than $20 on a layering piece (unless it is Spanx). Now, I have gone to multiple places searching for basics that fall within my price range but last  one full season or maybe one and half. These are some of the best places for basics that I have found:

The Gap
The Gap Favorite Long-Sleeve Crew or V-Neck shirts are my go-to cold weather layering items. Normally, you can get them on a "two for $20 or $30" deal, but they are regular priced at $19.50. (Currently, they are on sale for $14.50/each, with an additional 35% with promotional code MERRY). The Gap also has lighter-weight tops and t-shirts in a variety of colors.

Old Navy
Old Navy has definitely picked up their quality on basics. It used to be that you would wash the shirt and the sems would twist and the top would shrink up in the oddest ways. But now, you can find some great deals on v-neck t-shirts and other long-sleeves. Some even give a little extra detail along the neckline to jazz up the basic.

Target
Especially as of late, Target has been a great option for basics, especially the Mossimo Long & Lean Tanks, which normally cost $8 for a variety of seasonal and neutral colors. I have found these tanks to last a bit longer than others, and you can choose from a racer-back or scope-back.

Threads for Thought
As seen in other posts, I have recently collected quite a few Threads for Thought "essentials." These are especially nice for the warm months since they are made of lighter weight cotton (and are sustainable apparel, but for a very, very reasonable price). If you are lucky, you might find Threads available at your local Whole Foods, and if you are very lucky, your local TJ Maxx.

Cool J mentioned in this post about a store called Heartbreaker provides basic t-shirts and tanks that fit the bill as well - if you are ever near uptown Minneapolis.

Essential layers are important in any wardrobe - male or female - and shouldn't cost as much as the cashmere sweater you are layering over it - because no matter what you pay for them, they just don't last the wear and tear that they get. So, it is important to make sure that you find your fundamental fits for a good price, season after season!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Fit Fanatic: How to Survive 20+ Miles on Your Own.

By: Cool J
Based on my condensed 9 week training for the Memphis marathon, I was scheduled for 20+ miles today.  And I had to do it alone (pretty much- I did have company for the first 4 miles). 

Need to know how to survive 20+ miles on your own?

Here's what you need...

1) A route. My run club coach mapped out a nice 20.5 mile loop around the city. It was so nice of him to do this, and the route was a welcome change from the familiarity of running the city lakes. Minneapolis has an amazing, well maintained chain of running paths. The route was a good mix of hills and flat surfaces, and showed off a good portion of what the city has to offer. I ran down Minnehaha Parkway, along the Mississippi River, past the new Twins stadium, and back to the run club on the recently finished Cedar Trail.



2) A Garmin. I know, I just told you that my coach mapped out a route. What did I need my Garmin for? Well, I guess I really didn't NEED it, but I like to know my pace. I like to upload my run after the fact, and I especially enjoy seeing the calorie count!


3) Breakfast! Now, I know everyone is different, but I can't run 20 miles without some food in my belly. I'm a "peanut butter/jelly time" type of girl. Whole wheat toast is my fuel of choice. What's yours?


3) MUSIC. I normally run with my run club, and don't need any music. But unfortunately, no one in my club is training for a December marathon...so YES, I need some Rihanna, some Coldplay, some Girl Talk, what have you, to keep me going.


4) A Thanksgiving themed BIC Band! It was windy today in Minneapolis, so I needed to keep that mane under control, and what better way to do so than a Turkey Day band! (Yes, I did put it on upside down.)



5) LULULEMON! No, Lululemon is not a requirement for a 20 mile run. But it definitely makes it easier! They think of everything with their fingers hooks and hand warmers, and the cute ruffles on their running tights. And I think they have some magic potion in their tights that make your butt smaller. I swear.



6) Fuel! Two GU's, some Powerade, water belt. Check.

7) Support! Now, I have raved about the Calhoun Beach Club already in previous posts. Since the Memphis marathon does not coincide with the major local marathons (Twin Cities Marathon, Minneapolis Marathon, and Grandma's Marathon) we knew that we would be training on our own. However, a few amazing friends from the club offered up their Saturday mornings to give D-man and I support along the route.

First, Kelly met me around mile 9 with Gatorade, oranges, water, and even delicious pumpkin bread! I could have eaten the whole loaf, but I knew it probably wasn't a good idea.

Second, Coach K held a support stop around mile 15 with Lifesavers, strawberries, Gatorade, and water.

It was not just the physical support that was so greatly appreciated, but also the mental support of knowing that in just a few more miles, I would have a friendly face to give me that extra boost.

Thanks again Kelly and  Coach K!

Thanks to you- I did it! 20.5 miles on my own. Bring it on Memphis!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Fits Do Race Reviews: T-Giving Turkey Trot


By: LL
Even though not everyone in our family is addicted to enjoys running as much as Cool J and I do, each year our family hosts its own Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day. It all started four years ago when my parents' town had their road race the weekend before the holiday. That did not deter us. Instead, we mapped out a route, set up signs, set up "water stations," and held our inaugural T-Giving Turkey Trot. Despite the route being 3/4 covered in a sheet of ice, we still had a good turn out and a good time (time as in "fun" not PRs).

Over the last three years, the race has changed states, but we continue to host our own race, which has evolved to include official bibs, medals, and performance race shirts (still not sanctioned though, but fingers crossed!) The number of registered runners also continues to grow, with a walkers and runners division.

This year is the same route as last year, which includes a quiet residential area with little to no traffic. The route is relatively flat (well, except for the initial hill, which is maybe a 3% gradient). One downside is that the race is a 1.55 mile loop, but that means you are going downhill on your way back.

This race has gotten good reviews from past participants for being well marked, having plenty of water and excellent facilities with little to no wait, and having a one of a kind post-race party (turkey feast anyone?)

It might seem silly to some to put on such a production for a family race, but I feel that if you are going to go out for a run anyway on Thanksgiving morning, why not make it fun and include the whole family. Plus, it is a good way to get those family members, who might not otherwise go for a run, to do something active before overindulging at the feast!

--------------------- | Inaugural Race (2008) | ----------------------

(The guy on the right is in pajamas & loafers...that's just how he rolls!)


 ------------------------ | 2nd Annual (2009) | ------------------------




------------------------ | 3rd Annual (2010) | ------------------------




Looking forward to another awesome TGiving Turkey Trot this year! Even have some first timers registered! 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Featured Fit: Layered Casual

By: LL
As my trip home quickly approaches (and I have to start thinking about what laundry needs to be done this weekend so that it is ready to be packed), I have been looking for inspiration for the perfect casual ensemble to wear while traveling. My criteria: comfortable, polished, stylish, and consisting of layers (because it will be 70s when we take off and 30s when we land). I have looked to some of my favorite style blogs for inspiration, and this is the look that I attend to replicate - skinny jeans, a button-down layered under a sweater, with a distinguished pop of color.


Whereas I love the heels on Anna Jane and Kendie, I am drawn to wear flats like Kimberly, just because they are so much quicker in security. And I just picked up the perfect pair of Minnetonka Driving Moccasins for such an occasion. Now if only I could put off planning what to wear to my husband's class reunion.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Fits on the Road: Maui

By: LL
My husband and I went to Maui for our honeymoon a few months back. Besides being paradise, Maui also has some great fits - both in fashion and fitness. Since Cool J and D-man are heading to Maui over the holidays, and in case anyone else is toying with the idea of heading to the South Pacific, I wanted to provide a few of the right fits on Maui.

The Right Fitness:

1) Snorkeling around Lanai'i
If you are looking for a fun way to exercise while also getting some amazing views, sign up to do the Snorkel Safari around Lanai'i. It is a little bit pricier than most of the other snorkel adventures around Maui, but this excursion is smaller (<25 people vs. >100), lasts longer (6+ hours), and takes you to better snorkeling areas. You will be able to spend more time in the water, see more fish/sea turtles/sharks/dolphins, and have more fun with the captains. The water is rougher than it is around Maui due to the wind across the ocean, so be prepared for a choppy 25 minute boat ride and working a bit harder in the water than most snorkeling. But a seriously great workout for your thighs and calves.



2) Hiking on Hana Hwy
Driving Hana Hwy can be done without any exercise, if you so choose. But who wants that? You'll see more and have more fun if you take a full day to hike around the route to Hana. Many waterfalls can be seen from the road, but most of the one-of-a-kind views and experiences are "off the beaten path." Take Maui Revealed with you and hike to all the extra waterfalls that you can. (Depending on rain, some might be inaccessible). Also, save some energy to hike to Wailea Falls (400 ft waterfall) following the 2+ mile Pipiwai Trail (part of Haleakala National Park).


3) Morning Run on Kaanapali Beach
If you are staying in Lahaina (which most people on vacation will opt to stay here where the groomed beaches are along the Western coast), wake up early to go for a run. The beach is always groomed early in the morning and there are rarely other vacationers out and about that early. It is normally cool and sometimes you can catch some dolphins swimming off shore. As any beach run is, this is a great leg workout. I would recommend trying one run with shoes and one without.

4) Biking Haleakala
Biking Haleakala can be coasting in first gear OR a bit of a workout - depending how lost you get! For this I would recommend using Haleakala Bike Company. You get bused to the top of the volcano at 3:00 am. At the top, you can watch the sunrise (bring warm layers...it is REALLY cold), and then you will get fitted with a bike and helmet to ride back down to town. (Haleakala Bike Company is unguided, so you get to go at your own pace. Many of the other companies are guided, forcing you to stay with the group). Whereas the majority of the ride is in 1st gear downhill (your brakes get more of a workout than you will), once you hit the bottom, you have a few good hills, and if you take a wrong turn, you are in for an extreme workout. The whole ride takes about 2-2.5 hours.



The Right Fashion:

1) Pai'a (North Shore)
Pai'a is definitely the best area to shop on Maui. Think small surfer town with hippie charm and lots of cute boutiques and great food (Mama's Fish House, Flatbread Pizza Company). Here are a few of my favorite shops:
        - Mahina (cute dresses and blouses for a REALLY reasonable price)
        - lululemon (fashionable fitness gear and some beach gear)
        - Dahalia Boutique (cute clothing - a bit more expensive than Mahina and a smaller selection)

2) Whalers Village
If you are looking for luxury items, this is your place to shop. It is located along Kaanapali Beach and contains designer shops such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

3) Historic Lahaina Front Street
This is the historic thoroughfare through the old Whaler's Village. Just walk along this route to shop clothing (Serendipity has some very cute Hawaii wraps and scarves), jewelry, and art. You will also find many tourist shops and restaurants. And don't forget to check out the Banyan Tree in the town square while eating shave ice!

4) K-Mart in Kahului
Seriously, if you are interested in purchasing authentic "made in Hawaii" clothing (the traditional shirts, dresses, etc. that you associate with Hawaii), you will not find it in Pai'a or Lahaina. You will find it at K-Mart. Explore their extensive selection of Hawaiian shirts (for men) and cute dresses and tanks for women. I also heard that Sears is big down there for carrying locally-made attire, but we didn't get there to shop.


Just a little insight to help you find the right fits while on your next trip to Maui!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Fitting Remarks: Fit for a Monday

By: LL
In light of Jess's recent post on motivational signs, I thought that this is fitting for a Monday, when it is a bit harder to get the motivation to exercise, and we tend to move a bit slower...

(Please note that this was borrowed from the above address).

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Fresh New Fit: Power Extreme



By: LL
In my quest to find fun, new fitness trends to start incorporating into my routine (which had me in a slump after years of the same old thing), a friend of my husband's gave us P90X (or Power 90 Extreme). Whereas this program has been available since 2004, it is a "new" fit to me since I have never tried it. Yes, over the past two years, I have had more and more friends get into the 90 day program and talk about how insanely hard it is. I was curious, but did not want to spend the money on an "at-home" fitness program - I would rather invest the money in a fitness class at the gym, but that's just me. Either way, now that we have it, I plan to start it after Thanksgiving (and hopefully, I can convince my husband to join me).

For those of you who haven't jumped on the P90X bandwagon, you might wonder (like I did) what this program is all about. Apparently (as my sources explain), P90X is based on the concepts of cross-training and periodization, which means that the exercises are rigorous and continually switched so that your muscle-memory never develops and you never "plateau" rather experience continual improvement - and "extreme pain," as quoted by my co-worker. Or, as the infomercial says "Get Ripped!"

During this program, you work out 6 times per week (approximately 1 hour each day) for 13 weeks. Over the 13 weeks, the exercises will use different combinations of strength training, cardio, yoga, plyometrics, and stretching. Three times a week, you will add the 15 minute "Ab Ripper X," which I have done before separate of the program and is a great routine to carry forward from the program, even if you hate the rest. More like an "Ab Killer."

So, here it goes - my fresh new fit of the winter season - P90X. Stay tuned to see how this pans out.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Failed Fit: High School Denim

(Some of the most classic high school denim of our generation)

By: LL
Yesterday, Eat, Sleep, Denim posted about Denim Confessions - the worst jeans I ever owned! (the headlining photo is amusement enough to check out the blog post). She featured confessions from other fashion bloggers about their worst pairs of denim - and most occurred during high school. Maybe that is because high school is really when you are starting to experiment on your own (without the guidance of your parents) with your fashion personality (even though I strongly feel that you don't find your personal style until after college, or for some more adept fashionistas, during college).

Either way, this made me start to reminisce about my worst jeans, and I must confess that mine were during high school. Trust me, I had multiple pairs - I had the hand-me-down stonewashed, tapered Guess jeans with the triangle that did wonders to draw attention to how long and flat they made a girl's rear-end appear (I blame CJ or E for those hand-me-down wonders!). I also had the LEI flair jeans with the fake "cut-off" look at the hem and the multi-button front. Oh, and the denim overalls from Old Navy (also mentioned by Sonia Gupta from In Pursuit of Style) - I think that I even had overall shorts - stylishly worn with one strap hanging!

The atrocity of the denim that I wore in high school! And the name brands come flooding back...Jordache, Z Cavaricci, LEI, Guess, JNCO...just a simple Google search of these names bring back a flood of unfortunate style memories!

So, piggy-backing off of Eat, Sleep, Denim, what were some of your denim failed fits from high school?

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Throwing a Fit: Purple Wool Coat

By: LL
As I watched my Midwestern friends "enjoy" their first snowfall of the season, I began making a mental checklist of the winter weather items that I will need to pack for the holidays when I return to the frozen tundra - otherwise known as Wisconsin. As duly noted here, here and here, I have a thing for scarves, so I have plenty of those to pack, as well as cute gloves, hats, boots, and sweaters. However, I noted that my winter coat selection has dwindled since moving below the Mason-Dixon line. Yes, I did buy an awesome gray, mid-length wool coat last season, with one of those fun cowl-esque collars. But, truth be told, after wandering around a park to see a Christmas light show last year in sub-10 degree weather, no matter how cute the coat is, it is not warm enough. So, I am setting out on a mission to find a wool coat that is both stylish, classic, and functional in the Midwestern winter.

After looking around, and being inspired by this awesome J.Crew plum wool coat that Cool J has, I am now throwing a fit for a new wool coat in a warm shade of purple, like these:

Double-cloth metro coat
(available with/without Thinsulate)


(50% wool 50% polyester)

(Heavy Wool/Cashmere Blend)

I love the purples because they are a departure from the neutrals that I currently have, yet are almost a neutral in that they go with so many colors. Here's hoping that I find something in time for my trip back! It is just so hard to go coat shopping when the local weather is not cold - it seems foolish!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Fit Fanatic: Mantras for Motivation!

By Jessie

Last night at run club, we did a hill workout. It was dark and chilly...and definitely not easy!
The warm-up route was about 2.25 miles, and then each hill was about 0.8 miles round trip. Dustin and I both did 5 repeats, and then the 2.25 cool down home, for a total run of around 8.5 miles. There was a good turnout of runners for a “random” hill workout, so it was nice to have the support of the others on my way up the hill. But I was still technically “on my own” for the hill, and I needed to utilize some self-talk to keep myself going in the dark and cold.

I started chanting to myself on the uphills, “You are strong! You are strong!”

It seemed to help me push a little harder. I swung my arms a little faster, and I felt strong!

That got me thinking about the different mantras that I often use to keep myself going during a marathon.

This season, it was often a countdown- “You can do it, only 12 more miles. You are strong. You are strong.” "You can do it, only 11 more miles. You are strong. You are strong."

I’d say that over and over until finally that number became 10, then 9, and so forth.

Around 7 miles, I always say, “Only a Calhoun and a Harriet, Cool J, you got this. You got this."(Calhoun and Harriet are two lakes along my frequent running route that together are about 7 miles.)

Then, eventually, mile 23, it would change to,  “Only an easy Calhoun Cool J…only an easy Calhoun.”

I also often chant “Just keep running, just keep running” to the tune of “Just keep swimming” on Finding Nemo....it works, I swear!


LL reminded me of our mantra when we ran TCM together in 2005. It was the first few lyrics to Cake’s song, “Never Gonna Give You Up”

“You look so good to me right now. You look really good to me..."

We’d say each to each other, randomly, and it made us laugh, and kept us going throughout the 26.2.

The well known Clif bar pacer, Starshine Blackford (with whom I ran at the Big Sur marathon in 2009), gave us this memorable marathon mantra to keep in our heads:

“Run the first 10 with your head
Run the second 10 with your legs
Run the last 6.2 with your heart.”

 


I believe mantras and self-talk are extremely important, especially for female runners. I think that girls are often taught to be modest and not to brag. Maybe that is just a generalization, but from my experience, I just don’t think women are as encouraged to “puff out our chests”, and roar about how “kick-ass” we were at that track meet, the same way that boys are.
And unfortunately, these “lessons” from our childhood might carry forward into our adulthood, leading us to talk negatively to ourselves, rather than positively. 

Sometime I’ll catch myself saying, “Cool J. You are not cool. You are so slow. This sucks. Why are you doing this?” 

I have to step back and realize that I am making it “suck” by mentally pulling myself down, rather than building myself up!

We need to leave negative thoughts behind in running. We must tell ourselves just how AWESOME we really are.

 “You are strong. You are strong!”

Runner’s World recently published an article touting the power of mantras:
"To achieve your running goals, powerful legs and big lungs aren't enough—you also need a strong head. Doubts and distractions can derail your attempts, but a well-chosen mantra can keep you calm and on target. Repeating choice words whenever you need to focus helps direct your mind away from negative thoughts and toward a positive experience.
Indeed, the Sanskrit word "mantra" literally means "instrument for thinking." As such, these short words or phrases have long been used to focus the mind in meditation.
So what makes a good mantra? One that's short, positive, instructive, and full of action words. Runner’s World suggests preparing multiple mantras before a race tailored to various challenges. And don't limit yourself to "real" words. A made-up word works for Tara Anderson, a 34-year-old runner in Boulder who recites, "Lighter, softer, faster, relaxer." 
"I repeat it with each footstrike, and if I'm having a problem, I'll repeat the relevant part until I'm in the flow," she says. Her phrase helped her set a three-minute PR in a 10-K in 2009. Here's how you, too, can wring some running magic out of a few well-chosen words.
Choose one word from each section below to create a motivational, get-it-done power chant.


A
Run
Go
Stride
Sprint
Be


B
Strong
Fast
Quick
Light
Fierce


C
Think
Feel
Embrace
Be
Hold


D
Power
Speed
Brave
Bold
Courage
Now put those words together, and say them to yourself on that last hill repeat."

My new one? 

"Be Fierce, Think Power!"


What's yours? 




Fitting Remarks: Motivational Signs

By Jessie

Part of the magic of the marathon is the support of the fans. Dustin and I travel for a lot for marathons, so we don't always have familiar faces in the crowd. But even strangers can give you that extra boost along the course. And I especially enjoy the fun signs!

While running, I am always on the look out for funny signs. Humor can take me much farther than Gu or Gatorade! I think these fans have the right idea:
  



Here are some more that I have seen throughout my marathon miles....
Little girl with a sign that read, “Worst. Parade. Ever.”
“If the marathon were easy, it would be called ‘your mom’
“Runners have balls- others just play with them”
Don’t Die”
“Amy, call a cab- it’s faster”
“Poop your pants if you need to”
“Beat Oprah”
“Phidippides almost died at this point in his race”
“You’re a better running mate than Palin”
“This marathon would be fun if it wasn’t for all the running”

Or how about these?
"You are NOT almost there"
"Don’t stop–we’re all watching you"

"Your feet hurt because you are kicking so much ass!"
"Run faster, my arms hurt from holding this sign"
"Run like you stole something"
"My mommy is faster than your mommy"
"Hurry Up, We’re Cold"
"You’ve Done Worse Things for Much Longer"
"I heard a rumor there are cupcakes at the finish"
"Stop reading this and keep running!"
"Fast Girls Have Good Times"


"Chuck Norris never ran a marathon"
"Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit"
"Last is just the slowest winner"
"Humpty Dumpty had wall issues too"
"Keep going because one day you’re not going to be able to do this anymore"
"There is beer at the finish"
"26.2 because 26.3 would be crazy"
"That’s not sweat, it’s your fat cells crying"
"You're not slow, you just know how to enjoy a race course."

"Run like you want to."
"Come on, it doesn't hurt that bad."
"When you are done, it won't hurt at all."
"Think of all the alone time you are getting."
"Kids at the finish - enjoy your peace and quiet."

 

....and these are actually inspirational:
"You made it to the START, you will make it to the FINISH"
"Dear Stranger: You are my hero"
"You are no longer a runner, YOU are a marathoner"


And my favorite...

"Millions of people never even started today. 
 You are one in the million who did."