BROAD STREET.

That's right, everyone.
I got in (I can only assume it's because of my Blue Cross health insurance, not because of my running abilities).

Nonetheless, I will be running the Broad Street Run 10 Miler on May 5th.

I live just outside of Philadelphia, so I am somewhat familiar with the route. I've been running three miles comfortably for a while, but I fell off the exercise/running wagon a bit from December (post-gobble wobble) - now. Sure, I did some intermittent exercising, yoga classes, but I was not showing my face at the gym 5 days a week.

So, thank you, Broad Street Run Lottery, for selecting me and giving my tush the push it needs.

So, the way I plan to increase my mileage is to start at three miles every 2-3 days. I ran Tuesday night on the treadmill and did three miles no problem (a little slow, but no problem).

My alarm was set for 9am this morning but I managed to wake up on my own and decided I should run before work today!

YEAH.

I'm feeling three miles with a brisk .5 mile cool down. That should do it.

The Cold, Day 8: there is hope.

My sniffles have subsided and after a solid two days of draining all the phlegm out of my body, I feel so much better.

I haven't had to take a nasal decongestant in well over 24 hours-- hooray! So this is real progress, everyone. This cold lasted a lot longer than I thought it was going to, but I'm so glad it's finally subsiding.

I just needed a few solid days of rest. I hope to be back to the crazy world of fitness sometime soon, but I'm not pushing it!

Stay healthy and sneeze, sniffle and cough-free!

Katie

Sickness is Still Strong!

This. Cold. Will. Not. Budge.

Welcome to Day 6.

I am furious. Yesterday, I walked on the treadmill for about an hour, nothing too intense. I felt great after, but I was EXHAUSTED. I went home, ate, took a shower and conked out for about two hours.

I have just been truckin' through, and that's probably my problem. I haven't devoted an entire day to just resting. I'm an on-the-go kind of girl and my salaries are hourly. If I don't show up, I don't get paid and that's just the way it goes.

I have probably used up about 70% of the tissues in this house. JUST TODAY.

I hope I'm somewhat better tomorrow, so I can at least go to my internship. It's easy work, but who wants someone sneezing and sniffling at a desk beside them? Nobody.

I personally hate being near a co-worker who sounds like they need to be in bed with a humidifier on. What do you think? If you're sick, stay home or should you power through?

Stay Healthy, please,

Katie

When You REALLY have no time

Finals week, projects at work, family challenges, vacations, holidays, birthdays...these are all time-consuming events and usually leave little to no time for a workout. There are some things you can do to manage your time, stay productive and  multitask your way

Use Time Wisely

Using your time wisely is something that all individuals have difficulty with, especially if you're a beginner when it comes to exercising.

I try to make some time in between school, work and going home to hit the gym, but there are many days where it is just not meant to be. It helps to have a gym that is convenient for you. It's even a larger plus if your gym/fitness center is on your way to work or school.

I try my best to bring shower supplies/change of clothes with me. I usually keep at least a pair of sneakers and a change of workout clothes in my car-- just in case workout inspiration strikes! If you have somewhere to go right after, maximize your workout time by showering at your fitness facility instead of running home and grabbing a shower.

Productive Procrastination

Do you have cleaning to do around your home? How about school work or a work project, do you not want to do that? Don't want to go home and cook dinner? Then, try to workout.

This is a great mental strategy to adopt and it truly helps me. I give myself the option of working out or doing schoolwork almost all the time. Yes, I know, I avoid schoolwork -- bad-- but I make sure to do something productive like workout. I often find my mind cleared from the stress and I am more focused when I reapproach my assignments and studying.

Multitask!

Sometimes, getting a workout in is just NOT POSSIBLE. It's an unfortunate issue, I know.

How I solve this:

• Calf raises in the shower / while brushing my teeth.
• Park far away and walk!
• Take the stairs instead of elevator and RUN up them.
• Stand instead of sit.

So, you don't need to workout to be healthier! All you need is a few ideas on how to change up your routine and you'll see a change. Of course, getting active and making time for a workout is extremely important, but some days it doesn't happen!

Stay in motion,

Katie

Accomplishments & Hug a Runner!

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to let you all know that I ran a very long distance (for myself) that was 6.4 miles! I ended up running to the bank to deposit a check and then I took a detour on the way back, ended up doing another 1.6 miles than I originally planned.

I did not set out to run this pace, since I'm running the Gobble Wobble in less than two days. I figured, hey what the hell! I'll give it a go. I'm so glad I pushed myself through. I proved to myself that I'm really getting back into running and it's for good! I made sure to go to yoga tonight to help soothe my muscles, even though I stretched and foam rolled a TON after I initially got home post-run.

So yes, that's how I began with the run. The first 1.5-2 miles are always the mentally and physically most difficult. I find it easier to run once I hit the 2 mile mark. I don't really track my time or pace, but I went slow. I made it in about an 1:10 (one hour, ten minutes) but I didn't want to overexert myself. either.

Also...

Happy Hug a Runner Day, all you runners get huge hugs from me!

No matter how slow you are going, you are still lapping everyone on the couch!

Stay fit, healthy and motivated!

Katie 

Motivational Moments

I just want to give to one of my favorite fitness bloggers, Allie, a sincere congratulations on completing her first marathon (and first race). Check out her recap here.

Allie is a perfect model of setting a goal for yourself and reaching it. She documented the bumps along the way, but she crossed the finish line!

I'm setting a tentative goal for myself...

I want to run the Philadelphia Rock and Roll Half Marathon in September 2013!

13.1, babies!

I told myself, once I run a half marathon I can buy this beautiful piece of running gear/technology as my reward.

It'll happen one day and I hope in September 2013!

My advice would be to set a goal for yourself and don't cheat! If your goal is to lose 20 pounds, your present to yourself isn't a night out for ice cream and pizza. Try a spa day or a shopping spree! Your body goes through a lot, so you're better off treating your body right rather than sabotaging your fitness feats.

Happy goal setting!

Katie

About Hit the Mat Running

Things to expect from Hit the Mat Running

            Hit the Mat Running is my fitness and active living blog. I hope to inspire others who come from all walks (or runs) of fitness.

 Posts will include:

• Workout tips and photos
•  Information about yoga and my yoga experience
•  Information about running and my running experience
• Recipes
• Photos
• Playlist information
• Motivation!
• Personal fitness posts 

About me and my passion for fitness

            I love keeping in shape and healthy. I find that I think more clearly and my mind and body are in-sync when I am more active. I learned the hard way that recovering from nerve damage is a difficult process that requires a lot of patience (just like any injury). It forced me to slow down, and I will do a lot of injury prevention posts.

Why Hit the Mat Running?

            I chose the title, Hit the Mat Running, because I run and participate in yoga. There’s something about Hit the Mat Running that resonates with me as a yogi and a runner, it shows that from the moment I start working out that I give it my all.

How often will you hear from me?

            My blog will most likely update either every other day to once a week. Maybe some weeks I’ll post every single day. It all depends!

 I will try my best to stay dedicated and maybe, if I get a small community started, I’ll post different challenges and giveaways.

            I hope to inspire others who may have difficulty staying motivated in the world of fitness. It takes a lot of  motivation to walk into a gym, go for a run outside or even put those workout clothes on. I’m here to show you what’s worked for me so far. This blog will help me stay motivated and will hopefully help motivate you all!

Stay healthy and active!

Katie