Training + England

This week has been insane so far (I have so much to do before I leave for the great country of England on Friday night).

I did a quick (literally, 27 minute, 3 mile run) on Sunday morning and that's the last bit of activity I performed. I was very sore in my calves afterwards, so I took today off. Back to the grind tomorrow, though! I'd like to squeeze my workout in either before I go to my internship or after I come home from my night class. Hmmm...not sure what it'll be, but I would like for it to be an AM workout. They help me get powered up and focused for my day, plus I love how the workout is already over and done with.

So...I have a new addiction...

The Walking Dead-- AHH. I previously watched the first two episodes of season one and never really watched any more. I decided to sit down and watch some more episodes and now I'm onto Season 2 and I'm HOOKED! I have a feeling this will be a serious help on my long runs, especially if I do them on the treadmill :)

Anyways, Friday I go to the UK and I'm gone for a whole week! I'm so stoked, but of course I'm anxious and nervous. We'll be doing tons of walking (average 5-10 miles a day) so I don't have to worry too much about training ;) I figure it's a vacation!

I will absolutely try to post before then, but if not...I will definitely post after I come back!

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.

Heart Rate Helper

When I first started working out, I tried the heart rate monitor on the cardio machines, but I had no idea what the numbers meant! I knew I was starting to sweat, but I never knew when I was at the right heart rate. Sure, there were charts in the gym, but my age group was not listed.

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Decoding the Chart

I try to keep my heart rate at 150BPM which is smack dab in the middle of the target heart rate zone! I try not to push myself too hard during workouts because it's dangerous. I'd say aim towards 140-160 BPM as long as you don't have any pre-existing heart conditions. 

How I manage my heart rate

I normally take my heart rate using the cardio machines that have the heart rate monitor option. I'll take it from time-to-time during my workout because the heart rate conductors are normally in terrible spots (like on the non-moving arms of the elliptical). I'd much rather not hinder my workout by worrying about my heart rate the entire time. 

As for taking my heart rate when I'm out on runs, I have begun to gauge myself on how I feel during the run and my breathing. If I'm panting and can't catch my breath-- I'm clearly going too hard. On the other hand, if I'm feeling good and I don't feel that I'm working hard enough, I will certainly push myself harder!

One day, I would love give myself a heart rate monitor! I feel like it would be extremely beneficial to have one for outdoor runs and even on the treadmill--because it's not safe to check your heart rate while running on a treadmill!

Good luck monitoring those heart rates!

Katie

Challenge Yourself!

Are your workouts getting easier? Are you not as exhausted after a workout? If you are trying to lose weight and hit a plateau, you might want to consider upping the ante on your workouts! Here are some great ways to take your workouts to the next level.

How to challenge yourself!

Extend your cardio time or push yourself harder during your cardio workout.

Easier said than done, but trust me, adding more time/effort to your cardio routine might be just what you need. Do you normally keep the elliptical at a lower resistance? Up it by five points or more, or stay on the machine for an extra 10 minutes. You could even do both!

Add weights or intensify your weight routine.

Do you weight train? If not, it might be time to start. 

According to an article in Women's Health Magazine, women who lifted heavier weights for a shorter amount of reps burned more calories. Plus, more muscle = more fat-burning power throughout the day. It keeps your metabolism revved and ready to go!

Mix it up!

Try a new group exercise class, try the elliptical instead of the bike, try the rowing machine, try a new running route, bike instead of walk! There are so many different fitness options out there, and there are so many ways to amp up your routine and get yourself feeling challenged again. 

I try to incorporate all different things into my workout. I try not to run too much because it's bad for my hips and I try to mix up my weight lifting routine. I try to take different classes and my yoga class focuses on different muscle groups each class. 

Remember variety keeps your muscles and metabolism in shape!

Sweat it up!

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 

running and training gear purchases!

Yesterday, I realized that it is going to be chilly Thanksgiving morning. I'm running a 5k and I almost never run outside when it's cold (at least, not really). I'm kind of a wimp about it!

I figure I'd invest in a set of Under Armour Coldgear leggings! They are so beautiful and soft and warm and I just can't wait to take them for a test run (literally). So I bought these beautiful Under Armour Coldgear Compression Leggings. I'm patiently waiting for these babies to arrive soon via Fed Ex!

(source)

I need compression because it helps speed my recovery time (not as sore after longer runs, feel more supported when running and less muscle tightness). I also needed a pair of cold gear because all my other running tights were NOT SUITED for running in cold weather and the cold air just wooshes right through! Brrr...

Another purchase I made this weekend...which I am WAY too excited about:

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I got a pair of ASICS Women's Gel- Envigor TRs! I live and breathe ASICS shoes, I've strayed from their wonderful products and only caused my feet pain and suffering! These blue beauties are my cross trainers. What that means is if I'm heading to the gym to just lift, maybe I'm going to take a Body Pump class, it's for less intense impact activity and I'll wear these. I normally wear my other running ASICS to to everything, but I don't want to wear them out from cross training, spinning classes, etc. I want to save my hardcore running shoes for hardcore running, races and long runs--where I really need them! 

Better yet, I found them at Nordstrom Rack, and they were only $55-- yes, please!

Happy Fitness :)

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

Exercising my fitness commitment

Excuses

• You don't have time to workout. 
• You are busy. 
• You are stressed. 
• You have classes. 
• You have assignments to do for your classes.
• You have work.  
• You just don't have time for anything else in your schedule.

So, how will you find time to workout?

I solved this dilemma for myself. I have two jobs, an internship and I go to school full time. I make time to workout. No, I don't magically have 26 hours in a day, but some days it sure feels like it.

Starting a workout regimen is complicated and hectic. It doesn't have to be! That's why I'm here, to hold your hand and motivate you to put one foot in front of the other until you're breaking a sweat.

What works for me

I have a little secret tidbit of information to help you better understand time management.

There are individuals out there who are busier than you and they are carving out time to exercise.

If you can't make your workout fit into your schedule, then you need to make your workout more accessible.

My dilemma and how I solved it:

I want to work out at the gym where I work, but the hours just do not fit my routine.

Question: Now, you may simply ask me, why don't you just work out at home?

My answer: Working out at home is not a real possibility for me. My house is old, creaky and tiny and there's not much room do do a full-on cardio session in my living room. It's impossible. So, I suggest you, my fellow space-limited friends, to join a gym with better hours for you.

I just joined a 24-hour gym. I can go whenever and it's really great! Especially when I close at my mall job (the mall closes at 9, out of there by 9:30 and the gym wouldn't happen until 10 which, by that point, my old gym closed at 10). Yeah, so a workout would NOT happen.

If you can't make a gym work for you, it's time to start searching!

Commit to fit!
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