Kara Runs

Here is a random list of things I think are helpful. Contrary to the rules of blogging 101, there is no central theme to this collection of ideas.

1. Set a daily reminder on your cell phone with a goal or motivational quote.  For example, at 10am every day I am reminded of the following:

a) “Drink more water, dammit!”

And, because I’m going to a wedding on New Year’s Eve…

b) ” NO EATING CRAP!  Remember, you want to buy a pretty, sparkly dress and more importantly, you need to fit in said dress.”

(I’m really reaching for the stars with these goals, I know. But I have faith.)

2) Busy or not, there is no excuse for not getting some exercise in every day. Some ideas:

-Do squats while you’re brushing your teeth. Jumping jacks while you’re waiting for water to boil. Lunges while waiting for coffee to brew. Or if you’re feeling spry, mountain climbers while you’re waiting for (insert microwaveable item here) to heat up.

-Every time you need to go up or down a set of stairs, do it twice…or thrice. Yep that’s right, when you get to the top, go right back down and do it again. Silly? Maybe. Who cares? Not me. It takes what, 20 extra seconds? Just do it.

-Park your car further away from where you’re going. Do planks during commercials. Don’t take escalators or elevators. Always take the stairs*. You’ve heard these before.

*I used the stairs to move into my 9th floor dorm room in college. NO EXCUSES!

Obviously these are not extremely fit-full ideas, but if it’s the option of a bunch of little things or nothing? I vote you do SOMETHING.

3. Compliment yourself everyday.

-Kara, you are a good tree decorator. Your roommates are lucky to have you as house mom.

-Who, me? Why thank you!

So sparkly and festive.

4. Compliment someone else every day.

-Dear Running Off the Reeses blog: your posts crack me up. Thank you for keeping me laughing.

5. If you don’t love running, find something else you love. My friends always ask me to “make them love running”. First of all, it’s more of a love-hate relationship. Secondly, if you don’t actually love it, I can’t help you.  I can, however, teach you how to get started. Regardless, find something you enjoy and you will be much happier.

6. iPhones are extremely easy to get addicted to. Consider yourself warned.

7. According to the ACSM, type 1 muscle fibers are selected for activities of low intensity and long duration. AKA your 20 mile training run. Those who achieve the greatest success in power and high-intensity speed tasks (NOT ME) usually have a greater proportion of type II muscle fibers distributed through the major muscle-groups. I’m lacking the type II fiber department.

(I’m studying for the ACSM Personal Training Certification. You’re welcome for that totally relevant information).

Yes, I highlight everything. SO WHAT!?

That’s all for today, folks.

Have something to share? I want to hear from you. IS ANYONE OUT THERE?!?!