Fitness: Why I Endure

The irrational desire to conquer your best, to draw strength from your weakest point and to finish knowing that you overcame pain most people will not experience in their lifetime. The reason I wake up most mornings at 4:30 AM; tired and hurting to start the journey all over again. There is something about endurance sports that brings out the raw emotion of everything that is boiling inside of you. There is something about watching the sunrise in the horizon and knowing the only thing that will push you on to the greater distance is yourself. I am driving this train. The only thing propelling me are my own legs and the shear will to reach some ridiculous goal in the future. I want to quit at times. I often ask myself why I am beating myself up so much, this hurts and I am tired. None the less, I wake up every morning and face myself all over again.

I can’t pinpoint one answer to why it is that I do what I do. All I know is that I have never felt more alive, more me and more great than in those moments when it is just me and the road. I have thought of my biggest ideas, battled the craziest demons and experienced the grace of The Almighty out there.

So to the people who don’t get it, don’t understand why I push all I can say is: “Just give it a try.”

Be great today.

<3 Roxi 

Check out this inspiring video from ultra marathoner Kriss Moehl. She ROX!

Wild Love: Krissy Moehl from Andy Maser on Vimeo.

Tip of the Day: Body Glide

I initially discovered Body Glide last year when I started competing in Triathlons. I used body glide to “grease” my skin before I put on my wet suit. It was very helpful, but that is where it ended. That was until the beginning of this year when I was complaining to a friend about the horrible blisters I got on my feet after I ran. She told me to use body glide all over my feet and the blisters would be gone. Wallah! Just like that no more blisters (and this is after long 14 mile runs). I than began to use body glide for a number of different reasons:

 Chaffing between my legs when I ran

Cuts and scrapes from my sports bra

Straps of racer back tanks

Body glide has made my entire exercise experience more tolerable. Try some!

"Ask Khaleeqa" Running: Right Shoes. Right Bra. Right Time.

TRAINING TUESDAYS: 6 STEPS TO BECOMING A RUNNER

 

This Training Tuesday I thought I would share some information about running. A majority of the emails that I receive about fitness always seem to be centered around running. Most people usually give it a good try for a few months, then give up in frustration when things are not going smoothly. To be honest initially I was not a fan of running, I hated it. For those of you who have tried you know exactly what I am talking about. From the cramping, thirst, chest pain, shin splints, breathing issues, sports bras and the plethora of other things we face when we run; it is easy to just give up. So here are a few tips to make your transition to running easier:

Get the right sneakers. This is a big one. Not, having the right sneakers will shorten your run life. I am sorry to say the right sneakers for you to run in are usually are not found at footlocker or any of the other famous sneaker stores. If you are experiencing foot, shin and knee problems when you run chances are the right sneaker is the first remedy. The best place to get the right sneakers is a store that specializes in running. Usually this process involves bringing your old sneakers so they can look at the run pattern. From there, they will look at how you walk, they will watch you run on a treadmill and they will ask you several questions about the manner in which your run. It may be a little more expensive but you will thank me later!

Eat at the right time. This process can be a little trial and error at first but there are generally a few rules to stick to. You shouldn't eat a heavy meal right before you run, it is run suicide. Instead, wait 2 to 3 hours for your meal to digest. Additionally, you need to eat something. If you run in the morning have something light like a protein bar (stay away from heavy sugar this usually will make you want to go to the bathroom during the run). If you run in the evening make sure you have a snack about 90 minutes before your run, something like a rice cake, protein bar or half of peanut butter sandwich. Stay away from fiber, diary and sugar those tend to produce cramps.

Start slow and build. It would be nice if we could start our first day back running (after not being active for 3 months or more) and bang out 10 miles. It doesn't exactly work like that. You must build slowly. Instead of looking at the miles in the beginning focus on the time. Start running for 20 minutes and then keep adding on 10 minutes each week. Before you know it you will be up to 10 miles or more and be very comfortable.

 Wear the right clothing. For me this is the biggest annoyance while running. Whether it is a sports bar that doesn't hold, shorts that keep riding up or a shirt that doesn't wick away your sweat clothing issues can be a big deterrent to running. I am not saying go out an buy a whole new wardrobe, but find your problem area and get the proper garment to fit you. I tend to wear clothes that fit you close (not too tight) work best. While out of shape areas will flap in the wind under baggy clothes, a more fitted attire will help to keep things in place.

Properly hydrate the day before. I can not say this enough! Most people believe that only drinking while you run is important. While it is important to drink during, it is much more important to drink before. I tend to drink 16 more ounces then normal the day before a run. Keep a thermos with you and keep filling it up throughout the day. It is crucial you get plenty of water before running you will feel a HUGE difference when you are properly hydrated.

Get the proper rest. Feeling well resting will give you the extra kick at the end. Usually if you run tired you feel restless and want to quit. Having enough sleep will allow you do your best and run better. This is especially important when you start getting into longer runs.

Are there any additional tips you have to becoming a runner? Do you have any questions about running that we didn't address? Leave a comment! 

TRAINING TUESDAYS: MEET JAYSON PHILLIPS

Jayson J. Phillips, 30

Software Engineer/Mobile Engineer

New Jersey

Website: http://jaysonjphillips.com

Twitter: @_jjphillips

What event(s) are you currently training for and what does that include?

I am training for 3 rides: Bike the River Valley in July, The NYC Century Bike Tour and the Twin Lights NJ Century ride, both in September. Leisure in nature, these are three 100 mile events that will be challenging in altitude, elevation and terrain. I am also training for three endurance obstacle runs: Mud Run a 6.2 mile run for multiple sclerosis in August, Spartan Super Run 8 plus miles in September and Tough Mudder Tri-State 11 miles in November. These runs consist of obstacles (fire pits, live voltage from wires, etc.) and challenges designed with military influence to test strength, endurance and ability; and usually tons of mud!

What are your personal goals for this year?

I want to complete each event I sign up for, improve my performance each time, and challenge myself beyond my current abilities and step up to the plate. More importantly I want to have fun! I’ve partaken in many bad habits in my 20s. I’ve worked hard to stop and replace most of them with healthy alternatives. As I go along, I want to improve my health and fitness level. These challenges are difficult yet fun ways to do so, which makes them twice as rewarding.

What does your weekly workout out look like?

Right now, I average about 150 - 200 miles per week on my bike, about 7 hours in the gym (spin sprints/climbs, tabata Intervals, boot camp and weights/kettle bells). Since I’m running more now, I’m increasing my runs to 3-4 days per week. I tend to bicycle 4 days a week and gym 4 days a week. The one day I don’t train is Wednesdays. I need that mid week recovery day.

What do you think is the hardest part about training and doing an endurance event?

The hardest part about training is being consistent, especially when athletics is NOT your career. I work about 70-75 hours per week between my main role and side jobs/initiatives. Socializing, family, dating, school - there are MANY potential derailments. You must keep your eyes on the prize, sacrifice some things for your goals. Another thing that’s hard is knowing when to plateau. There’s definitely such thing as overtraining. It has many negative effects like easier susceptibility to injury, actually getting injured and reaching the point of diminishing returns (meaning the more you train, the less you improve and/or the more you actually decline). Listen to your body. Don’t be afraid to plateau. Build some muscle memory, conditioning versus moving on too fast and hurting yourself.

What benefits/rewards do you get from competing?

Health! I feel so much more alive and great physically when competing. It’s also a great form of stress relief. Accomplishment! There’s few greater feelings on Earth, to me, than pushing for a goal outside your comfort zone and getting it done. Camaraderie! Competition breeds friendships, encouragement and rivalries, all which form a positive sphere of challenge and success. You also have a group of folks who understand the training, pain, sacrifice and joy that comes with training, performing, winning, and just completing an event.

What advice would you give someone looking to compete?

DO IT NOW! You’ll get rid of a bad habit or three. You’ll accomplish something you might not have done. You’ll surprise yourself at what you can accomplish. First things first, find a sport that interests you. Give yourself 10 bonus points if you’ve never done it before. Next, watch it on TV, websites, etc and get excited. If you still want to do it, find a team or a training facility and sign up! Then set a couple of goals; short-term, mid-term, long-term. Don’t worry about sucking or anything. Trust me, my initial run times SUCKED. It’s all good. Only place to go from there is up. Lastly, make sure you have fun doing it!