My Greatest Accomplishment

Many people have great accomplishments, from getting an A on a test to winning a marathon. My greatest accomplishment was when I was in seventh grade and I was Annie in the production Annie. I know this isn't about running, and I have a blog about running, but it all relates. You may not realize it does though. When you first start running, your goal maybe to run 20 minutes without stopping. When you complete that, you are so proud of yourself. From completing goals or to doing something spontaneous like skydiving, that could be your greatest accomplishment. Your accomplishment may change over time, or everyday, but it is always what you do for yourself and maybe what you do for other people. You could be the inspiration others are looking for, but you have to put yourself out there so you can be noticed for what you do. Make everyday a small step to becoming what you want to be.

To New Years and New Beginings

Today I am going to talk about shoes. Most people that are not runners, go out and by the coolest looking running shoe without taking your body into consideration. You always want to start off with a good training shoe. You want support for your feet so you don't get injuries later in the season. Personally, I go to a running store and they fit me to a shoe. I tell them what I do (or planning to do) and then they go grab shoes! I run cross country and track so I needs shoe that offers a lot of support and helps stabilize my feet because they pronate, the heels turn in. Be prepared to spend money on a good shoe. I spent $130 on my shoes but they will last up to 300-400 miles. You should always be fitted into a shoe by a professional. Try running in the shoe while you are at the store to make sure everything feels good. Also the shoe shouldn't be light like spikes that you wear in races. When you are ready to do a race, you may want to get race shoes. Depending on the running event you do, that will determine the shoe you wear. You can also race in your training shoes if you prefer. The cost ranges about $80 but you can also get good deals and sales. I would also advise going to a running store to get fitted.
Now that you have your snazzy new running shoes, you might want to start running! Start by doing what you are comfortable with. Try doing a thirty minute run at an easy comfortable pace. Remember to try not to walk! Now go! Go run!

Lets Get Started

Almost all sports complain about having to run in practice, except the few sports that are about running. When soccer has a running day, they complain. But their hard day is our easy day. Some people just run for fun while others run to compete. But it all comes down to knowing yourself and what you can do. When people think of cross country, they think all they do is run and that it is so easy. But you should have them come to one of your practices and see that running isn't all it's caught up to be. It takes a lot of training to get in shape and a lot of training to stay in shape and improve. Everyday you should work a little harder, push the extra mile. If you are serious about becoming a runner or you are a runner and want to become better, you have to commit to the sport. You will not only help your body to become healthier when you become a runner but you will feel better about yourself too.

Now that you have committed to becoming a runner and a better athlete, you have to know what you are in for. You will not only have to run (and run a lot) but you will also have to do core. Core workouts are centralized on your core muscles. You want to have those strong because it will help with endurance. You will want to do core at least twice a week to improve your muscles strength and to keep them strong. This will help lose that muffin top that you may or may not have. Also you have to eat right. You don't have to cut out major food groups, just stop eating junk food. During any sport season, most coaches tell their runners not to drink soda. Water is the best thing for you. Stop drinking coffee too, if you can, or stop drinking as much of it. Your body will feel better and once you get used to not drinking soda or coffee, you won't want to. Take your running seriously as you would a job or school work because it is a competition against yourself, making you better. Running isn't about being the fastest or the best, running is for your benefit. Yes there are people faster than you, but that doesn't make them better that you. Your attitude and the way you think of yourself defines you, not other people.