Summer Special

Now that most college students are out for the summer (with the exception of you over-achievers taking summer courses), there is plenty of time to do whatever you want. Sure, you could sleep more, watch more TV, eat more... but why not use the extra hours in your day to fit in exercise that you couldn't during the school year? Summer is a great time to get in shape, especially since you'll be bearing more than usual the next two or three months.

Working out during the summer prevents just as many challenges as doing so during the year, just of different sorts. For one thing, you've probably got a free gym to use at school, and being home means buying access. If you're serious about weightlifting, want to take advantage of fitness classes, or just like a gym atmosphere, look for a summer membership offer. It's important to choose a gym that you'll actually go to, so look for one where you get a good workout vibe that's nearby. If you can find a gym buddy to join with you, you're even more likely to go. If you're looking for a serious investment in your fitness, consider getting a personal trainer. They can show you efficient, effective workouts and keep you accountable for your progress. PTs cost quite a bit though, and you should make sure you feel comfortable with your instructor if you want the best experience.

If you'd rather not spend the money on a gym or a personal trainer, you can get great workouts of all types on your own. Look through fitness magazines and online for strength workouts that don't need weights. Shape magazine has a lot of total body toning moves available on their website. As for your cardio workouts, the MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO STAY HYDRATED!! I'm serious, the summer sun can dehydrate you much faster than you realize, seriously threatening your health. To be super safe, run, walk or bike in the morning or evening, skipping the middle of the day heat. If you must exercise in the middle of the day (as I do) make sure you drink a ton of water in the morning (before you head out) and keep some water with you on your workout. If you start to feel faint, stop and walk. It's always a good idea to let someone know your route so if there is a problem, they know where to find you.

The summer is a perfect time to start taking care of your body in other ways too. Take advantage of the fresh summer produce and eat healthier meals full of yummy ripe fruits and vegetables. Corn-on-the-cob, strawberries, watermelon, canteloupe, and peaches are just some of the great foods you can get cheap and tasty during the summer. Try to add them into your diet over the next few weeks and enjoy the juicy summer goodness.

The First Slow, Painful Steps

It's funny that I can be simultaneously lazy and run a marathon in the same week. But it happpened. Now that I'm back and recovering from a really strong debut (3:49:53)- I'll try to catch up on posting.
Because I'm currently obsessed with the topic of running, I'll start with a few personal-experience tips on getting started and then later some great post-run snacks (which are the best part of running).

GET STARTED
For my favorite beginner, Marc
1. Get Good Shoes
Quality running shoes are expensive, and if you buy a good pair, you're guaranteed to use them just to avoid the guilt of seeing them wasting closet space. If you start with bad shoes, you'll be in pain before you can even begin to enjoy running.
2. Start Slow
Don't expect to go out and run 3 Miles on your first try. Start by alternating running and walking. Push yourself- but not too far. Running will hurt at first, but you shouldn't get hurt. You'll be surprised at how quickly you improve.
3. Set Good, Multiple Goals
A good goal is one which is difficult to reach but definitely possible. Setting short-term and long-term goals, such as "I will run or walk at least 4 times this week" and "By January, I will be able to jog for 45 minutes" allows you to focus on either depending on what motivation you need.
4. Find a Training Partner
Get a friend who is a runner or who wants to start running too and keep each other on track. You don't always have to run together, just having a person holding you accountable for your actions will give you a good enough guilt trip to get you out the door.
5. Buy a Full Length Mirror
Okay, I don't actually do this one, but Runner's World has suggested it multiple times, and I trust them. The idea is, if you're running to lose weight or just slim down, looking at your body every day will keep you motivated. But please, please don't get obsessive about it. If you start to obsess over how you look, get rid of the mirror, but keep running. It'll make you a more powerful person, improving your self-confidence and your body image.
6. Dedicate Each Run
It sounds silly, but thinking about a specific thing- whether it's reviewing vocabulary in your head for an exam, thinking over a conversation you want to have with someone, or just focusing on one person who inspires you- will keep your mind of the labors of running. Before you're done thinking, you'll be done running.
7. Run For Fun
If you want to run, run your way. When you're getting started, you don't have to do the hard workouts you would if you were training for a race. Try different types of running, depending on your mood. Run trails one day when the weather's nice, Do hills if you feel like a good challenge, or jog slow and just see how far you go. Don't try to hold yourself to the same workout over and over- you're apt to get bored and lose interest.
8. Enter a Race
If the shoes aren't enough, entering a race is your commitment to yourself that you'll be running by that date. Enter with your accountability partner for extra motivation. A race can also double as a long-term or a short-term goal.


Bottom line: Get out there and do it!