"Between Two Lungs... My Running Feet Could Fly"

There is a reason for everything we do in life, including running. Some people run to blow off steam, others because they find enjoyment out of it, some "because they have to", or sometimes for a good cause. There are a million reasons people run, but I honestly don't think anybody runs for the same reason. They may be similar, but there is always a personal reason (even if kept hidden inside them) a person runs. I have always used running as an outlet from the rest of the world. I use it as "me time" and to get things off my chest. Some of my best thinking comes from my runs, especially long runs. It allows me to analyze situations and weigh all my options before making an irrational decision. After my runs, I feel refreshed and clear minded.

Running is one of the simplest and purest forms of exercise. It requires moving one foot in front of the other with a little speed and power behind it, but a lot of self discipline is expected. It's a test of how hard you can push yourself, and how much "pain" you can endure. My point is, running is something a lot of people take for granted. It's a simple movement any healthy, non sick, person can do. But why don't more people run? So many people complain they want to be in shape, but don't have time/money for a gym. So why don't they run? It's free and it's on their time. My point is, I have a new motivation to run. After my brother got ill, I took a lot of time to think during my runs. Having someone so close to you become severely ill makes you ponder a lot of things in life. It broke my heart to see my brother struggle to just stand up from the couch, much less walk to the kitchen. Each day he becomes stronger and covers more ground in his recovery. He's definatanly a fighter and an inspiration! That brings me to my point: I run because I can. I run for Jason. I took a pledge during one of my runs to not skip out anymore just because I'm tired from work, or whatever my reason may be. I've been wanting to get my weekly mileage back to around 23-30 miles/week. I have no reason not to. For now on, I lace up my shoes and run because other people truly can't. Each mile I cover, I cover for him. In a sense, I feel like it's my way of "helping" him, doing something for him. Once he is fully recovered, I have hopes to persuade him to do a 5k with me because he CAN! After everything he will have gone through, I feel like accomplishing something he doesn't think possible at this time will give him the sense of self accomplishment that is indescribable. That is the reason I love helping people and promoting a healthy lifestyle: making people accomplish goals they never thought possible. The feeling of self satisfaction.

Why do you run? Just think about it.

Training Exercise: Crazy Ivans. I actually ran across this exercise from Nike. It's just a variation of a Russian Twist, but incorporates the "wood chop" motion. It's easy to perform.

Crazy Ivans:

• Start by sitting on the floor with a weighted medicine ball or dumbbell.
• Lean back on your butt slightly bringing your feet off the ground-- You're core will be supporting you for the exercise.
• Start with the MB/DB by one side.
• Twist up to the opposite side as if you are reaching up to the ceiling.
• Then return to the starting position.
• That is 1 rep. Continue for 15-20 reps. Then switch to the other side.
• Complete 3-5 sets.

*Remember keeping your feet slightly off the ground engages your core (stomach, lower back, and hips). Resting your feet = cheating.

Training Tip: It's pollen season, at least in the South! Remember to wear some type of sunglasses and, if possible, don't run with your contacts in if running outside. Remember the wind will whip that yellow residue around and blow into your eyes. Without sunglasses your eyes can become irritated causing a headache. Also, if you wear contacts the pollen can either scratch the contact or stick to it causing more irritation on your eye. Other than that, Spring is swell!

Training Songs: I haven't had much time to download many new songs. I've been in a very Jam Band kind of running mood. It reminds me of Summer and good times! Enjoy!

1. Hope- Jack Johnson

2. The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaelson

3. Cornbread (Live)- DMB

4. Untitled (Live)- O.A.R

5. Little Lion Man- Mumford and Sons

6. No Hands- Waka Flocka Flame ft. Roscoe Dash & Wale

7. Stay The Night- James Blunt

8. E.T.- Katy Perry ft. Kayne West

Training Lagniappe: I, along with almost everyone I know, got a spot in the 2011 AJC Peachtree Road Race for July 4th! YAY...It's almost Warrior Dash time! We did it last year and it is some of the most fun you will have during a race! If you haven't done it, or don't know anything about it you HAVE to check it out! I am determined to beat Ross, again! :-)

On a side note: Here is a picture I took the other night after my run. It was very gloomy day, yet the sun was shinning on the two buildings. I thought it looked pretty :-) I love ATL!

Happy Running,

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist

Yellow Is Not My Color

It's Spring time in Georgia when everything starts to turn yellow. It's the worst month of the entire year. The flowers are blooming, the temperature is perfect for running, but the pollen counts are outrageous. Running during pollen season can be dreadful, or harmful, for people with allergies. The pollutants can take a toll on your body causing you to feel run down and resulting in a negative athletic performance. I have listed a few tips to help you enjoy your run even during this pollen season.

• Try getting your run in during the early morning. Avoid afternoon runs as much as possible since that's when the pollen count is the highest.
• Remember during your run you are breathing in the pollen, running in an area with less trees/grass will assist in avoiding the pollen.
• Focus on your breathing pattern. For people who have allergies to pollen your airway will be compromised.
• Keep your body full of fluids to help avoid your airways from drying out.
• Try chewing gum to keep your mouth moist.
• Wash off all exposed body parts after your run. The pollen can irritate causing damage.
• Remember, pollen season will be over soon!

Training Exercise(s): Hills and mile repeats! Ah, it's like nails on a chalk board, but both are needed to improve performance. Hills aid in gaining strength in your legs. Mile repeats help to increase endurance and speed. When you put the two training concepts together you have magic. Hills and mile repeats will help strengthen your muscles, increase your endurance, increase your speed, and make you a better runner overall. Try doing hills 1-2 days a week, mile repeats 1-2 days per week, and long(er) runs 3-4 days per week. Just remember to have at least 1 day of hills and 1 day of mile repeats. Try fitting them into your running schedule where it fits best for you.

Training Tip(s): Spring time entails a lot of races. Try to do distances that you haven't done before or haven't done in a long time. If you are more of a long distances runner try doing some 5k, 6k, or even 10ks during the Spring time. Not only will it add variety to your running, but it will also help you get stronger. Training for a shorter distances allows you to increase your pace; therefore, making you faster and stronger. Have fun!

Training Song(s): Since it is almost Earth Day the following songs are only appropriate. Instead of Earth Day lets make it Earth Week; yep, i'm part tree-hugger! Enjoy! :)

1. Back To The Earth- Rusted Root

2. Cat Turned Blue- Rusted Root

3. Two Of Us- Matt Costa ft. Jack Johnson

4. Too Much- Dave Matthews Band

5. Sexting- Ludacris (This one is just for fun!)

Upcoming Events:

Countdown to the Atlanta Live DOW Run For Water:

6 Days (April 18, 2010)

Countdown to the AJC Peachtree Road Race:

July 4, 2010

Happy Running,

Jayme

*I promise I will soon be back to blogging like normal! Sorry for the lapse and short blogs lately.