"Awe, Baby, Those Are Such Great Shoes"

Morning Sunrise at Silver Comet Trail 

Today marked the end of week 13 of Marathon training! Weeks 11-15 are the toughest of a marathon training regimen. Weekly runs increase, long runs are at the peak, and total mileage is at it's highest. This is my second week running a total of 40 miles in one week. My body feels better than it did last week, but since my long run this week was 20 miles, I'm feeling a little ginger today. This may be the hardest part of training, but it's defiantly my favorite. This is the time when you really get to know yourself, your limits, your degree of self discipline, and how far/hard you can push your body. It makes you a stronger person mentally, physically, and a test of your overall endurance (Yes, I know that's part of physical- just go with me). Just know when you come to this part of your training, everyone feels the same way you do! It's tough to get out of bed and think of running 20 miles. It can be daunting and discouraging. Don't think of it that way. Get dressed like you would for any other run. It is just another run, right?! Follow your normal routine, but make sure you pack all your goodies the night before. This way you aren't overwhelmed with too much to do right before you head out the door. Next get out on the road/trail and start your run. Break it up into segments. I think of it as two 10 milers. Focusing on the now is key. Don't stress yourself out while running because your trying to wrap your brain around the idea of 20 miles. No, focus your mind on the first part. Once you get half way all you have to do is make it back home or to the car. It's down hill from there. The first half of the run is the easiest. This is the time to find what pace is comfortable, work on your breathing, work out any kinks, and enjoy the scenery. When you reach the turn around point, don't think of it as "I have to do that all over again!?!". Instead break that 10 miler down into two 5 milers! You just ran 10 miles, at that moment you know you can run another 5 miles! The concept is to keep your mind focused and fresh. It keeps all negative thoughts away. Then once you reach that 5 miles, all you have remaining is the last 5 miles. Remind yourself you just ran 15 miles, what is another 5?! Also, using landmarks to break your run down into segments is another training tool. It's just like the mileage idea, however, you're telling yourself "Ok, run to the blah blah blah and then after that is blah blah blah". I also use landmarks in edition to the mileage idea. The good thing about running is that each route is broken into pieces. It's rarely ever one continuous stretch. Trails are separated by crosswalks and running a street route you normally make numerous turns onto different road. This way you can tell yourself to just make it to the end of this stretch... then once you get there you realize you DO still have energy and keep going telling yourself to make it to the next. Once you finish your long run, you will feel accomplished and refreshed! You may have an urge to fist pump, Jersey Shore style. I did! Oh yea, it happened! Good luck and have fun!

So, 20 miles is a long way. That's roughly 3 hours of continuous running that allows you a lot, A LOT, of time to think. Here are some of my thoughts from today's 20 miler. Remember these are my thoughts...You'll enjoy, promise ;-)

• I'm so glad I grabbed that long sleeves running shirt!
• Where is everyone?! It must be too cold for people! 
• I'm never going to make it to 4 miles, ugh. I truly do hate the first 4 miles! 
• Awe, old people! So cute wrapped up in their full blown winter gear, sipping coffee, and wishing me a Good Morning. Glad I can read lips.
• Coffee, I could use some! 
• I love the falling leaves and pine straw on the ground! Who doesn't love Fall?! Oh, right, Ross! 
• Someone's burning firewood, love it! I wonder if they have coffee?! 
• WTF just hit me in the head?! 
• Where the hell did that rock come from? 
• I need to remember to tell Jesse we are considered "Irish Twins". I thought that was only if you're a year apart, but my client said 'close enough'... Why is it called "Irish Twins"? Is that because Irish people have lots of babies? 
• Ah, another 'Road Kill'... Damn it, I was going to keep track of my 'road kills'!
• I love this runner in front of me! He has an awesome pace.... I accept this cat and mouse game you've created without knowing, mister! 
• Where am I?! I feel like I'm in Arkansas with no civilization... It went from city to country too quickly... And there's a cow, WTF?!
• I wonder if anyone has ran all the way to Alabama on this trail? No, that's crazy..... Why, thanks Powder Springs for welcoming me to your city! 
• This guy in front of me rocks! I really don't want to lose him, but I have to turn around.... Creeeeepy, he's turning around at the same spot... YAY
• He would have water with him!.... why doesn't this trail have water on it?!... I'm gonna write the board... Yea, no I'm not... 
• What if I was famous, would people know it's me running?! I wonder if I've passed a famous person, like Luda?... Nevermind, he doesn't run...
• What little man?! The beats just take over Playin' wit my not-so-distant- cousins from the A-T-L. Aaah! Back in the mud I've been in....
• What's wrong with this guy?! Oh he's cramping...ho hum, time to pass. Adios awesome pacer, thanks for the past 11 miles... 
• Ouch! Really, shirt?! Well, people will now know I was wearing a V-neck!
• Awesome, I feel the blister on my foot coming back! 
• I wonder if I knock on someone's door if they would give me water... I really just considered that?! 
• Glad I put some Rod Stewart on here... Mom would be proud.... Momma's birthday is next week.... hmmm.... 
• Beer and coffee really are the best cures for a long run... Why? You want to hydrate and those do neither... eh, who cares. I love them both! 
• I really hate birds and why is that bird flying so low?! Get away... ahh!
• Savannah is only 30ish days away! OMG! I wonder if Ross and Mackenzie would wear Atl Bergeron Curb Crew shirts... Nah, Ross will laugh in my face...
• Home stretch.... I'm gonna fist pump it out when I stop! 20 miles deserves a Jersey Shore style fist pump! 

Training Exercise- Bosu Dead Bugs! Dead bugs with the stability ball already feel great on the core, but adding the Bosu ball makes it even more challenging, adding in an instability component. To preform: 

BOSU Dead Bugs:

• Place the bosu DSU (dome side up) in an area with lots of room around it. 
• Lay down on the bosu with you back on the top. You may have to readjust a couple of times before you feel stable for the most part. Key: Your lower back will be the part mostly on top of the bosu, right about your glutes.
• While lying back on the bosu, keep your chin up allowing your neck to be in a neutral position, and bring your knees up towards your chest. You will look like a dead bug. 
• Now, straighten opposite leg and opposite arm. You're going to feel a lot of instability, but you are using your core to keep your body balanced on the bosu. 
• Bring both arms back in to the starting position, and release the other arm and leg. 
• Repeat for 20-30 reps depending on your fitness level. 
• For extreme athletes add the stability ball back into the exercise between your knees and hands. Remember to keep pressure on the ball. NOTE: I have not attempted the exercise with the ball because it's already tough on the bosu, so you are at your own risk! 

Training Songs: Knowing I was going to run 20 miles, I added some new and old songs onto my playlist to have a wide variety! Here are a few! Enjoy! 

1. Y. U. Mad- Birdman ft. Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne

2. At Or With Me- Jack Johnson 

3. Maggie May- Rod Stewart

4. Give A Little More- Maroon 5

5. Don't Stop Till You Get Enough- Michael Jackson 

Training Lagniappe:  You may wonder what someone eats after 20 miles. Well, since you have exhausted your energy sources you need a good balance between protein, carbs, and minerals. I had lots of water, a protein shake, banana, and whole wheat saltines with natural PB. I had an OJ with me to get some sugar carbs back in me, but I couldn't stomach it, so I decided not to give it a try. The serving of potassium and magnesium in a banana helps to prevent/reduce cramping. It's a runner's best friend from the fruit family. The whole wheat saltines and natural PB were a good balance of carbs and protein. It's easy to stomach, fills you up after eating everything else, and really did make me feel better. Everyone is different, but those were my choices... Now time for more food! :-)

My goodies after 20 miles!

Happy Running, 

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist 

"Dancing- Dancing- Dancing In The Dark"

Silver Comet Trailhead- Symrna, GA

Since marathon training has started, I haven't done as much blogging through my journey as I had wanted to for numerous reasons. Since moving to Atlanta, I can't do my long runs at the Big Creek Greenway like before (unless home). So, I've been running at the Silver Comet Trail. It's absolutely a nice trail weaving through the outskirts of the city, but it's no Greenway. This time around has definitely been tougher, mentally and physically, than the first time. Training alone takes a startling amount of self discipline that others don't understand unless they have experienced themselves. The degree of mental fatigue multiplies than when training with others. You have no one there to push you, encourage you, judge you, or drag you to the end. It's all about you. When you train for an event and flirt with a distance you have never/ rarely met, it's easy to point out all the negative aspects of the run. It's easier to quit than to push your body to a pain you've never felt before. Just remember you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. No one realizes their true capability, even when pushing themselves past grounds they have never reached before. You are always capable of more! Every new ache, every new mile builds a  piece of tolerance that will push you through the next moment of doubt you encounter. Stay positive when training alone. Think about the outcome. When you cross the finish line you will be overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment you've never felt before, no matter how many races you have ran. Training alone- your accomplishment will be that much more sweeter.

Training Exercise: Agility Wood Choppers. With my job, I am always learning/creating new exercises. One new exercise I have recently learned for a good core/ cardio workout is Agility Wood Choppers. It's just a high tempo version of a regular wood chopper.

Agility Wood Choppers:

• Safely secure a resistance band to a post or wall lower than eye level. 
• Grab the band with a firm grip and step away from the base where you feel a point of resistance. 
• Turn to the side so the band will be moving across the body. 
• Starting in an athletic squatted position then quickly move the band across the body while the arms are straight. You will be moving the band from your side, across your body, and ending across your body above your shoulders while your arms are full extended. 
• As you return to the starting position, you while jump in the athletic position turning your body 180 degrees (you are now facing the opposite side) repeating the same "chopping" motion. 
• You will repeat the motion 15-20 times or 30-45 seconds. Remember your motion is quick and rapid. 

Training Tip: As your mileage increases you will begin to feel new aches, pains, blisters, abrasions, chaffing, etc. Humidity and duration of your exercises plays a key in how your body reacts. Checking the weather before a run, especially a long run, is always important. Don't just glance at the current temperature. Inspect how the temperature will rise/drop, chance of rain, and the humidity. Apply band aids, cream, and/or take an anti-inflammatory if necessary. When going for a long run (over an hour) you are adding excess pounding and stress to your muscles/bones resulting sometimes in uncomfortable aches and pains. Treat properly before, during, and after your runs. You will be happy you did so later on. 

Blistered foot from tip to base of toes. Band aids are runner's best friend!

Training Songs: I haven't really discovered any new songs lately. Just a few. Here are some new and old songs on my current training playlist. Enjoy! 

1.  In The Dark- Dev

2. Hey Mama- Mat Kearney 

3. Paradise- Coldplay 

4. Give It To You- Eve ft. Sean Paul 

5. Footsteps- Nelo

Training Lagniappe: The marathon is getting close. Really close. This is always a bittersweet time for me. I love that the race is close, but the intensity of training is at it's peak. I've logged 41 miles this week. My body is sore, blistered, and achy. It's a love hate feeling. Even though i'm at the hardest part of training, the Fall weather makes it much more tolerable. Falling leaves, changing colors, and crisp air will make anything better! Savannah is right around the corner! Yikes!

Happy Running, 

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist 

"And In The Sticks We're Running Free Like It's Only You And Me"

Cross training is important when it comes to efficient running. When only running and not lifting weights, your body decreases in lean weight (muscles) and body fat percentage relatively increases. I'm not saying runners who don't lift weights or cross train become fat. What I am saying is that when you only do one form of exercise your body adapts to that one movement. Think about it in the sense that if you don't lift weights and only run, then your body doesn't think it needs those other muscles for strength. Therefore, your body uses the unused muscles as fuel for running, decreasing your muscle mass. However, there have been countless studies showing how cross training (lifting weights, swimming, tennis, cycling, etc) correlates a positive effect on running. You gain more strength, your muscle mass stays constant or increases, and you use other muscles that you wouldn't use while running. This helps you become stronger, faster, and able to run further distances. Overall, an more efficient runner.

While training for an endurance event (half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon, etc), cross training is meant to keep your muscles fresh and used as an active rest day. This means not to completely fatgiue your muscles so when you go for a long run you don't feel worn down and exhausted. You may experience some soreness, but that's normal. You don't want to experience soreness/fatigue to the point where it alters your performance. Now, when you're not training for an event, cross training is a useful tool to build strength. It's okay to completely fatigue the muscles. This will help you increase lean body weight and aid in performance. Your runs are typically shorter on the off season, so you are able to push through the soreness with more power. Then once you start training for an event you will have built up more strength and endurance, hopefully, allowing you to train harder and faster than the previous time before. At this point, you will then decrease the intensity of cross training back down to endurance building.

Right now during my marathon training I am using strength training and spin class as my cross training. It recently clicked with me that I may be over doing it. I run 5 times a week, lift 3 times a week, and spin 2 times a week. That may seem like a lot of exercise, but it's not so much the amount of exercises I have discovered to be effecting me negativity, it's the intensity. I love exercise, that's a given. I want to be the best and work my butt off each time. However, since starting marathon training I have not decreased the intensity of my lifts. My intensity is heavy lifting, while I am enjoying seeing my muscles grow, it's defenitly affecting my runs. I experience DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) for about 3 days after my workouts, and notice my body has been aching while running. While I give people professional advice on exercise regimens daily, I forget that I am not invinsiable and I am only human. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way to correct the obvious. It clicked with me during one of my runs that my body ached, my running gait was off, I was leaning forward, and my breathing was off. I was compensating for my soreness. My point is, when training for an endurance event, lifting is important for strength, power, and getting faster. However, it's imperative to know that you don't want to do as much heavy lifting opposed to endurance lifting. Meaning, using lower weights and more reps. This way you are still fatiguing the muscles and keeping your strength, but not completely tearing down the muscle fibers to cause the type of soreness that last for days. Endurance lifting aids in keeping your muscles strong and blood flowing to them since you don't primarily use your other muscles while running.

The Old Biltmore Building shining on a Saturday afternoon. I usually pass the historic building during my runs in Midtown.

Training Exercise: Latter (agility) Runs. Being quick on your toes is important as a runner. Although for most endurance runners we run in a straight line for the most part. However, being quick on your toes and able to make sudden movements helps build strength around your knees, therefore, decreasing any chance for knee injuries. You never know, you may need to quickly move over to dodge a snake or dead animal. Trust me, it'll happen if it hasn't already.

Latter (agility) Runs

• Lay out a latter, rings, or even cones. Something to make spaces. Make a pattern each time.
• Run the course as fast as you can making as little mistakes as possible.
• Run sideways, quick toes, football drills, long strides, etc.
• This will help your running gait,work on stride lengths, posture, speed, etc.

Training Tip: Protein! After a long run you want to nourish your body and muscles with protein. When running over an hour, your body starts to break down muscle fibers causing you soreness. Consuming protein will help repair your muscles more quickly and efficiently. It will keep your body from "destroying" your muscle fibers. Good sources of protein include protein powder, bars (you want a bar low in sugar less than 6grams, and low in carbs), string cheese, greek yogurt, or even some nuts.

Training Songs: I've adding some old school 90s, songs we have forgotten about, and some now music! Enjoy!

1. Home- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

2. Faster- Matt Nathanson

3. Pump It- The Black Eyed Peas

4. Neutron Dance- The Pointer Sisters

5. Gonna Make You Sweat- C+C Music Factory

Training Lagniappe: These people inspire me. 36 hours of running, yea, why not?!

Hood To Coast Movie Trailer #2 for Race Website from Film For Thought on Vimeo.

Happy Running,

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist

"I'm Running Like The Devil, 'Cause He's Hot On My Heals"

Week 7 of marathon training is closing in after tomorrow's 15 miler. Yes, 15 miles of nonstop running. Scared? Yes, I won't lie. No matter how physically fit you are, it's still a mental battle. Training this time around has been a challenging journey. This is my second race I have trained alone, this being my first marathon training alone. It's a different feeling. There are countless positive and negatives to training alone. For me, the hardest part is not having someone physically there supporting me mentally (if that even makes sense). On the flip side, I believe it makes anyone mentally stronger training alone. It a true testament of how much you believe in yourself, and how much self discipline you have. It's always easier to stop or cut your run short and tell people you did X amount because who would know the difference. Self discipline kicks in when that little voice tells you "no more", and you push right through it. Your body is capable to conquer more than you can imagine. I would go out on a limb and say 90% of physical activity failure is due to mental blockage. Sometimes it's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that you are capable of doing, lets just say, 15 miles, but you are. You have to imagine yourself doing the act and believing. There is no reason to sugar coat it and say it's easy, it's not. Some people may ask "why do something that hurts and that is crazy?" . I simply tell people "It's a good hurt. It leaves me wanting more."

I've said numerous times, our bodies are made for moving. So get up and move. How you move and what you do is up to you. The harder you push yourself, the healthier you will be mentally and phyically. When you push through a plateau and accomplish something "hard" you begin to see yourself in a different mirror. You become more positive, have higher self esteem, and realize you are capable of doing whatever you put your mind to. My point is, always stay positive even when you see nothing but dark clouds. You will always break though the rough spots. When you accomplish your goals, it's an amazing feeling. That's why I run.

Training Exercise: Bosu Sit up/ Stand up. This is one of my favorite new exercises. Not only does it work your core (the sit up), but it also adds in some cardio elements (stand up). It's important for a runners to have a tight core for effieiecnt breathing and decrease the chances of stomach/side cramps. Then of course, the cardio aspect is important to help your muscles push through those 15 miles when you feel it is impossible.

Bosu Sit up/ Stand up

• Place the bosu on the ground with the ball side up.
• Find your setting by sitting on the Bosu with your back placed on the bosu where it slopes down.
• Place your feet in front of you on the ground about shoulder width apart.
• Lean back on the bosu, with your hips up (like you are bridging on the bosu). This is your starting position.
• From there, you will do a sit up on the bosu.
• Keeping your feet placed on the ground, push all your weight through your heals and stand up.
• That is the end position.
• Now return to the starting position and repeat. *Remember your feet will never leave the ground and the Bosu will never move. Ideally, you are returning the same spot each rep.*
• Repeat for 20 reps.

Training Tip: Variety! It is important to change your route at times. Doing the same route can cause boredom and suck the fun out of training. When doing the same run on the same course over and over you will begin to feel like it's a chore. It takes the excitement out of new scenery and challenges. Your body and mind needs to be challenged. Also, running the same course is a red flag for overuse injuries. You are never changing the force/impact on your muscles by running the same course. Having many options allows your body to adapt to different terrains and elements. If you feel stuck in your training, map out a new course and give it a try. I promise it will bring a fresh new feeling to your runs. You'll have a new spark!

Training Songs: I have a new list of songs! I'm kind of all over the map, but I think it's a good mix up! Enjoy!

1. Heaven- O.A.R.

2. King- O.A.R. ft Russell Simmons & DJ Logic

3. Stereo Hearts- Gym Class Heros ft. Adam Levine

4. Something To Believe In- Parachute

5. You Make Me Feel- Cobra Starship ft. Sabi

6. Otis- Kanye West & Jay-Z

Training Lagniappe: All I need is 11 more people, a witty team name, 2 creatively decorated vans, and car paint to record our (road) KILLS. Takers?! I'm for realz, I want to do this. Seriously.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:6858255

Happy Running,

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist

"Maybe I'm In The Gap Between The Two Trapezes"

The Peachtree Road Race has come and gone... it was a hot and humid day in Atlanta! My corral started at 7:30am, I was already drenched in sweat before it started. I didn't train for the race like I would have liked, but I was pleased with the outcome. I finished in the same time as last year: 49mins. Still my PR. I just wish I was like 1 second faster, but oh well. I got next year. My goal for each race is to always get faster, but I was actually expecting to be slower this race since I didn't train like I would have liked due to the extreme heat wave. Congrats to everyone who ran and our group! :-) Now I've moved one to my next goal:

It's Marathon training time! The transition into training has started right after the PRR with no break. Well, I try to think of my PRR training as a break since I back my mileage down and just focus on the 6 miles. So, I don't do any longer runs during that time. However, now it's marathon training time so that means a base of weekly 4 milers, and long runs ranging between 8-20 miles. The long runs increase weekly. It feels good to be back into marathon training, but I know it's going to be tough. This time around I am training alone, and I decided to follow a "harder" guide. Basically my weekly mileage will be anywhere between 3-5 miles more than my last marathon training. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it is in terms of an endurance race.

Good luck to everyone training for any race regardless if it's a 5k, 10k, half, marathon, or ultra. Training is the toughest part, but in the end you discover new things about yourself. The actual race is the easy part, and the finished feeling is indescribable. Remember to take it one day at a time. Take each run and focus, relax, and just cover the distance. Each step just means you are one step closer to the finish. Challenge yourself. If you don't feel tired at the end of your run, next time push yourself a little harder. Run different courses, this way you stay fresh and your mind stays active on new scenery. If you start to feel in a rut during your training just remember that's normal. All runners go through some sort of block/rut. Don't give up and push through it. Staying strong, you will be able to push through it and get back on track. The span of your block is different for each runner, but in the end it makes us stronger.

Training Exercise: Agility exercises. This can be anything from drills, latter runs, ring runs, tire runs, or anything that involves you being quick on your feet. Agility exercises are good for runners because it allows you to pick up the pace when you need to, especially towards the end of a race. The drills raise your heart rate and allow you to become more flexible and "athletic". This keeps your muscles strong, especially around the knees. Give it a try!

Training Tip: Ah, it's been one massive heat wave around the country the past month. With heat and humidity, sweat doesn't evaporate. What happens is your sweat stays on your body and doesn't allow you to cool off. Over the span of your run, you feel soak and wet. Well, when the moisture stays on your skin and you have clothes rubbing the entire time, chafing happens. The moisture in your clothing rub your skin raw causing irritation and pain. Apply some type of petroleum jelly in areas that are easily irritated on you. This will keep you feeling comfortable after you finish running and shower.

Training Songs: I haven't gotten too many new songs lately. But here is my random mix. Enjoy!

1. Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall- Coldplay

2. Turn Around Pt 2- Flo Rida ft Pitbull

3. Drop It Low- Kat DeLuna

4. Pretty Girls- Iyaz ft Travie McCoy

5. Notorious- The Saturdays

Training Lagniappe: Thanks Jesse for the video! Daniel Tosh always puts me in a good mood. You will ENJOY! Promise!

Tosh.0	Tuesdays 10pm / 9c
The $150,000 Tosh.0 Marathon
tosh.comedycentral.com
Tosh.0 Videos Daniel Tosh Web Redemption

Happy Running,

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist

"Life Is Sweet In The Belly Of The Beast"

The Peachtree is right around the corner. Monday is July 4th, when the largest 10k in the world will take place. Each day at work I am asked at least 3 times a day "are you ready?". I always answer with "Yea... I think so...". The past few months I have been struggling with my runs. Mostly because of the heat... Summer did arrive a month early here in Atlanta. Well, during my runs I tell myself I can't blame the heat. I know I have to acclimate to the heat and that takes roughly 2 weeks. Ok, so after 2 weeks of running in the heat why am I still having a rough time?! I've done some thinking and concluded I am an emotional runner. As I run, I watch other runner's demeanor and how they carry themselves. Here is my general 3 theory break down:

• The Walk/Run Ratio Runner: This is someone who goes out for a run with a distance in mind and achieves that distance any way they can. They walk some, then run some, walk a little more, pick up the speed... you get the jest. This is someone who finishes to say "I ran 6 miles". No, you covered 6 miles. But, props to getting it done. Let me cleify: I am not belittling anyone who has to walk during a run. I am talking about people who have no intention on even attempting to run the whole distance. These are the people who believe in the walk/run ratio for any distance and have no motivation to run the whole thing.
• The Carefree Runner: This is someone who runs with no burden on their shoulders. If they are having a crappy run, it doesn't get to them. You can usually spot this person by the smile on their face, even if it is 98 degrees out. This person knows how to relax and just go with the flow if things aren't going they way they anticipated.
• The Emotional Runner: This is someone who lets little minute things get to them. They base their run off determinants they can't control, ie: temperature, traffic, pedestrians, motorist, etc. If the run doesn't go as anticipated this person feels let down.

I made these categories while running the past few times. It makes since to me. I know I am an emotional during my runs. I let things get to me that I know I shouldn't. It defiantly takes the fun out of running, and then it starts to feel taxing and choir like. My advice, relax and have fun. Sometimes you don't need to worry about pace or distance. Just have fun and remember why you run. People run for multiple reasons, but if you can't have fun then it's not worth it! Remember to jazz up your runs to keep it fresh and enjoyable. This can either be scenery, route, running buddies, music, or whatever it takes to make a little change!

Training Exercise: Since the Peachtree is coming up in Atlanta, running hills is a good training tool for the race! The PRR is known for the little span of hills in the middle of the race, including Cardiac Hill. Adding hills into your runs can help with speed, power, and strength. It takes a little more force and momentum to get up a hill, and a lot of effort to control the down hill. Not only will adding an incline help with road races that include hills, but it will also aid in powering through flat portions of any run. A few tips to hill running:

• Maintain the same pace going up the hill. Try not to speed up or slow down when you start climbing. When you speed up you exert more energy then needed and when you slow down your muscle start to work less and takes longer and sometimes more energy to get to the top. Just focus on your breathing and maintain the same pace. The overall outcome will be faster. Promise.
• Focus on your breathing on the way up. It'll be a little tougher to get to the top, but just breathe in your mouth and out your nose. This will help you from breathing too fast and keep a constant flow of fresh air to keep cramps away.
• Remember the hill comes to an end! Once the hill levels out you will catch a break and this is the important recovery time. Catch your breath and slow your breathing. Relax. Shoulders back. Refocus.
• Control the downhill. Most people want to let the downhill control their speed. You own the hill. Control the downhill, because it is actually harder on your muscles than the uphills. Your muscle fibers have to elongate causing more twitches than the uphill. Therefore, if you don't control your speed and power you will over exert your muscles causing the recovery and rest of the run to be painful. You will feel better at the bottom if you control your movement. Shoulders back. Chest out. Head up. One foot in front of the other. Breath.

*Try not to lean forward or backwards while running hills. Keep your posture straight. This will keep you from cramping and help control your breathing. You will feel more in control of the movements.

Training Tips: Water. Water. Water. Drink lots and lots. It's hot and you will become dehydrated quicker. Water is fuel for your muscles. If you are dehydrated think of it as your muscles aren't able to function correctly and shrivel up. Well, they don't actually shrivel up, but you get the idea. They need water to function properly, keep you healthy, and injury free.

Training Songs: I have a lot of new songs in multiple genres! My thanks goes out to Brandie and Ross for some of the songs! Enjoy!

1. Stay Young, Go Dancing- Death Cab For Cutie

2. You And I- Lady GaGa

3. Hair- Lady GaGa

4. Pump Up Kicks- Foster The People

5. Let It Out- Girl Talk

Training Lagniappe: Marathon Training for the Savannah Rock n Roll starts right after the 4th, PRR. Ah, I am nervous. I am hoping to break 4 hours and kick butt. I need some motivation and positive thoughts and support! :-) I know I can't get my long runs in around the city. Last marathon Ross and I trained mostly on the Big Creek Greenway, which was amazing. But that is too far away. Now I am filtering with the idea of joining a running group, or venturing out to some local trails around the city. I will keep y'all posted on my journey of my 2nd Full Marathon. It's a big deal. Really. I'm nervous, but excited. Send me positive thoughts in my upcoming 4 months of training!

Happy Running,

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist

"I'm Going To Kick Until I Need New Shoes"

Once again, I have fallen behind on my blogging. It's not like I work an overwhelming work schedule, but something always seems to get in the way... mostly laziness. However, I do find myself opening my blog more often than none to just brainstorm and gather my thoughts. I have so much to say and never seem to organize my thoughts the way I want to. So, I am just going to use this time to update you on the latest news this side of the Mississippi.

May-June Lagniappe

• My running has still been suffering more than I would like for it to. I usually always have a harder time around this time of year because I am not a summer runner. Give me cold weather anytime! Also, this is normally a transition time of year for me. I come out of marathon/half marathon mode into 10k training. Like I have said before, it's hard for me to cut back on my mileage and relax. I'm training hard for the 1ok, but since I am not running the weekly mileage of a half training guide I feel like I am losing all my hard work. I know most runners go through some type of mental block like this, but I catch myself obsessing. So here I am, asking you for help! Given my education, work, and running experience I know that I am ok and I will not lose all my hard work. I guess like everyone else, I just need some reassurance. I just need to be told "it's gonna be ok, hang in there." So, if you anyone else feels this way just remember you're not alone.
• It's HOT in ATLANTA! The past few weeks the temperature has climbed into the 90s, some days nearing the 100s! Really, Atl?! It's not even Summer... I have a gut feeling it's going to be a hard Summer running season. This is part of the reason my runs have been suffering. The heat kills me. I've been trying to adjust my running schedule, but the ideal times are before sunrise or after sunset... I can't do either due to my job... Anyone want to suffer in the blistering heat with me for weekly 3-4 milers?! Anyone, anyone? :-) If you can avoid running in the middle of the day, do it! When I get the chance to run early morning (my absolute favorite time to run) I jump at the chance. It's makes a world of difference. I promise.
• I have fallen in love with Spin class! I've never had much to say about cross training. I've studied the effects and negatives of cross training, but never really braced the idea... until now. I've been doing spin 2-3 times a week, usually on an off day of running, and trust me it's so good for runners! When I come back to running after an off day I don't feel as worn out or exhausted. It helps keep those muscles fresh and ready. It's also helped me with adding power to my runs. I always sprint out the last bit of my run (one way to gain speed and endurance), but since doing spin I am able to start that sprint sooner and go longer and harder. Overall, it's been a positive addition and I think it will help when Marathon training comes around. If you are looking to gain speed/power/ or endurance I do advise adding on a cross training day(s) ie: spin, swim, tennis, or any sport that mimics the mechanics of running-- this is in addition to doing hill training, intervals, or sprints. It's all relative.
• National Running Day was June 1st! I wanted to get a blog in before then, but I failed. I hope everyone got in a good run of any distance. The organization launched 3 years ago, and it has bloomed all over the nation. The idea is to just get people moving and aware that exercise is a positive stress for our bodies. Don't just stop at June 1st, continue to run-workout-exercise every day! Challenge yourself-- it's good for physical and mental health!
• The PRR is rapidly approaching! Each race I just always want to beat my previous time by any margin. It can be a millisecond, but I still beat it. I'm hoping to do the same this year. My goal is to get in the lower 40 mins. Also, It's official-- I signed up for my 2nd Marathon! Holy Moly. What did I get myself into, again?! Jesse and I are running the Savannah Rock-n-Roll Marathon November 5th! I know it will be better than the ING Ross and I did over a year ago! Anything is better than that brutal course! I officially start training right after the PRR. It's going to be different this year because not only will the course be flatter (hopefully faster), but I will be training alone for the most part. Having a training buddy last time kept me mentally sane during those 18, 19, 20 milers. Keeping myself focused for 20 miles, alone, is going to be a challenge in itself. Also, I am just going to throw this out there- The Savannah Marathon is a qualifier for Boston. My ultimate goal. I'm serious, It's going to be a test. Sigh. I'll be sure to keep you all updated on the progress and journey. I'm excited, but nervous as hell. It's a lot of hard, hard, HARD work... but the reward and self accomplishment is worth it all!

Training Tips: It's hot and Summer is approaching. Remember to drink lots of water, especially when exercising. Your body will be working harder to cool off, so fluids will be secreted quicker than normal. Have water with you throughout the day and drink even if you don't "feel thirsty". It takes a few days for the water you consumed to reach the cellular level of the muscles to rehydrate them! Also, since it's hot and sunny remember to wear some type of sun protection. I fall victim of this and I will be the first to admit it. I have wicked tan lines from my shorts, sports bra and tank tops. That's my public service announcement for the day.

Training Songs: I've been all over the map with my song choices lately. Feel free to suggest any tunes you are hoarding to yourself! Enjoy!

1. Give Me Everything- Pitbull ft Neyo

2. Girls- Pitbull ft Kesha

3. Color On The Wall (Don't Stop)- Foster The People

4. Don't Wanna Go Home- Jason Derulo

5. Month Of May- Arcade Fire

Training Lagniappe: The FDA has released a new food guide: MyPlate! Say goodbye to the joke of a food guide we have "followed" for years! It has been revised for better health! Sorry sugar, you don't have your own section anymore! It's equally and accurately portioned! Watch the video and enjoy! The FDA website is a great resource for understanding what different nutritants are, what food groups they fall into, and various information. Please bookmark this page and use it consistently! :-)

Happy Running,

Jayme Bergeron, BS

ACSM Health Fitness Specialist