Running For Beginners

Want to go running but just don't know where to start?

First and foremost you never want to over do it. 

*remember you are just starting out* even if you have run in the past you are still starting out. You can't expect to run as much as you once did if you stopped. And you certainly don't want to try to run a marathon on your first go. 

You can go as far and however long you want, but you don't want to injury yourself and make this run unenjoyable. I am no running expert, but I want to share what has helped for me.

1. Stretching is a MUST : just because it's slow and you feel like it's doing nothing..do not skip this step. BIG mistake I always made. It's helping to warm up your muscles and get the body moving. Think about it..if you aren't always using those muscles, they may not work properly.

2. Finding running shoes that work based on your running style : (still have to do this) but by the way you run there are certain shoes that work best. Are you a toe to heel runner or opposite? Did you ever think about it?

3. Get your motivation : for me when I'm exercising I always have to be listening to music or personal development. Usually it's personal development (download the podcast app & your favorite listens). If it's music I just type in workout on Pandora.

4. Find flat land : I would start running on flat land. This of course is only my opinion, but if you are just starting out you want to build up your momentum. You can certainly try hills and intervals but you are going to use more energy and personally if you want to enjoy it, you don't want to over do it on day one.

5. Don't sprint : do not try and run super fast...if you do you are going to run yourself down before the first lap is over. Pace yourself, find your stride, it's okay to run a little slow. You have to get comfortable with your pace. Remember you are just starting out.

6. Track your progress : now a days there are all sorts of apps you can use. I recently downloaded the map my run app. All you have to do is click the start workout button and it does all the work.  Time, distance, calories, shows you a map of where you ran, you can also save your workouts to see what they were previous days.

 

7. Stay hydrated : so I don't carry a water bottle with me on the run, BUT I always make sure to drink a glass before I go and as soon as I get home I chug one.  

 

8. Enjoy : just enjoy what you are doing. Enjoy the scenery. Everything about your run. I love listening to my personal development and getting new ideas, or clearing my head. But if you don't enjoy it and you just "think" you have to run; you aren't going to stick with it!

 

I hope these few simple tips help! Like I said I am no expert by any means, and I did just start running this week. But these tips are what helped me to continue to get out there every single day. Feel free to email me : alyssayourish@gmail.com or find me on FB - Alyssa Yourish if you have questions !

 

Lots of love! <3

 

 

Weekly Update and Progress- Week 4 T-25

Another week comes and goes. Can you even believe that October is here?! This year is flying by and I guess it is just not going to slow down anytime soon. 

Dream Big

It's a new month and time to start fresh with a clean slate. Don't look at it as if the year is almost over. YOU are just getting started. I don't care if you set a goal for yourself back on January 1st as your New Years Resolution...you are going to write that down again and push hard for the next three months. Don't think it can happen?? I DARE you to try it. Give yourself 90+ days to go in 100%. Put your head down and focus - see what can happen. 


So lets talk about the week. T25 it just keeps getting better and better. I really can not get over the fact that this program is only twenty-five minutes long and you are sweating by the end of it. I know I say it probably ever week, but Beachbody really NAILED it on the head when people said they wanted a shorter workout, but with the same crazy good results. I love how each DVD is different but the same in some ways. Each move you do is thirty seconds and even though you may not think it is enough time to really work your muscles....trust me it is! You really FOCUS for these thirty seconds. You slowly work your way up to the "hard" step in a matter of two minutes. You get no breaks it is just non stop from the time you push play until you end at the cool down phase (unless you need a break of course).

I am going to be honest with you of course.....

This week I really really struggled. I didn't struggle with the getting up and working out aspect so much. It was more the going downstairs and when I pushed play, my head was literally all over the place. Which in my mind is BAD. I was not there mentally. I still did the workouts but I would give myself a three on a scale up to five. I am boggled but why happened last week, because everyday I look forward to going downstairs as getting a good sweat sesh in before work. It is my SANITY. It is what makes me clear my head from all those random thoughts. And I just could not do it. I was just going through the motions. Stopping when I needed a drink. Usually, when Dexter lays by my feet I pick him up and put him on the chair & last week I caught myself petting him...in the middle of my workout! I was watching the time clock. Just bad, very bad. I still them, but I didn't push myself to my max and best potential. 

Onward and upward... Right??

One thing I always say to my challengers who either had a bad week or skipped a few workouts is it's okay, you are in the learning process. Dust yourself off and try again. If you know you are not going to be able to do a workout that day, really focus on your eating. 

I always thoughts loosing weight came from working out....WRONG! Well not totally, you can loose weight from working out. But, it is not the number one reason. Fueling your body with the proper nutrition is. That is right, you heard me, nutrition is key!!!! 

This week was great with eating. I have been drinking my shake for breakfast because it is quick and easy for me with work. I had my complex carb and lean protein for a mid-morning snack (apple/peach w/14 coco roasted almonds OR two plain rice cakes w/natural pb and bananas). Lunch lately has been TONS of fruit (because summer fruit is my FAV) along with tuna on salad or a flat sandwich bread. Dinner: ranges all the time. Turkey chili, turkey meatloaf, baked ziti, salads, grilled chix, fish, etc. 
 

Clean Eats

The only bad thing I noticed this week with me was my late night snacking. Not sure what was up with that but I was always craving a snack after dinner time. I have been making myself a cup of green tea w/honey when I am craving something or before bed and that always seems to work. If I don't have that cup of tea I am always in the kitchen looking for something. So if you are a late night snacker like me try a cup of warm green tea. It's the time perfect time for it too, it's getting a little bit chilly every night!!

Which brings me too my favorite season!!!! FALL. I simply love it. 

Overall, week 4 was an okay week. And the reason why I say that is because food was on track - but the workouts Alyssa was MIA! But we are starting fresh with a clear mind and a new goal to help stay on track!

Ever feel like you are just not mentally there. You are there physically, going through the moves and the motions, but your mind is racing with a million different thoughts? YEP, we've all been there. But the good thing about my online health and fitness challenges- is that you do NOT have to go through it alone. You have the support from me (your coach) and from the other challengers in the group. We are in this TOGETHER. To SUCCEED together. Want some more information on my next group starting??  Send me a private message on Facebook or email me. I would love to chat with you to see if this is something you would like to join.

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!!