TBT 5k Edition

It's been a really long time since I've thrown it back. This Thrusday is all about the 5k's I've run. There are a few races where I don't have any pictures - or can't find any - like the one where I fought the entire time to not have a major bathroom accident - that Turkey Trot was super fun!

My very first race ever. Beat Coach Pete down in Boise - I definitely made it challenging. I hadn't really run much before this race, and I just went pedal to the metal in the beginning and just about died when I realized I had only gone 1 mile. I ended in 30ish minutes and did beat Pete. Except I missed out on the tee-shirt that "proves" I beat Pete - so what do they do - ask me if I want a shirt that says, "I'LL BEAT PETE NEXT YEAR". Yeah no thanks. Oh and thanks Mom for being my personal aid station and Dad for being my photographer.

Another 5k I did - The Race 2 the Summit 2012. I did the 5k and got first in my age group! What?! I had to ask if I heard that right too. I finished in 40ish minutes but I think the course ended up being close to 4 miles so thats not to bad!

Race for the Cure this last May - we got to walk with my itty bitty nephew!!! I love these girls so much! I had such a blast having girl time. Speaking of girl time, I think I hear Boise calling my name! ; )

Here's another fun one I did - I don't know what it is about 5ks that feel so hard. Maybe its because I feel like I need to go fast to keep up with the crowds, I'm more of a slow and steady for lots and lots of miles type o girl.

I'm off to run those hills! Wish me luck that hill repeats don't kill me its been quite a few months since I chose this form of torture.

Thursday Running Tips - Warm-Up Running Drills

Over the last couple of weeks I've been doing some running research. Nerdy I know but I have a huge goal I really really want to accomplish and I want to make sure I can be successful.

This week I'm bringing you some warm-up drills I do. I had started implementing these drills into my workouts right before I got injured. It's really important to warm-up before doing any kind of workout. Even after my warm-up I still walk for 5-10 minutes before I start running.

Warm-ups help prep your body for the demands of your work out and help keep you injury free. When I would do my warm-ups I noticed that I felt stronger during my workouts. A proper warm-up should increase heart rate, your breathing rate, and blood flow. Be sure you don't over exert yourself you don't want to be tired for the work out.

Here's a look at what I do before I run: Please note...I am no professional model ;) and MMR so graciously volunteered his photography skills. Enjoy!

Warrior Lunge

Start in standing position.

Lunge forward ending in a variation of Warrior 1

Repeat each leg 2 sets 6 reps

Side Lunge

Start in standing position

Lunge out to each side with stance slightly wider than your hips

Lean over to touch your toes

Make sure your knee stays over your toes

Repeat each side 2 sets 6 reps

Windmills

Start with feet way wider than your hips and your arms

Reach down to touch your toes with the opposite arm

Windmill back up and reach down to the other side

2 sets 6 reps

Leg Swing Through

Stand in a running man start position. Like me :)

Then swing your leg through to reach the ground

2 sets each side 6 reps

Ending with a standing stretch.

Hold each side 1 minute

***Please know that these stretches are what work for me and that they may not work for everyone. Feel free to change any part of the work outs to suit your personal needs!