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So You Wanna “Work Out.” Now What?

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I was at a local gym yesterday and saw a man walking around with a piece of paper on which his “program” was written. He was clinically obese, didn’t move well, but he was committed to working out. Problem was, this gym had given him a program without teaching him what to do, how to do it, or why he was doing it. He ambled about from one station to the next, working his biceps on a seated machine here, his triceps over there. I tried to find a trainer to help him but no one was on duty, so I stepped in and gently corrected his form. I would have liked to have given the man my card and asked him to contact me, but this gym isn’t my space and I try to respect other businesses by not prospecting for clients when I’m there as a guest.

The episode made me a bit sad because I fear that I can project what’s going to happen with this man who has a real medical need to get in shape. What he’s doing, what’s on that piece of paper, isn’t going to work. He’ll continue to be obese, and what’s more he’ll likely tell people that he tried “working out” only to give up because it didn’t work. I hope I’m wrong, but I’ve seen it too many times before to think that I am. This is an example of the fitness industry failing in every aspect of its objectives—all the while collecting fees from a monthly gym membership that’s about as useful as banging one’s head against the wall.

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The older version of you will thank you for exercising today.

If you’re not currently working out and you’d like to begin, or if you ARE working out but not seeing results, here is one man’s opinion for what you ought to be doing.

1.) Strength training that incorporates basic movement patterns, full-body function, and progressive overload.

  • Basic movement patterns – squat, hip hinge, push things away from you (horizontally and vertically), and pull things toward you (horizontally and vertically).
  • Full-body function – No isolating muscle groups like “arms” until and unless you’ve done the basic movement patterns OR if you’ve been prescribed something specific by a physical therapist or sports medicine professional. Remember the obese man I saw yesterday at the gym? He’s simply not going to bicep curl away the 70 pounds he needs to lose in order to stay healthy.
  • Progressive overload – You have to lift something heavier next month than you’re lifting right now or your body will cease adapting to the stimulus that working out should be providing. Now, this isn’t always linear; sometimes you need to lift less today in order to be able to lift more tomorrow. But generally your aim should be adding to the amount of resistance working against you so your body can react by building more muscle, denser bone, and stronger joints.

2.) Cardiovascular health.

Sit less, walk more, preferably every single day. This is not so much about “burning calories” or “losing weight” as it is about keeping your human body active and in motion the way it was built to be. If your goal is to be a runner, then you should run, or better yet, learn how to run well with a great coach like Sarah Scozzaro, a former Daytonian who works with clients all over the country. But if you’re goal isn’t to be a runner, then you don’t need to run.

Go for a walk!

Go for a walk!

You can row. You can bike. You can dance. You can swim. Just get your heart rate up a few times a week and try to sit less. Those things COUPLED with a well-rounded strength training regimen will help you achieve the body you want. What do I mean by that? You’re not going to Zumba your way to a great body–but you can incorporate Zumba into a well-rounded training schedule.

Combining Exercise Types

The key is to be mindful about how it all fits together. If yoga is your primary exercise, then think about how you might supplement some strength training to ensure, for example, that you’re getting in the horizontal and vertical pulling needed to build a strong back. If strength training is your primary form of exercise, then think about what you’re doing to ensure that you’re getting in some form of cardiovascular exercise. Jen Sinkler would say you can simply “lift weights faster,” which is true. Whatever you do, just make sure you’re purposefully elevating your heart rate during some aspect of your training.

There is no one perfect way of going about fitness, and I urge you to be cautious with anyone who pushes exercise dogma. I can tell you this with confidence, however: most of you reading this ought to walk right on by the rows of Nautilus machines at the local rec center. Learn how to move instead. The 70-year-old version of yourself will thank you.

Training Tuesday: Long Distance Training (part 2)

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Last week I listed a few things that are important before you begin to try and increase your weekly mileage, so this week I’ll be going into a little more detail while also detailing a few training plan options.

Before you set out on increasing your mileage, it is very important to set goals for yourself. A great example of a goal for someone whose runs max out at three or four miles is to run a 10k (6.2 mile race). If you don’t want to sign up for a race right away, a simple goal of increasing your mileage by a mile a week is easily attainable. Since you will be increasing the number of miles you are running, it is definitely important to check out the shape of your shoes. If they are old or seem to be in bad shape, seriously consider buying new ones.

Once you have that in check you are ready to begin the demanding, but rewarding sport of distance running.

When making up a schedule to fit all of your running and running related activities, you should be aware of how much rest you are giving yourself and how many times to run each week. Below are the different things that you should be doing each week, along with a sample weekly schedule:

Cross Training: (1-2 times per week)

Ab workouts. These strengthen your core for overall better fitness and endurance. A great set of ab exercises for runners can be found on Runner’s World.

Not what you are looking for here.

Cardio. Other than running, doing other forms of cardio will boost your muscle strength in other areas that are used while running.

  • Cycling is a great example because it serves as a great alternative to running. It also has no impact on the legs, so it can easily be done in the recovery stages of injury.
  • Swimming does not have as good of benefits in terms of overall running fitness like cycling does, but it can be a great way to differ from usual cross training activities.
  • An elliptical machine, or something similar, is a great way to strengthen your legs as well, as it is more focused on that area than anything.

Short Runs: (2-3 times per week)

These runs should be done at a faster pace than longer runs, and should be about the same distance. Try and separate short run days with cross training. Running on the treadmill or a track at the gym are ideal places for this type of run, as you can easily squeeze them in and even monitor your pace.

Long Runs: (once a week)

The long run should be done at a slower pace than your short runs, and should be considerably longer. I believe that in terms of longer runs, the more important thing is time on the road, so the longer time you run the better. Try not to worry about your pace here, as you may be tired from your work during the week. Scheduling these runs on either a Saturday or Sunday make them easier to manage and schedule. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand for long runs, and know exactly where you are going if you run outside.

Sample First Week Training Schedule:

  • Monday: 3 mile short run
  • Tuesday: Cross Training
  • Wednesday: Rest
  • Thursday: 3 mile short run
  • Friday: Cross Training
  • Saturday: 5 mile long run
  • Sunday: Rest

This schedule may be an optimistic one for some of you, but you can obviously change it to fit your running level and personal schedule, as long as you stick to the number of days for each workout.

Races this weekend

Saturday November 20

8:30 a.m., 3rd Annual Southgate’s Turkey Trot. Southgate Baptist Church , Springfield, Ohio. Entry form

12 p.m., Mid-East 5K CC Challenge, Kettering, Ohio. Register here

Sunday November 21

Turkey Prediction 1 p.m., Kettering Recreation Complex, 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering, OH 45420  *Race day registration only* The 12 people closest to their predicted time will win a frozen turkey!

Training Tuesday: Long Distance Training

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For most people running three miles at a time is enough. But for us other crazy people, we need more and will try feverishly to increase the number of miles we can run at one time. This will be the first in a series on how you, that’s right YOU, can get yourself to run more than three miles at one time. Before you begin to think about increasing your mileage, there are some things that you need to have handy and some simple, but important, things to know about.

My favorite watch. The Nike+ Sportband

1. Buy yourself a running watch. A simple watch that keeps track of your time will do fine, but a watch like the Nike+ system, which tells you your pace, distance, calories burned and total time will make it much easier. Using a watch will help control your pace while you run, allowing you to keep a constant steady speed for a more controlled finish. Training at a certain pace for a few months will help you hone in our something that is comfortable.

2. Remember the 10% rule. Try not to increase your mileage more than 10% from week to week, as this will cause your body to become easily injured. If you ran 10 miles last week, try not to run more than 11 or 12 this week.

3. Ditch the music. Try running without music once a week at first, and gradually ease yourself into using it less. Music can sometimes masque pain that you feel in your body which can obviously be a bad thing. Additionally, some races band headphones all together, because they feel it is dangerous to other runners and also a distraction.

4. Start Cross Training. Cross training includes any exercise that can benefit your running form or muscles. I would recommend things like light weight lifting, elliptical machine exercises, riding a bicycle (either stationary or outside), swimming and ab workouts. Doing this at least once a week will take the tension off your legs for a day and help strengthen your other muscles.

5. Make sure your shoes can take the load. Don’t increase your mileage with old shoes. Doing so will only end up hurting you in the end, causing numerous injuries that will set you back. Running shoes are an investment, as you get stronger and run longer your shoes will respond better to your body.

Next week look out for some more in-depth tips on increasing your miles.

Races this week

Saturday November 13

2,000 Plus Men Against Domestic Violence 5K Run and/or Walk. Epiphany Lutheran Church, Austin Campus. Register here

The Road2Independence 5K Run, Walk or Push. 11 a.m., Milton Union High School, West Milton, Ohio. Register here

Ramtastic 5K, Jamestown, Ohio. Register here

Sunday November 14

New Balance Dayton “Grand Opening” 5K: 9:00 AM, Town and Country Shopping Center, Kettering, Ohio. Register here

Training Tuesday: Before & After the Run

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This week we will be looking at what to do before, and after your run. It is very important to be well-prepared before you go running, as it is also important to recover from your run properly.

Any run needs to start with a good night’s rest, which is obviously important for giving you optimal energy for your run. Six-eight hours of sleep is optimal for maximum performance, although some people can run on less. After the wake-up, it’s important to eat and drink something to give you a little energy. A light meal of peanut butter on toast works best for me, but you can also try a small granola bar (like a Clif Bar), a citrus fruit or trail mix. This should be eaten more than an hour before the run. Make sure to also drink plenty of water before the run, up to about 20 minutes before the run.

An extremely important thing that a lot of people just throw by the wayside is stretching. An extensive stretch routine can be the difference of pulling a muscle while running that will put you out of commission for weeks, to being able to run farther. Here is a simple stretch routine that I make sure to do before every run (hold each one for 20-30 seconds):

  1. Start off by sitting on the ground with your feet stretched forward. Stretch out your arms so that you touch your fingers to your toes.
  2. Next in the same position, fold one leg in at a time while the other leg is outstretched. Touch your fingers on one hand to the toes on the other foot. Repeat with the other leg.
  3. Now stand up and stretch out each leg, one at a time, on an elevated ledge in front of you.
  4. Do the same stretch but this time put your leg up on a ledge angled to the side.
  5. While standing, reach behind your back and grab your leg and bring it up towards your back. Do one leg at a time.
  6. For the next one, stand up and lean to each side of your body, stretching out the groin.
  7. While standing touch your fingers to your toes, trying to keep your legs as straight as possible.
  8. Lastly, stretch out your arms forward and back so that they don’t become sore while you run.

Stretch number 2

Stretch number 6

Doing all of these stretches should make it a lot less likely for injury during the run. Make sure to do an abbreviated version of the above routine after your run, as you need to ease the recovery period. A meal with lots of protein is a good for recovering after a run. You should also make sure to drink water or a sports drink to rehydrate yourself after.

Training Tuesday: Avoid Common Running Injuries

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Welcome all to the new running section of DaytonMostMetro.com!  Here I will be posting information on upcoming races, recommending some awesome recipes for runners, giving suggestions of routes to run in Dayton and giving out tons of general running tips and news.

Training Tuesday will be a weekly post pertaining to all things that have to do with…you guessed it, training. Check back every Tuesday for important training plans, tips, routes and much more that will make running a lot easier for you!

The topic for this week is one that I believe should be important to every runner, injury prevention. For anyone that runs multiple times per week, injuries will happen, but there are many ways to lessen the effects and prevent the big ones from putting you out of commission for weeks. I have had my fare share of a variety of running injuries as I have had a stress fracture in my leg, broken my toe, had shin splints and have had plenty of knee pain. I feel like with this array of unfortunate injuries, along with my extensive knowledge of all things running, I can give helpful information that can help prevent the most common of injuries from happening.

1) The 10% Rule

This is a pretty common and often forgone rule for beginning runners and one that can lead to agonizing shin splints. The general rule is that you should not increase your mileage more than 10% per week. For example if you ran 10 miles this week, you shouldn’t run more than 11 the next week. Your body will not generally be used to the sharp increase in mileage and will definitely lead to shin splints (sharp pain in your shins), which usually put runners out for weeks, depending on severity. Follow this rule and you can avoid over-training and unwanted stress on your legs.

2) Stretch before AND after running

Most runner’s will stretch before running, but it may be just as important to stretch after. Stretching after decreases muscle soreness from the running you just did, and also will make it less likely that you will pull a muscle or injure yourself in the next few hours after the run. I myself have an extensive stretch routine before running which helps me get loose before the run, but also to prevent pulling anything during the run. Look for an upcoming post about what stretches you should be doing.

My beat up running shoes, 250+ miles...aka ready to be retired.

3) The importance of the right shoes

Having the right running shoes is, in my opinion, the most important factor to consider when getting into running. Having the wrong running shoes will most certainly cause numerous injuries to all parts of your body. Also, having shoes that are worn out, can be a leading cause for a stress fracture (trust me on that one). Your shoes should not be worn past 300 road miles. For beginning runners, any shoe with gel in the sole of the shoe will do, but if you are going to be building up the miles a more precautionary approach needs to be taken. Since I believe this is so important, check back next week to read about how to buy the perfect running shoes for yourself.

4) Cross-Training

Cross-training, I will abbreviate as XT, is very important for strengthening your muscles that you use while running. XT includes swimming, cycling, weight-lifting, elliptical, surfing and basically any exercise that doesn’t include running. Swimming is a total body workout and along with cycling can make for a great combination in addition to running. I will detail different XT programs in future posts.

Used for runner's with "Jumper's Knee"

5) Know the warning signs

Knowing when to stop is also something to consider. You may think that pushing through the bad pain is the tough way to go, but it may actually hurt you in much deeper ways. You may also need to ditch the music while running, because certain songs will get your blood pumping and may make injuries seem non-existent until after you are finished running. Don’t be afraid to put on a knee or leg sleeve while running, as this can help ease soreness and make transitioning from an injury back to running  healthy.

With these few tips in mind, I hope that all of you can stay injury-free, and will enjoy running through Dayton. Be sure to check back every week for running tips, especially next week when I will guide you through buying shoes.