It had been four months since I last raced and the itch to commit to something had grown incessant. Following the lead of my running partner, Erin, I signed up for the Santa Cruz Mountains 21K, a trail race from Harvey West, through Pogonip, and deep into Henry Cowell, with two waist-deep river crossings.
Push-ups: for all ages and abilities
The push-up is a fundamental exercise that I routinely use with most of my clients. It works the whole body and can be easily modified for either the 75 year-old woman or the 25 year-old athlete. Push-ups engage numerous muscles including the core (a group of muscles which support and protect the back), chest, shoulders, and triceps (the area on the back of the arm that can get loose and wobbly, causing the “double goodbye” effect when waving).
When can a mom workout?
When I became a mom I knew that my 12-hour per week training plan might not fit in, but I also knew that quitting was not an option. My workouts are my quiet time, my meditation, my antidepressant, my outlet and I could not give that up completely.
Bittersweet Victory
On Saturday, March 26, I ran a 35-kilometer trail race in Woodside, CA. Even though I was the first woman to cross the finish line, you will not see my name in the results.
The morning of the race, I lay in bed listening to the rain pound my roof and waiting for my alarm to go off. As I brewed a hot cup of coffee, my husband asked me if I thought they might cancel the race due to extreme weather conditions. With a knowing smile, I answered, “No way. Trail runners thrive on this stuff. The tougher, the better.”
Jump-start January resolutions
It may feel early to begin thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, but now is the perfect time to take action and set your self up for success. By choosing a fitness plan now, you will beat the January rush, have first pick of the services available, and can relax in knowing that you are locked in to start the new year off right. This seemingly daunting task will feel easy and approachable when you follow these simple steps.
