March 25th, 2007
Run a Race for your Goals!Looking for a way to boost your fitness goals? Feel like you've hit a plateau? Or maybe you need something to make those cardio sessions a little easier? Well, sometimes entering an athletic event can be just what you need to push you to the next level!
There are many reasons why people join the gym and start a workout program; to lose weight, "tone-up", improve heart health and increase muscle mass, among many. Yet interestingly enough, those whose sole intent is to lose weight and tone-up seldom adhere to their programs. According to an article that appeared in Her Sports + Fitness Magazine, December 26, 2006 (By Frank Claps, M.Ed., C.S.C.S.), "A 2006 University of Michigan study shows that women who start exercising for body-shape and weight-loss goals alone not only work out less, but also are less likely to stick to it long-term than those who exercise for other reasons." The article goes on to say that once people find the many other benefits of exercise, such as an improved sense of well-being, stress-relief, better health, they are much more likely to remain motivated and focused in their programs and working out becomes an indispensable part of everyday life. Check out the full article on www.active.com here.
Entering a local running race, triathlon or century bike ride can be the catalyst that many need in order to make the transition from mundane, menial workouts to experiencing exercise as an uplifting way of life. Once you enter an event, you have a clear goal in mind that will guide your workouts and keep you focused. For example, if you haven't done much running, but think you might want to try entering a 5k, you would gradually over weeks and or months increase your running mileage to the point where you can comfortably complete the 3.1 mile course. If you're able to run 3 or 4 miles easily, you might want to consider challenging yourself in a 10k. If you don't feel that you could run, or can't because of physical limitations such as an old knee injury, you can enter most races as a walker. ( Almost every event holds walking events as well as running.)
Perhaps you enjoy spinning classes here at Sports West, and occasionally like to swim a few laps in our pool. You might want to add a few treadmill sessions and think about entering a triathlon. (For more information on upcoming triathlons in our area, visit www.renoareatriathletes.com.)
The thought of entering an athletic competition can be daunting and intimidating for many people, and that is understandable. To those concerns, Jeff Galloway has a good tip which appears in this month's Runner's World. He writes that "while most first-time racers experience 'last place phobia', the reality is that you almost certainly won't finish last. Sure, one person in every race has to take home this title, but simple statistics show that the odds are overwhelming that you'll finish in front of someone else. Besides, the sense of accomplishment you'll experience at the finish line-regardless of your pace-will leave you feeling like a champion." and he finishes with a very true statement: "Once you do such a race, you'll be hooked, no matter where you finish." Besides, most races are big social, festive events and are a lot of fun!
There are two 5k's of note coming up here in Reno. One is the Lament Homes 5k that is being held as part of the Nevada Wide Open Marathon de Mayo, Sunday May 6th, 2007. If you were to sign up for this race, you'd still have one month to get ready, which is a reasonable amount of time, especially if you have been running 15 or 20 minute sessions on the treadmill.
For more info on entering, go to www.marathondemayo.com or www.active.com. You have until May 4th to enter. On the following weekend, there will be the 7th Annual Moms on the Run 5k held at Reno High on Sunday, May 13th 2007. This would give you a little more time to train. We have "Moms on the Run" brochures and flyers here at Sports West, or go to www.MomsontheRun or www.active.com for info and registration.
As with most running events, both of these races raise money for good causes. The Lakemont Homes 5k proceeds go to raise money for Habitat for Humanity and Moms on the Run helps raise money for local women who are undergoing breast cancer treatment.
So there you have it! Not only will entering an event help you invigorate your exercise routines, but you'll have fun and help many great causes!
If you have questions, or want some advice on how to start a running program, drop me a line! cpkarkow@sportswestreno.com.
Christine