A Little Strength Training Never Hurt Anyone!

Running can become your excitement on a good day, your stress relief on a bad day, your familiar routine, and your best friend (or worst enemy) throughout your training. We live in a world built on the premise that we must spread ourselves thin to achieve all of our goals. On any given day most of us balance our work hours, family time, social commitments, and fitness goals.

For Kaitlin, with so many races scheduled to start the year, a strict training schedule, and a job with the RunningRoom that requires regular running it has been difficult to find the time for some good old Rest, Recovery and Strength Training. After the Chilly Half we were left with 6 weeks before our next race! What are we going to do with all of our spare time! Although feelings of guilt lingered during the first two weeks "off", taking the time to rest and fully recovery from gruelling winter months has changed the game! During the two weeks "off" Kaitlin cut back on km's running only a few small runs, and focused on building strength. Committing to a running focused cross training program to work on building strength, correcting muscle imbalances throughout the body, and loosening tight and damaged muscles was the key. 

After the two weeks of Rest, Recovery and Strength Training it was time to build back in regular runs with increased distance, and the results were shocking. Less pain, shorter recovery times, and way faster pace! I am a believer, and a cross trainer for life. I know runners are used to hearing people chirp about the benefits of strength training but I really am shocked with these results and with how weak I was when I started strength training. Its scary to think I can run a half marathon but can't do 10 Clam Shell exercises without nearly being brought to tears. Get to know your body, find your weaknesses and make them your strengths! You will never regret it.

Happy Running :)

Kaitlin and Melissa

3 halfs in 36 days

This weekends race brought an end to the three closest races that we will run this year. With only 14 days between Winterman and Chilly half, we thought it might be a tough run, but it ended up being the best run of 2014 to date.

One very important experience we had on Sunday was the differences in how welcoming ( or unwelcoming) businesses are to the runners who invade their town or city for a race. Bathrooms are of particular importance during these events. Since the Chilliy half doesn't have an indoor venue for the runners to congregate in (with washroom facilities) before the race. This meant that the Tim Hortons and Starbucks had very long line ups to use the facilities. Kaitlin and I tried to go into a No Frills to use the bathroom (while Kaitlin's fiancée purchased some things), as we weren't certain that we would make it through the Tim Hortons line up in time. The bathroom was practically boarded off and as we left, we walked by a group of employees who stated loudly that they didn't "need" to have a bathroom available to the runners; that it wasn't against the law. We then rushed out of No Frills, jumped in the car and drove around the corner to a Longo's. As we entered the store, I asked a young clerk where the washrooms were and he responded "right this way, let me show you". I'm sure we weren't the only ones who experienced the differing service levels between businesses. I know it is a large group of people to deal with and clean up after, but I don't think it's too much to ask, that you band together create a welcoming community.

After all of this bathroom stress we made it to the start line on time, and we were excited to run our last cold run of the season. The route was fast and flat, and the temperature was considerably warmer than our first two races so we decided to pick up the pace. As a result we managed to finish almost 10 minutes faster than our Hypothermic Half, and we still managed to squeeze in a bathroom break and a lot of laughter!

We are very grateful to have 6 full weeks before our next race, which should allow for a full recovery of any lingering injuries. Our next race is at Spring Fling in Smithsfalls on April 13th.

3 down, 10 to go, and feeling awesome!

Until next time,

Melissa and Kaitlin