Fitness Friday!

Run, stretch, repeat.

This week I had a few realizations.  First, I realized that although it's a bit of a drive to get to the park I go for my runs in, I have found that it is my zen time and I love it.  Second, I realized that my hips need some strength work.  And third, using a foam roller for some good ol' myofascial release is PAINFUL.

Becca came over a few times this week to do a few burst workouts from a few apps I have on my Macbook (I'm sure I will highlight these apps in a future Fitness Friday...they are Daily Cardio Workout, Daily Ab Workout, Daily Butt Workout, etc. if you're interested now).  One afternoon after a quick, intense workout we decided to do some work with Becca's new Gaiam Foam Roller she purchased at Target a few weeks ago.  The premise behind the foam roller is to roll over your muscles slowly and stop at points that experience a little bit of pain.  This allows the muscle fibers to release and gets out those little "kinks" we have in our muscle fibers.  It's a great alternative to traditional stretching and gets into some of the places that aren't released in those traditional positions.

I have to say that using a foam roller is mighty painful.  One moment you're rolling along peacefully and then POW!  You've hit a tight spot.  The feeling after allowing the fibers to release though, is honestly amazing.  I definitely recommend trying this.  There is quite a learning curve to it and you have to work up to holding yourself off of the ground to allow for the roller to really put pressure on the muscles, but the payoff is a really relaxed feeling to the muscles.  You should try it!

On another note, I am continuing on with my running goal of 365 miles in 365 days.  According to my running app Runkeeper, I have logged 8 miles so far since deciding to do this and I still have another run I am planning for Sunday.  Seems like I'm off to a good start this year!  I'd better be because I have my first wedding dress fitting three weeks from tomorrow!  Yikes!

:D

-Hill