Friday, March 29, 2013

Is there such thing as a "bad run"?

Yesterday morning, three bright little yellow bursts snuggled up to high 40's temps in the 4, 5, and 6pm slots on my phone's weather app. Perfect, I thought, I'll run home from work later. All day I looked forward to a little fresh air, warm sun, and hard-earned sweat. 

The proverbial bell rang and I excitedly changed then laced up. I was feeling a little sluggish, but I thought my run would perk me right up. When I left the building I saw gray skies and - ugh! - felt tiny, cold rain drops. My first thought was "Okay, not going to have a good run today."

My route was a quick three miles made quicker by the desire to get out of the cold drizzle, and midway through, the cramp in my side reminded me that there really was no need for that afternoon chocolate cake indulgence. To top it all off, my new running pants proved less than willing to stay up at the waist. 

But, as I slowed to a stop, I realized that, in the end, good is in fact the only thing a run can be. Because after that last stride, all the things we think were "bad" along the way, like tired muscles, challenged breathing, or mental weakness, immediately become "good" in the end. They're signs of progress, growth, and perseverance. Every aching quad or struggling thought only makes for a better, stronger, improved performance next time. 

So next time you run into a roadblock, mental or physical, remember that weakness is only negative if we allow it to be. 

Peace, love, and happy running 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Five Ways to Make Your Workout Work



{1} Eliminate the post-work lull

Even if you have a commute ahead of you, turn on “workout mode” before you get home by putting on your exercise outfit at work before you even get to the gym or have to go home to change. Better yet – run home right from the office!


{2} Make a plan

Set up a schedule, print it out, and put it somewhere other people are likely to see like your office wall or the fridge at home. Make a big, fat, awesome “X” each time you follow through and hold yourself accountable by circling the days you skip.


{3} Alter your mind

Stop dreading your workout! Make it “me” time – plan a pretty route, leave the headphones at home, and take time alone with your thoughts. Look forward to the break from your iPhone (you’ll survive, I promise) and just let your mind wander.


{4} Prepare

When your after-work to-do list starts building up, “Go for a run” is often the first thing to drop off. Take time over the weekend to do your laundry, tidy up, go grocery shopping, and prep your dinners to give yourself more free time during the week. 


{5} Look the part

It may seem superficial, but a good workout wardrobe is essential. Select pieces that compliment your body and never underestimate the power of a pair of Lululemons, they’re totally worth the investment! Looking forward to a good outfit is great motivation


Saturday, March 23, 2013

The 20-Mile Feeling

My 1st 20-miler - 2010!
This weekend, Boston Marathoners in training are hitting the sidewalks that wind along the long 20-mile stretch from Framingham to Boston. They'll breeze through the quiet roads beside the reservoir, cruise by quaint downtown Natick, and brave the infamous Heartbreak Hill. Dotting their path will be water stops with pretzels and Swedish Fish for fuel, smiling faces from early supporters, and vendors giving out free swag. They'll chat for hours with running partners, and meet new friends along the way.

Their thighs will burn, their hips will ache, and they'll run through blisters, shin splints, and knee pain. Under today's bright skies, they'll see a little color in their cheeks long after they finish their run. Some will walk a bit - and that's okay - while others keep focused on their pace. Many will hit mileages they've never hit before. And for all, incredible pride will swell through their entire body as the Pru comes into view, an emotion that is a small taste of what they'll experience come race day.

The feeling of this day is what moves us to commit to our clients and the RunTrue program. It doesn't have to be 20 miles, it can be 3.1, or 6.2, or 13.1, because running is a personal journey, the barriers you break on your own, and the sense of accomplishment comes from within your self. Sure, we'll be there by your side, but you'll cross the finish line with your own strength.

With that said, we need to get off the couch and lace up!

❤ peace, love, and happy running 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Why “RunTrue”?




RunTrue is about connecting body and mind, using mental focus to reach physical goals. Our mission is to instill in our clients the power to take our guidance and run with it – literally! We want to help you find your true, honest love for running by creating customized, easily-attainable training programs and offering our personal support on a daily basis.

That being said, as with most relationships, we understand that there are always ups and downs. Which is why, when you’re on a runner’s high and you feel like you could go on and on and on, we’ll be there to tell you how awesome you are as you conquer mileages you never thought you could.

And it’s also why, when the freezing rain is pouring down, apparently everyone on Facebook is snuggled up on the couch, and you’d really like to tell running that you’re “on a break,” we’ll be there to give you the push you need to stay focused.
So join us, and discover how a little external motivation can create a lot of inner strength.

~ Coaches Melissa and Molly