Lasting Fitness Memories

This Saturday, the Annual Hilton Head Island Bridge Run takes place, and when I got the registration in the mail, many memories filled my mind.  This 10K was my very first running event, and it’s been an annual ritual each year since.  Having run a few races in between my first and second bridge run, it was surprising to me how much I recalled from my first run as I was along the route the next year.  I remembered the point at which my nerves dwindled and I settled into my pace; the exhilaration of seeing the first place male on their way back to the finish line, and even more the first place female (Go Ladies!).  I remember seeing another runner pass me, having already gotten to the turnaround, only for me to pass him again as he lost his breakfast over the bridge.  I remember the burst of energy I felt as I kicked in the last mile, and the support of my friend at the finish line, who’d encouraged me to sign up for it in the first place.

Since those first 2 years, I’ve ran this race six months pregnant, next as my first event post-partum, and here I am now, about to run it for a sixth time, this time being four months pregnant.  This event has become more than merely a race.  It’s the time in which I reflect on my life – what’s happened in the past year, what lies in the near future, and then also the imagination of what’s even beyond.  I reflect on everything from my fitness, my career, to my family.

I was honestly contemplating on not registering this year.  With confidence and energy running low, not feeling that I’m in as good of shape as I was the past two years even, I wasn’t certain I wanted to go through with it.  But when I think about how much more it means to me than just getting through 6.2 miles, I know I would regret not doing it even more than completing it at a slower pace. 

I share this story with you because, over the past few months especially, I’ve witness how truly meaningful events like 5Ks and triathlons have been for some of our guests at H3.  We have them on our program schedule from time to time, and even run a few private events for our own group.  Many of our guests arrive without a single thought of ever trying a 5K or triathlon… but here, they do it, they succeed at it, and they love it.  Whether it’s the competition, the charity, or the social aspect that turns you on to an event, it’s hard not to find something that you will enjoy about it.  As your mother always says, “Try it, you’ll like it!”

If you need a little boost in your workout routine, or want something to look forward to, sign up for your first 5K today!  You can go to www.active.com to search for events in your area, and we have resources here on H3 Daily to help you train to your best!  If you’ve already got a an event or two under your belt, share your story here.  See ‘ya out on the road!

Are you feet ready to make the Dash?

In preparation for “Devin’s Dash”, which is simply one energetic week away, one of the best ways to care for your feet is to invest in a good pair of running or walking shoes.

When you get fitted for a new pair of running or walking shoes, unless you are here at H3 and can attend our Shoe Seminar, be sure to go directly to the specialists: a sporting goods store, running store, or podiatrist.  Ask them to help you evaluate the arch of your foot.

Are you…

1. Flat-footed –your feet have low arches. They tend to roll inward as you run or walk. If this is you, you should look for a shoe that offers more stability.


2. High arches- your feet roll outward when walking. If this describes you, you should look for a cushioned shoe with greater flexibility to help absorb shock. Insoles, inserted inside your shoes, can also help to support your heels and arches. Inserts can be bought separately by shoe size as well as needs.


3. "Normal"- your arches don't fit into either extreme. If this is you, you have no worries. Most shoes are made to fit “normal” types.

In addition to evaluating your arches, when choosing running or walking shoes be mindful of pronation, the way that your foot moves after striking the ground. Below are the three types of pronation.

1.     Overpronation occurs when the foot rolls excessively inward, which can lead to muscle strains in both your legs and feet. Overpronators’ also tend to have low arches. Is this is you, you should look for "stability" or "motion control" shoes, which are less flexible, have a thicker heel and help decrease excessive pronation.

2.     Underpronation (supination) describes feet that roll outward when running or walking. Underpronators’ tend to have high arches or "pigeon-toes." Is this is you; you need to look for shoes with extra “cushioning” to help absorb the added impact on your foot strikes.

3.     Normal pronation is most common. Normal is where the foot pronates normally, but not excessively. Is this is you, you should seek  stability shoes, which are more flexible than motion control shoes but still have good support.

We hope this information helps get your feet equipped for Devin’s Dash!!! Stay tuned!

Do you 5K?

Here at H3, we have been in quite the 5K spirit!  During the month of February, we held our own “Heart Healthy Beach 5K” each week.  We had such a great response – we are going to make this a regular event. 

 

To finish off American Heart Month on the right foot, staff and guests from H3 participated in a local 5K sponsored by Aunt Chilada’s restaurant; all proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association.  We had a total of 11 participants, with one of our 5-man teams winning first place!  Everyone had an awesome time and crossed the finish line with a smile on their face. 

 

If you are interested in training for a 5K Run – check out the H3 4-Week Training Plan to get started.  Then, visit active.com to find a 5K race in your area.  Grab a few friends to sign-up and train with you – it’s the perfect activity for a Spring-time Saturday morning! 

 

Check out a few pictures from yesterday’s race:

 

 

 

Want to see more pictures?  Visit our Facebook Fan Page!