running Archives - My Inner Shakti

Half Marathon Training (Week 4) and Gaiam TV

I know I sound like a broken record, but once again, I didn’t exactly keep up with my training schedule this week. Honestly, by the time Friday rolled around, my legs felt super heavy and tired and my cramps were in full gear. No fun at all. I decided to take it easy, enjoy time with the fam, and push my 7 mile run back to the week 5.

Also, to allow for some flexibility on when I complete my long run, I’m changing my training week so that it starts on Monday and ends on Sunday. When it was the other way around, I felt like I only had Friday or Saturday to complete my weekly long runs. Technically, it doesn’t matter, but this small change makes me feel better so that’s that!

Here’s what week 4 looked like:

[Sunday – Gaiam TV beginners tone and strength yoga]
Monday – 3.25 mile run
Tuesday – Rest
Wednesday – Gaiam TV energy release yoga
Thursday – 3.25 mile run
Friday – rest
Saturday – rest
Sunday – rest

Other than that, training is…going! At this point, I’m excited about the longer run and really looking forward to them. We’ll see how long that lasts!

Gaiam TV

A couple of weeks ago, I was selected to participate in a Fitfluential campaign for Gaiam TV. This couldn’t have come at a better time because the one thing I really need to add to my workout routine is more yoga/stretching.

After logging in and setting up my profile, I started browsing the different yoga workouts. I love how everything is organized by level. You can even search for specific workouts based on time, instructor, etc. Each video also gets a star rating, and users can also leave comments.

After clicking around some more, I realized that this was more than a yoga site. There are SO many different kinds of workouts available on Gaiam – kickboxing, Zumba, tai chi, strength training, etc. It’s honestly the at-home workout person’s dream! And the best part is that these workouts really are great…at least the ones I’ve tried so far are!

And then to take it a step further, Gaiam also offers original programming, documentaries, articles, etc. I’ve already bookmarked five different documentaries to watch during my time off in December. There’s everything from health/nutrition/food related films to ones that are more spiritual in nature. It’s incredible, especially for those who love learning about this kind of stuff. It’s a goldmine of information/resources.

Just to be clear, I was not required to write a blog post about my experience with Gaiam TV. I am doing this all on my own because I love the service that much. I think it’s worth checking out at the very least. There really is something for everyone, and in my case, everything I could ever want all in one place!

If you want to check out the service and see if it’s for you, feel free to use my Gaiam TV link.(affiliate link). If you’re anything like me, you won’t regret it!

What did your week of workouts look like?

Half Marathon Training (Week 3) and Why I Run

written by Parita 2 Comments

I feel like the theme of this half marathon is going to end up being “it didn’t go as planned but it went.” Like in week two, I had to make some adjustments, but in the end, it all worked out. Maybe even better than expected.

Here’s what week three looked like…

Sunday – Rest
Monday – 3.5 mile treadmill run
Tuesday – Full body dumbbell circuit + a brisk 25 minute walk
Wednesday – 3 mile run
Thursday – Rest
Friday – Unintentional rest day
Saturday – 6 mile run

The absolute highlight of this week was my long run on Saturday. Because of an unforeseen event, I had to push my run back to 3 pm. Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with S. Florida weather, this was a very risky move on my part. Even in November, it’s very hot and slightly humid in the afternoons. I was honestly dreading every step.

Well, it just so happens that I had nothing to fear. It was super hot earlier in the day, but by the time 3 pm rolled around, it was slightly cooler and less humid. I was able to run the entire 6 miles without stopping at a 9:41 pace! And I felt solid the entire time. This is totally unheard of for me! While I’m choosing not to focus on time too much, I’m excited to see if/how I improve over the next few weeks.

Vishnu cracked up as soon as I walked in the door because I left the apartment with a “I HAVE to run 6 miles and it’s gonna suck” attitude and came back with a huge grin on my face and tons of energy. Go figure!

Why I Run

While running sans music/podcast this past Monday, I thought about why I subject myself to running and everything that comes with it. And after 3.25 miles of thinking, I think I nailed down the answer. I’m in control when I run. I decide how far and how fast I go. I can lace up my shoes and take off pretty much whenever I want. If a run doesn’t go as planned, I have to take responsibility and figure out why. I don’t have to rely on anyone else. It’s all up to me. This is why I run.

This answer is pretty much in line with my personality. I am, what some would call, a control freak. I like being my own fitness boss!

Why do you work out the way you do?

In case you’re interested, here are links to my weekly training recaps:

Week 1
Week 2

We’re Not Quitters, We’re Adapters

written by Parita Leave a Comment

I’m not sure if y’all noticed, but I haven’t blogged about my half marathon training lately. No worries though because my sister and I are still going to participate. We just had to, umm, adapt our plans to fit the current circumstances.

The current circumstance is this – my sister’s knee is still bothering her a little bit. It’s gotten better, but she’s no where near ready to run 13.1 miles. But being the dedicated sisters we are, we decided that instead of aiming to run the entire race, we will run/walk and have lots of fun doing it!

At first, my sister was so upset. She told me to go ahead and train per usual. What she didn’t know is that the reason I’m so excited about the Providence Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon is because we’re going to do it together. So, I told her that, and now I’m training for this thing a little bit differently. Here is my plan…

I am still strength training 2x a week because I love how it makes me feel and because it really does help me with my cardio. And instead of building up mileage with 3-5 mile runs during the week and a long run on Sunday, I am now using intervals to train. In fact, run/walk interval training is what actually helped me lose weight back in the day, and it also helped transform me from a power walker to a runner. Running/walking is very near and dear to my heart!

Here are a couple of examples of what interval training looks like for me…

1. Alternate between power walking for 2 minutes and running for 3 minutes. I usually do this for 50 minutes.

2. Start with power walking for 3 minutes, then move onto jogging for 3 minutes, pick up the pace with some running for the next 3 minutes, and then sprint for the last minute. Repeat 4-5x.

Don’t let all the “walking” deceive you. These are still sweaty workouts that get your heart rate pumping. In fact, I kind of look like this after I complete them…

Source

Well, kinda…

Anyways, back to me and my sister. We’ve decided that we are not quitters, we are adapters. And personally, the bigger lesson learned for me is that you can’t let the curveballs throw you off. You have to keep moving forward no matter how disappointed or upset you are. Life isn’t about having things always work out perfectly – it’s about learning to deal with the imperfections and making the most of every situation. How’s that for a deep thought!?

So now y’all know why I haven’t mentioned the half marathon on here lately. But no worries, I will still be providing you all with a full recap of the race. You can breath easy now!

Do you ever do the walk/run combo thing for workouts?

Forgetful Blogger + Half Marathon Training: Week 5

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Hi, friends!!! I feel like I haven’t blogged in ages. I’ve missed y’all!

Soooo…I’m a super bad blogger. I totally forgot to tell y’all about my trip to Atlanta this weekend…oops! I don’t know about you, but I often forget to include certain details in my posts, only to remember a few hours later when it’s too late. Oh well.

This was actually a really last minute trip – I bought my ticket on Wednesday and flew out on Saturday. My parents really wanted me to go home and spend some time with them and Vishnu’s parents since we just got engaged. And of course, I wanted to see everyone as well. Since we aren’t doing a formal religious pooja (prayer service) to celebrate our engagement, our families met at the temple yesterday. Both sets of parents are pretty religious, so it was nice way to spend time together. We also went to dinner afterwards. For all the Indian food loving Atlanta readers out there, go check out Gokul Sweets (Lawrenceville Highway and Church Street) for some authentic Indian street food. SO DELICIOUS!

[Note: Another reason why I’m a bad blogger is because I didn’t take any pictures this weekend. I kind of just forgot. Oops! Last time…I promise!]

Other weekend happenings included dropping off my ring to be resized (unfortunately, I’ll be without my ring for two weeks Sad smile ), meeting with an Indian designer for outfits, meeting with a decorator, and lots of eating (duh!).

Being at home for less than 48 hours was tiring but so much fun! I miss everyone already!!!

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I also wanted to let you know that I finished The Alchemist (my part II review coming soon) and started The Help. And can I just say that I LOVE The Help…love love love!!! It’s such a beautifully written novel that’s humorous, fun, and emotional all in one. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and buy a copy because I guarantee you’ll want to read it more then once.

Source

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Half Marathon Training: Week 5

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Stretching on my own	40 minute power walk	4 mile run	35 minute strength training routine	3 mile run	REST	45 minute power walk

I felt like I was on track and going strong this week…until Sunday. As you can see, I missed my long run. I planned to head out early Sunday morning and pound out 8 miles before it got too hot. Too bad that didn’t happen. Instead, I woke up at 9:15 and power walked. I was so exhausted…I couldn’t even fathom running 8 miles. I think it had something to do with the weather. Atlanta is HOT HOT HOT (and humid) right now. I felt dehydrated all weekend. I’m going to move this 8 mile long run to this Sunday. Here’s to a better week!!!

I hope y’all had a great weekend!

Are you a forgetful person? Do you ever feel like a bad blogger?

Special Visitor + Half Marathon Training: Week 3

written by Parita Leave a Comment

Hello hello! How was your Monday? Mine was great…you know why?! This is yet another four day work week for me because I have a very special visitor coming to town on Friday, and no, it’s not Santa. Winking smile Still stumped? I’ll give you a few clues…he’s super cute, very funny, and basically the love of my life. Yes, it’s Vishnu! WOOT WOOT!

Yep, this pretty much sums us up!

Not even a blurry picture can keep my excitement down! Vishnu and I don’t see each other as often as we’d like, and I honestly don’t know when I’ll see him after this visit – maybe August. Long distance is hard. Period. I’m not even going to sugarcoat it and say that it gets easier because it doesn’t. But I have learned that if you’re with the right person, it’s worth every minute of it. I’ve also learned that you have to make the most of every moment you have and live in the present – the past is the past and the future is uncertain, so you have to try to enjoy the current moment as it is (easier said then done, I know…it took me YEARS to learn this one).

Anyways, I have a fun weekend planned for us – a visit to RI, my friend Monica’s birthday celebration, dinner in the North End, outlet shopping, etc. Can’t wait!!! No worries, y’all will get a full recap!

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Half Marathon Training: Week 3

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
Strength Training (routine created by yours truly)	3.5 mile run (3.75 total)	REST	Strength workout with Jillian Michaels	3 mile run (3.27 total)	REST	7 mile run (7.3 total)

Training is moving along as expected. I can’t believe I am already into week four.

As you can see, I took an “un”expected rest day on Wednesday. Again, my body didn’t want to get out of bed, so I let it rest. As silly as it sounds, I think it’s because my body naturally expects to rest on that day. I’ve decided that instead of planning to workout and failing miserably, I’m going to plan for both Wednesday and Saturday to be my rest days, and if I decide to do something light on Wednesday, so be it. If not, no big deal.

I’m also continuing to learn how strong the mind-body connection is. For example, my long run on Sunday started off kind of rough. My legs just weren’t getting into the swing of things, and time was moving along way too slowly for my liking. Almost immediately, all of these negative thoughts started creeping into my head – you can’t do this, you’re not a runner, you should just quit now, etc. It was so frustrating! Then around mile four, I started to stand up to the voice in my head and decided to push harder. After about 10 minutes or so, my run started getting easier (or as easy as it was going to get) and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can honestly say that I finished strong. And surprisingly, I wasn’t all that tired the rest of the day (last week all I wanted to do was take a nap). Progress!

Tell me – what’s the greatest lesson you’ve taken away from exercising?

Easy on Your Knees

written by Parita 16 Comments

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people have told me to reduce the number of miles I run because it’s super hard on your knees. My own doctor even told me that! I believed it for a while because I had major knee pain while I trained for my first half marathon and a long time afterwards as well. I didn’t quite believe that running was directly contributing to my pain, so I conducted my own little experiment…I got fitted for running shoes and insoles. Lo and behold the pain was gone. Running itself wasn’t the culprit – my bad choice in shoes was.

And now there is research that proves the contrary as well. NPR recently covered a story about how joggging, for the most part, is beneficial for the knees. Researchers studied people with knee arthritis and found that these individuals were never really runners to begin with. Also, when researchers studied runners and followed them over time, they found that their risk of developing osteoarthritis was no more than expected. Both studies show that recreational running doesn’t increase the risk of arthritis.

In fact, running is healthy for the joint and the surrounding cartilage. It appears that exercise stimulates the cartilage and makes it stronger by increasing the creation of certain proteins.

Researchers have also found that as regular joggers aged, they were more inclined to participate in other forms of exercise like yoga, cycling, and walking. These individuals actually tended to live longer than the non-joggers with a better quality of life.

Before you go and sign up for 3 marathons, I have to tell you about the noted caveat. If you’ve suffered a knee injury, especially one that resulted in surgery, running can increase your risk of knee arthritis. However, most doctors agree that running an eight to 10-minute mile pace for about 40 minutes a day is fine. My personal view is that no one knows your body better than you do. Please run responsibly!