Stronger Strides

Supplements.... Supplements... Where to begin! The fitness industry can be a very messy, intimidating and contain a lot of misleading information. Supplements are a huge money maker for companies because everyone is looking for that "magical pill" to make them fit into those high school jeans. If you know me, I am a very naturalist person but I also do take supplements. I love to find very natural supplements and limit my caffeine intake. **Disclosure- I am not paid to represent any of these products. They are all just products that I like and recommend to everyone in the fitness world. My schedule: Wake up at 4:30 AM- Take my pre-workout from WM Nutrition & L-Carnitine from Ideal Fit During my workout- sip on Ideal Fit's BCAAs & WM nutrition Hydrenengery After my workout- IdealFit Protein Powder At breakfast- Glucosamine and daily multi-vitamin Here are what they look like and links to where you can buy them: Pre workout- WM Nutrition WM Nutrit...

As the New York Marathon approaches, many memories from last year's race flow through my mind. I ended up running a 3:36 last year (which qualifies me for Chicago) and boy oh boy was it an amazing experience. Lets start with the training: THE MARATHON:- 16 weeks of training. 2-20 milers, running 5 days a week, lots of blisters and always being hungry. I love what Stephanie Bruce said- "The marathon is about learning how to run on tired legs." How true that is. I was able to run a 1:30 half marathon which qualified me to run this amazing race. As I started to read about the marathon everyone said it was not an easy flat course. They had a thing back east called "Bridges" and a lot of them. Well Utah has something called "Mountains" and I used those to my advantage. I have ran my share of marathons but this one was different. I wanted to train smarter, harder and just have some fun. This is what my average week looked like: Monday-  Get the legs ...

So a few months ago I found out I got accepted into the New York Marathon! That is a funny story because people told me it takes around ten years to get into the marathon through the lottery so I thought that I better start trying. Well, I got in on my first try! Ha! I guess I am running it this year and I couldn't be more excited. Life is a little busy and probably not the ideal time to run and train for a marathon. Balancing working and grad school, and training for a marathon makes me one tired and hungry girl. People always ask me how I am managing everything and I always think that running is my saving grace. People call me crazy that I run so much but trust me, they would really see crazy if I didn't run. I am really grateful to have the opportunity to do the things in my life. Side story: met a girl at the gym two years older than me who is fighting cancer. She used to be a little speedster runner but can barley run now. She said it is so hard having things taken awa...

I am so sorry I haven't written in a long time! It has been very crazy training for a marathon, finishing my last semester in school, working, and trying to get applications in for grad school. Update: BOSTON IS IN TWO WEEKS!!! I can't wait.  This marathon I have taken my training to a different level and haven't focused on speed but more of strength.  My last marathon I really focused on speed training to keep myself at a qualifying time.  This marathon, hills have been my best friend.  I have been running at a 8:30-9 min miles but have felt more energy, can run longer at a better constant pace, and haven't had stomach pain after my run. The biggest training that I have incorporated in my training is  plyometric training . Boy, I am a believer!!! This stuff is amazing and can really work fast twitch and slow twitch muscles. They are amazing for increasing speed and endurance. Here are some circuits that I follow! A Glance at What My Week Looks Like: ...

Today was my first long run while training for Boston. Boy oh boy was that a mental challenge. I feel that I am in really good shape physically but it is the mental aspect that always gets to me! I have never trained this early in the year before and it is very challenging getting motivated.  I tried this run on Saturday and I got so sick and I was so tired from skiing. So I ended up doing my 11 today! I ran the loop in my neighborhood which is about 1.5 miles then went on a trail near my house. Tip: Make sure that you are mentally ready for your run.  I try to run at the same time in the morning so my body is use to running and this helps my mind prep for the long haul ahead of me. Goal: Try to make your last mile your fastest mile! Gear: PANTS :  Today I ran in my Nike Women's Tech pant . I LOVE these pants. They are thinner but keep you just right on temperature.  Not fleece lined, tight up on my waist so there is no slippage. LOVE THEM!!! SHOES : ...

Hello all! I just wanted to introduce myself a little.  I am 24 years young. I studied at Utah Valley University getting my degree in Public and Community health with a minor in Exercise and Sports Science.  I am very passionate about health and finding a balance in life.  I have lived in Utah my whole life and I absolutely love it. I have a strong passion for the outdoors.  I love helping people increase the quality of their life through increasing their health.  I don't believe in diet pills, medications, "7 day detoxes", or special magical pills that will make you instantly lose weight overnight.  It takes work. Though I believe that being healthy is a complete life style change.  When you change your outlook on health and fitness, they you will truly change your life and overall health. I believe in getting out and living each day to the fullest.  I am currently training for the Boston Marathon.  I ran the Utah Valley Marathon i...