Guest Post: Race Volunteering & PiYo

Back by popular demand, a guest post by team 2015 Miles in 2015 member Brandi Jones. Have you been wondering how her "Free Year" has been going since her last post? Well Brandi has an update!

Hello again!!! Well I’ve made it 5 months without filling out a registration form. YAY!! Total mileage 302.83/672. Almost half way!!

I have been asked a million times this month why I chose not to race this year. As I mentioned before this is my “free year”. My first year in 3 years not in training mode during the summer. Anyone who has ever trained know ’s how hard it is to commit to the training process and stick with it. It’s not only a physical challenge but a mental challenge as well. On a recent run with my local running group we talked about how running is such a mental game. Your mind has tremendous power over your body. Over the years I’ve learned it takes about 2 miles for me to be comfortable running. So, my mind is 100% convincing my body those two miles to keep going and it will get better, and it does. I have never once I regretted a run. If you have regrets you’ve chosen the wrong path. Everyone faces challenges and starts at different points but we all have one goal,  to better ourselves.  We are surround by amazing people each trying to obtain their personal best. Cheer them on – Give them a high five.

 Do you know how hard it is to get approved to volunteer at bigger races? I think the last volunteer form I filled out was 14 questions, then you have to wait to be approved and see if there is a spot for you. I’m glad they take such strict precautions but we are offering to volunteer our time.  I did volunteer at my first race in April. It was at the Earth Day 5k/10k in Clear Lake, Iowa. I had a few friends running so it was nice to be able to cheer them on. My new cow bells ring pretty good. J

 April was also my first (and definitely not my last) attempt at PiYo with Jen from just a mom giving it a TRI . Class was once a week for 5 weeks with each class lasting around an hour. Just like any new form of exercising  it takes 2-3 times to get the hang of it. (I strongly suggest any new activities you try give it for a month or 3-4 times before making a decision whether or not it’s for you). Class consisted of holding controlled movements and getting a good stretch. Jen used a headset and speaker system to walk you thru the moves. The first night I got home it felt like Gumby. My body was so loose and flexible, it felt weird to even walk, almost like you were walking on sponges. After 3 classes I could really feel the difference when I ran, I  had a better stride. My hip flexors stay pretty tight.  I’m sure it’s due to the fact I sit at a desk for 8 hours a day. We ask a lot out of our bodies when we exercise.  Don’t follow the same exercise routine day in and day out. Change it up! Try something different! I use a lot of the PiYo moves before and after I run to help stretch out. I will definitely keep PiYo in my exercise routine.

 Oh- and I got some new kickers this month also. My current shoes have over 400 miles on them so it was time to replace them. I’m going to keep my old shoes for running while we are camping. I also got a fantastic coupon code e-mailed to me from ProCompression. It was their grab bag socks ( 3 pairs) for $39.00. plus free shipping! These sock are usually $65 a pair, so I took a chance, I can’t pass up a good deal. I received my shoes and socks the same day. Needless to say I was over the moon with the sock colors. They ended up matching my shoes excellent.

It’s like Christmas all over again!