Organic Runner Mom

Five Favorites from this week!

I am taking a cue from one of my favorite bloggers Happy Fit Mama today I am going to share with you my five new favorite things from this week! It’s Friday Five!

*Disclaimer: I was given the Harbinger Fitness HumanX X2 Speed Rope by SMAK Publications and Marketing in exchange for my review. I was not compensated for this post. All of my opinions are my own.

• Today I tried out the Harbinger Fitness HumanX X2 Speed Rope which was sent to me by SMAK Public Relations and Marketing.  Lately I have been all about trying new things. I have been in need of a change from the routine of just running all the time because I do not want to get anymore overuse injuries! Also, adding change into your life adds a little bit of excitement back in.  The HUMANX speed Rope touts a “new ultra spin mechanism” and a fully adjustable cable which is customizable to your height with the use of an allen wrench. I was happy to receive this speed rope because my coach has just added plyometrics into my workout routine which includes simulated jump rope movements. I figure that it’s even better to add in the real thing.  I had fun using the speed rope but let me warn you . . . this is not your school yard jump rope. I definitely need some practice to get back into the “swing of things.” Do you use a speed rope in your training? 

HUMANX X2 Speed Rope

• I have discovered that I might actually still enjoy using my Concept II Ergometer (Rowing Machine).  After a long hiatus from this evil torture device my coach has added erging into my training.  Erging is fantastic cross-training working all of the core muscle groups. Today I did a nice and easy Steady Steady at 20-22 strokes per minute. I am sure I will be feeling this in my creaky, rusty rowing muscles tomorrow! Do you erg? 

Erging! (Rowing) I don’t look too psyched in this picture.

• As soon as 2014 begins I have decided to join Jill Conyers of Fitness, Health, and Happiness in her 2014 running challenge to run 14 races in 2014. Sounds crazy right? But I do run a ton and figure by Boston I might have at least 3 races under my belt (probably more).  For this challenge I have decided to do the combination of races–5K, 10K, half, Full . . . trails and road because I like to mix things up don’t you?  Will you be joining the 14 in 2014 challenge too? I dare you! 

14 in 2014– Running Challenge from Jill Conyers

• Today when I was shopping at my local COOP food store I discover Mamma Chia in the refrigerated section.  I was intrigued by the flavors, Cranberry Lemonade, Pomegranate Mint,  and Coconut Mango. I decided to try the Pomegranate Mint as I have been on a pomegranate kick lately.  Mamma Chia’s blend of juices includes a light serving of agave nectar as a sweetener and also a nice blend of lemon and lime juices so that it is not too sweet. The Chia seeds provide a great source of fiber, and protein.  I loved the blend of sweet and tart with mint thrown in.  I actually love the texture of the Chia seeds in Mamma Chia and rapidly consumed my drink.  I think I will have to try some of the other flavors! I like their tagline too: “Fun for Your Mouth – Great for Your Body!” Have you ever tried a drink with Chia seeds in it? 

Mamma Chia–Pomegranate Mint

• In honor of Nelson Mandela’s passing my final five for Friday is one of his powerful quotes. May his legacy live on.

Nelson Mandela

What are your Friday Five?

Boston Marathon Training from The Sustainable Athlete Coaching:

The Sustainable Athlete Coaching–Denise Goode

10 Minute Plyometrics Routine:

. Simulated Jump rope- Looking for more of a hopping motion with both feet together. Hop 30 times, walk around

2. Simulated One-Legged Jump rope- 15 each leg
-Walk around

3. A Skips- See video -8 each leg
-Walk around

4. B Skips- See Video- 8 each leg
-Walk around

5. Walking lunges- Make sure you keep the knee behind the front toe- 4 each leg

30 min erg session

Strength Training

10-15 sec rest in between (~10-12 reps 2 sets each):

Dumbell chest press
Lat pulldown or bent over row
Dumbell squat (weights at your side and squatting down to seated position and back up)
Seated dumbell shoulder press
Dumbell bicep curl
Forward lunge with no weights (alternate legs)
Tricep extension

Happy running!