Running in the Pool

Last week, I did something to my hip and running has been making it incredibly worse. It figures I would be injured only two weeks into my marathon training! So over the weekend I decided to head over to a friend's pool to try doing my long run in the water. I have never really done it before, so for the first half hour or so, I felt I was just tweaking my form. I jumped in the deep end with a flotation device around my waist and started running. I tried to keep my back straight and run how I normally would on land. It was so boring!!! I had planned to do two hours and if my friend hadn't sat on the side of the pool and talked to me, I don't think I would have lasted that long. That being said, if you can mix up the workout (add speed intervals, etc), have some music, or a friend with you, I really recommend pool running. It's a great way to keep your fitness level while injured. It can also be a great form of cross-training along with your regular running program, as well as a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.

Tips:
-Use a flotation belt. This will allow you to concentrate on your form rather than keeping your head above the water.

-Run in the deep end with the same form as you normally run on land. Keep a quick turnover with your feet and keep the elbows at the sides in a 90 degree angle. Your stride will be more up and down (like a cyclist) and that's normal.

-Include fartleks into your workout.

-Bring a friend with you!

Eat Your Water With These Foods

You know you're supposed to be drinking a lot of water each day. Especially if you're working out in the heat. In the fast-paced schedules we all keep, it's easy to forget to keep hydrating. Plain water can also become very boring. Below are some foods, listed in an article by Runner's World, that you can eat to help keep you hydrated. Not only are they a nice break from just water, but they taste great and are filled with nutrients to keep your muscles working hard.


Water + Electrolytes
Cantelope, Peaches, Strawberries

Water + Vitamin C
Watermelon, Kiwi, Citrus

Water + Cancer Defense
Tomatoes, Broccoli

 Water + Recovery
  Pineapple, Cherries

                                                          Water + Immunity
                                                           Yogurt, Kefir

                                                          Water + Digestion
                                                           Beans

Check the full article out here:http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-302--13967-2-1-2,00.html