Getting used to running

Now that I've been training for a few weeks, I am not plagued by weird pains. I have a recurring muscle soreness problem in my hip, and ever since I started running on the treadmill- that hasn't been bothering me.

I think the key is to take it slowly and not push yourself more than you feel is comfortable. Overtraining is not a good thing!

Salad Greens from the Garden

We just got back from a one week trip. I am amazed as to how big the salad greens have gotten. Some of my plants died. It's been really hot and humid. But the plants in the back, sort of in the shade, are flourishing.

Last night, I made a large salad. Most of the greens were from the garden. Some of them I started from seed.

It makes the meal so satisfying when you see the fruits of your labor!

Backyard Wildlife Conservation

I love gardening, wildlife, and conservation.

I found a program that is the perfect merging of all these things. I believe that one individual can make a difference. I also believe that a lot of individuals can help even more.

I think that what the National Wildlife Federation is organizing is wonderful, and I want to be a part of it. This summer, I will be busy planting native plants in my garden and logging all the beautiful birds and butterflies it attracts.

The first step: taking an inventory of all the plants in my yard and labeling either "Exotic, invasive, or native."

Want to join in on the fun? Click on this link for more information:

http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/

Strength Training for Runners

I am still training for that Marathon. Yesterday was my longest run- about four miles. I ran on the treadmill. It is very humid out and I have a recurring injury in my hip. I thought that the treadmill would help. My stamina still isn't built up and I find that I have to walk sometimes- more than I like. Maybe I am trying to run too fast (which would explain that injury).

Anyway, I put together a strength training routine that will help make me a stronger runner. This is a three week program. After the four weeks, I am changing the exercises to keep my muscles challenged. I will do this routine twice a week. One will be on an off running day, another will be on a Thursday.

Because you don't want to add bulk, I've been advised to lift 50% of what I am capable of lifting. This will help develop enough strength, without adding bulk.

Warm up for about five minutes. I like the rower because it works the whole body. Stretch afterwards.

• Bench Press- 2 sets of 12 reps
• Push ups- 2 sets of 12 reps
• Rowing- 2 sets of 12 reps. Grip one dumbbell in each hand. Sit on end of bench. Keep back straight. Extend arms down and lift at an angle to bra line. Face palms toward body.
• French Press- 2 sets of 12 reps. Do it as usual, but angle the elbows out more. Do standing
• Bicep Curl- 2 sets of 12 reps
• Crunches- 3 Sets of 15
• Oblique crunches- 3 sets of 15
• Lunge- 2 sets of 15. Just use bodyweight.
• Swim move- 2 sets of 10 reps
• Calf raises- 2 sets of 15. Just use bodyweight.
• Squat- 2 sets of 15. Just use bodyweight.

First Issue of Ezine!

I just sent the first issue of the "Living Naturally" Ezine.

It isn't too late to sign up! Just send a blank email to this address- Natural_life_zine-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Planting

I've been planting all week. I had quite the backlog of plants that needed to go in the ground. My shoulders are sore. This is a good thing- I feel that all the digging and weeding I've been doing has replaced at least one strength workout.

Here is a short list of things I've planted:

• tomatoes
• brussel sprouts
• borage
• anise
• allysum
• broccoli
• red romaine
• regular romaine
• lavender
• echinacea
• snapdragon
• dianthus
• lilies
• violets
• radishes
• sage

One more day of heavy planting and that's it- I'm done for a while! I imagine caring for them is going to take some work, too. My garden is all organic.