The Busy Life

Wednesday, January 11, 2017 · Mike Davis

Good morning,

Not a lot of time for chatting this morning, but grab your coffee and a comfortable chair.

Wednesday mornings has now become a bit crazy. I meet a group of guys at 6:15am for a Bible study and then I will scoot to Sandhills Community College for my 9am Fitness Science class, then a break for an hour and finish with Preventive & Care for Exercise Injuries. Monday was the first day of classes and I can see that I will be challenged, especially with the anatomy portions. However, I can see the benefits both classes will provide for my coaching. Along with the ACE fitness certification and the level II running coach certification, if my head does not explode, I will surely be a better running coach as well as a fitness coach. Kathy is way ahead of me on the fitness side of training and will stay ahead of me with all that she is working on. The workload and material will be a challenge for me, but now is the time to take it on.

I have jumped right into the modules that RRCA requires for the level II cert and while I have 2 years to complete 15, I have 2 done already. I would like to complete 4 or 5 a week, but with school and ACE, I’m not sure if that will be possible. The first two modules were interesting and I learned a great deal. The first one, was the “Physiology of Running” and the second was “Anatomy of Running”. Both are topics I am always interested in and had previously read books on. There is a short test at the end of each module and they are not easy. Level II certification will be a great thing!

Yesterday I was back in the abandoned neighborhood running my intervals. I did not feel very motivated or particularly strong, but I kept my feet moving and got through my self-assigned workout. It was good to see that I was consistent with my pacing, but also a little faster than last week. When I was doing the Physiology module, it discussed the importance of interval training for running efficiency. Not that it is news to me, but it is always good to affirm what I am trying to accomplish. The idea is that pushing myself during the interval workout will make my regular pace seem easier and that is always a good thing! The proof for me was last Thursday when I ran 70 minutes and 8 miles, which is an 8:40 mile pace. 8:40 is a fast pace for me, when I run over 6 miles, so I would say that the intervals are helping. I am fortunate to be able to run outside, but intervals work well on a treadmill as well (hint). If you want a good interval workout designed specifically for you, contact us. Great way to burn calories and get in running shape before spring.

Winter has a way to go yet and the northeast has certainly been challenging for the running community. NFLR’s Winter Pacers running group has not succumbed to the elements and continues to run Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. If you are looking for a great group to run with or need a boost to get you outside, go to www.nofinishlinerunning.com for all the details. No cost and a lot of fun!

Time to get off to my men’s group and get my day rolling. Have a great Wednesday!

God Bless!

Mike