Hi. I'm Amanda. Welcome to my blog! My purpose is to share my experience with others because I truly believe that my story will provide support and inspiration to people from many different walks of life. Whether you’re in a fitness rut, working your way back from an injury, trying to begin an exercise program, or enjoying your fit lifestyle, I believe my story will reach out to you in a unique way. My story is not revolutionary, but the elements that comprise it can be very powerful. If it can help just one person, then this entire blog will be worth my while.
Everyone has their own passions, talents, and interests. For me it was running. I’ve loved running for as long as I can remember. The reason was simple; I was good at it, very good in fact and it made me feel good to stand out, to be noticed for something in a positive way. You see, I grew up in a small town in Northern Canada and running was my ticket to a bigger world.
At the age of 17 I accepted a full athletic scholarship to a prestigious private University in the US to run NCAA Division I Track and Field. I spent years training hard and was soon breaking records and running at the national level. My Olympic dreams were within reach. I had made the qualifying times and, all I needed was to run my time officially at trials.
Two weeks before the big day I suffered what could have been a career ending injury. I was told I would never run again. I was shattered. I was a runner; it was all I knew. It defined me, and I was lost. It was then I realized my journey was just beginning. Armed with determination, tenacity, and passion, I began running in the water, then swimming, and then cycling. Eventually I was able to start running on land again.
I now have a newfound excitement and I’m enjoying an active lifestyle. I may no longer be a professional runner, but I believe I have so much more in my life. I've started this blog hoping I could inspire someone else, no matter what stage of the fitness journey you’re in. I plan to post training tips that have helped me, and I would love to hear your ideas, struggles and successes too. Send me an email or post a comment and tell me where you are in your life.
Everyone has their own passions, talents, and interests. For me it was running. I’ve loved running for as long as I can remember. The reason was simple; I was good at it, very good in fact and it made me feel good to stand out, to be noticed for something in a positive way. You see, I grew up in a small town in Northern Canada and running was my ticket to a bigger world.
At the age of 17 I accepted a full athletic scholarship to a prestigious private University in the US to run NCAA Division I Track and Field. I spent years training hard and was soon breaking records and running at the national level. My Olympic dreams were within reach. I had made the qualifying times and, all I needed was to run my time officially at trials.
Two weeks before the big day I suffered what could have been a career ending injury. I was told I would never run again. I was shattered. I was a runner; it was all I knew. It defined me, and I was lost. It was then I realized my journey was just beginning. Armed with determination, tenacity, and passion, I began running in the water, then swimming, and then cycling. Eventually I was able to start running on land again.
I now have a newfound excitement and I’m enjoying an active lifestyle. I may no longer be a professional runner, but I believe I have so much more in my life. I've started this blog hoping I could inspire someone else, no matter what stage of the fitness journey you’re in. I plan to post training tips that have helped me, and I would love to hear your ideas, struggles and successes too. Send me an email or post a comment and tell me where you are in your life.
I’ve loved running for as long as I can remember. I was a competitive runner in high school and college. I trained hard and my dream of making the Olympic team was within my reach when I suffered what could have been a career ending injury.
But today I’m enjoying the fit lifestyle again. I’m working toward my MBA and hope to have a career in fitness. I've started this blog hoping I can inspire someone else. Whether you’re in a fitness rut, working your way back from an injury, trying to begin an exercise program, or enjoying your fit lifestyle, I would love to hear from you. Send me an email or post a comment and tell me where you are in your fitness journey.
Kristin introduced me to your page, can wait for more. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda, I just ran my first marathon and was so excited I decided to sign up for another. Although finishing the race was a great accomplishment, I would like to improve my time in the next marathon. Do you have any training recommendations or running advice?
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog Amanda! I'm in a fitness rut and this is just what I need.
ReplyDeleteCan you suggest a cardio workout that I can do in the pool? I am getting over a foot injury and need a low impact solution. Plus, the gym I belong to has a pool and I am not a strong swimmer, but love the idea of working out in the water.
Looking forward to your advice!
Katie
Hi Amanda! I loved what you wrote! I started training for and competing in triathlons two years ago, but unfortunately got injured while switching gears over the winter to train for a marathon. I ended up with IT Band Sydrome and Patellafemoral and tracking issues (plus I have flat feet, which doesn't help matters!). It has been a slow process getting back into running and keeping my knee pain at bay. I know that I really need to work on my running form, which will make me faster, more efficient, and will likely help minimize and/or prevent injuries going forward. I would appreciate any tips/advice you can provide on improving my running form. I look forward to hearing your response to my question and to other posts. Thanks! - Sarah
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on becoming a full-fledged triathlete! I think you will find this blog very helpful, I will try to post at least a couple new workouts, drills and advice a week which will not only help your fitness level, it will contribute to aesthetic results!
I have a set of drills which you can do at the end of any run. I will be posting those drills for you next week.
This week, I have an exercise that will help build your upper body strength and core, making you a faster more powerful runner( plus giving you super toned arms).Many runners don't realize the importance of a srtong core and arms - these are vital!
Stay Tuned, the exercise is called 'Running Arms'.
Also, I completely understand your injuries, as I am plagued by them myself. The water workout I have included this week is perfect for training and getting fit. I have actually used this workout to completely prepare for a triathlon and ended up running my fastest time. Give it a try in the pool and let me know how it goes.
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI've been doing the same workout for 2 1/2 years: distance runs, bike rides and swims. I'm bored, and I've stopped seeing results. I'd like to integrate intervals and new exercises, but i'm not sure what to do or how. How can I mix up my workouts and challenge my body?
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI posted an example of a pool workout - I hope this helps. It is a very intense workout, I am curious to see how it goes. You can either do this in the deep end with a water belt (most pools have them) or in the shallow end and run in the water.
Amanda
Hi Jayne,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all , it sounds like you are very active, congrats on your already fit lifestyle! And the fact that you swim, bike and run - are you a triathlete?
I completely understand how this workout can get monotonous, especially since it sounds like you are an endurance person doing longer, endurance-type workouts which can get mundane and your body can get efficient at doing the same long workouts over and over causing you to plateau in your results. In fact, it is optimal to totally change up your workout every 6 weeks.
Your posting inspired me to write an article focusing on changing up your work out, and adding intensity. For example, rather than doing 60 min of the same level of cardio each day, it is would be more effective to do an interval workout one day which is shorter and more intense and than do your longer, slower recovery run the next day. It is crucial to keep your body guessing, and challenging yourself.
Hope this helps,
Amanda
Hope this helps, stay tuned - I will write an example one week dynamic workout, which will provide intensity, diversity and max calorie burn!!
Great blog! Can't wait to keep reading and learning as I'm training for my first half marathon.
ReplyDeleteHi Nina,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the marathon! When and where is it? How long have you been running? I'm curious to hear :)
Good Luck, let me know if there is anything I can do to help you prepare.
Amanda
Hey Amanda--
ReplyDeleteThe half is on Nov. 15. I've been running for about a year and love it.
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. The workouts are great and I'm excited to start incorporating them into my training. I'm always interested to hear what kind of strength and cross training I should be incorporating to improve my running. Any great core routines or other strength routines you suggest?
Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI am a personal fitness trainer but have had no formal training in track or running. I enjoy going to the local track and doing a "speed / sprint" workout because it's a great change of pace and I like the results. However, I am unsure if the workout I am doing is the most efficient / effective.
I warm up for 3/4 - 1 mile light jog around the track and then I "sprint", aka, run my fastest on the straight away and then walk the corners. I do 8 sets, or 1 mile. Then I either do a few sets of stairs or stretch and head out.
I would love your feedback on a basic speed workout or what you think is the most effective track workout.
Thanks!
Stacey
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI'm a personal fitness trainer but have had no formal training in track or running. I enjoy going to the local track to run sprints / intervals, but I am unsure if my routine is the most effective.
I begin with a 3/4 - 1 mile warm-up jog and then sprint (run my fastest) on the straight away and then walk the corners. I do 8 sets, or 1 mile. I then sometimes run stadium stairs, but if not, stretch and head out.
I am interested to know your favorite interval workout at the track and / or what you think is the most effective track workout.
Thanks!
Stacey
Hi Stacey!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, welcome to my blog! You definitely have an extensive understanding of fitness and workout options. The workout you described above on the track is an excellent workout - in fact it is a good one for other people reading to try. It is clear you take advantage of intervals, sprints and even stairs.
The one thing I can suggest is changing it up, using the same principles, which you already use (interval, speed etc) and varying the length and intensity. For example, competitive runners are constantly changing their workouts, when I was runner we never did the same workout twice in 2 weeks. For example, if we did the workout you described above one day, the other workout may include longer intervals, such as one entire lap. Doing a set of 4-6 laps with a recovery in between. Sprint or intervals should really only be done 2-3 times maximum per week, and you can mix in longer steady paced days or tempo workouts, which I can explain in a posting.
Another way to intensify your workout is to jog the recovery, it doesn't matter how slow, but it makes a huge difference. The absolute worst thing you can do at the end of an interval is stop, you need to keep your body moving. Walking works too, but if you are looking to step it up, definitely try jogging in between.
You have inspired me to post another interval/track workout. Stay tuned!!
yYOU GO GIRL!!! I ADMIRE YOUR TENACITY AND COURAGE..BEST OF LUCK.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda! Your blog looks great. I NEED your advice. I am a very athletic individual but since starting my residency in Emergency Medicine I am working odd shifts at the hospital and do not have a lot of time to work out. Can you suggest a few workout tips that can maximize my workout in a short amount of time 30-45 min. ?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
Kristin
Great site Amanda!
ReplyDeleteI will pass this site on to our club volleyball coaches who are looking for strength training. Your plyometrics article looks like a good start for building leg power.
Harvard
Congrats on the new activity! I really want to appreciate your interesting blog. I hope you will updates this blog regularly. I am sure you really loved being in touch with the audience and speaking and spitting out around. You have done great work. keep it up!
ReplyDelete