I never burp

image source

Really, the title should read "I never burpeed." But that's not nearly as much fun.

(Somehow I've never been tempted to do an exercise that sounds like what a baby does after bottle-time...)
But that changed today.

(Just) Trying is for Little Girls threw down a "New to You" cross training challenge.

The goal: get out of your comfort zone at least once each month in 2012. This can be as simple as downloading a new workout from the interwebs or as adventurous as taking a rock climbing class. It just has to be something new to... Me.

I like the concept. Comfort = training plateau. Discomfort = new challenges.

So, today I tackled my first cross training challenge: Burpees.
(Yes, I know I'm late to this party.)

According to Bodybuilding.com, Burpees involve four simple steps:

1. Begin in a squat position with hands on the floor in front of you.
2. Kick your feet back to a pushup position.
3. Immediately return your feet to the squat position.



Source: iowagirleats.com

via Katie on Pinterest

4. Leap up as high as possible from the squat position.

How hard could they be?

During my lunch break, I went through this "Fitness at Home" circuit a couple of times (with some modifications -- no high knees for me on a 2-for-Tuesday run day).

The verdict: I like doing a 10-minute interval session right before lunch, so that's a "new to me" cross training lesson I'm glad I learned. In fact, this sort of mini-workout might save me from the insanity of 12-hour workdays this semester!

BUT... I don't understand the allure of burpees. To me, burpees feel like a Sun Salutation on crack -- all the speed, none of the finesse.

What am I missing?
Are you a fan of the burpee?

Sticking with it (for beginners)

A friend of mine is training for her first 5k, and had been making excellent progress. Unfortunately she's hit a plateau (largely a result of work and life throwing up roadblocks to running). So I've been brainstorming advice to help her hurdle those roadblocks.

1 - Run with a group.
I cannot possibly emphasize this enough. If you run with a single running buddy or a group you achieve a level of accountability that prevents you from flaking out on a run. (I'm too tired. I'm sore. I'll do it tomorrow.) Get a move on! Someone is waiting for you!
Plus, group runs can be a lot of fun.

2 - Hang your running clothes (or running shoes) somewhere you HAVE to see them.
"The first step out the door is the hardest" is one of the truest mantras for a beginner runner. So make that first step easier. If your gear is in easy reach, it makes it much harder for your brain to use the "it's too much effort" excuse.
Once you get going, you'll be glad you did.

3 - One bad day does not mean you "can't run."
It has taken me more than a decade to figure out that I am a competent runner who sometimes has a bad day. This is a matter of statistics as much as one of perspective. When you are just starting out, a single bad day could be a sizable percentage of your total running experience. You may want to throw in the towel. (I am just not meant for this.) When that happens, remember: As you cover more miles, you'll start to realize that you have some stellar good days and you have some disasters.
Don't let the disasters dictate who you are as a runner.