You Were Born to Run

The Fit Club is launching a new Running Program.

This program is designed to accommodate EVERYONE regardless of current running or fitness levels.  You were born to run. In the test group, there was a wide spectrum of individuals. Some who had never run before and others who were consistent marathon runners.  Each person saw improvement in their own abilities and everyone completed a 5K in 30 days.   The 5K could be an organized race (if there is one available) or just a self-made run. 

This is such a great goal for everyone, whether you are an experienced runner looking for a PR or someone who has never run before.  The program is a combination of strength training and running. The running segments of the program, the trainer is guiding you through each part of the run.

As the trainer consistently tells you while you are running,

If you are out here right now, you are a runner.  Stop saying that you are not.  Your body was made to run!”

The program launches to VIP Members on 10/5/20 and Basic Members on 10/19/20.  For more information on becoming a member, visit Virtual Fit Club.

My Secret as a Tester

I earned a spot to test out the newest program in the Fit Club that launches in October.  When I found out it was a running program, I was nervous.  I am a self-proclaimed “non-runner”.  While I have run a few 5Ks back in high school, having 2 knee surgeries at 18 made me unmotivated to give running another chance.  I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and commit to this 30-day program.  

For 30 days, from August 3rd- September 1st, I was secretly working out with this new program.  I was tasked with following the calendar exactly as written and taking my accountability to the next level.  The program was a combination of strength training and running.  At the end of the program, the goal was to run a 5K. 

My Fear of Running

When I was finishing high school, my doctor told me,  

You likely will not be able to walk during the 3rd trimester of any future pregnancies.”

We had discovered that I had an issue with my knees that had always been there but just now was flaring up.  I had gone through physical therapy but the doctor was not seeing the progress he was hoping to see.  On my 18th birthday, I was on crutches recovering for the first of 2 knee surgeries.  

After recovering and going to PT (again), I started college.  My knees were better but what I foolishly did not know was that I had to continue strengthening my quads in order to take the strain off of my knees.  I remember going to theme parks and concerts which required long periods of standing and my knees aching.  

It was not until I began to take my health and fitness seriously again (post college) that I began to strengthen my muscles.  Then when we got pregnant, the thought of not being strong enough to walk sneaked into my head.  I continued working out throughout my pregnancy (doctor approved) and never had any issues with my knees.  It was in that 3rd trimester that I was so proud that I took control.  

My knees still get achy but I continue to push my muscles so that I can do all that I want to.  When I was told that I was chosen to test out a new running program, self-doubt set in.  I had not really run since before my surgeries and I knew the literal impact running has on your knees.  I decided to give it a try and be extra careful to listen to my body.  This meant extra stretching, icing my knees, etc.  In the end, I did it!  I ran my fastest ever 5k and broke through another self-limiting belief.  

What are you holding back on?  What can you take control over?

My Running Breakaway

I did the Running Program by following the 30-day schedule. As the program went on I was so amazed at my improvements. The runs became almost therapeutic, which is something I never thought I would say. Day 30 was on September 1st which was also Caleb’s first birthday. I got up early and I laced up my running shoes. I felt anxious, nervous, excited, and emotional.

Finally, I ran my scheduled 5K.  It was amazing!  I was so proud of myself for finishing! I did it! I got my best 5K time and felt so empowered.  

There is so much more to this experience and how I was able to push myself both mentally and physically.  I created a daily VLOG about this journey and have summarized it below. I hope you can view it all, but know that is about 16 minutes long.  The 14-minute mark starts the summary of the final workout and the 5K!

Running Tools

Running is an amazing workout that requires very little equipment. To be prepared for this program and hit the ground running (pun intended) these are the tools I recommend getting.

Wireless Headphones – In the program, the trainer is guiding you through each part of the run.  You can totally do this with wired headphones but I found that being free from hitting something with my arms was great. 

Powerbeats Pro: This is what I used throughout the program.  They worked best in staying securely in my ears.

Apple Airpods: These are another great alternative.  I know for some these are less secure in their ears.  It is all personal preference.

Wireless Earbuds: These are a cheaper alternative that works great.

Running Belt – The program itself comes with something very similar to this belt. 

Socks – These are key while running.  There is nothing worse than your foot slipping in your shoes or your shoe eating your sock.  Zella training socks are the socks that I wore and found them to be great at staying in place while running.

Shoes – For the strength training portion of the program, I wore my standard cross-training shoes.  For the runs, I made sure to switch to my Nike running shoes.  This is important to make sure that your form is accurate.

Hat – So nice to shade your face and soak up that sweat so it is not running into your eyes.

My hat: This is the only hat I had in my closet and it worked fine. Definitely got hot though.

Nike hat: Recommended because it is light and sweat-wicking.

Shorts – For those hot days, I love these bike shorts, and they fit well.  I like the compressive waist and found them super comfortable while running.

App – Having a running app on to track my miles and pace was great.  This helped me see my progress with each workout and was what I used for my 5K. Map My Run By Champion.

Pre-workout aka my Go-Go Juice – If you watch my IG you know I am obsessed with this juice.  I would drink ½ before my weight workout and ½ during so that I had that added boost for my run right after. 

Foam Roller – A foam roller is CRUCIAL for those rest days to stretch out those tight muscles.  The program also comes with a foam rolling workout so she will show you how to use it effectively.

Are you a runner?  Remember your body was made to run.  You can be a runner if you choose to.  Will you jump in?