RUN YOUR FIRST 5K - Free Workouts for Running

I remember the first time I ran my first 5K, it was so exhilarating! But I didn't always enjoy running, in fact....I actually hated it! So what was it that helped me gain interest in running?

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Well, I don't really want to bore you with all the details, but long story short, my brother introduced me into a mud run in North Carolina which was called the Warrior Dash, and when I crossed the finished line, I was hooked! That was in early 2011, and I've been running ever since!

I wanted to post this blog about "running your first 5K" to help others who either want to find a fun way to get active, and/or incorporate resistance training to become more fit to complete a 5K. Let's face it, most runners do not do any weight training because they feel that they will gain weight and it might slow them down. Although that is partially true, I'm not talking about being a bodybuilder here =). Adding resistance training during your runs, will help build a stronger core, and help you become a more well-rounded athlete. Even if you don't want to be an athlete, and you just want to be healthy, then this will be a fun way to do it. 

I think the part about that I like about this program is that it is developed by the company that I am affiliated with (for about 10 years now), and it incorporates indoor workouts with running outside which is what I love the most, being outdoors. If you prefer indoor workouts, you will love it as it will also give you the option of using a treadmill. 

I know that there are a ton of 5K run training programs out there, but not many of them incorporate resistance training, and nutritional advice from top industry professionals. Is this the best 5K training program out there? It all depends on you, but I can tell you from only my experience that having a complete package is the key, something that I didn't have when I started.

Let me share a quick video with you that gives you a glimpse of the 5K training program called the "30 Day Breakaway", check out the video below =) 

30 Day Breakaway

So what do you guys think?

I know that you may have a lot of questions, or still might be on the fence about starting....I completely get it =) So let me give you more details to help you learn more about the program, and what is included. 

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED?

Depending on your situation, goals, budget, the best way that I feel to get started is the right way. The 30 Day Breakaway Challenge Pack includes everything that you need to get started such as: VIP Early Access (if before March 2021), Shakeology, Beachbody on Demand Membership, Running Belt, Resistance Loops, and all the program materials such as calendar and schedule etc. 

On top of all that, if you start with a challenge pack, you will also get the Ultimate Portion Fix and 2B Mindset Streaming programs to help with your nutrition (which is 80% of your success), the portion fix containers and other trackers that will help you with your journey. 

Please also note that I will also be your personal online coach and accountability partner as well, so you would not be going at it alone =). 

Ask me anything! Free Online Accountability here!

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE A BEACHBODY ON DEMAND MEMBERSHIP?

You can upgrade and get purchase the VIP Early Access for the 30 Day Breakaway (available Oct 19th) which retails for $49.95 (streaming only). If you would like the accessories bundle that would be an extra $69.95 retail. Please note that doing it this way, you will not get the extras such as the Ultimate Portion Fix and 2B Mindset Streaming programs along with the accessories that come with those programs. With the challenge or completion pack, you would receive all of this in a bundle which would ultimately save you up to $300 depending on which challenge pack you choose. 

Get Beachbody on Demand Free Trial here

WHEN WILL 30 DAY BREAKAWAY BE INCLUDED IN THE BOD MEMBERSHIP?

On March 2021, the 30 Day Breakaway program will officially be included in the Beachbody on Demand library. So before that date, the only way to have access is through a Challenge Pack or ViP Early Access upgrade through your existing BOD membership. 

Confused? Just message me =) 

I WANT TO GET STARTED NOW WITH A CHALLENGE PACK, HOW DO I START?

That's great, just click here to find the best option for you! 

My recommendations:

- Best Option: The Deluxe Challenge Pack (everything you need)

- Good option: Challenge Pack with Shakeology Nutrition or Performance Challenge Pack

Running with Dad!

Follow me on Strava

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So I know that's quite a bit to take in, but if you have any other questions, feel free to connect with me, and I will be happy to get you started and help you throughout your journey. 

Me with Ultra Marathon and Legend Dean Karnazes

For a bonus, I have included some FREE workouts to try which will give you a taste of how fun the 30 Day Breakaway will be. Enjoy the workouts, and please reach out to me when you are ready to get started, looking forward to running with you! =) 

30 Day Breakaway Sample Workout

 

30 Day Breakaway Sample Workout from TeamBeachbody on Vimeo.

Get Shakeology Samples here (Vegan Samples here)

Sample Audio Workout

30 Day Breakaway Sample Audio Run from TeamBeachbody on Vimeo.

ON A SERIOUS NOTE: Now do you seriously need to do the 30 Day Breakaway Challenge to complete a 5K? Absolutely not! I mean running is one of the best things to do to get fit because it's FREE! If you were to ask me why the 30 Day Breakaway then??? Here's what I can say, it is an amazing program for people who do better with structure in their workouts and training, but at the same time need options for customizing and keeping things fresh. It's also for someone who enjoys and does better with real people keeping them accountable. The 30 Day Breakaway will help you learn more about running and how fun it can actually be if done correctly. Running for success is more than just running alone....it is about nutrition (how to fuel your body and what to eat), it is consistency, it is commitment, it is about incorporating other workouts to help you run better, but most of all, it's about getting started! =) 

ASK ME ANYTHING - Free Accountability here! 

Have fun my friends, and keep on running!!! =) 

What Running Means to Me

To be honest my friends, I don't know where to start. 

How do I create a post that really explains what running means to me without writing a book? I shall try. 

It all started when I just finished a workout program what was given to me by my brother back in 2010. Prior to that, I was in the nightclub business for over 8 years or so, which led me to a life of drinking, late night partying, and eating tons of junk food. My brother saved my life by sharing his fitness journey with me, I knew I had to do something, so I eventually committed to a healthy lifestyle for 90 days. With that, I was able to get my fit back, so fit that I think I was in better shape than when I was in high school, and I was in my 40's. 

All my workouts that I love on ONE online platform - try it for free for 14 days!

Living the healthy lifestyle is like an addiction as well. Most people I know, including myself were always looking for something to do to stay active, and not to get bored with the same workout routine. And yet again, my brother comes to the rescue and introduces a sport to me called "obstacle course racing". That was my formal introduction to running. Before that, the only running that I did was back in high school during P.E. I hated running with a passion! 

Long story short, I started incorporating runs into my workouts and started having even better results. I even won some podiums in running events of all distances, as well as obstacle course racing! This newfound interest led me to a project that I started called OCRTUBE. With this venture, I was able to travel around the world and film the fastest obstacle course racing athletes on the planet. It wasn't that easy. In order for me to create these videos, I had to also stay in shape, and do a lot of running and hiking. My quest for running led me to covering some of the most prestigious events around the world. 

On top of that, running and working out kept me sane. I say this because life isn't perfect, we all know this. Real life challenges, ups and downs always tend to show up and try to kill our mojo, and it has for me, so many times that it is quite impossible to count. You always hear about the "runners high", and I'll be straight up with you, because I'm not sure if I ever had that. What I did have was the feeling after the run that made me feel so good like after a workout that took hours to commit too! It was just that sense of accomplishment, like crossing the finish line at a running event, it just felt amazing....and addicting! 

And for the truth....=) I'm an average human being. I get lazy, and I don't always set goals. I know what I have to do, but don't always pursue them. But one thing is for sure, I eventually get off my ass with the help of the right people who I surround myself with. If there is one thing I can say about commitment.....it is this: find the right people who will support you no matter what. When I didn't feel like running or working out, I always had my friends text messaging me, or annoying me on some facebook support group telling me that I need to get my ass in gear, but it worked!  

With Ultra Marathon Man Dean Karnazes

Running isn't at all glamorous. Running isn't easy, but it's easier when you have a good support team keeping you accountable. Running isn't the magic pill to happiness, it's your mindset. 

For me, running is a great way to set yourself free from whatever is going on in your life. It will always be there for you if you want and need it. It doesn't judge you, or make you feel like crap (well it depends ha ha). Running isn't a way to run away from your problems, it's a way to help you conquer them. And I've conquered a ton since I started running in my life. 

Yes, so in a nutshell, this is what running has done for me, and what it means to me. If you're a runner, please share with me what it has done for you, I'd love to hear your story. 

WANNA RUN WITH ME?

I will be starting a FREE online group for people who would like to start running, or running again, you know who you are =). Whether you would like to train for a 5K, or you just want to run, this group will be for you. Heck it's really for everyone! =) 

Get a Free Running Audio Workout - Message me now!

If you would like to join me, please feel free to contact me (fb connect here). Spots are always limited so don't wait, it will be fun. And don't worry, if you have any questions, I will help you with any questions that you may have. Stay safe, and see you all soon!

   

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Running with the Pagoda Pacers - Reading, Pennsylvania

When I travel, one of the most challenging things for me is to be consistent with my workouts, so what I enjoy doing is looking for free workouts and group runs. I am currently in Reading, PA in between filming obstacle course races for my OCRTUBE media project, so during the week, I try to either do my P90X workouts at the park, or wherever I am staying at, but sometimes I like to change things up a bit. Do you feel me? =)

How I Workout When I Travel

GOOGLE is your friend!

I went online and searched for running groups and I ran into the Pagoda Pacers website. This group has been around for about 37 years now, and have well over 500 members. They are basically one of the oldest running groups in Pennsylvania. The Pagoda Pacers group organize group runs, bike rides and special events. Most of the group runs are on trails which I very much enjoy. Yesterday I went on my first run with them at Shilington Park, Shilington PA. It was nice and hilly and the terrain was a mixture of trails and roads. The cool thing about the trail runs is that it changes every week, so you will never get bored. They meet every Wednesday night at 6:15pm. Check them out here!

Pagoda Pacer Athletic Club

THAT WAS MY 2ND WORKOUT

Earlier in the day before the group run, I did my normal Beachbody workout which I decided to do Max Out Strength from the Insanity Max 30 workout program. And with Shaun T fashion, I got my ass handed to me =)

Here's a quick clip of my workout!

WOD: Insanity Max 30 - Max Out Strength

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Running up to the PAGODA - Reading, Pennsylvania

Watch Video Below

So I'm traveling and filming obstacle course races (for my OCRTUBE Media Project) in the Pennsylvania and New York area for a few weeks, and a friend of mine was kind enough to let me stay at her place while I am in between races. She told me about this Pagoda that I can run up a little north of Reading, PA so I decided to give it a go. It was pretty flat running through the city of Reading, but once you hit Hill Rd, that's where the steady incline and the real workout begins. There was a nice park on the way which I will probably end up doing some sort of Insanity Max 30 Workout there before I leave, but the run was pretty scenic, and the homes were beautiful. I even ran into a couple deer kinda scared be a little because they were STOMPING at me, I guess they weren't thrilled that I was taking photos of them, they just wanted me to leave =)

Shadey's Rugged Run - Lancaster PA (2017)

This was a local mud run that I filmed while staying in Reading PA

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Once I made it up to the Pagoda, it was closed, but only the inside. You could still access the viewing areas and some trails below. When I was up there, I actually felt like I was in Japan, it had a sorta calm feeling about the place. I spent about an hour there just walking around and taking photos.

Overlooking the City of Reading, Pennsylvania

The Pagoda is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. And they also allow guests to rent out the place for events. If you would like more information on the Pagoda in Reading, just click here.

Here is my quick video on my run up to the Pagoda. I plan to be doing this run at least a couple times before I leave Pennsylvania, it's really a great workout! If you're ever in the area, definitley check it out. Oh and you don't have to run up, you can also drive too, but where's the fun in that?

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Stay active my friends!

Running and P90X

Hammer and Chisel Challenge - Week 4

Hammer and Chisel Challenge Recap - Week 4

WAHOO, Week 4 of my Hammer and Chisel Challenge was a blast! I guess knowing that I am half way done with this challenge gets me even more EXCITED =) I can honestly say that this is definitely one of my top programs for sure. And one more thing before I recap my week, if you're thinking about doing this challenge (ask me about my upcoming online test groups) then be prepared to murder your legs, because LEG DAY is pretty much every day! =)

Day 1, Week 4
Today's workout was Chisel Balance and let me tell you this, I totally suck at balance! I know that I'm getting better, but this is something that I have to continue to do, or I will lose the skill almost immediately. Just like a lot of the H&C workouts, this one was a leg burner!

Chisel Balance - Up and Downs + Split Squat Jump


Day 2, Week 4
 One thing to always remember, and something that I continue to remind my challengers is that you are not in competition with anyone but yourself. Just show up every day, and results will happen. Today's workout was Max Hammer Strength, and as you can see, I am working my dinky little calves!

Max Hammer Strength

Hammer and Chisel Review

Day 3, Week 4
Today's workout came late today because I spent all day with my family. I did Chisel Cardio and struggled with the Forearm Kicks. My flexibility has gotten better, but my hip flexors were burning! I may have to throw in some yoga workouts to help with more of these types of movements. Sleep is something that I lack and desperately need. I typically get about 5-6 hours per day, I would do better if I killed 8 hours a day =).

Chisel Cardio - Dumbbell Swings

 Hammer and Chisel Workout Sheets - Click here!

Day 4, Week 4
Today was supposed to be my REST DAY, but I'll be running the Disney Marathon this Sunday, so I decided to take my workouts all the way through, but also taking it easy so that I won't be over-trained for the marathon. I ended up doing ISO Speed Hammer and it was only 25 minutes! Pistol squats need improvement, but I know I'm getting better because my legs feel much stronger.

 ISO Speed Hammer


Day 5, Week 4
I arrived in Orlando today in preparation for the Disney Marathon, checked into my Airbnb reservation and went to town on my workout which was Hammer Power and 10 Minute Hammer Abs.

Hammer Power


Day 6, Week 4 
So today I simply took a rest day and attended an amazing Beachbody Super Saturday event at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I will be adding my missed Master's Cardio Workout to the end of my challenge date to ensure that I complete all the workouts for the challenge. Just a general rule of thumb that I use when I am doing a challenge: If you miss one workout, you add a day. If you miss two workouts, you can re-do the week, or simply add the missed workouts to the end of your challenge. Whatever works best for you =).

Beachbody Super Saturday Orlando

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Day 7, Week 4
Disney Marathon Day =) Today I ran my very first marathon, you can check out my video below =) Hammer and Chisel resumes after my full recovery ha ha! All I can say is that I got my but kicked running 26.2 miles, but I embraced the challenge and plan to do more in the near future.

Disney Marathon Experience:

You can read my quick blog post on the Disney Marathon here.

Related Posts:
Hammer and Chisel Week One
Hammer and Chisel Week Two
Hammer and Chisel Week Three
Hammer and Chisel Week Five


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Hammer and Chisel Challenge - Week 3

Hammer and Chisel Challenge - Week 3

Yes!!! Week 3 of my Hammer and Chisel Challenge is done! =) Here is my quick wrap up of how my week went. Btw, I am visiting my parents and family in Pensacola for a few weeks, so most of my workouts were done at my parents house while they happily watched =)

Day 1, Week 3
Workout of the day was Total Body Hammer. I have to admit, I had to up my game on my Military Press because the girls on the videos were killing it while I was struggling. I did feel my shoulder tweak a bit, so I had to tone it down a bit during the shoulder exercises. As always, the bulgarian split squats get me all the time, but I feel my legs getting much stronger.

Total Body Hammer (quick clips)

Day 2, Week 3

We had a choice between Chisel Agility and Master's Cardio, so I chose Chisel Agility since it was a longer workout, also because I wanted to see if I progressed since the last time I did it, and I was quite impressed that I did much better. This workout required no equipment, and of course it was a leg burner. This workout can be pretty easy, but in order to get the full benefits of the workout, I would recommend making sure that you are doing the movements correctly, and go as low as you can with the squats. Go for more reps once you master the moves. 

Chisel Agility (quick clips)

Post Workout Salad from Everman's Pensacola

Day 3, Week 3
Max Hammer Strength and 10 Minute Hammer Abs was on the menu today. I definitely went up in weights this time, and legs getting stronger by the day. The ab workouts are where I struggle, I have to work on my core.

Max Hammer Strength + 10 Minute Hammer Abs (quick clips)

Get the Hammer and Chisel Workout Sheets here!

Day 4, Week 3
REST DAY!!!! I took a break from doing any type of strength workout but got a nice 5+ mile run in. I've been running a lot during this challenge in preparation for my first road marathon which I will be running the Disney Marathon on January 10th, pretty excited!

Sporting my Over-sized Bubba Gump Shrimp Hat

Day 5, Week 3

Today was Total Body Chisel and 10 Minute Ab Chisel. I struggled with the "step up cross overs", but I'm determined to get better at them. Pretty cool, this was my first workout of 2016 =) Abs, well you know, it was tough, but I finished strong. I did a 2+ mile run earlier in the day before my workout. Shakeology has definitely been a LIFE-SAVER during this challenge! 

Get Shakeology Samples here:

Total Body Chisel (quick clips)

Day 6, Week 3

I finally did the Master's Cardio Workout today. I was actually happy to know that it was only 17 minutes because I've been so sore, so I felt that my body needed a break, so 17 minutes didn't sound so bad. The workout did not require any weights, and although it was only 17 minutes, the exercise movements required a lot of reps, 30 to be exact. I also did a trail run early in the morning, you can check out the video below =) 

Master's Cardio (quick clips)

4+ mile slow paced trail run 

Trail Run Video from UWF Trails - Pensacola, FL

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Day 7, Week 3

Today's workout was ISO Strength Chisel. When you watch this workout, you're like "oh, it doesn't look that bad" but watching and doing are two completely different things! This workout has about 11 exercises, each exercise entails 10 reps plus an extra rep which you hold for 10 seconds. The 10 seconds really doesn't sound like much, but you definitely feel it, especially toward the end of the reps and the workout. I killed a couple servings of my Beachbody Performance Recovery Drink after this bad boy. 

ISO Strength Chisel - Push Up ISO

And that's it guys, that's a wrap. Stay posted for WEEK 4! 

Are you ready to take on the Hammer and Chisel Challenge? Message me here to find out when my next Hammer and Chisel Online Test Group begins, you'll receive FREE coaching and motivation from me. Chat soon! 

Related Links:

Hammer and Chisel Challenge Week 1, Month 1

Hammer and Chisel Challenge Week 2, Month 1

Start your journey today - Choose your Challenge!

Running the Stowe Recreation Path - Vermont

Stowe Recreation Path

When my sister told me about the Stowe Recreation Path, I wasn't really interested. I am more of a trail runner. I do enjoy an occasional road race, but unfortunately, the pavement really kills my knees.

As we were driving through historic Stowe Village, I noticed the "Rec Path" weaving in and out of some pretty neat buildings and scenery, so being a fan of historic buildings and mountain scenery, I decided to run the 5.7 mile paved trail. I started from our mountain getaway which was about 3 miles, so my total distance for the day was close to 9 miles.

Running and P90X

All I can say is that I am so glad that I did it because I was able to see the seasons change before my very eyes. There were also little shops and restaurants along the way. Thompson Park was towards the last mile, and just passed the park was a Corn Maze. I didn't do the maze, but I'll try it next time =). 

If you are ever in the Stowe area, I highly recommend it. You don't have to run it if you don't want to. I saw plenty of walkers and bikers on the path. My family met me at the end of the path which ended at Brook Rd by the covered bridge, it was a great way to start my day!

Check out the video that I made from the Stowe Recreation Path, and feel free to connect with me here. Stay active my friends! 

Running the Stowe Recreation Path

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P90X Marathon Training - Week 5

Week 5 in the books....barely!

Well I had a set back on Week 5 =(. I was able to get some runs in, but out of nowhere, my GOUT attacked me like a ninja! I haven't had a gout attack in almost 2 years, at least a serious one, and it really hurts like heck.

I don't want to bore you with facts, but if you are not familiar with what gout is, you can just go here (wikipedia) and find out more about this terrible thing that is hindering me from running and doing my leg workouts.

Gout Sucks! 

(This photo depicts the pain rising from gout)

As you can see with my Nike+ Running Marathon Training for week 5, I didn't get all of my mileage in:

Week 5

Although I was not able to get all of my runs in, I was still able to do some of my P90X workouts, and of course eat healthy. I picked up some fresh cherries and some tart cherry juice to reduce the toxicity of the uric acid in my body. It won't help me recover overnight, but it can help speed up the process and decrease the uric acid levels. But, just not fast enough....grrrr =)

We will all have set backs, and there is just nothing you can do about it, so rather than just dwelling on the negative, it's best to focus on other activities such as reading, clean eating, and watching Netflix ha ha =) It is pretty difficult for me, not being able to run, especially when I see all my friends posting their running mileage on Facebook etc. but hey, I have to be happy for them, because I will be recovered and running with them soon!

Day 2, Week 5

7 miler + Focus T25 Total Body Circuit

Day 3, Week 5

P90X3 - The Challenge Workout

Day 5, Week 5

This is when my gout really started to flare up, I popped about 4 Advils to get this 9 miler done!

Day 7, Week 5

I felt a little pain on Day 7, but it wasn't that bad, so I popped a few advils and I was able to get a 16 miler in.

And that was pretty much my week. I did get some runs in, but it was pretty tough and did cause some pain for me. Week 6 will most likely be more recovery, but I'll keep you guys posted =)

Oh and although week 5 was a set back, the good news is that I was able to complete 158 running miles for the month of June, and I hopefully plan to shoot for 200 for the month of July. 50-60 miles per week leading up to my first marathon is my goal, but I would love to hit 100 in a week sometime, but it's one step at a time =)

158 Total Miles - June 2015

Need some running and workout motivation? Want a Free P90X Coach? Connect with me here on Facebook, I look forward to meeting you =)

Stay active my friends!

My healthiest meal of the day - Shakeology

Chocolate, PB2 Peanut Butter, Banana with Unsweet Almond Milk

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Teriyaki Tofu with Brown Rice, Green Beans 

with a dash of sunflower seeds and low sodium soy sauce

One of my quick and easy meals!

P90X3 is perfect for building strength for athletes and runners! I love the workouts!

P90X Marathon Training - Week 4

Another week done, and month 1 in the books! I can honestly say that my legs are feeling stronger than ever. I haven't really had a chance to see if my race pace has gone up, since most of my runs have been tempo to easy, comfortable long runs on the weekends, but I must say that my pace on my long runs have been pretty steady, and my post run recovery has been surprisingly fast.

Here was my Week 4 running schedule. As you can see, I went about 10 miles over my recommended training schedule, and I only do this based on how I feel. I only go over my schedule if I am feeling over 100%, and if I am not feeling it, then I will just do the minimum mileage as posted on my Nike Marathon Training App. My goal is to eventually run 50-60 miles "comfortably" per week leading up to about 2 weeks before the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 16th, 2016.

Nike Running App - Marathon Training (intermediate)

Here are some of my P90X workouts that I did during my week 4 training schedule. If you haven't read my previous posts about my workouts, I am incorporating P90X workouts into my running schedule to keep my upper body strength and maintain muscle mass. I will also be participating in various obstacle course racing events, so upper body strength (overall fitness) is very important. The workouts that I do include P90X, Body Beast, T25, Insanity, Asylum, and some PIYO.

Day 1, Week 4

6 mile trail run + Focus T25 Lower Focus Workout

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Day 3, Week 4

10 mile trail run + P90X Chest and Back Workout

Day 5, Week 4

5 miler + P90X Shoulders and Arms

Day 6, Week 4

12+ miles (actually did 13 miles that day) 

Kale Salad with Chicken and a Cup of Fresh Fruit after my long Saturday run

Sono Cafe - Downtown Tampa

To wrap up Week 4, it was great. My long run on Saturday killed me because of the scorching heat! I learned to never do that again, and from this point on, I will be starting my long runs very early in the morning before the crack of dawn! The Florida heat kills my breathing and my motivation. I wanted to give up a couple times during my long run, but I kept on going, and I'm glad that I did, otherwise I would've finished my run on a treadmill at the gym, and I'm not a fan of the treadmill unless I am doing a short run, speed work, or hill repeats.

All is well, and week 5 is in full effect! =) Feel free to connect with me on Facebook here.



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My Strength Marathon Training Program with P90X

My Strength Marathon Training with P90X

I started running back in mid-2011 at the age of 40 years old. Contrary to what some of my friends believe, I was actually never a runner! In fact, just the thought of running made me sick to my stomach. I was always active when I was young, and was involved in extreme sports such as skateboarding, surfing, martial arts, and mountain biking.....but never running!

Things change as you get older, and for people who are in my age bracket, you are either a couch potato or super fit, there really is no in between, at least from what I've seen in my network of friends.

I started running when my brother introduced me into the sport of obstacle course racing, but around that time, someone told me about this marathon in Boston where you had to qualify. After doing my first obstacle course race, I made a decision to make running part of my daily routine. I ended up doing a half marathon even before I did a 5K, and finished with a 1:36 time with an average of a 7:19 pace per mile. I was amazed what my P90X training has done for me because I have never ran before in my life. It's amazing what that program did for me!

I got heavily involved with obstacle course racing in late 2011, and pretty much forgot about my Boston Marathon goal. The main reason why I loved OCR (obstacle course racing) was because it didn't just focused on running. As an OCR athlete, you are required to have overall strength and endurance especially if you want to be competitive. After years of racing and even developing a project to help the sport grow, I am now focused on my Boston Marathon goal once again. I just want to mark it off of my bucket list =)

My passion for Obstacle Course Racing

I continue to be involved in obstacle course racing, and if it wasn't for my love of the sport, I would not have become a runner. I really owe it all to my success with P90X (thanks to my brother), and the sport of OCR. Now I am focused on the Boston Marathon.

I have started a 16 week marathon training program in which I will have run over 600 miles in 4 months. But I will not just be running, I will also be incorporating strength workouts from P90X, Body Beast, and some interval training from various Insanity programs such as Asylum and Max 30. The tricky part about strength training while endurance running is finding the balance. You can't build too much mass or else it will slow your running pace, but you don't want to just run or else you will lose your muscle mass and upper body strength, and that's something that I do not want to do especially if I plan to continue obstacle course racing as well.

I decided to try out the Marathon Training Program from Nike+. The coach programs are absolutely free, and it is very easy to follow. I live a pretty busy life as a Full Time Beachbody Coach, so I enjoy working out and having a program to guide me, so I can think about other things like family, travel, and business. The Nike+ Marathon Training Coach Program fits into my lifestyle, and so far it's doing well. If you are not training for a marathon, there are other training programs for 5K, 10K, and half marathons, so it's great for all fitness levels.

Run a Faster 5K using Beachbody on Demand - Click here!

I incorporate about 3 strength workouts into my week. For the most part, I will normally plan a LEG DAY (such as P90X Plyometrics, Body Beast Build Legs, X3 Triometrics etc) on Mondays. On Wednesdays I do an upper body workout (such as P90X Chest and Back, Body Beast Bulk Chest, X3 the Challenge etc) and then on Friday will will either do another upper body workout or full body interval workout (Asylum Speed and Agility, T25 Total Body, Insanity Max Interval Sports Training etc). On Thursdays which are normally a cross-training day, I will either mountain bike or do some sort of stretching workout (such as P90X X Stretch or X3 Yoga). On Sundays, I will do more stretching and just relax.

A sample of my 16 week Strength Marathon Training Program:
- Monday (Leg Day + Run)
- Tuesday (Run)
- Wednesday (Upper Body + Run)
- Thursday (Cross-train and/or Stretch/Yoga)
- Friday (Upper Body or Full Body Interval Training + Run)
- Saturday (Long Run)
- Sunday (Rest and Recovery/Stretch)

That's just a sample of what my week looks like with my Strength Marathon Training with P90X. I am always listening to my body, so if I am feeling tired or over-trained, I will take a rest day to ensure that I do not injure myself. Recovery is very important to me as I have overtrained in the past many times, and it doesn't feel good at all. Safety first guys! Nutrition also plays a key role (80%) in my training program and I will be drinking my Shakeology along with my normal eating plan of fresh whole foods, lean meats, whole grains, nuts, and lot's of greens, fruit and WATER.

I have never done a marathon before, so I am pretty excited to sign up for my first one after I am done with my 16 week program. After my first marathon, I will see how much I have improved, and then I will go into my 2nd marathon training program which will be a lot more intense with longer runs.

If you would like to join me on Nike+ or workout with me online with either my Free Fitness Group or my Online Challenge Group, feel free to message me, I'd love to run and workout with you! As always, stay active my friends! =)