16 years to beat a World Record!

Back in 2003 Paula Radcliffe set the world record for women's fastest marathon in London, with an impressive time of 2.15.25! This weekend that record was broken by Brigid Kosgei at the Chicago Marathon in a time of 2.14.04!

It is a shame that an English athlete no longer holds the record, however, to hold it for 16 years is very impressive! Especially as nutrition and training experts become more knowledgeable, however, having said this, I believe genetics and natural talent play a massive role. When I used to run Marathons (I started round about the time Paula was breaking records), I know that even if I worked with nutrition and training experts I would never achieve world records.

However, over the years I did change the way I trained, fuelled correctly and broke my own records! When I look back at the days I used to love long distance running (it's a long time long distance running and love have gone in the same sentence lol), I started training by just doing LSD (long slow distance - not the drug!) and yes I did the miles, but never got any faster. I was constantly tired and wanted to eat rubbish! The year I got my PB, I ran less, combined my long distance runs with speed training and incorporated resistance training. I felt stronger (and happier) through-out my training, my physique was better (the runners paunch decreased) and my goal of running faster was achieved!



Now over the years I have come across a lot of runners, who just want to run miles and miles and miles as they worry that they won't get any faster! In fact those that train that way generally don't get any faster as they are normally riddled with injury. The runners I know who are successful, combine speed training with less mileage, do some sort of resistance training and come to my bootcamp haha!

Joking aside, I always promote that you mix your training up, if your body gets used to doing the same thing you never adapt, you never progress and often pick up injuries.

So if you want to mix your training up, then click one of the links below and let me take the stress of planning your work-out out of the equation. Now I am not saying I can help you break I world record, however, I can help you towards your own records!

Click here to break your own records

Click here to eat like an athlete.

Andrea (happy that hit my running goals) Springthorpe

07949 959 547
info@fit4force.co.uk
www.fit4force.co.uk

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day, so what a great opportunity to discuss the benefits exercise has on mental health.

We are all aware of the physical benefits exercise has, however, exercise also has many benefits when it comes to mental health. It can help with anxiety, depression, stress. It can help improve memory and help you sleep better (god knows what my memory would be like if I didn't exercise, as it is bad enough already!) All the aforementioned are things which, if left to their own devices can have a negative impact on physical health too.



For me exercise is part of my daily routine, not only to improve physically, but mentally too. It is my time to switch off, to do something for myself and gives me a great start to the day, both physically and mentally.

Yesterday I had a meeting first thing so I didn't have time to go to the gym, my start to the day was being sat in the car (and traffic) for a good couple of hours. I felt sluggish and tired most of the day. Now it might have been co-incidence, however, this morning I was back in the gym and I have felt so much better..... and being more productive.

So many people turn to food, alcohol or other substances to try and make them feel better when they are low. These may have an acute effect on how they feel, however, long term will only make them feel worse!

If I have had a busy day at work, or been cooped up all day I often go for a walk or run after work, there is nothing better than getting in the fresh air and getting active to make you feel better! This is something which you can incorporate with friends, over the summer I have been meeting my friend once a week and heading out for a walk, instead of our usual 'coffee catch up'. Not only does this make us feel better, it is saving money too (as we have to go to 'popular' coffee shops as my hot drink making skills are pants!)

A lot of clients often say how they have times where they can't be bothered to come to their sessions, however, 60 minutes later, they feel better - even if they are sweaty and shattered. It is the same for me teaching a class, because even though I don't join in as I am instructing I feel better as I am still moving, I am walking around, demonstrating exercises and currently some of my sessions are outside. I also have some fantastic clients who put a smile on my face.

So get active, improve your physical and mental health and do it with like minded people!

Click here to improve your mental health as well as physical

Click here to eat yourself happy

Andrea (helping improve your mood) Springthorpe

07949 959 547
info@fit4force.co.uk
www.fit4force.co.uk