Tag Archives: walk

3 Safety tips: Exercising outside post-hurricane

Posted in Do Good & Feel Good, Fitness by

By Emily McLaughlin

The view down my street — only a few branches down.

All is quiet in Watertown, MA post-Sandy. I went for a little exploratory jog around the neighborhood this afternoon (taking my normal route) and am pleased to report that I did not run into any crazy road blocks. The banks of the Charles seemed to have crept up closer to the Healthy Heart Trail, the sidewalk was covered with a blanket of leaves and I almost tripped over a few twigs — but there was no major damage. We were very lucky to have such a small amount of damage in my neighborhood.

Back on the South Shore, there were quite a number of trees down — enough to give my younger sisters two days off from school in Pembroke. In NYC, the damage of the hurricane was absolutely devastating. My co-worker send me a link to a few crazy photos out of Manhattan: http://elitedaily.com/elite/2012/breaking-news-manhattan-water-photos/

Count your blessings, Massachusetts.

If you are going stir-crazy from being stuck inside the past couple days, definitely get a quick walk or jog in if your neighborhood is safe. I’m sure you’ve heard this from the news, your grandmother and your mother, but take all necessary precautions when heading outside. Here are three quick tips:

Try to avoid puddles, especially if any wires when down around you — you could get electrocuted or risk ruining your sneakers. (oh my!)  There is no telling how deep some puddles are especially with a blanket of leaves on the ground so do your best to jump over or mosey around pools of water.

Be careful not to slip or trip as you go on your way. This might seem kind of  ’duh,’ but if you start to get in the zone, you might forget where you are or what’s below you. If you are running outside, odds are there are leaves and twigs everywhere… just be careful!

Look out for neighbors in need as you explore your neighborhood in the next few days. In other words, be a good Samaritan and help a  sista’ out. If you are out sweeping your front steps or sidewalk, do the same for your neighbor. If you are walking down the sidewalk and there is a big branch obstructing a driveway, hanging off a fence or blocking a staircase, use those muscles you work so hard for and move it. You never know how much this small deed might mean for someone else. Do good to feel good — it’s healthy.

About these ads

5 Reasons to run

Posted in Fitness, Motivation & Happiness by

1. Runners don’t judge.

All runners have respect for other runners, regardless of ability. We all remember a time when jogging for a consecutive mile seemed so daunting. We all remember the roadblocks we have hit in our running careers. I don’t judge anyone I see walking, jogging or running down the street, and I know that they are not judging me.

However, I can’t lie… in the beginning, I was very concerned about being judged. My first run down a popular bikeway was a little intimidating. Everyone was biking, sprinting or speed-walking past me as I began to step on the path. But once I started moving and looking at the faces of the people around me, I noticed that everyone had this look of determination, struggle and even satisfaction on their faces.

Like my yoga instructor said the other day, “It’s rewarding, motivating and humbling to see the people around you struggle in their practice as you struggle through yours.”

We are all in this “being active” thing together. Don’t let nerves and self-consciousness get to you.

2. It hurts.

A friend told me once that she is addicted to the pain of running. It’s like how people are addicted to the pain of getting tattoos or addicted the heart ache that comes with watching your favorite tear-jerker. But you can’t stop getting tattoos, you can’t stop watching the movie even though you know how sad it is when the main character dies and you can’t stop running because, for some crazy reason, the pain feels so good.

Running, for me, hurts in a number of ways. It’s a physical and mental struggle as I fight with my legs to push through and argue with my mind, convincing myself that I can reach my goal. Then when I finally reach that goal the pain was worth it — it was rewarding. Bringing us to…

3. You set your own goals… and reach them. 

Running is one of those activities that has no end goal — in fact, there is no end. Your accomplishments are measured on goals you set yourself… no one sets them for you. In the beginning, those goals are small. I started with, “Run a consecutive mile.” After reaching that goal I moved onto, “Run for 20 minutes without stopping.” My current goal is, “RACE!”

I have dabbled with training for a 10k or half-marathon, but truth is, it is more realistic to start with couple small races before I tackle the big guns. I am hoping to make it out to Amherst for the UMass Revolution Run Homecoming 5K. If that doesn’t work out for some reason, there are 5Ks every weekend in my area. In December, I am participating in the Somerville Jingle Bell Run – yes, my friends and I will most likely be dressed as elves. Move over, Santa.

4. It clears your head. 

My best and most successful runs are the ones that I have to force myself to go on… the ones where I am stressed and I know that I need it… the runs when I am contemplating just cuddling up with a movie and some ice cream.

While running can be a social activity, it is also an opportunity for you to be alone in your own head. My mind is often racing as I pound the pavement, thinking about one million things at once. Then, before I know it, my run is over and my mind is clear and at peace. It’s like magic.

5. You can run any time, any where, in any amount of time. 

You can always run, no matter where you are. You don’t need to renew your gym membership to run. You don’t need to set aside an hour of your day to spend on a cardio machine to run. Running is an activity that you can fit anywhere into your day. Whether you have 20 minutes or a few hours, getting your heart pumping for any amount of time does your body and mind wonders.

For example, the other day I only had 30 minutes to get in a quick workout after work. After jogging for 15 minutes, I felt exponentially better than I did after wrapping up work — that’s all it took. I also use running as an excuse to explore (as long as I have my iPhone with me to direct me home afterwards). With that said, I have come across some beautiful discoveries.

Stay healthy, happy and go run.

Unhealthy habits of the full-time cubicle dweller

Posted in Fitness, Food & Diet by

By Emily McLaughlin

I now have a full-time job.

What?! First, I was busy graduating and now I am busy … working. May was one of the most memorable months of my 22 years and June has brought so much change. I started my Assistant Site Editor position at TechTarget in Newton last Monday. I was welcomed with a new laptop, my own cubicle, a cozy sweatshirt and a mug full of chocolate. #SOLD. In addition to these awesome gifts, every person I have met at TT has been so welcoming, helpful and friendly.

While I have only been working for a week and a half thus far, I have already come to realize how unhealthy office life can be. First, there is usually a lengthy commute–unless you live near by. For me, it can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes to get to and from work depending on traffic. All this sitting and inactivity is not conducive to your cardiovascular health–although, my right calf muscles are really shaping up from the constant stop and go. Second, I see many of my co-workers work through lunch instead of getting up from their desk and socializing. Even if they do take an out-of-office lunch break, this is typically the only time they get up from their desk. Next, many of us keep snacks at our desk–for me this is especially problemsome. With snacks an arms-reach away… sometimes you just can’t help it. Thanks to the lovely team TT, I went through a mug of chocolate last week (this isn’t necessarily a complaint). Last, long days make for tired employees. Fitness isn’t always a priority for people in the office setting because it takes up even more of the day.

BUT… it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a number of small changes the full-time employee can make to improve their health overall.

The commute

For some people, the long commute is inevitable. Whether you are driving, carpooling or taking the train, you are most likely sitting for an extended period of time. There isn’t much you can do about your body’s mobility while in a moving vehicle, however you can take some precautions to make your commute a little healthier–and safer. Pick a radio station or an iPod playlist that is going to keep you awake. Choose music or talk radio that will keep you entertained and put you in a good mood.

Also, get in the mind-set that your commute will indeed be a long one, accidents are just accidents and that it is not the end of the world if you are late to work. Don’t stress yourself out–because there is no way of escaping the traffic.

Lastly, before you leave the house pack a healthy snack for the drive. This will keep you from stopping at that fast food chain on the way to or from work. I’ll usually bring an apple or a snack bag full of blueberries to keep me occupied and satisfied.

Lack of desk breaks

I try to get up every 30 minutes to stretch and move around a little. Sometimes I will take a walk to fill my water bottle, grab a mug of tea or throw something away (even though I have a trash can at my desk). If I don’t necessarily need to get anything, I will sometimes stand to clean up or organize papers.

The most important break you can take during the day is definitely your lunch break. Head to the local café, coffee shop, lunch room, outdoor patio or a friend’s desk–anywhere away from your own cubicle is great! Fresh air, good conversation and time away from the computer screen will be rejuvenating.

Cube snacking

With snacks in my file cabinet draw, sometimes I just can’t resist. My first solution to this problem is… make sure they are healthy snacks. After going through all the chocolate TechTarget gave me, I stocked my drawers with nuts, fruit and tea. With lunch, I usually pack snack veggies with some hummus. The key here is to pick hydrating (fruits, veggies) and protein-packed (hummus, nuts) snacks that will fill you up. Fiber-filled snack items are also important to have around.

The best/worst job-welcoming gift…

Long days, no fitness

There are a number of solutions for this problem. Just like you fit work into your day, you need to fit physical activity somewhere in there. Try it all–the morning, afternoon and evening. If the morning really isn’t your thing, take 30 minutes at lunch time to go for a walk or run. If your office has a gym, use that. Exercising in the afternoon will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of the day.

Working out after a long day at work is extremely difficult. What helps me get there is packing a bag with gym clothes and a power bar. The YMCA is on my way home–so with the bag in tow, I have no excuse not to stop.

Go for a stroll.

Get healthy for you. Stay healthy for you. Be happy. :)

Hit the trails, breathe the fresh air

Posted in Fitness, We Love Amherst by

By Emily McLaughlin

Summer in Amherst, MA. is incredible. Not only are there no classes, but the population decreases by several thousand, the landscape is in full bloom and the weather is… well… perfect most days. Amherst is a very active and involved community, so there is never any shortage of things to do. Between hiking, bike riding and running down nature trails–you almost don’t need a gym membership.

In my down time, I have gone on some amazing hikes and runs. My favorite thing to do is trail run. There are dozens of trails in the area that provide benefits beyond entertainment on a sunny Amherst day.  For example, trail running is easy on joints and less painful for those with shin splints. Trail running is also a great way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the streets and breathe in some fresh air.

If you are in Amherst for the summer, AmherstMa.gov has mapped out all the trails in the area. Use this site  in particular to map out a trail run. You can check the elevation at certain points and measure the total distance of your run (similar to MapMyRun or NikePlus).

Hit the trails with some friends or head out for your own personal therapy session. Enjoy all that the Pioneer Valley has to offer. Below are some photos from my recent runs–I always bring my iPhone on my trips… mostly because I am prone to get lost, but also so I can capture the beauty of the Pioneer Valley with my camera.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.