Wednesday is our “quick workout” day and this one is quick and core focused. You’ve done it before and you know it doesn’t take long!

Someone (I won’t name names…) told me recently that they were told that “runner’s don’t need core work because all that running we do strengthens our core.”

What?!? Seriously?!? Come on…

That statement is just rubbish. I could find y’all a bunch of research and quote tons of elite runners and coaches but instead let’s just be real.

Running alone DOES NOT strengthen our core. We must add core specific exercises to get this area strong and ready to go those long miles. Ever catch yourself slumping over towards the end of a long run? See pics with your shoulders hunched forward and your body crumbling inward? Ever feel like you can’t catch your breathe? Like you just don’t have the strength to breathe deep enough and you have to slow down right when it’s time to push harder? We can run all the long runs, we can do all the speed work, but we still get tired after being on the road for so long.

Our core is what holds us up straight and keeps us steady. Our core keeps us balanced. Our core allows us to stand tall, with our shoulders back and gives us the ability to breathe deep and strong. Our core is the center of our world and we must give it the attention it deserves.

Don’t skip this workout. It doesn’t take long and you can make the time. Stand tall, stand proud and let’s kill this Core Challenge!

Day 17 exercises:

• Push Ups – 3 x 10
• The Core Challenge – 1 round