Day 3: Today’s Reality vs. Tomorrow’s Potential

Screen Shot 2016-08-02 at 3.05.57 PM“You have to put in the time. You have to put in the miles. It doesn’t matter how fast or how slow you run now. You might not be as fast as So and So…but you have to learn to separate today’s reality from tomorrow’s potential.”

This quote is from a book I borrowed from Amiee Glatfelter-Cords calledΒ The Lola Papers,Β about a girl in training to race a marathon. She’s ran one before, but now she wants to do better.

This part stood out to me because even though our goals may seem far off, they are attainable.Β Our dreams scare us because they hold in their hands two options: failure and success. Are you willing to take a chance?Β It’s not a question….it’s a dare.

Dream big then go out and put in the work to make it happen because those goals that–if we pursue them with all we’re worth–are attainable.

Lola’s coach’s advice, learning to separate today’s reality from tomorrow’s potential, holds true with each and every one of us. You have the potential to reach your goals, but to do good work tomorrow…you have to do good work today.

Maybe you’re not as fast as So and So right now. Maybe one day you will be…maybe not. Only time will tell, but in the meantime…you have some middle ground to conquer!

Day 3 exercises: Full Body – 2 rounds of 10

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Superman
  • Single Arm Reverse Lunge & Press
  • Single Arm Deadlift to Hop (no weight)
  • Mountain Climbers with Towel
  • High Plank – :45 (3X)

Plank Challenge Day 3: High Plank – The High Plank is just what it sounds. A plank in a high position with arms and body straight. This will test your arms, core, glutes, and leg strength. Hold on for :45 or as long as you can, take a break, the do it again. Three times total.

Bonus: Ab & Squat Challenge Day 3Β 

  • 5 Sit Ups
  • 20 Crunches
  • 35 Squats

Feel the Burn WorkoutExtra Credit: #FeelTheBurn

Wednesday is a great day to do a little more and cover some of that middle ground! Take a few extra minutes and tackle this #FeelTheBurn workout and tag your post to let us know you’re doing good work today to prepare for good work tomorrow!

Ready to tackle that middle ground? Let’s get to work and make this hump day count!

 

Day 2: Officially Crazy!

Screen Shot 2016-08-01 at 9.58.48 PMAre you one of those people who used to think people who loved running were crazy?Β I know I am!

My mom has been running for as long as I can remember. She ran the New York Marathon in ’88 or ’89…or maybe both…and I used to think she was seriously nuts!

Long hours on the road training all by herself. No headphones to listen to music. No nutrition advice or food of any kind on the course and certainly no fancy running gear. No GPS to tell her how far she’d gone.Β No running group to hold her accountable…and this was a long time before social media, where we can meet like minded people who share our passions, and where we can be our crazy running obsessed selves!

What does this mean? We have it easy! We have comfortable shoes, tons of nutrition options, fancy watches that tell us how far we’ve gone, how fast our heart is beating and how many tenths we need to get that daily goal, and headphones that don’t even have cords! We have friends that keep us accountable for those long early morning runs and we can share our craziness with others who get it!

I know I am have turned into one of those crazy people. I love to run!

I love to run solo. I love to run with friends. I love to race. I love to train. I love to talk about running. And since you’re here…you must love it too! πŸ™‚

So what do us crazy people who love to run need more than anything? Strong legs!

Running gives us strong legs…but running by itself isn’t enough. Getting stronger and faster takes strength work and running drills! Yep…to have those sexy runner legs we all want…we have to do more. So let’s get to work!

We’ve done a lot of leg work lately so this month we are dialing it back a bit and focusing on our inner thighs and good form. For those who want to do a little more…the bonus ab & squat challenge is the perfect compliment. It’s enough to make us sore…but not so much where we lose count of how many sit ups, crunches, and squats we’ve done.

Day 2 exercises: Please watch the how to videos for the new exercises!

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Frogger – 2 rounds of 20 For strong inner thighs!
  • Butt Kicks – 2 rounds of 50
  • High Knees – 2 rounds of 50
  • Side-Lying Leg Lifts – 2 rounds of 15
  • Single Leg Directional Hops – 2 rounds of 15 (per leg)
  • 30 Plank Challenge – Forearm Side Plank (see below) – :45 (3X each side)

Day 2 Plank Challenge: Today’s plank is the forearm side plank and this is an old but a goody! If you are new to planks, please watch this how to video and make modifications where you need to. As you see lots of us holding these planks for a while…remember that we’ve been doing them for months…and months…and you will get there. Take your time, learn the proper form, and work your way up to those longer times.

Bonus: Ab & Squat Challenge – Day 2

  • 20 Sit Ups
  • 15 Crunches
  • 30 Squats

 


Hmmmm…I feel like I’m missing something, but yesterday was a long day of traveling so my mind is a little fried. We are down in Orlando this week for a last summer vacation before school starts, and as usual…Mom and I are up early to run!

Are you running today?

What’s on your schedule? What are you doing to get you closer to your goals? To get you ready for your fall races? Thinking about skipping it today?

Think again Crew…it’s time to run! πŸ™‚

Time to run

Day 1: Start Strong Finish Stronger!

Start Strong Finish StrongerHere we go Crew! A brand new start to a fabulous new month!

Time to shake off last’s months regrets and start the month with a bang!

We’ve got a bunch of new exercises and plenty of running to do to get ready for the upcoming fall and winter races. Start by telling us what your goals are and how we can help you reach them. What races are on your schedule? Do you want me to watch for you? Do you want us to come give you a swift kick in the behind?

Do you want us to leave you alone and let you flounder? HA! Don’t go there cause you knowΒ that won’t happen. πŸ˜‰

The first of the month is a great time for some new “before” pics. Save them for your eyes only or share them with the group. Either way they will help you see how far you come…or how little you improve from being lazy…

Remember whether you think you can succeed, or think you can’t, is up to you…either way you will be right!Β It’s time to step it up so let’s think positivity and give it all we’ve got!

We’re starting off with 2 rounds of 10 this week except for the jumping jacks which is 2 rounds of 50. Watch the how to videos and get familiar with these exercises because as we progress through the month it will get harder.

Day 1 exercises: Arms – 2 rounds of 10Β 

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Jumping Jacks (50 2X)
  • Walking Push Ups
  • Forearm Plank Jacks
  • Inchworm with Shoulder Taps
  • Regular Forearm Plank – :45 (3X)

Lots of planks today which of course are also great for our core. Each day we will be doing a different plank. If you’re new to the group and new to planks please do a regular forearm plank until you are ready to move on to more advanced moves. The forearm plank is an awesome full body exercise that will strengthen your arms, back, legs, and core….and we do them every single day so learn to love them! πŸ˜‰

Watch as Scott Herman (one of my favorites) shows us how to do a regular forearm plank.

Bonus: Ab & Squat Challenge – Day 1Β 30 Day Ab & Squat Challenge

This will be 1 of our bonus workouts this month…don’t worry I will add more…but this is VERY doable. It won’t take long so I hope to see everyone jumping in on this!

  • 10 Sit Ups
  • 10 Crunches
  • 10 Squats

Easy peasy right? You got this!

Since it’s day 1 and we have plenty of time…I’m going to wait to add this week’s speed work. Don’t worry…we’ll get to it. Plan ahead for when you will make it happen though because they only way to get faster….is to run fast!

The only other thing I’d love to see lots of today is miles! The first day of the month is a great day to log some miles and start the month off strong. If you didn’t sign up for the Racery, Castle to Wales Race, there is still time. Here is the link and there is a free option if you don’t care about the medal. This course is 113.2 miles throughΒ you through lush national parks, quaint villages, bustling port towns, and of course–castles!

If 113.2 miles is a little much for you, there are lots of other Racery options for you to jump in on. Or….I could start one for our team? If there’s enough interest I will get one going today!

Who’s ready for the best month yet?!?

Are you prepared to give it your very best? Are you ready to get closer to your dreams?

Keep going! Don’t quit till you have nothing left! I know it hurts…I know your tired…give me more! Give it your best!

One day at a time. You CAN do this! Do Not Quit!Β Go out and kill it Crew! πŸ™‚

August Challenge: Fall Race Prep

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Our August 2016 Challenge is ready to go! If you’re a runner who wants to get stronger, faster, healthier and want to do it from home with a support group to cheer you on Strong to the Core is for you! For less than a gym membership you will get a monthly workout calendar with daily strength exercises, stretching, speed work, running drills, accountability, and support.

The cost is minimal…and if you don’t find that this group pushes you to be better and work harder…if you don’t love it, I will refund you what you paid – guaranteed.

Its time to get ready for those fall and winter races so now is the time to jump in and get started! Click here for more info on Strong to the Core and how to join.

Need a little more info? Strong to the Core breaks up our strength training into segments so you are working specific body parts each day. We leave the weekend open for those long runs and spread the strength out throughout the week. Here is how August looks.

  • Monday: Arms
  • Tuesday: Legs
  • Wednesday: Full Body
  • Thursday: Arms
  • Friday: Abs
  • Saturday & Sunday: Long Run & Rest

If you’re still unsure, please read through theΒ Strong to the CoreΒ page and learn more about our group and about me. On this page you will find a link to messaScreen Shot 2016-07-31 at 1.06.42 PMge me directly and info on how to join.

The route to success is no mystery. It requires hard work and the dedication to apply the fundamentals on a consistent basis. Only you can decide wether or not you will succeed…but either way…you will be right!

Thank you for your interest and I hope you decide that now is the time to step it up!:)

β€”Amy Magdalein

Day 30: Run, Plank, & Stretch!

Day 30It came fast this month but here we are…the 30th of the month and last day of our JulyΒ Challenge!

Love that we are ending this month on a Saturday…what better way to end a fabulous month then with a long run!

I hope you all got some great rest last night and are ready to bust out whatever distance is on your schedule. Let us know your plans so we can cheer you on!

Don’t forget your planks and stretching when you done then take tomorrow to rest some more because August is gonna be awesome!

Day 30 exercises: Long Run + Planks (:60 2X) + 7 Key Stretches for RunnersΒ 

August sarts in 2 days and it’s time to get your payment in if you’re still due. The PayPal link is below and anyone due will be tagged in today’s post.

PayPal link for Strong to the Core

Thank you for your continued support! Go out and kill those long runs today and let us know how it went! Amiee and I are headed out for 20 and Catherine and Diane are joining us for the back 10. It’s super early (3am) and I am ready for this challenge but do I see an early nap in my future!

Make it a great day Crew! πŸ™‚

Day 29: It’s Friday!!!

It's Friday!!!The last strength day of the month….and AWWWW YEAAA….and it’s Friday!!!

Today is arm day…and another of my favorites!

Let’s curl, squat, and press our way to some beautiful, toned, strong arms!

Day 29 exercises: 3 rounds of 10

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Reverse Curl
  • Hammer Curl
  • Kettle Bell Squat + Overhead Press
  • Air Punches – 1 min each round
  • Burpees
  • Plank – 1 Minute (2X)

Bonus: #StretchItOut – We all know what’s coming…the weekend means long runs so our only bonus today is to take the time to run through our 7 Key Stretches for Runners and get your legs, glutes, back, and core ready for the time you’re going to spend on your feet.

Don’t skip it your stretches…it’s important!

All that’s left is to plan for your run. Whether your going long on Saturday or Sunday…plan your meals, suck down the water and get to bed early!

Sunday is the 31st and a full on rest day. Take advantage of doing nothing but eating healthy and getting ready for a brand new month with some great new exercises!

Make it a great Friday Crew! πŸ™‚

 

 

Day 28: I Will Find You…

Thinking about skipping out on your leg workout today?

We will train legs

Think again! You are a runner and your strong legs are important.

NO skipping today’s workout!

If you do….I will find you!

That’s right Crew…I am pulling numbers Friday morning and if you’re not there for Day 28…you will get called out with extra work to do on Friday.

It’s the end of the month and it’s time to push HARD!

I don’t want to be mean…but don’t try me. πŸ˜‰

Day 28 exercises: 3 rounds of 10

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Dumbbell Farmers Walk on Toes – :30 for each round
  • Kettle Bell Squat + Overhead Press
  • Dumbell Deadlifts – Use your heaviest weights!
  • Wall Sit – 1 minute each round
  • Burpees
  • Plank – :60 (2X)


Bonus
: Go for a speedy run! Running builds strong legs so with today’s 3 rounds of leg work…Speedy Gonzalesplus a good speed run…your legs will burn! Go get that burn Crew!

Extra Credit: When you’re done with your speedy run…post and tag with #(character’s name) for extra brownie points today!

GETTTT ITTTT Crew! Don’t make me come find you!

Day 27: Welcome to Wednesday!

Screen Shot 2016-07-26 at 4.22.35 PMYay for Wednesday!! Wednesday is by far my favorite day of the week this month. Well…I really like Saturday long runs too…but our Wednesday ab workout ROCKS!

TONS of activity yesterday! I LOVED it! Can you tell I’m excited at how many of you jumped back in and started towards a brand new ending? It makes me happy happy happy!! πŸ™‚

Let’s keep this motivation rolling and bust out another awesome day today Crew! Ab day and miles on the road. FUN!!! πŸ™‚

Day 27 exercises: 3 rounds of 10Β 

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Standing Oblique Crunch
  • Dumbbell Squat to Shoulder Press Rotation
  • Single Leg Deadlift
  • Towel Mountain Climbers
  • Burpees
  • Plank – :60 (2X)

Bonus: #DailyAbsΒ or RUN! Or both πŸ˜‰Β Daily abs

Got a little more in you for a few rounds of #DailyAbs today? I’ve been doing this everyday and dang, I can feel it working! Just a few rounds will fire up that core so push through it!

Feeling tight or have some pain somewhere? It happens… stretch out the soreness with our 7 Key Stretches for Runners or some Yoga for Runners. Either one is a great way to stay loose and shake out that soreness!

Still working on our August calendar and I’ve gotten some good stuff coming in but would love to see more! Thank you to Jan Peischel and Kacey Trapp for giving me some stuff you like…would love for others jump in and help me help you reach your goals!

Only a few PayPal notices trickling in. If you are due for August please click here and make sure you are set for our new month!

It would be helpful to know what you loved this month….pick a day you loved and tell me why you loved it.

Now get to work Crew…I want to see even more activity today! Don’t make me call you out next…. πŸ˜‰

GETTTT ITTT Core Crew!

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Day 26: Brand New Ending

Screen Shot 2016-07-25 at 8.08.02 PMWhat if you could decide today to make a brand new ending to your story? Would you take that opportunity?

Or would you sit back and sulk about the bad choices you made yesterday…or last week?

You can’t go back and start over…yesterday is gone…last week is in the past…but you can start from now…right now…and make a brand new ending.

Don’t wait until tomorrow, or next week. Don’t put off working towards your goals one more minute.

Get up right now and move towards your brand new ending!

Day 26 exercises: 3 rounds of 10

****Click here for how to videos****

  • Tricep Dips
  • Tricep Push Ups
  • Tricep Overhead Extensions
  • Dumbbell Kickbacks
  • Burpees
  • Plank – :60 (2X)

Bonus: Find one small thing that you can do today to work towards your brand new ending. Make a better food choice, push a little harder than you usually do, write down your goal and tell someone else what that goal is…be accountable.

These are just a couple ideas. Choose whatever makes you feel good, whatever makes you want to leave the past in the past and move forward starting today. I hope to see some great ideas and some fabulous steps towards lots of brand new endings!


Don’t forget about ideas for August! I want to know what you want to do and areas you want to work on. If you don’t speak up…I can’t help you reach your goals!

 

Day 25: It’s A Good Day to Have a Good Day!

Good day to have a good dayIt’s Monday again…and it’s already the last week of July. Where does the month go?

Good thing we have a schedule to follow…because even when life gets in the way and each day isn’t perfect we are still making the most of our month and every little bit counts!

It doesn’t matter how well you’ve done… or how little you’ve done…because today is a good day to have a good day!

The last week of the month is usually when everyone kinda falls off and things in theΒ group are slow. How about a last week full of activity and strength training instead of waiting around on August to start?

Start August feeling good instead of slouching the last week and having even more catch up work to do next week. Let’s finish strong!

Since it’s the last week of the month and we are working with 3 rounds of 10 for all of our exercises, I won’t be pushing a bunch of extra stuff. That means it will be easier to get those runs in AND get your strength training done. No excuses this week Core Crew!

Day 25 exercises: 3 rounds of 10Β 

  • Goblet Squat
  • Butt Lift Bridge
  • Front Kick + Round Kick
  • Wall Sit – 1 min (3X)
  • Burpees – 3 sets of 10 – Come on Crew you got this!
  • Planks – 1 min (2X)

A few last week of the month details…time to make sure you’re in for another great month!

PayPal: Payment for August is due by Sunday 7/31 so you have some time but don’t wait till the last minute. Here is the PayPal link for anyone who is due and for our readers who have been lurking but haven’t pulled the trigger on being a part of our fabulous, supportive Crew. Join us now! Our monthly support group is only $10/month and I promise it will be the best money you’ve ever spent on yourself! Reach out to me with any questions through private message here.

August Ideas: It’s also time to chime in and let us know what you want to see on our calendar for next month. Any exercises you’ve seen that you think our Crew would love? Any moves that, done consistently, will help us all get stronger? Now is the time to share! Tag me in a post in Strong to the Core, or send me a private message. I try to fit in all suggestions so don’t be shy!

Most importantly…pile on the miles in this last week of July. Don’t fall short of your monthly milage goals. Running or walking…keep moving and get your daily challenges completed. 3 rounds of 10….you got this!


I know it’s hot, you’re tired, maybe feeling defeated and tempted to just let this week go, but don’t give up on your goals!Β Keep believing in yourself, stay the course and finish the month strong!

Everyday is a good day to have a good day. Let’s make it a really good day Core Crew!

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