What do you think of trends? Do you follow them, or stay strong in doing your own thing?
When it comes to fitness, a lot of things are ever-constant: endorphins feel good, injuries happen, cotton is a no-go if there's gonna be any kind of perspiring happening. Yadda yadda yadda. We all know, though, that things need to evolve with the times, and it's (often) best that we change as well.
Thus, here are some Current Fitness Trends that I'm totally embracing at the moment:
Race "weekends" instead of just a single race.
What a genius idea! A lot of events are now featuring several options for runners to participate in, usually over the course of 2-4 days. Most of these reward participants with bonus bling (aka - medals) for those who take on the challenge of doing more than one race.
As a sufferer of FOMO (fear of missing out), I have done many events that encompassed more than "just one race." These include:
Rock'n Roll Chicago Half Marathon and 5K Remix (2014)
Grandma's Marathon and William K. Irving 5K (2015)
IMT Des Moines Half Marathon and Principal Financial 5K Road Race (2015)
Des Moines Half Marathon and Mercy Live Up Loop 5-miler (2016)
Route 66 Marathon and 5K (2016)
Grinnell Games Half Marathon and 10K Trail Race (2014)
Grinnell Games Trail 10K and Street Race 10K (2015)
Racecations.
I realize I'm a bit late to the party on this, but it's only been in the past couple of years I have actually started taking my running shoes along in the suitcase when our family has traveled. Sorry to all of the peeps who hang out in the gym while on vacay...but I'm opting outside, either on my own or taking part in a race. Seriously, what better way to explore a new city than on your feet? You won't find these kind of treasures on a treadmill. For example:
I've run the streets of San Fran...
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| exploring the hills of China Town |
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| crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in my Brooks |
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| Running and tree-posing on the beach |
I love my cotton clothing, don't get me wrong, but there is a time and a place for it (and it's not on the race course or in a gym). Now days, you will see me in wool (or wool-blend) socks. I love the feeling of a sweaty tank top NOT weighing five pounds or bagging and swagging from retaining all kinds of bodily moisture. And compression sleeves/socks? Oh, they feel oh-so-good (even on a hot and humid day).
An emphasis on cross-training (and not just doing the same thing all the time).
Variety is the spice of my fitness life, but it wasn't always that way. My first year of being a runner was spent on my treadmill (believe it or not). I'd run three times a week, and run exactly three miles each time. No hill work, no intervals, no core work, no strength-training. It's a wonder I didn't injure myself from overuse of the same muscles all the time.
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| Not just a runner |
When I first started pinning race bibs on my (cotton) shirts and toeing start lines, the swag was sorta bleak. Usually, we'd get another unisex (cotton) shirt to add to the closet. Now, we're not only getting tech shirts, often times they're gender-specific! And, for those embarking on distance events, a lot of events are now giving long-sleeved shirts or 1/4 zip jackets (some even have thumb holes!). I don't know about you, but I am NOT very fond of race shirts...they're usually boxy-fitting (even the shirts with a woman's cut), so I don't wear them much (if at all). But the jackets? I'm digging those! Granted, some of those jackets have a boxy cut as well...but they're jackets! They're supposed to be a little more loosely-fitted LOL.
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| 2017 Grandma's Marathon jacket |
But enough about me....how about YOU? Have you noticed any new trends in recent years in the fitness industry? What are some new trends that you're following?
I'm linking up with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for their awesome Friday Five 2.0 Link-up. Today we're chatting about fitness trends....head over and see what's everyone's got to say about the matter.
I'm all about the destination races!
ReplyDeleteThey are fun...when/if you have the funds available LOL #kidsincollege
DeleteYou're right the race series is a huge trend. One that I partake of regularly. Of the 10 marathons I've run, some of the training for every single one of them was in another state. Kind of cool, yes? Makes for great memories!
ReplyDeleteI like the race series events! I'm not always (like almost never) gunning for an earth-shattering PR, so I enjoy running strong (just not all-out-balls-to-the-wall)
DeleteRacecations are the best! I am so looking forward to our San Fran Ragnar. Have you thought about doing a Ragnar? Of course I am all about cross training! Have a great weekend
ReplyDeleteYES I have thought about doing a Ragnar....but I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere, so there are not any in close proximity ;-( I'm doing a relay race with some co-workers in May (like a small-scale Ragnar). It would be awesome to get a Ragnar team of bloggers together...
DeleteI'm a huge fan of race weekends, or racecatons as I call them, lol. It's nice to meet up with runners from different parts of the country (like at RnR races).
ReplyDeleteI agree! It's fun meeting up with fellow runners/bloggers from social media ;-)
DeleteMost of the races I do are small, and often there's really no swag at all to speak of.
ReplyDeleteBut I've been running on vacation since I began running -- best way to see a new place!
I wish I would have started the "running on vacay" thing years ago...it's a great way to stay active and see the sights
DeleteI love the race weekend thing. Since my kids are still little though this can be a bit of a challenge. I have totally loved the race weekends that I have been able to do though!
ReplyDeleteWell, my kids are mostly grown now, so I have a bit more flexibility. I wasn't much of a runner when they were small...I think it would be hard to get all the necessary training done, let alone be able to run while on vacation in a strange place
DeleteI was all about the remix challenges awhile back. I thought heck if I am there I should just run all the races. But it does start getting exhausting and I feel like I need a vacation from my racecation afterwards...haha.
ReplyDeleteI like the remix format, probably because I seldom ever "race" the races
DeleteI love love a good destination race and if you can do a couple races while you are there- why not!??? TGIF!
ReplyDeleteTotal agreement! I hear there's a little event...Gasparilla (?) ;-)
DeleteI used to run solely on my treadmill too. For years, actually. It was my safety net. :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha...once I broke free of 'Milly, there was no turning back LOL
DeleteWho doesn't like good race swag? And Tech gear swag at that?
ReplyDeleteI definitely look for races when I am planning a trip out of town!
ReplyDeleteI do now, too. We've been out to see our Pennsylvania daughter twice (and are going again in a couple weeks) but we're always traveling over the weekend(s) to get there, so I can't hit a race ;-(
DeleteI do love a destination race! I did my first remix last year in Vegas and loved it! Makes for a fun weekend.
ReplyDeleteThe Vegas remix would be awesome!!
DeleteI haven't done multiple races the same weekend but every other trend Im on board with. I dont think I could live without tech gear!
ReplyDeleteI love my tech gear. I'm totally a cotton snob when it comes to workout stuff now days.
DeleteRace weekends are so much fun. I've only done Disney, Shamrock, and RnR Virginia Beach, but I'd love to add more to my lineup.
ReplyDeleteThey are a lot of fun! I love the challenge of doing "all the races" LOL
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