Gallagher Fitness Resources

Category: Women’s Clinic

This category and subsequent sub-categories and topics are designed for Women’s Clinic participants and all runners and walkers to read and post comments.

  • RunSignUp ActiveSalem Case Study

    RunSignUp ActiveSalem Case Study

    Gallagher Fitness Resources featured in the RunSignUp ActiveSalem Case Study

    Read about us on the RunSignUp Blog. Gallagher Fitness Resources updated the ActiveSalem website in 2014. RunSignUp provided assistance in our website improvements. Primary features include a local race calendar, signups for our classes and clinics, and an easy way to add events to the calendar. GFR is proud of the many ways we serve our running and walking community.

    Check out Local Races on the ActiveSalem Race Calendar

    Find a local race

    Add Your Race Event to the Calendar

    Add a Local Race to the ActiveSalem Race Calendar

    Sign up for our Training Plans

    Team GFR Training Plans for 5k, 10k, Relay, Half Marathon, and Marathon.

  • Accessories: Little Things That Really Work

    Accessories: Little Things That Really Work

    Accessories can help keep you healthy, happy and safe. These are the little things that can help make your running and walking experiences more enjoyable, help keep you injury-free and help with improved performance.

    We’re all individuals with different needs and goals. What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. Sometimes you don’t really know what works and what doesn’t work until you try it. This list will shed some light on options you may not have thought about. Best of all, you can find them all here at GFR!

    Common Accessories found at Gallagher Fitness Resources

    • Anti-Chafing products protect from blisters and hot spots.
    • Anti-Blister pads, bandages and dressings protect healing blisters or prevent them before they happen.
    • AquaJogger is a water belt designed to allow for impact-free exercise in the pool.
    • Compression gear reduces fatigue through decreased muscle vibration, increases circulation and improves oxygenated blood flow by accelerating venous return for faster recovery and reduces long-term overuse injuries.
    • Fuel products keep the body properly energized and hydrated during workouts. Electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein are all valuable nutrients that can be used before, during and after exercise.
    • Gloves are important when the temperature drops, so stay covered and be protected from the elements.
    • Hats are useful for warmth and protection from moisture as well as shielding the eyes and skin from the sun.
    • Hydration belts and handheld water-bottles allow you to bring much-needed water or electrolyte drinks on the go.
    • Hydroflask is a double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel bottle that maintains hot and cold temperatures.
    • Inserts such as orthotics can provide support and cushioning in addition to what the shoes already have.
    • KT Tape is used for pain relief and support, injury prevention and faster recovery.
    • Massage Tools loosen tension and increase elasticity, helping to prevent and treat injuries, as well as helping muscles work more efficiently for improved performance. Self myofascial release is an alternative or enhancement to deep tissue massage.
    • Music Carriers worn on your arm or on your waistband are touch screen compatible and come in a variety of sizes.
    • Pepper Spray repels angry animals… and people.
    • Reflective gear and flashing lights allow you to be seen in darker conditions. Be seen – be safe.
    • Shoe bags are handy smaller bags for your dirty or wet shoes or gear, fitting nicely in a locker or larger bag.
    • Smart ID lets you take important personal information with you in case of emergency.
    • Socks made of technical fabrics help wick moisture and prevent blistering. Cotton is not recommended!
    • Sport-Wash gets the stink out of technical fabrics and doesn’t leave behind a residue.
    • Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun as well as wind and rain.
    • Sweaty Bands keep your hair out of the way and come in a variety of styles and colors. Better yet, they don’t slip!
    • Watches track your workout’s duration. Some also monitor heart rate or track pace and distance with GPS or an accelerometer foot pod. Calorie counters and interval timers for run/walk alerts are also available.

    Check out some of the Accessories sold at Gallagher Fitness Resources

    View Accessories through our online store link. Look under Categories and Sub-Categories!

  • Womens Clinic Pace Groups

    Womens Clinic Pace Groups

    Womens Clinic Pace Groups

    Womens clinic pace groups vary from clinic to clinic. At the beginning of each Women’s Beginning Walking and Running Clinic, most people place themselves in the right group. However, for a few, it’s a bit difficult. If this is you, hang in there. Remember you can experiment with different groups, the goal being to eventually settle in to the one that’s right for you. A little shifting around in the first couple weeks is okay if you’re not sure. If you are unsettled by week 3, please see me.

    I occasionally get inquiries regarding the “pace” of each group. While most people don’t have any idea of their pace, some happen to know their general pace from a recent event, a walk or run on a route of known distance, or from viewing minutes per mile on a treadmill where you can switch miles per hour to minutes per mile.

    At the beginning of each clinic, base fitness varies from person to person. Throughout the clinic, homework consistency also varies. Those who aren’t consistent will have progressively more difficulty keeping up with those who are. If you’re in a group that doesn’t feel comfortable, switch groups or see me and we’ll talk about it. It’s not about the group, it’s about starting slowly and progressing gradually through consistency and patience. Don’t be in a hurry. Be patient and you’ll make solid gains toward your goals.

    Group Pace Range

    Group pace varies from clinic to clinic and we never know the exact pace range for a given group. However, here is historical information intended to assist with group placement. Data is from 5k’s (3.1 miles) done by “cats” at the end of 12-week Women’s Clinics. There’s quite a range for some groups, as well as a little overlap in the Panther, Cheetah and Bobcat groups, partially due to base fitness and homework consistency. This is meant as a “general guide” for group placement and should not cause unnecessary alarm or confusion.

    LEOPARDS: Average Pace = 18:00-20:00 per mile (55:55-1:02 5k)

    COUGARS: Average Pace = 16:30-17:45 per mile (51:22-54:28 5k)

    JAGUARS: Average Pace = 14:00-16:00 per mile (44:03-48:37 5k)

    PANTHERS: Average Pace = 11:30-13:00 per mile (35:40-40:20 5k)

    CHEETAHS: Average Pace = 10:30-12:00 per mile (32:30-37:20 5k)

    BOBCATS: Average Pace = 10:00-11:00 per mile (31:00-34:20 5k)

  • Women’s Clinic Post Clinic Tips

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    Now that the Women’s Beginning Walking and Running Clinic is nearing the end, here are some special Women’s Clinic Post Clinic Tips to help you stay consistent. Remember conversation pace and your heart rate guidelines and be patient as you continue to improve your fitness. Most of all, have fun!

    Walkers:

    Leopards and Cougars: Repeat the last 4-6 weeks or your group or begin the next group (Leopards switch to Cougars and Cougars switch to Jaguars). Jaguars: repeat the last 4-6 weeks. If you are thinking about being a Panther in the next clinic, keep walking consistently until then. If you have been consistently walking for the last 12 weeks, without injury, and you wish to transition to running, consider a 20-second easy jog every 5-6 minutes of walking.

    Any walkers can meet Cat Alumni 5:30pm each Tues/Thur at GFR or whenever it works for you. Copy e-mails from your cat’s group and contact one another to arrange to walk together.

    Resources for Walkers:

    Willamette Wanderers: http://willwander.weebly.com/

    American Volkswalk Association: http://www.ava.org/

    Oregon Trails State Volkssport Association: http://www.walkoregon.org/

    Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. – Soren Kierkegaard

    Panthers (1st Walk-to-Run Transition Group):

    Upon completion of the WC Panther plan, you are a runner, congratulations! You’re off to a great start and here’s a plan that has worked successfully for other Panther alumni.

    Interim until the next clinic begins, repeat the last 4-6 weeks of the Panther plan, (yes, repeat it) or begin the Cheetah plan. Go at your own pace, to the best of your ability and modify as needed. Arrange to meet other Panther alumni 5:30pm Tues’s and Thur’s at GFR and do it together. The key is to remain consistent.

    Next Clinic: Repeating the Panther group or moving to the Cheetah group depends on how you are doing once the next clinic begins. It will depend on your general health (are you injury-free?) and how consistent you were during the interim.

    Cheetahs (2nd Walk-to-Run Transition Group):
    Repeat the last 4-6 weeks of the Cheetah plan. If you’ve been consistent through the clinic, feel free to begin the Bobcat plan. Go at your own pace, to the best of your ability and modify as needed. Arrange to meet other Cheetah alumni Tues/Thur evenings at GFR and do it together. Staying consistent is key. Being a Bobcat in the next clinic depends on your consistency during the interim. Although walk breaks are always an option, Bobcat homework does not include them.

    Bobcats (Running Group):
    Arrange to meet your Bobcat buddies 5:30pm Tues’s and Thur’s at GFR and run together. Sign up for 5k’s and 10k’s. Be a Bobcat next clinic. Getting 18-24 months of consistent running and a few 5k’s and 10k’s under your belt is highly suggested before considering a half marathon. If you have not run consistently for 18-24 months and have not run a few  5k’s and 10k’s, please consider being a Bobcat again in order to give yourself a more solid base for which to build upon for safe half marathon training.

  • Women’s Clinic Inspiration

    Hi Susan!

    I was in last spring’s women’s clinic in the Panther group. I had sent you an “accountability” email during the first running phase of my life, and I wanted to send you a little update now as well. You see, I was inspired to do the clinic not because I wanted to become a runner so much as because I had a family vacation planned in Colorado. I wanted to be able to really hike the trails at Rocky Mountain National Park, and I knew that I needed to put some stress on my lungs to be ready for it. So, I signed up for the clinic. (Granted, I also have a morbid curiosity to see if I can do the things I think I cannot do feeding my inspiration as well… which applies mostly to running and some to hiking at high elevation)

    That vacation was last week… I hiked 16+ miles on trails (mostly) ranked “moderate” -in four days and one hike being nine miles long! I was fatigued, but never sore. I bought the right size of boots because of the clinic… I kept my head looking up (in spite of the immense climb) to facilitate breathing- because of the clinic… I had my trigger point gear ready at the end of the day and I was NEVER sore, which also means that I effectively built those little capillaries up. I knew what food I should eat how much water to bring and why…All because of the clinic. Our hikes frequently started at 9,000 ft of elevation or more and several ended around 10,200+. Most of Oregon’s trails never end as high in elevation as those trails start. I saw seven lakes and several waterfalls. I have always loved that part of Colorado, and on this trip I got to see more of it than I ever have!

    I am excited to sign up for clinic in July! I plan to be in the Panther group again to see if I can get from the back of the pack to the middle or more toward the front… When I signed up last spring, I planned on being able to use running as a “tool” to get ready for other priorities in my life. It never occurred to me that I would love running too!

    The family wants to vacation in Colorado again next year, and I want to hike at least one trail ranked “strenuous.” I’ve got some running to do!!!!! 🙂

    Thank you!
    Andi

    ….In case you are wondering, I was in Estes Park when the wildfire started there. It was surreal to see the tanker planes with retardant and helicopters drawing water from the lake and dropping it less than two miles away. I am thankful that they could put that fire out! I could also see the High Park (Ft. Collins) Fire smoke from the vacation home we stayed in. Each time a plume of black smoke went up, we knew someone had lost their home. We were leaving Colorado earlier in the day on Wednesday when Colorado Springs was evacuated a few hours later. The fires are terrifying. I wish that there was a way to run or hike to help the families. Most of my closest friends and my significant other are firefighters. Some of them go to the wild land lines. As wonderful as my vacation was, it was taking place at a time when so many were losing so much. That weighs on me.

  • Uphill Techniques and Tips

    Negotiating hills can be challenging but you can improve your efficiency with some awareness. Here are some uphill tips, presuming you’re not having to be concerned about rocks, tree roots or other trip hazards.

    • Keep your eyes focused on the top of the hill. Don’t look down.
    • As you run or walk up the hill with your eyes up, visualize someone at the top of the hill pulling you up with a rope that’s tied to a central spot between your hips. Creative Visualization is an amazing tool that many athletes frequently use. If you practice this, you will actually “feel” your hips being drawn up the hill by this invisible rope.
    • Keep your hips going straight up the hill. Visualize small headlights attached to the front of your hip bones. You need to keep those headlights centered on the road! Don’t let them “weave” back and forth across the road.
    • Keep your head up! Looking up and keeping your head erect puts your body (especially your spine and hips) in the right position.
    • Maintain a quick cadence and keep your stride length short. Don’t over-stride. Think baby steps.
    • Use your arms, but don’t overdo it! Reach back with your hands far enough to brush the sides of your hips.

    Continue past the top of the hill and concentrate on using good form for several more yards after you have crested the top. Keep up the quick cadence. In other words, don’t lose your momentum when you get to the top. Going up hills with good form is important. Being able to continue after you have “conquered the hill” is what will make you more efficient and stronger.

    *************************

    Many look up at a hill and say, “Oh my!”

    Try this demonstration:

    • Look up, eyes straight forward – take a deep breath
    • Look down – take a deep breath

    You get more air with your head up and we need all the oxygen we can get when going uphill

    Eyes up – head up – oxygen

    Spine straightens up – hips align – increased efficiency

  • Event Preparation Checklist

    You’ve trained diligently for your event and now all you have to do is get a good night’s sleep, wake up early enough in the morning and head to the starting line.  But, do you have everything you need?  Many participants, from first-timers to veterans, take last-minute preparations for granted.

    To be prepared, make a checklist. Use it to pack a bag full of everything you may need before, during and after your event.  If you participate frequently, set aside a permanent event bag and keep a supply of most of what you’ll need already packed away.

    SHOES: Pack two pairs. Many pack racing shoes and training shoes. Even if you race in your training shoes, pack a second pair so you’ll have dry footwear after the race.

    INSERTS: Put orthotics, insoles, heel pads or other devices you normally use in the shoes you will be wearing for the event.

    SOCKS: Two pairs.  One for the event (inspect for seams or anything that may cause a blister) and another so you can have a dry pair to wear afterwards.

    JOG-BRA: Some may not wear a jog bra but if you do be sure you pack it. Lack of proper support for the girls is not fun!

    OUTFIT: Gone are the days when you grabbed the nearest T-shirt and headed out the door.  Now, not only do you get to decide whether to wear shorts or tights, but you get to color-coordinate your outfits.  Pack all the possibilities in case it suddenly gets colder, hotter or rainy.

    BIB NUMBER: If you have a bib number in advance, pin it on whatever you’re most likely to wear.  (It’s best to pick up your number before race day, if possible, to avoid last-minute stress.)

    CHIP TIMING: Many events no longer have bib numbers but use chip timing. You many receive a chip at packet pick-up which goes on your shoe and records your time electronically. In this case, you will also be provided with a mini lock-tie or something to attach the chip to your shoe.

    WARM-UPS AND POSTRACE CLOTHING: Pack the warm-ups you will wear before and after the race.  This may mean a rain-resistant outfit for a wet day.  Pack an extra T-shirt, sweatshirt, socks, etc., so you’ll have a dry set of clothing after you finish. It’ll make the post-event socializing and trip home much more comfortable.

    HOT/COLD WEATHER ITEMS: Sunscreen and a hat are always good ideas and sunglasses if it’s going to be sunny will be helpful.  In cold weather, you’ll need to pack gloves, a hat and perhaps a long-sleeved thermal shirt.  In extremely wet or windy conditions, you may choose to wear a light windbreaker or a vest as well.

    FIRST-AID/NECESSITIES: Consider packing extra toilet paper. Port-a-potties are usually well stocked but bring it just in case they run out.  Pack “Glide” or a similar product for your feet, inner thighs or other sensitive areas to prevent blisters and chafing if this tends to occur during training.  Bring a towel to dry off with whether it’s from sweat or rain.

    DRINK/FOOD: Pack water to drink, prior to the start and for the drive home.  Bring additional snacks for after the race. Some events have plenty but bring your own just in case.  A good mix of protein and carbohydrates will help you recover quicker and feel better later on in the day.

    WEATHER: Check the weather the night before and first thing in the morning to be aware of any last minute changes and modify your outfit as needed.

    LOGISTICS: A few days prior to the event,  go to the event website.  Review directions to get there, location of the registration/packet pick-up area, parking area, starting line, race course map (including turns and hills) and FAQ if available.  Print driving directions and place in your bag if it’s an unfamiliar place.  Plan to arrive at the event site about an hour before the start, especially if you’re not sure where you’re going or where you’re parking.  Quickly locate port-a-potties, packet pick-up, starting line area, etc. Get the lay of the land so you’re prepared and ready to go when the gun goes off… or the cowbells ring!

    WATCH: Place your watch next to your bag and put it on first thing race morning so you remember it.

    STRATEGY: The night before the event, review in your mind, your strategy for starting out easy and relaxed. There will be lots of people, noises, smells, excitement and adrenaline. Imagine a good blend of fun nervousness and butterflies mixed with some calm and confidence that your preparation and determination to finish the race will get you through it, finishing strong!

    Remember that your effort will feel easy at first because of the adrenaline.  It’s race day magic!  Start out wisely.  Imagine keeping your effort nice and controlled in the beginning so that you stay comfortable throughout the entire distance and don’t over-do it. Going out too fast is one of the most common mistakes that beginners and veterans make.  It leads to disappointment, a less than favorable performance and… it’s not as fun!

    HUMOR and GRATITUDE: Last but not least, take along a sense of humor. Stuff happens that’s out of your control and you don’t want it to ruin the day.  Many details are required to put on events and race directors do their best to provide a fun, safe experience for participants. Still, things go awry and can be frustrating, especially if it’s a new race director or a new event.  Take it with a grain of salt, do your best and be thankful for the opportunity to be on your feet and contribute positively to a community.  Cheers!

  • Logging

    Keeping track of exercise sessions and how we feel during exercise allows us to see improvement, helps us learn to avoid mistakes that lead to injury and helps us stay accountable and consistent. Logging can also be a great source of inspiration, both to yourself and to others.

    More on logging:

    • Provides information on how weather conditions, clothes, shoes and food affect exercise
    • Provides information on favorite places to exercise
    • A “journal of your journey” says John “The Penguin” Bingham
    • No matter where you are at this moment, a year from now you will have traveled to a new place
    • Helps you track physical and emotional change
    • Allows you to feel great enjoyment and accomplishment looking over past experiences
    • What may seem like trivial data today can be the basis for analyzing progress or meeting challenges in the future
    • Reflections on times when things went well often lead to future success in meeting your goals
    • Allows you to analyze what led up to an injury or less-than-satisfactory performance
    • Past problems can help you make powerful changes – if you have the right information written down
    • The accounts of your successes can often lead to more success
    • One of the main reasons why we don’t log is because we don’t want to know the truth!

    Tip from the Big Cat Kahuna:

    • Secure homework slips onto an 8 ½ by 11-inch sheet (4 weeks per sheet)
    • Record actual minutes walked or run each day and total your minutes at the end of the week
    • Leave space after each week to write notes: weather, time of day, route, shoes, how you felt, what you wore, who you went with, what you learned, goals, etc.
    • Have fun!

  • Breathing Awareness

    Do you practice diaphragmatic or “belly” breathing? Do you breathe when you stretch? Correct breathing – slow, relaxed “belly” breathing – is important for effective stretching, rolling out and many other activities. Good breathing helps us relax, increases blood flow throughout the body, and helps relieve built-up tension. With practice, correct breathing is a simple, yet highly effective tool.

    As you breathe in, the diaphragm presses downward on the internal organs and their associated blood vessels, squeezing the blood out of them. As you exhale, the abdomen, its organs and muscles, and their blood vessels flood with new blood. This rhythmic contraction and expansion of the abdominal blood vessels is partially responsible for the circulation of blood in the body. The rhythmic pumping action, referred to as the respiratory pump, also helps remove waste products.

    The respiratory pump is important during stretching and rolling out because increased blood flow to muscles improves their elasticity, and increases the rate at which lactic acid is removed from them. Work on slow, relaxed breathing when you stretch and roll out.

    BREATHING AWARENESS EXERCISE

    Observe your normal breathing pattern without making any changes, nor controlling the breath in any way. Simply observe, and notice the quality of your breathing, depth, evenness, sound, smoothness, roughness, rate. Let the breath come and go in its own natural rhythm.

    Follow the breath from moment to moment, and develop sensitivity by the direct experience of feeling the breath as it enters and leaves the body.

    Breathe in and out the nostrils.

    Feel the breath, and follow it, the moment it enters your nostrils, through the nasal passages, throat, trachea, bronchi and into the lungs. Let the exhalation be a long, slow release.

    Notice whether or not you are breathing equally into each nostril and lungs. Be aware of tightness and restriction in the rib cage. Notice the quality and amount of expansion in the ribs and lungs. Do both lungs expand equally? Into which part of the lungs do you mostly breathe?

    If you practice breathing with awareness, the quality of your breathing will improve with little effort.

    BREATHING EXERCISE #2

    How can I relax and bring my heart rate down? Practice diaphragmatic breathing. Here’s an exercise. It takes practice, so be patient and persistent.

    Get comfortable, either sitting, or lying on your back with pillows under the knees or lower legs on a couch.

    1. Breathe in slowly and deeply, using diaphragm, 4-6 seconds (one-one thousand, two-one thousand, etc)

    2. Hold your breath for about three seconds

    3. Slowly begin to exhale, counting for twice as long as the inhale, and gently pushing from down low for the last 2 or 3 seconds to get that last bit of stale air all the way out.

    Repeat steps 1-3, two more times for a total of three times. Next breathe normally for ten breaths. Then repeat the whole sequence. Although it takes practice, this is a relatively simple relaxation tool and it works really well.

  • Stretching

    STRETCHING

    Done properly, stretching can do more than just increase flexibility. Benefits include increased relaxation, increased body awareness, reduced risk of injury, and reduced muscle soreness and tension. Unfortunately, stretching is not always done properly. Therefore, the benefits are not always realized. Common mistakes include stretching cold muscles, overstretching, performing exercises the wrong way, and shallow breathing.

    Click here for breathing tips.

    OVER-STRETCHING

    Occasionally, the progression of sensations you feel as you reach the extreme ranges of a stretch are localized warmth of the stretched muscles, followed by a burning (or spasm-like) sensation, followed by sharp “ouch!” pain. The localized warming usually occurs at the muscle’s origin or point of insertion. When you begin to feel this, it is your first clue that you may need to “back off” and reduce the intensity of the stretch.

    If you ignore (or do not feel) the warming sensation, and you proceed to the point where you feel a definite burning sensation in the stretched muscles, then you should ease up immediately and discontinue the stretch! You may not feel soreness right away, but you probably will the next day. If your stretch gets to the point where you feel sharp pain, it is quite likely that tissue damage has already occurred and may cause immediate pain and soreness that persists for several days.

    Click here for Trigger Point Therapy information to help your stretching be even more effective!