“We live in a tired, hurting world and acts of courageous compassion won’t happen unless we do them.”. Well, this past Saturday I got to witness that quote in action:
After my morning run on Saturday, I got to volunteer at an adaptive lacrosse clinic hosted by No Boundaries Lacrosse, a fledgling organization created to bring the sport of Lacrosse to special needs kids with a whole range of challenges- no one is excluded due their disability. Check them out at http://www.noboundarieslacrosse.com . This is a wonderful program founded by a former lacrosse player at Prior Lake and the mother of one of the “campers”; as they are affectionately known. In fact, four of the coaches are former players at Prior Lake High School, and there are more than a few volunteers from the current High School roster as well as players (and the VP of Lacrosse) from Prior Lake’s youth organization, P.L.A.Y. (Prior Lake Athletics for Youth).
The joy and determination that the kids showed as they learned lacrosse from the volunteers was priceless! I was particularly proud to be in the company of the volunteers- some former players of mine- and was especially touched by the youngest volunteers (middle school age- I think), who were selfless in their desire to help the kids learn lacrosse. I’m sure they could have been doing something else; but they chose to be there- as we all did. Here is the link to the local news story: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/video/9613305-mother-starts-adaptive-lacrosse-program-for-daughter/#.UqXflt-qaW0.email
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Okay, full disclosure. I ran INDOORS on Saturday. Treadmill workouts are tough for me because it’s hard to stay focused while running to nowhere. However, I have found ways to kill the boredom. Below is one way- others will follow:

Treadmill workout:

This is a good way to run 2-5 miles on a treadmill without getting bored silly:

warmup with a fast walk (3mi/hr) for 2-3 mins. 

run 1 mile at 5k pace (or comfortably fast- 70-80% of max effort)

do 10 burpees, 30 pushups, and 10 pullups (or inverted rows, etc…)

run 1 mile.

repeat this sequence 4 times, which will equal 5 miles on the ‘mill. Should take about an hour.

4 times= 5 miles

3 times= 4 miles and so on. 

You can pick any three exercises that are a challenge between the mile intervals. Mix it up- it’s a great way to vary your treadmill workouts!