Thanks for all the encouragement on the NYC Marathon! I still can’t believe it. For realz. And now I’m in complete sticker shock when I look at the hotel prices for that weekend. Maybe I can convince J that since it’s my birthday he should treat?? I wish.

But, seriously, if anyone has any advice/recommendations on where to stay marathon weekend that would be great. Help a (clueless) sista out. This will be my first time to the Big Apple!

Anyways, this update is a little late, as it’s a recap of our training run this past weekend for Team Challenge. Unfortunately, we only had a small crowd show up since it was Easter weekend. But we still had fun!

I was going to teach a core workout prior to training, but it was drizzling and the ground was pretty much soaked. So we postponed the workout until another day when we’re finally blessed with nice weather (which could be never the way Cleveland is going this year).

Halfway into our run (110 minutes!) the sun came out!

And everyone was in good spirits:

They even sprinted to the finish!

The fundraiser of the week now gets this fun cape to wear:

She’s such a good sport.

The race is 1 month, 1 week, and 1 day from today!! It’s going to be here before we know it. Race weekend/day is my favorite part of the entire season – I can’t wait!

Have you ever been to NYC? Where’s your favorite place to stay?

I’m interrupting normal Workout Wednesday for some exciting (yet scary) news:

I seriously almost crapped my pants when I saw that. No joke.

I guess maybe they sensed the disappointment I expressed on Monday and took pity on me? Whatever it was I’ll take it. Unfortunately, my sis didn’t get in, nor did any of my other friends, but it’s an opportunity I can’t pass up!

Even better? The race is ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Never in my life did I ever think I’d be so excited about having to pay a ridiculous amount of money to put my body through months of rigorous training and then running 26.2 miles on my birthday. How life changes.

I’ve already emailed my PT telling her we need to step up this therapy. I have 192 days til race day.

Do you know anyone out there who is running NYC? Are you?? I need a friend who runs a normal/slower pace of 9:00 – 9:30 miles!!

So, this is what my sis and I do when she comes home for the weekend:

Yes, we’re mature. I know this. And I love it.

That is all.

Please tell me we’re not the only siblings who act this way……

Happy Easter (a day late), friends!

We had a great Easter weekend and the Easter Bunny was generous, as always, with C:

The kid got new running shoes, a dri-fit tshirt, soccer ball, and plenty of candy.

This kid could live on Nerds and Laffy Taffy (not sure where he got that from – I’m a chocolate girl through and through!).

This Easter was a bit different than last, because even though I got up and worked out (with help from Big Worm),

Last year on Easter morning I was running 18 miles and taking my first ice bath in training for the Pittsburgh marathon!

It makes me sad to see what great shape I was in and the milestones I was making at this time last year. A year really makes a huge difference. I know I’m doing the right thing by taking it easy and letting my leg heal before I make any other long term commitments. But, I’m not gonna lie, it’s getting harder and harder to sit still. I hate watching all my friends register for these awesome races and start training for endurance events when I’m stuck nursing my IT Band back to health. It’s so frustrating. Knowing it’s the right thing to do doesn’t make it any easier either.

I had originally declared 2011 “my year” but I think I’m going to have to push that declaration back a year. I have 8 months to get my leg back to 100%!!

So, cheer me up – tell me what awesome races you have coming up. Are there any nearby? I’m a FANTASTIC cheerleader!!

Hey hey!! Tonight’s the night (feelin, lucky??)!

Here are the winners, yo:

#5 = Amanda

#29 = Sara

#44 = PK

Email me your addresses, girls, and I’ll get your scrubs and goodies out to you asap (let me know if you have any allergies or dislikes for your goodies, too)!! Please send your email to mile26andmore@yahoo.com.

CONGRATS and thanks to everyone for entering!

I hope most of you have the day off tomorrow (sadly, not me) – enjoy the holiday weekend, everyone!

Glad to see you guys like the giveaway – keep the entries coming. You have until tomorrow at 5:00pm to enter!

I can’t believe it’s Wednesday already! You know what that means, right (well, besides a new Modern Family)??

It’s Workout Wednesday!!

I’m sure everyone know the standard leg lift:

Lie on your side with your knees slightly bent. Leading with your heel, raise your top leg a little higher than your hip and then lower. Your leg does not need to come this high:

It’s a very small movement. You want to keep the tension in your hips and if you overextend (like the picture above) you lose that tension and the exercise will become much less effective.

Pretty standard, right?

Well, today I wanted to show you a variation I learned a long time ago that is a real killer!

Once you have completed 10 standard leg lifts, move your top leg slightly in front of your body like so:

Lower your HEEL to the floor (while keeping your hips stacked – don’t let your body rock) and raise back up leading with your heel again.

Do 10 more reps like this and then repeat 10 more standard leg lifts in the middle (cute puppy by your belly is completely optional, but highly recommended).

Next you want to move your top leg slightly behind you (tip: lie your head down on your arm – it will help!):

Then lower your TOES to the floor and lift back up with your heel.

Do 10 reps like this and repeat 10 more standard. THIS IS ONE SET.

Try doing 3 sets total. Your hips and outer thighs will be on FIRE at the end. I guarantee it!

My hips and thighs are definitely NOT my best friend. They are my trouble spots and I really have to focus on toning right now with Summer around the corner. Let me know if you try these and how they worked for you!

What’s your favorite hip/thigh toning exercise?? Please share!

Please remember to consult with a doctor before beginning any exercise program.

I think Marathon Monday may be my new favorite day of the year. I seriously couldn’t pull myself away from my computer – watching those elite athletes is so inspiring. I can’t even fathom running a 4:45 minute mile for ONE MILE, let alone 26.2 miles!

And for Ryan Hall to run the fastest marathon an American has ever run and still come in 4th is ca-razy! The whole thing just blows my mind. I still can’t get over it. If you happen to live under a rock and not catch the race or the results, you can check them out here.

A HUGE CONGRATS GOES TO MY BLOG BUDDIES, MOLLY AND JOANNE, WHO BOTH RAN BOSTON ON MONDAY AND DID FANTASTIC!

But enough about Boston because I could seriously go on and on and on (and on and on)…..

TODAY IS MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!

Poppy Louise Sugar Scrubs

A dear friend of mine makes these lovely sugar scrubs and graciously offered to let me give some away on my blog.

According to Nancy:

These sugar scrubs are your connection to healthy, glowing skin with the benefits of aromatherapy. Using a body sugar scrub can help you achieve smooth skin by stimulating cell turnover. In addition to benefitting your skin, the scents activate your senses to calm, relax, stimulate – any desired effect depending on the scent you choose!

Sometimes cleansing the skin with soap is just not enough to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, an astringent to keep the skin’s pH balance level, and moisturizer is needed as well. That’s where Poppy Louise sugar scrub takes care of you. Because we use only the finest ingredients, the grape seed oil provides these benefits and more. Over repeated use you will see the benefits that grape seed oil brings to your skin: smoother, silkier, and softer to the touch.

I’ve experienced first hand how fantastic these scrubs are (Nancy was super sweet to bring me one after she came to one of my classes at the gym) – they really do leave your skin silky smooth. I remember the first time I used mine – I couldn’t stop rubbing my arms – they never felt so soft!! It’s pretty amazing. And now I use them all the time.

My favorite part is that since Poppy Louise sugar scrubs are all natural, there are no harsh side effects. Which means you can use the scrubs on all skin types – oily, dry, combination or mature skin!

There are 3 jars available so I’ll have 3 winners. Just leave me a comment letting me know which scent you’d choose:

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Ed Hardy (just like the fragrance!)

You can earn an extra entry by following me on Twitter (@heathamursch) and tweeting the following: “I just entered @heathamursch’s giveaway for #PoppyLouise sugar scrub. U should too!” And include a link to this post.

You can enter until this Thursday at 5:00pm (sorry, but USA residents only). I’ll announce the winners that night (and I may even include some delicious baked goods for the winners if you’re lucky!).

If you’re interested in hearing more about (or want to order!) these sugar scrubs, you can contact Nancy Plocica at nancy@poppylouise.com or 216.401.2428 (her website and Etsy store are still works in progress).

Have a fantastic night guys, and GOOD LUCK!!

Hey everyone!!

Today was the BEST TEAM CHALLENGE TRAINING RUN EVER!

Wanna know why………..??

Bahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!

These two crazies promised to run dressed in girls running gear if we had so many participants commit to the race by a certain date.

Luckily they don’t take themselves too seriously.

This little gesture really lifted the early morning Sunday mood and kept smiles on everyone’s faces the entire training. (though, how could it not? – seeing the reactions on stranger’s faces was seriously priceless)

Despite all the excitement, we managed to have a great training session. Before our run I demonstrated a few strength exercises geared specifically towards runners to help with coordination, balance, and overall form. Sometimes I think runners forget that strength training is great for injury prevention. The stronger our muscles the less chance we have of injury. A strong base is where it’s at, people.

We then set out for our 90 minute run/walk and it was a success! Everyone is really starting to embrace the spirit of the Team and train for a half marathon while still having fun. My motto.

All in all, another great week in the books.

Hope you had a great Sunday!

Are you willing to make fun of yourself for a good cause?? Me? Always. I have no shame.

p.s. Stay tuned this week – I have my first giveaway coming!!

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I missed out on blogging last night because I was too busy playing with the puppies. I just can’t get enough right now!

I actually had someone request some inner thigh exercises last week so I thought I’d show you my favorite way I like to work the inner thigh. (Sidenote: this is definitely an exercise I need to do more often. I’m still trying not to think about how close shorts season is!)

Anyways, find a spot on the wall with some extra room. You’ll need some space. Place your legs out front so when you sink down your knees are at a 90 degree angle. Like such:

Pretty simple, right? Bahahaha!! Yeah, right!

Hold the squat for 30-45 seconds, slide back up the wall, and repeat 2 more times.

If you want to work your quads torture yourself a little more you can place a weight on your lap.

It’s not fun, let me tell you.

For your inner things, I like to work them 2 different ways. First I use my foam roller (you can use anything you have handy really, such as a kids play ball) and place it between my knees.

Then just squeeze the foam roller with your knees (don’t let it drop!) as many times as you can for the 30-45 seconds. If you’re old enough to remember, it’s a cheap version of Jane Fonda’s thigh master (but without the leotard!).

The other way I work my inner thighs is basically the same thing but without the foam roller.

Just be careful that you are actually squeezing your inner thighs when you’re doing this movement instead of just moving your legs in and out. It’s gonna hurt so it will take some concentration!!

Just from taking these pictures my heart rate was elevated and I was getting warm. They work FAST!

Well, I’m off to get in some more puppy playtime…….I have a feeling I’ll end up tonight just like I did last night:

(J took this picture without me knowing. And ignore the Steeler blanket – it’s not mine!)

What are you favorite inner thigh exercises? Do you have any?

Please remember to consult with a doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Thanks for all the comments on Biggie, everyone! I feel so lucky that this little guy was brought into our lives. He’s just so innocent and FUN!!

What a pimp.

But today’s post is all about Team Challenge!

This past Sunday was a milestone for MANY of our participants, as we had 80 minutes on the schedule. This meant they could end up running 8 miles (or more!).

Before our run we discussed the topic of “Should You Run When Sick?” and updated the participants on all our upcoming guest speakers. There are a few in particular that I’m really excited about! You’ll definitely be updated on all the fun stuff as it happens.

The most exciting thing this past Sunday was that we FINALLY had nice weather for training!

It was 58 when we left the house and PERFECT running weather.

I ran the first half very slow to make sure my knee was OK and just enjoyed the fact that I was RUNNING.

I ran/walked the second half, covering 5.75 miles total. Not too bad for this lady with a bum knee.

I actually had headed back a little sooner than the rest of the Team, though, so that I would have some extra stretching time before everyone finished up. Besides, I like to be at the finish to cheer everyone home.

And also to see the participants race J to the finish line.

Some of the participants are really gunnin’ for him now. It’s really fun, actually. It gets the whole Team involved and cheering!

After some stretching and a brief wrap up, the majority of the Team headed to Panera for some post run food and to chat. It was a pretty great Sunday morning!

As soon as I got home I rolled out my leg and iced it, too, but it’s still a little sore. It definitely didn’t hurt, but it’s been aching pretty bad ever since. Luckily I have another appointment with my PT this week. I’m feeling confident, though – 4 miles (pain free) is a great accomplishment!!

Hope everyone had a great Monday. One day down and only four to go…….!