Margaux's training tip: Push it Gazelle Girls

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) - I dislike being out of my comfort zone, especially while running. Don't we all? It's well...not comfortable! However, there is one thing that will help my running immensely, and it happens to be just that: Pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Ugh, tough medicine. And, it will help you too!

There is nothing I like more than lacing up and heading out for a run where I turn my brain OFF and my vibes ON. I breath calmly and I can relax. Although, I wish I could do this everyday, I know that I will never get any stronger or faster if I do.

Just like anything in life, in order to grow, we have to keep challenging ourselves. Pushing it!

One way to get stronger and faster while actually having fun is doing a "B" race while training for your main race. My Gazelle Gir l training partners, daughters Ellie and Teddy, and I were able to do that this past weekend at the Irish Jig 5K in East Grand Rapids.

You don't have to think very hard. Just show up at the start and when you hear the gun, follow the crowd until you finally cross the finish line. The adrenaline in the air, the energy from the other runners, and the cheers from the bystanders will take care of pushing the pace for you. You'll run much faster than if you were running alone. Cool, huh?

Teddy and I ran together and pushed it hard, especially at the end. Our last mile was the fastest, and that's exactly the way you want it to be. Keep a good pace but be able to finish strong. We would have never done that if we were out on a training run alone.

If your training schedule has you running more miles than say a 5K on that day, simply put a few extra miles in before the race (you'll be warmed up for the start) or complete your training miles after you cross the finish line as a nice cool down flushing the lactic acid from your muscles (your legs will thank you for it).

You'll get the added bonus of having one race under your belt from the registration process to checking out your time stats on-line and everything in between.

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone now will actually help you feel more comfortable at Gazelle Girl in April.

Push it Gazelle Girls!

See you at the finish line.