Stephanie Xamin Believes In Empowering Runners Through Knowledge

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My guest on the show is a fellow running coach that I connected with via social media.

She is passionate about sharing her knowledge on strength training and how it can help runners.

Today I will go a few easy miles with Stephanie Xamin.

Mother Knows Best

Stephanie had no interest in running when she was younger, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t paying attention.

At the age of 40, her mom took up running as a way to get fit.

Stephanie watched her mom’s running journey, but at the time wasn’t interested in joining.

2008 would be the year that Stephanie went all in with running and didn’t look back.

She signed up for a learn to run clinic as a way to live a healthier lifestyle.

Running consistently also led to her participating in bootcamp classes.

Stephanie made the conscious decision to go all in at the beginning as a way to ensure she would stick with it.

She doesn’t recommend her, “all in,” approach as it could lead to injury or burnout.

Empowerment

Stephanie would eventually run a marathon and believe the experience changed her.

She was impassioned to teach others that a healthy lifestyle was within reach and sustainable.

In 2011 she became a certified personal trainer and running coach soon followed.

Stephanie especially enjoys working with new runners, because of the ability to empower them with knowledge.

As a coach and trainer, she emphasizes the importance of strength training to her clients.

Running alone doesn’t work all the muscles equally and can lead to imbalances.

Exercises such as single leg dead lifts and squats work opposing muscles which is ideal for runners.

Hills and speedwork do not give the same benefits as strength training.

Endurance Vs. Power

A common excuse for why a runner might not strength train is fear of building bulk.

A strength training plan for a runner versus a body builder is drastically different.

Functional strength moves will aide in running.

Muscle endurance and muscle strength each require a different approach.

Distance runners require muscles that hold power for a period of time, also known as muscular endurance.

Muscular endurance can be accomplished by lifting less weight for more reps.

Sprinters require quick explosive movements.

Muscular power is best gained by lifting heavier weights for fewer reps.

Preparation Is Key

Stephanie is currently 6 months pregnant with her third child.

Whether she is training for a marathon or pregnant, both require preparation.

She believes in an individual approach for each person.

Stephanie stays up to date on current studies regarding pregnancy and exercise while tailoring it for herself.

Pre-habbing is important both for pregnancy and running.

Continued strength training and working on pelvic floor exercises are two ways she is preparing herself.

Knowledge is power and Stephanie loves answering questions via her blog.

The running community has given so much to her and it’s her hope that she can give back.

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Stay connected with Stephanie by checking out her Blog and/or follow her on Twitter at StephanieRuns and SRunsFitness.

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Stephanie Xamin is a fellow coach that believes in the value of strength training for runners. #runchat Click To Tweet

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As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!

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