The Journey

Each year,  people make resolutions to eat better and exercise more. Some actually take small steps to make a behavioral change, but after the novelty wanes, one returns to former behaviors.  It is difficult to keep those New Years Resolutions. But think about why you wanted to make a change. What made you think about making a change in the first place?  Is something stopping you?  Is it injury? Is it motivation? Is it lack of knowledge? Find your why. What made you want to make a change in the first place? If you always wanted to try yoga, walking or a new healthy food, do it. There are no limits or deadlines to making a positive change. Start today and make it fun. In January, I signed up for my first US Masters Swim.  It was fun.  I really suck at swimming, but it was something I wanted to try so I did.  In February, I completed my first 1/2 trail marathon.  It wasn't about speed. It was about remembering why I love to run. Here is the sto...

This year I ran a total of 719 miles, cycled 1,132 miles and swam 61,609 yards. What an amazing journey for this middle aged, fitness gal. All the minutes I spent on fitness activities are less important when I think about what I learned from all of them.  I shall share my thoughts with you here. 1. The process is the reward.  A finisher's medal for any event was a token of my accomplishment. It was a reflection of all the hours I spent swimming, biking and running.  The process of preparing for an event was where I learned how to overcome self-doubt and battle mental demons. Many people keep fitness journals about pace and weight. However, I found that reflecting on thoughts were just as important. Honestly, it was where I discovered hidden roadblocks. 2. There is power in routine.  It is my belief that we are what we do each day. If we get up daily and make a habit of focusing on our goal, then we can accomplish anything.  Many fail to discover the po...

Today, I participated in the last event of my 2016 season. It was a 140.6 min indoor triathlon. There is nothing like jumping in 12 ft lane like it is nothing and swimming with no fear. I could not do that earlier this year. I rode and ran with smiles. At the end, participants in my section took a group photo and we exchanged holiday pleasantries with hopes to see each other at triathlons in 2017. This has been an amazing year for me. It is never about the outcome, it is about the journey. It is on the journey that one learns lessons. Fitness is a lifestyle/healthstyle.  Now more than ever, each of us must take control  of our health. We cannot afford to place our health in others' hands. We must own it. If you are on a health journey, instead of making resolutions make a recommitment.  Commit to making your health a priority. 1. Mental health is an important aspect of health. Balance is key. Make time forspiritual reading, walk in nature, laugh and forgive self a...

--> Today I participated in the Metric Marathon.   I purposely chose this race to be the last official event of my season.   I wanted to test myself mentally and physically.   The course showed no mercy.   I was humbled by it once again.   The last time I ran this course was in 1999 and today I remembered why.   The hills were unforgiving. Take no prisoners.   The field was small. Limited to a few outsiders, like me, and members of the local running club.   It was well organized, but definitely not for the faint of heart.   Everyone was so wonderfully kind and cordial.   It was the best medicine for me today.   After the divisiveness in the news this past week, I need to just run.   I needed the fresh air. I needed to feel free from all the political rhetoric. I needed to be free from the labels and identify as “the runner.”   The running community is one that I enjoy very much. In the new world of “...

  Recently, I chatted with someone who stated, “I wish I could run like you.” I smiled and replied, “You can.”   She looked perplexed. I reminded her that the only difference between one person and another is one is doing while the other is not.   Change requires action.   It is a verb. Here are a few tips to make positive changes. 1.      Define what you want to change (i.e. decrease inches or pounds, run a 5k, etc.) Be specific (I will walk 1 mile per day for 15 mins. or I will have 1 cup of grapes instead of 1 cup of M & Ms). 2.      Find a plan that works for you and work it. 3.      START   (Starting is what STOPS a lot of people). Don’t think just START. 4.      Surround yourself with others who support your goals. 5.      Expect setbacks.  6.      Write down what you learned. Reflect on w...

My training year ended September 30th and began October 1.  It was great to take a mental and physical break during September.  I needed it.  The Chicago triathlon sucked the wind out of me. Although I was pleased with my effort, I know there is room for improvement. October begins a new training year. I have started to build my running base and will slowly incorporate more cycling on the trainer as the days grow darker.  In the depths of Winter, I plan to swim, swim and swim some more. I have a clear idea of what I would like to accomplish during my next fitness season and the work starts now. October 2016-February 2017  Winter Goal 1. Improve my swim time and technique. (Translation pool time 3 x per week) Winter Goal 2. Make strength training a priority (Translation 2-3 x per week) Winter Goal 3. Build swim, bike and run endurance (Periodization plan in effect now) March 2017-May 2017 Spring Goal 1. One Marathon or Ultra Spring Goal 2. One Ind...

What makes you want to move?    Is it because the you went to the doctor and you heard these words, “ You must exercise 30-60 min per day or you must eat more fruits and vegetables.”    Just hearing the words “ must,” “should” or “have to” can have a negative effect on motivating us to actually move   or engage in the very activity that is recommended.   The word “should” can be used to express obligation or expectations. Think about how you feel when someone says, “ You should do…xyz.”   Honestly, you probably don’t like it.   Neither children nor adults like to hear, “ You have to do xyz.”   We resort to 2 yr old behavior, dig in our heals and resists.   “No, No, No!” We say to ourselves.   “ You can’t tell me…” “I am the boss of me!”   Have you ever thought that rather than telling people what they should or should not do to get healthy? Ask them?   Ask them, “How do you feel when you eat xyz?” How do you f...