The holidays are quickly approaching and with that comes family gatherings, busy schedules and lots of food. This is also the time that people start looking at making new years resolutions. You hear things like "I would start exercising now but the holidays are so busy." and every other excuse they can think of and that is one of the biggest reasons resolutions fail.
There are tons of reasons why you shouldn't start getting active and eating healthy and all those reasons are just excuses...nothing more. With the exception of major health issues, everyone can do one thing to start living a healthier life even if its small at first. Take ten minutes each night to go for a walk. Instead of eating that candy bar, try an apple or piece of fruit. Put down the soda, coffee and tea and drink water instead. Add one new thing each month and you will be amazed at how easily you can see big results with little changes. Find friends and family members that are wanting to do the same thing and team up with them to help keep you motivated and to help hold you accountable. Set short and long term goals that you can measure easily and celebrate to keep you on point.
Also keep in mind that its not an all or nothing kind of thing. So you missed going to the gym 2 days this week, big deal. Who cares if yesterday you ate a few more calories than you were scheduled to, just get back on track tomorrow. Everyone has things come up or has a moment of weakness no matter how long they have been doing it. The secret is to limit those to moments and not make them a way of life.
So, no more saying "I'm going to start that after the holidays" or "I'll do this when there is more time". You can either make excuses or you can make changes. Get off your butt and get out there! Now is just as good of a time as any and just think how much farther along you will be when the new year actually gets here.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Awesome Hump Day!
Today turned out to be a very exciting day! When I really got interested in the "long course" endurance sports I did my usual "take time and research every aspect of it" thing. When I came to the nutritional aspect, I tried a few of the options. I found out really quickly that I did not like the GU gels very much so I started looking for other options.
During this search I ran across a less well known company called Boom! Nutrition. Their gels are made of all natural ingredients including real fruit and they stated that they had a slightly more pleasing consistency/texture. I wrote the company and asked a few questions I had and didn't expect to hear anything back. Much to my surprise, I got a response with in a few days. This wasn't your ordinary response either. She asked for more information about what type of events I would be doing and gave me some tips and suggestions based on her experience. She really went out of her way to help me and seemed very interested in keeping in touch with me and seeing how I was doing. This really impressed me and so I ordered a Sampler pack with 6 of each of their flavors.
I have now been using Boom! gels during most of my long runs and rides and I am very happy with their performance, so much so that I applied for an ambassador position with them and today I found out that I was accepted!!!! Now I have the great privilege to help bring Boom! to others looking to go those extra miles and who want a product that will maximize their performance. So, if you are already into endurance sports or are just getting started, stop in and check them out. If you like what you see and want to give them a try, let me know and I can save you a little on your first order.
http://www.boomnutrition.com/
During this search I ran across a less well known company called Boom! Nutrition. Their gels are made of all natural ingredients including real fruit and they stated that they had a slightly more pleasing consistency/texture. I wrote the company and asked a few questions I had and didn't expect to hear anything back. Much to my surprise, I got a response with in a few days. This wasn't your ordinary response either. She asked for more information about what type of events I would be doing and gave me some tips and suggestions based on her experience. She really went out of her way to help me and seemed very interested in keeping in touch with me and seeing how I was doing. This really impressed me and so I ordered a Sampler pack with 6 of each of their flavors.
I have now been using Boom! gels during most of my long runs and rides and I am very happy with their performance, so much so that I applied for an ambassador position with them and today I found out that I was accepted!!!! Now I have the great privilege to help bring Boom! to others looking to go those extra miles and who want a product that will maximize their performance. So, if you are already into endurance sports or are just getting started, stop in and check them out. If you like what you see and want to give them a try, let me know and I can save you a little on your first order.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
It's cool to not be cool
Exercising is hard, everyone knows that. The weights are heavy, the hills are steep but the hardest thing about exercising, at least for me, is finding the motivation to get off your butt and do it. During the Spring-Fall I can schedule a race every month to keep me motivated but I'm now looking at a few months with nothing planned and I am not a focused as I have been which lead me to think about whats getting in the way of my motivation.
One of the biggest motivations I have found is new toys. A new pair of shoes makes you want to get out and run. The new, cool accessory for the bike makes you pile on the miles. But what if one of those cool toys was actually holding you back? Being able to constantly evaluate your self and honestly see where you stand is a very valuable skill to have and one that I think makes things easier. As I was looking back at the training I have been doing I noticed that I'm not riding the miles on the bike that I should and was shocked at the reason why.
A short while ago I installed clip-less pedals on my bike because that is the mark of a dedicated cyclist and one of the biggest performance enhancers you can get for a bike. I was very excited to get out there and try them out but I realized that the anxiety of having to remember to un-clip at every stop made me only want to ride at very select times when stopping would be kept to a minimum. As I was thinking about this I also came to the realization that I am not at a point, technique wise, where those pedals are going to make a drastic difference. Do I want to look cool and fit in with all the other cyclist out there? Yes! But if its going to limit the times I go out and prevent me from enjoying it as much then they have to go! So now my fancy pedals and shoes are back in their box and my normal, boring pedals are on and I'm looking forward to going out for a ride this afternoon. I'm sure I will install them again sometime in the future but they aren't what I need right now and I'm not doing this to look cool in the eyes of people around me. I'm doing this for me.
If you are thinking of starting to get into better shape, or if you are having a hard time continuing on your own journey, look at whats holding you back and try to remove it. If you need someone to help push you, ask a friend to join you or talk about what motivates them. I know I'm always looking for people who want to tag along on a run or a ride. Write down some goals and post it where you can see it everyday and check them off as you go. Do what ever it takes to get out there and get it done and don't let anyone or anything stop you from achieving what ever it is you are working for!
One of the biggest motivations I have found is new toys. A new pair of shoes makes you want to get out and run. The new, cool accessory for the bike makes you pile on the miles. But what if one of those cool toys was actually holding you back? Being able to constantly evaluate your self and honestly see where you stand is a very valuable skill to have and one that I think makes things easier. As I was looking back at the training I have been doing I noticed that I'm not riding the miles on the bike that I should and was shocked at the reason why.
A short while ago I installed clip-less pedals on my bike because that is the mark of a dedicated cyclist and one of the biggest performance enhancers you can get for a bike. I was very excited to get out there and try them out but I realized that the anxiety of having to remember to un-clip at every stop made me only want to ride at very select times when stopping would be kept to a minimum. As I was thinking about this I also came to the realization that I am not at a point, technique wise, where those pedals are going to make a drastic difference. Do I want to look cool and fit in with all the other cyclist out there? Yes! But if its going to limit the times I go out and prevent me from enjoying it as much then they have to go! So now my fancy pedals and shoes are back in their box and my normal, boring pedals are on and I'm looking forward to going out for a ride this afternoon. I'm sure I will install them again sometime in the future but they aren't what I need right now and I'm not doing this to look cool in the eyes of people around me. I'm doing this for me.
If you are thinking of starting to get into better shape, or if you are having a hard time continuing on your own journey, look at whats holding you back and try to remove it. If you need someone to help push you, ask a friend to join you or talk about what motivates them. I know I'm always looking for people who want to tag along on a run or a ride. Write down some goals and post it where you can see it everyday and check them off as you go. Do what ever it takes to get out there and get it done and don't let anyone or anything stop you from achieving what ever it is you are working for!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Making mountains out of mole hills or......that mountain ain't no hill!
Today I have found my next goal/hurdle with cycling. I attempted to ride up and over Paris Mountain. Big emphasis on attempt! I made it half way up but by that time my legs were shot. Never before have I worked so hard to go so slow!
A day or two later I was riding a new route I had found near to my house. It had a good mix of hills that seemed somewhat challenging but enough downhill to be able to recover and it had a lot less traffic than my other routes. I rode the route in the car first and then on the bike and was pleasantly surprised. Those hills that I was judging to be challenging while in the car really weren't as bad as I thought. Especially not when I compared them to the mountain I tried a few days prior. They got me winded for sure but I could handle them and then position myself for a good transition into the next with out slowing or needing to recover.
I guess its a good thing to have tough situations test you at times. It can really put things into perspective since we all tend to be a little over dramatic and blow thing out of proportion. I know I've been going through some really trying times recently and, at times I remember thinking "can it get any worse" and "I'm not sure I can handle this" but those times passed and somehow I found the strength and determination to handle everything that's been thrown my way so far. You just have to keep pushing and doing your best.
So Paris Mountain....you may have bested me this time but you best believe I will be back to try again and, one day soon, I will be the one who will come out on top!
A day or two later I was riding a new route I had found near to my house. It had a good mix of hills that seemed somewhat challenging but enough downhill to be able to recover and it had a lot less traffic than my other routes. I rode the route in the car first and then on the bike and was pleasantly surprised. Those hills that I was judging to be challenging while in the car really weren't as bad as I thought. Especially not when I compared them to the mountain I tried a few days prior. They got me winded for sure but I could handle them and then position myself for a good transition into the next with out slowing or needing to recover.
I guess its a good thing to have tough situations test you at times. It can really put things into perspective since we all tend to be a little over dramatic and blow thing out of proportion. I know I've been going through some really trying times recently and, at times I remember thinking "can it get any worse" and "I'm not sure I can handle this" but those times passed and somehow I found the strength and determination to handle everything that's been thrown my way so far. You just have to keep pushing and doing your best.
So Paris Mountain....you may have bested me this time but you best believe I will be back to try again and, one day soon, I will be the one who will come out on top!
Friday, October 3, 2014
Newbies will be newbies
Those of you who have known me for a long time already know this about me......I absolutely have to know everything there is to know about something once I get started on it. When I got started in fishing, it wasn't enough for me to buy a fishing rod and tackle, I had to know how to be able to make them and its been that way with everything. Its kind of a nerdy thing but its what I do and so when I got started with cycling it was no different.
I was given a bike so I didn't get to research that to death but I did read countless articles and watch hours of videos about getting the perfect fit before I had the chance to get it professionally fitted. I read everything I could find about how to ride in a group and by myself. Watched tons of videos to get tips and pointers about climbing hills like a pro and various other topics. Then it came time to move into clip-less pedals. So, me being me, I watched videos and read about which ones to get, how to install them and set them up, and, most importantly, how to get out of them so you don't fall.
Everything I came across said that you WILL fall while getting used to the new pedals. Everyone WILL fall???? well I am certainly not everyone and I will not fall. I got my pedals, installed them on my bike and set up the cleats on the shoes. I then sat on my bike in the living room after my little one was asleep and practiced clipping in and out with each foot for an hour or so while watching TV. I felt very confident in my ability to clip in and release after my practice session and I was excited to try them in the real world!
The next day, after Allie was at daycare, I took my bike out for my maiden voyage into the world of clip-less pedals. I rode circles around the parking lot for about 10 minutes clipping in and out with each foot the whole time. Now it was time to actually stop. I approached a part of the parking lot with a curb and slowed down to give me plenty of time to react. I un-clipped my right foot, slowed and came to a smooth stop and firmly planted my foot. I did it!!! my first stop and I didn't fall!!! I got so excited that I leaned a little too far the other way, lost my balance and fell on my left side. I stood up, picked up my bike and looked around to see if anyone else saw me. Oh well, at least I got that out of the way early.
So I guess "they" are right. Everyone falls while getting used to the new pedals and I am no exception but at least it gave me a funny story to tell people and it will help keep me from getting too serious about this new hobby!
I was given a bike so I didn't get to research that to death but I did read countless articles and watch hours of videos about getting the perfect fit before I had the chance to get it professionally fitted. I read everything I could find about how to ride in a group and by myself. Watched tons of videos to get tips and pointers about climbing hills like a pro and various other topics. Then it came time to move into clip-less pedals. So, me being me, I watched videos and read about which ones to get, how to install them and set them up, and, most importantly, how to get out of them so you don't fall.
Everything I came across said that you WILL fall while getting used to the new pedals. Everyone WILL fall???? well I am certainly not everyone and I will not fall. I got my pedals, installed them on my bike and set up the cleats on the shoes. I then sat on my bike in the living room after my little one was asleep and practiced clipping in and out with each foot for an hour or so while watching TV. I felt very confident in my ability to clip in and release after my practice session and I was excited to try them in the real world!
The next day, after Allie was at daycare, I took my bike out for my maiden voyage into the world of clip-less pedals. I rode circles around the parking lot for about 10 minutes clipping in and out with each foot the whole time. Now it was time to actually stop. I approached a part of the parking lot with a curb and slowed down to give me plenty of time to react. I un-clipped my right foot, slowed and came to a smooth stop and firmly planted my foot. I did it!!! my first stop and I didn't fall!!! I got so excited that I leaned a little too far the other way, lost my balance and fell on my left side. I stood up, picked up my bike and looked around to see if anyone else saw me. Oh well, at least I got that out of the way early.
So I guess "they" are right. Everyone falls while getting used to the new pedals and I am no exception but at least it gave me a funny story to tell people and it will help keep me from getting too serious about this new hobby!
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Life lessons from long runs
When I started running I expected to get sore, to lose some extra weight, and to possible gain some self confidence and a sense of accomplishment. I never though I would learn an important lesson about life. It was on a long run, when I was really struggling and bashing myself for not doing as well as I had hoped that I realized that this is only one run and I will have many many more in my life and at least one of them will be better than this one so why worry and complain. Just knuckle down and get through it!
Life is not a straight, level road. You don't travel at one speed nice and easy through it. There are bumps and hills (at times some damn big ones). You don't set a personal best every you go out for a run. Sometimes you have a really bad day and it feels like you've never ran before. When that happens we write it off as a bad day and know we can try again tomorrow but we don't seem to do that in life.When we hit a bump in the road of life, we tend to feel like all is lost. This is the worst day ever so therefore my life is over.....but its really not. Its just like a bad run. You can always try again the next time and, if that one is bad too, you can try again........again.
I have been through a tough time recently and, I have to be honest, have struggled with being angry and bitter. I haven't always remembered that there is usually another chance to do better or to have a better day. I guess we can't always be optimistic and upbeat huh?
I'm sure in over romanticizing running but I don't really care. Running and exercising in any form have really helped me get through this tough time and see that shit happens and we can get over it and that's exactly what I plan to do every day from here on out!
Life is not a straight, level road. You don't travel at one speed nice and easy through it. There are bumps and hills (at times some damn big ones). You don't set a personal best every you go out for a run. Sometimes you have a really bad day and it feels like you've never ran before. When that happens we write it off as a bad day and know we can try again tomorrow but we don't seem to do that in life.When we hit a bump in the road of life, we tend to feel like all is lost. This is the worst day ever so therefore my life is over.....but its really not. Its just like a bad run. You can always try again the next time and, if that one is bad too, you can try again........again.
I have been through a tough time recently and, I have to be honest, have struggled with being angry and bitter. I haven't always remembered that there is usually another chance to do better or to have a better day. I guess we can't always be optimistic and upbeat huh?
I'm sure in over romanticizing running but I don't really care. Running and exercising in any form have really helped me get through this tough time and see that shit happens and we can get over it and that's exactly what I plan to do every day from here on out!
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Is it really bad or can you find the good?
This morning I competed in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 5k run. I have been looking forward to this race for a while because it is a wonderful cause and my good friend lost her mother to breast cancer and was running with me. I haven't been able to train as much as I had hoped but I was feeling good about where I was and had set a goal of finishing in under 26 minutes. I felt this was an easy goal since I finished my last 5k in 26:18.
The start of the race went well and I headed off at a slightly fast pace to get a little separation from the big group of people and then settled into a more sustainable pace. I use Map my Fitness to help me stay aware of where I was on the course and just how much I'm pushing myself and every time it updated me, it was telling me I was on track to finish in the time I wanted and that I was looking to set my fastest average per mile pace! This continued all the way to the 2.75 mile mark where I stepped it up a bit so ensure a good finish. My app counted me down......3 miles in 24ish minutes.......3.25 miles in 26 ish minutes.....3.4 miles in .....wait what?!?! Since when does a 5k have 3.4 miles??
So, long story short, I finished the race in 27:10. Nowhere near what I had hoped for and I could be upset at myself for this and frustrated that the race seemed longer than it should or I could try to find some good in it. I cant change the course length. I cant change the time I finished in but I can be proud that I set my fastest per mile time and that I pushed myself the entire race to go faster and harder even when I didnt think I could.
As everyday people who are running, cycling or really doing any activity, we need to focus on why we are doing it and who we are doing it for. I am doing it for me and only for me. Every time I head out, whether its a training session or a race, I am only competing against myself and as long as I do my best I should feel proud.
We should all strive to do this. Don't worry about what place you are in the race or what your friends are doing. Just focus on you and try to find something good about what you are doing. This will help keep it fun and keep you doing it for a long time to come.
So get out there and do something good for yourself! Set some goals you never thought you could reach or simply take a stroll around the block but GET OUT THERE and find the good in what you are doing. No matter how good or bad you do, you are always doing better than those who are sitting on the couch!!!
The start of the race went well and I headed off at a slightly fast pace to get a little separation from the big group of people and then settled into a more sustainable pace. I use Map my Fitness to help me stay aware of where I was on the course and just how much I'm pushing myself and every time it updated me, it was telling me I was on track to finish in the time I wanted and that I was looking to set my fastest average per mile pace! This continued all the way to the 2.75 mile mark where I stepped it up a bit so ensure a good finish. My app counted me down......3 miles in 24ish minutes.......3.25 miles in 26 ish minutes.....3.4 miles in .....wait what?!?! Since when does a 5k have 3.4 miles??
So, long story short, I finished the race in 27:10. Nowhere near what I had hoped for and I could be upset at myself for this and frustrated that the race seemed longer than it should or I could try to find some good in it. I cant change the course length. I cant change the time I finished in but I can be proud that I set my fastest per mile time and that I pushed myself the entire race to go faster and harder even when I didnt think I could.
As everyday people who are running, cycling or really doing any activity, we need to focus on why we are doing it and who we are doing it for. I am doing it for me and only for me. Every time I head out, whether its a training session or a race, I am only competing against myself and as long as I do my best I should feel proud.
We should all strive to do this. Don't worry about what place you are in the race or what your friends are doing. Just focus on you and try to find something good about what you are doing. This will help keep it fun and keep you doing it for a long time to come.
So get out there and do something good for yourself! Set some goals you never thought you could reach or simply take a stroll around the block but GET OUT THERE and find the good in what you are doing. No matter how good or bad you do, you are always doing better than those who are sitting on the couch!!!
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