You are what you eat ....

Just like Paul Chek (well-known North American Fitness Professional), "you are what you eat!"
Last night I was reminded of this. Our friend is down from Cornwall for the week to be with us and the new baby, and to help out a bit if we need. So last night we had something quick, easy and that tastes great - tacos. Of course, I overindulged (Personal Trainers are human too you know?). Not only that, I had my 8 hills to run last night for my half-marathon training. So I waited only an hour and a half (mistake number 1) and then went for my run. Immediately on the first hill, my legs were heavy, and the body was just not 'energy-filled' as it has been on recent runs. Simply because of what was taken in prior to the run.

It serves as a reminder not only to me but all my blog readers as well, that whatever you decide to eat as fuel is how you will perform. If you eat crap, you'll perform like crap. Just another reason, fuelling up properly and staying active is so important to keeping our body working properly.

Treat each workout as a personal journey

Re-set your way of thinking. Program your mind to think of each workout as a personal journey. Just like when you take a trip to a foreign country, you experience ups and downs throughout the journey. From planning your trip, to getting on the plane, to getting to your destination, to sight seeing etc...

The same thought pattern should be put into each workout. By doing so, each workout will be an adventure in itself. And perhaps your mental attitude will be even better if you look at each workout as a new beginning.

My half-marathon training was put to a halt for a week with the birth of my little girl. However, now I'm slowly easing back into my conditioning plan without losing a beat. Today I had to run 7 hills at 85% of my max heart rate. 7 hills is a lot! And in my plan it goes to 9 hills in a couple weeks. So the only way to mentally get through those workouts is to view them as individual journey's. Today was not too bad overall. Hills 4 and 5 were the most challenging. However, during hill 6 I just kept saying "1 more, 1 more". By hill 7 I was flying like it was the last run of my life. I was pooped by the end, but still felt like a million bucks because I mentally and physically fought to the end.

Set your mind in the right mode, and you'll be amazed at what you can do!

The body - creature of habit

The human body is a creature of habit. When we get into a routine, the body adjusts. Once we get out of that routine, the body reacts to it - maybe you feel more tired, maybe you feel a bit sore... whatever the reaction is, your body is doing this in order to try to adjust. This is normal, and ok, but it's very important to understand it.

With the birth of my little girl, the demand for family time and increased responsibility has risen. I was forced to abandon my half-marathon training for a week due to all the changes that were happening - in particular - sleep patterns.

Today I was able to get a good circuit workout in, but definitely noticed my body was reacting to all the changes. The important thing is not to get discouraged, don't get upset, and don't give up. Just allow for time for your body to adjust to your new lifestyle habits, and gradually build up your routine again. (sometimes, that adjustment can also be a nice break for the body too)

The new chapter has begun...

As mentioned in my last posting, a new chapter has now begun for my family and I. My little girl (Amber Lynn) was born Wed. August 6th, 2008 and was 6lbs 1oz. The feelings we are experiencing is absolutely unbelievable! It's such an incredible part of life.

With that, it makes me really think about why I do what I do. Why do I want to help people? Why do I want to help educate people about how to lead healthier, more active lifestyles? My next article will talk about it (within a week or two). For now, it's trying to get used to the way our new lifestyle works (having a wee-one and a 9 year old - and each other - to care for and love each and every day).