Thursday, May 5, 2011

A weekend to honor all you athletes that are Moms!

Here is an interesting thing to do this Sunday with the family. It's a great way to take advantage of the nice weather! http://www.adirondack.net/event/33376/  
Have a fantastic Mothers day weekend :)

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Balancing Act


Give Me the Wind. 

I am at my best with the wind in my face,
When overcoming the challenge, with pace.
The pace that requires more effort, more strength.
But once gained momentum, endures with great length.
It's easy to sit back, placid and calm
Comfort is only a relative balm.
It seems an advantage, better than strife
But is dulled by stagnation, stifling life.
Progress needs movement, energy, drive,
No chance for improvement if you do not strive.
Nothing's for nothing: cause and effect.
That which you work for, you've more chance to get.
So give me the wind, let it blow in my face,
The more I confront, the more strength I'll embrace.
Steps are not mounted, nor challenge o'ercome.
Without certain courage or effort be done.

 Chris Nicholson

As mom and the many other hats I wear I am forever trying to keep this in mind as well as fulfill  equally important responsibilities. Not easy,but definitely worth while.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Diary of a flat belly

What you're putting in is as important as what you're putting out in exercise!

 I have a recipe that I follow in my diet come hell or high water. The reason why is because fiber is so very important! If you find yourself the recipient of migraines,exhaustion, or bloated belly I have a suggestion. Whatever you eat in a day,add these magical foods and you're at least giving your body a chance to wipe away any bad choices.

 One apple,a lunch box size box of raisins,(two are better than one), a salad with a raw green pepper, if you have time etc.., add as many other raw colorful veggis as you can get,and a small bowl of shredded wheat. I eat the frosted myself. This cereal had one of the highest fiber contents without some of the more irritating forms of fiber.
 
There are products out there with some crazy fiber content like Fiber One Bars. What you're trying to do is to train your body to work naturally and efficiently. That type of fiber cannot always be absorbed as well, nor can some people deal with the discomfort they are associated with. Eating real foods as often as you can is a good goal. An apple or raisins can easily be stashed in your purse for a great snack at work. Dates are another delicious treat with the desired outcome.

 While we're talking about diet,if you keep in mind that you're going to look like what you eat,it may change the days menu. I want to look lean and muscular! Things like chicken,beef,and eggs,as well as colorful veggies are a great way to fuel whatever you enjoy doing. Also,don't forget to keep a big reusable water bottle! Treat yourself to a cool one. Your body is worth it!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Courage

There are more things than just your body growing stronger in training. Whatever the activity,if it's done with consistency and determination you gain a wealth of knowledge applicable to life.
It doesn't even have to be dramatic. It can be as simple as being comfortable with hard work. To know how to put your head aside and accomplish something less than desirable.
Life is not a big party every day,just like our work outs. They all come together for the physiological building up of you! Consequently your family,work,and life in general as well. I find myself looking at any task with this mindset. It's not even conscious!
A ballet routine is not as exciting the 50,000th time on a rainy Wednesday  morning as it is in a class where I'm learning new things. But I put my head down and do it to be ready for that class. I'm never sorry. What a lovely by product to find myself gaining maturity through the process!
When I started this blog i wasn't sure I would have enough to write about. Thankfully I can't see an end to what happens in mind and heart with each work out.
I saw a picture of a vast desert and remembered this thing that is a fading memory for me. Fear. When I'm on the trail at a halfway point,the only thing I can do is run back. You can't freak out. You become self reliant and learn how capable you are. You alone will get you back home. When you do,don't you feel like a king? Time and time again, when I think I can't,I learn I can. The limits of what we can endure can be pushed back by none other than you! It then becomes a highly prized reward. Then it is yours for life. There's not a thing anyone can ever do to take away the strength you had in that moment.
Taking one step toward your goal  can be as difficult as any race. Because it requires that same courage.Go find out what your capable of. As long as your motivation is stronger than your fears,there's no end to what you can do! What are you going to love doing today? :)

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Schedule!

It's been a very busy week! Spring has definitely got me going. Which makes me think about where to put my training.
It's very easy to have it slip away. Last spring/summer I traded weight training and p90x for  blooming flowers, brand new blue skies,and long windy runs. If ever there was a year to reward  my eyes that have been aching for that crystal blue persuasion this is it!
 But I am really trying to remind myself that all winter I was building something. Strength. Muscle definition.In hopes of keeping that going I'm coming up with a summer schedule.
One of the most important things you can do with your decision to get fit is to make an exercise schedule. Each of our lives are so unique. Take the pressure off  expecting yourself to do what an Olympic athlete does, and find out what you can do.
 Start by sitting down and take a realistic look at what you have going on. You need at least three days out of the seven to find some openings. I know of  marathon runners that only have time on the weekends to devote to training. There's always a way! If you use those two mornings before anyone else is up to do your half hour of sculpting then out for the cardio of choice,you've got a great beginning. Somewhere in the week you can find another opening. Monday is a good one to get up early enough to fit it in because you're fresh and ready for your week.  Break it down to what areas you want to work on. I actually do legs,arms,then abs before cardio. 10 minutes a piece can transform your body.
On those other two days you earned the right to take that lovely twilight stroll. I know how much I'm going to enjoy it!
 Here are a few random side notes to kick off the season. Allergy sufferers remember your Claritin! If you have asthma like me,make sure you have a pocket somewhere to stash your inhaler. No fun getting caught without it. Here is a link to get some identification on you as well. Safety first! http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx?referrer=4252&gclid=CNzzlfPDj6gCFYS8KgodQSBnCw
Happy Spring!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sunday School

 While taking a walk in my hunny's  favorite nature preserve I came across this felled tree. Almost passed it. But then there was  that split second where the brain,or the universe or whatever it is says, Hey stop for a second! When I realized why,I have to admit I got a little misty. No one told her she was dead. So she bloomed. Right where she was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYlgrLbsqAg&playnext=1&list=PL819E0B4A5A936634