tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75237356568144958732024-03-13T06:32:33.643-04:00Adams Applause and Admonitions: A no BS approach to nutritionFrom beginning to end, basic to complex, 100% natural, no fillers, not artificially sweetened and no BS. The TRUTH about nutrition. Born out of a desire to spread the truth about nutrition, cut through the marketing and hype and make the world a healthier place.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-41440089719402284422014-05-14T07:32:00.000-04:002014-05-14T07:32:43.020-04:00Pie, anyone??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I'm minding my own business strolling through the grocery store when this woman comes running up behind me...<br />
<br />
"You look amazing! What do you do? I work out and teach group classes and I can't seem to get to where I want to be."<br />
<br />
I was taken by surprise and humbled by her kind words. <br />
<br />
We chatted for a moment exchanging names and the like before the natural progression of questions began:<br />
<br />
I bet you work out all the time, right?<br />
I bet you eat "clean" all the time, don't you?<br />
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It is always interesting to me to watch the expression on someone's face when I tell them that, in fact, I DO NOT workout all the time. And that if I wanted to eat a piece of cake or pie that I would do it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday night's dessert options</td></tr>
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I didn't get into the details about the dessert I had on Saturday night, I figured we could discuss that at a later date. It was however important for me to let her know that you CAN reach your health, performance, and physique goals and NOT give up on living your life.<br />
<br />
Trust me, I've been there. I spent years following the most boring meal plans and doing endless hours of training and cardio. Guess what that did for me-- left me burned out, exhausted, and hungry, no not hungry-- STARVING!!<br />
<br />
I found myself wishing the days away until I could drop the routine I was following...and I'm sure everyone around me was wishing the same thing. Talk about no fun to be around..sheesh.<br />
<br />
So I get it, I've been there. Getting people to really understand that it doesn't have to be that way is certainly a challenge...until I tell them what I am doing now.<br />
<br />
What if I told you that I train for only a handful of hours a week- never more than one time each day-that I eat more food than most guys I know, and that I eat dessert when I want it.<br />
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Oh and on top of that I'm leaner than I was when I was doing things the "old" way!!!<br />
<br />
Yep, it is all true. And you know what else???? I am happier too!<br />
<br />
Don't give up on your dreams of great health, amazing performance, and a stellar physique because you think you'd have to give up living and enjoying life to get there. <br />
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You truly can have your cake (or pie) and eat it too!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-88671163752509228092014-04-24T21:19:00.002-04:002014-04-24T21:19:43.915-04:00Reclaiming Boston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've been trying to find the words to adequately describe the experience that was the 2014 Boston Marathon...that has been my delay in writing this post. Alas, I don't think that there are adequate words. I don't think that you can truly capture what each and every one of us was feeling as we ran down the streets from Hopkinton to Boston.<br />
<br />
With signs everywhere proclaiming "We all run Boston" and "We run as One" the attitude throughout the race expo was one of thankfulness- thankfulness for the ability to be there, to be a part of something so significant, to continue the tradition, to be there to represent the city, to run for the city, and for all those who were affected by the tragedy last year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many signs hanging in Copley Place</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elevator door at my hotel<br /></td></tr>
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Security was heightened and no one seemed to mind. We all knew that it was in everyone's best interest and that all were there to ensure that the event went off without incident.<br />
<br />
Staying at the hotel that served as race headquarters meant extra hoops to jump through for security- especially on race day. No one was allowed in without proper race credentials, room keys, and having your name cross referenced with the hotel registry.<br />
<br />
On race morning the ride to the start line in Hopkinton gave us time to reflect on many things- last year's race, how we planned to run this year, and how we were so thankful to have the opportunity to be here again. Something that we all had decided was a MUST after last year.<br />
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Arriving at the athlete's village it was hard not to notice the increased police presence. Uniformed officers canvassed the area while others manned the rooftops.<br />
<br />
Regardless, everyone seemed at ease, just happy to be there.<br />
<br />
We waited in the village for our waves to be called. When they were we walked in our groups to the start area about .7 mile away. Along the way we passed more police and military as well as volunteers collecting our "throw away clothes". Due to a change in pre-race happenings, there were no athlete drop bags at the village. This meant that anything that you did not want to physically carry with you- or wear- to the finish of the race must be discarded at the village. <br />
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Not to worry, those throw away clothes are donated to the homeless shelters in the area. Just one more way that the marathon supports the communities it touches.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston Strong Daffodils were seen everywhere.<br />Especially along the marathon route where they had been planted.</td></tr>
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The cool morning gave way to a sunny sky as we lined up for the race start, just as it had last year. The Boston Marathon doesn't have a typical start time of 7am. In years past it would start at 12 noon. More recently that time has moved up with elite females starting around 9:30 am and the first wave of the rest of the field starting at 10am. <br />
<br />
With roughly 11, 000 additional participants, this year's race was the 2nd largest in history. <br />
<br />
Lining up in our corrals you could feel the excitement in the air-- from both the athletes and the spectators.<br />
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The gun went off and we were on our way down the hills away from Hopkinton. <br />
<br />
Boston Marathon spectators are a special group. They line the streets and spend countless hours cheering for people whom they have never met and will likely never see again. Children smile and wave and high five everyone that they can reach. <br />
<br />
But this year it was different. <br />
<br />
Yes, people still stood for hours lining the streets handing out water, oranges, bananas, tissues, ice-pops, Twizzlers, and high fives. They showered us with sprinklers and hoses and wet sponges. And they cheered. <br />
<br />
They cheered for each and every one of us and we could feel it. It was as if we were there running for THEM. You know the kind of cheering you see and hear when someone is cheering for a friend or family member, or someone they really care about? You know THAT kind of cheering??? THAT was how they were cheering.<br />
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As if each and every step that each one of the 36, 000 of us took was bringing all of us closer to the finish line. Together. As one.<br />
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There were so many times that my emotions were in my throat. (And incase you were wondering it is next to impossible to run while crying)<br />
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I had to refocus on the road ahead and the goal of making it to the finish line. Not for me, but for all of us. It was a symbolic taking back of the streets, the marathon, the city, and the finish line. As each person passed through the cities along the route- Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston- we were slowly, one by one reclaiming the day.<br />
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I've run a few marathons and I've even had a few that made me want to quit. I tell you what, there was no quitting THIS marathon. It was like everyone was counting on you to do it. To cross that finish line.<br />
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I have never experienced anything like this before, and likely won't again. We truly ran as one. We did it, we finished strong.<br />
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After the race and safely back in my hotel I placed an order for room service. My food arrived via the hands of the very same gentleman who delivered it after the race last year. This year was a little different as we both exchanged smiles and not tears.<br />
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The next morning exiting the hotel I was elated to see the city just as it was the day before. Alive and well, full of happy marathoners and void of any of the military vehicles I had seen last year.<br />
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Making my way through the airport I could over hear a conversation going on behind me. A few of the gentleman who had come in from other areas to help with the security detail along the marathon route were discussing their experiences.<br />
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I turned and asked if they had worked the event. They replied "yes". I thanked them for being there and told them that we couldn't have done it without them. ( I may have failed to mention it, but there were police and/or military personnel stationed every 30 feet along the entire marathon route- along both sides of the street.)<br />
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They looked back at me and thanked me for running. They too felt the energy, the unity, the resolve, and the strength that flowed through the streets. We were one. We were Boston.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-10138147747456536612014-04-14T20:27:00.001-04:002014-04-14T20:27:44.277-04:00Boston Strong<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is hard to believe that tomorrow marks one year since this happened. I had written this blog post a year ago and had never posted it. <br />
<br />
I started writing it in hopes that it would bring me some sense of release or relief in expressing my feelings and experience. It didn't. I didn't post it.<br />
<br />
As I sat here today about to write another completely unrelated blog I stumbled across this post and decided that it was time...<br />
<br />
There is so much that never made it in to this post... so many tears, sleepless nights, days spent staring at the news feeling numb. So many texts, emails, calls from friends and people I hadn't talked to in years...<br />
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Yet a year has passed... some things have changed, some things haven't.<br />
<br />
I will board a plan Thursday morning to head to Boston for this year's Boston Marathon. I am certain many tears will be shed and many smiles will be shared. This will be a race to remember for sure. This year I am again praying for a "feel-good" race, and one that lasts.<br />
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I don't even know where to begin with this. As I was running the Boston Marathon this year I was trying to decide how best to capture the experience...what words and pictures to use. What emotions to discuss, what lesson I would share. You see, it is nearly impossible to be a part of something and not have it affect you in some way.<br />
<br />
The 2012 Boston Marathon was an ugly race for me. While I was thrilled to be there, just to qualify to be a part of the most historic, most prestigious marathon there is was beyond amazing. The race experience itself was less about the race and more about the amazing support from the community. With temperatures near 90 degrees, I am certain I would have collapsed on the course if it weren't for the spectators.<br />
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(Read about my 2012 Boston experience <a href="http://adamsadmonitions.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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The spectators at the Boston Marathon are not only spectators..they are participants as well!<br />
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If something cannot be completed without the aid of another person or thing, then those people or things become a part of the event. <br />
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Coming into the 2013 Boston Marathon I was focused on one thing- feel good. I just wanted to feel better than I did last year.<br />
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The weather looked as if it was going to be perfect. Highs were expected to be in the upper 50's, no chance of rain. Perfect.<br />
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Boarding the bus to Hopkinton at 6:30am went off without a hitch. I even made a new friend on the ride over. Audrey was from Maine and drove down with her husband and her running partner. While we were on our way to the start of the race, her husband and friend were headed to Dunkin Donuts to have their own marathon...eating 26.2 donuts. So far they had managed to eat one. Audrey and I agreed that she would more than likely need to do the driving home since eating 26.2 donuts was going to be more painful than running 26.2 miles!<br />
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We arrived in Hopkinton at the runner's village and wasted no time finding a spot of grass to call our own. It seemed like no time at all had passed before we began our journey to the start line. Once there we made our way into the corral and waited. Excitement was in the air as I could hear the many conversations going on around me. Some mentioned that they were first time Boston Marathoners, others said they had been here many times. Didn't much matter- everyone was just as excited and everyone seemed to be saying the same things: don't go out too fast down the hills and enjoy the crowds.<br />
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The day seemed almost perfect. The weather, the crowds, everything seemed to come together just as it needed to.<br />
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I was thrilled to feel good. Like I said, after the 2012 experience I was just praying for a "feel-good" race. "Perfect!" I was thinking. In my mind I just kept saying "Boston, thanks for a great ride!" I'm not sure what my face really looked like during the run, but I felt as if I was smiling from ear to ear.<br />
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Somewhere around mile 12 or 13 I had decided that I would take my time after the race, and sit and have lunch along Boylston street and enjoy watching other Boston Marathoners complete their journey.<br />
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Yep, sounded like a great way to celebrate a fabulous day.<br />
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I'm not sure where I was when I changed my mind. It was somewhere in the later stages of the race.. maybe mile 20 or 22. I was hungry and just wanted to get back to my room. I was still having a great race and feeling strong, but for some reason I really wanted to get back to my room. Weird.<br />
<br />
I remember turning the corner onto Boylston street, I cut the left pretty hard and was an inch or so from the barricades that kept the crowd back. There I stayed, far to the left all the way across the finish line. I was so far to the left as I crossed the finish line that you can only see half of me crossing the finish line in the race photos and videos.<br />
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I was on a mission when I crossed the finish line-- find my drop bag and get back to the hotel. I'm not sure if you've ever been at the finish of a marathon, but people aren't generally moving too quickly. I was almost pushing through the crowd trying to find the bus that served as my bag transport. <br />
<br />
Finally I found it and collected my bag. I sat for a moment -- only long enough to put my warmer clothes on and I was on my way. <br />
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I remember looking around almost helplessly "how do I get out of here??" I finally found someone who was working the race and asked "How do I get out of here?"<br />
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"You have to head back that way, " she said pointing back in the direction of the race finish line.<br />
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I didn't hesitate.<br />
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I felt like a salmon swimming upstream dodging and weaving through the runners as they were streaming across the finish line and down through the chute.<br />
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Dodging and weaving all the way back to the Fairmont. I had almost made it there, but the street was closed, I had to make my way around the back of the building. "Sigh, just get me back to my room," I thought. <br />
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Finally I made it to the hotel door and was inside. <br />
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I was on a mission and it was evident. As I made it in the door someone looked at me wrapped in the mylar race blanket and said "Wow, you're really moving well for just finishing a marathon!"<br />
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"Yeah, " I said, "I just want to get back to my room."<br />
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I hurriedly made my way to my room, turned the heat on and started the shower.<br />
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As I was in the shower I heard the heat turn off, and then turn back on.<br />
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"Huh, that was weird," I thought and carried on with my shower.<br />
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Getting out of the shower I had decided I would order some room service and watch a movie. I grabbed the remote and turned the T.V. on.<br />
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I have no idea how long it was that I was standing there staring at the scene on the T.V. before it started to sink in. <br />
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What I saw was an image of where I had just been-- the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Except the image on T.V. looked nothing like what I had experienced. The scene on the T.V. was of a deserted area. Cups were strewn everywhere and the road was soaked. No people. It didn't make any sense to me. Was I watching a movie? What was this?<br />
<br />
It could have been 10 minutes, it could have been 45 minutes, I really don't remember...but at some point I realized what they were saying. Bomb.<br />
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I grabbed my phone and called my mom. Thankfully she had been napping and hadn't seen the news. I told her, not to worry, I was ok and go back to sleep.<br />
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Then as I was calling my husband, I was posting on Facebook and twitter to let everyone know that I was ok. <br />
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I sat there not really knowing what to do. Do I try to leave? Do I stay? What do I do. <br />
<br />
Then I saw it on the news- we were on lockdown. I couldn't go anywhere. I just sat there watching and listening. Over and over again the reporters kept saying "bomb". <br />
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Slowly more information trickled in. <br />
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Putting it all together in my head I realized that I had run right past where the bombs had been placed on the left side of Boylston street. Literally inches away.<br />
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The noise I heard while I was in the shower that I had assumed was the heat turning off and then back on... that was not the heat... those were the bombs exploding. <br />
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I felt sick.<br />
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For hours all I could do was watch and listen to the reports. I wanted to turn it off, to make it go away, but I couldn't. I needed to know if I needed to take action.<br />
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To say that was a sleepless night would be an understatement.<br />
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The next morning as I emerged from my hotel I felt like I was in a third world country- or what I imagined it would feel like. There were armed military personnel everywhere. Tanks and military vehicles of all kinds, police officers, police cruisers, and TV cameras and crews everywhere. The streets around my hotel were blocked to traffic and minus the military and police they were deserted.<br />
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The hotel Bellman helped me lug my suitcase to the next black where traffic was open in hopes of finding a taxi or someone to take me to the airport. It all felt so surreal.<br />
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I was thankful to be leaving. Yet somehow I felt like I shouldn't be happy about anything. How could you be happy after what had just happened?<br />
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I was just kind of numb.<br />
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Arriving at the airport the security was beyond heightened. <br />
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After passing through security I was approached by personnel from Homeland Security as well as the Boston Police Department.<br />
<br />
"How was your race?" they asked. <br />
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I couldn't even respond, I just looked at them and started to cry.<br />
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I'm sure that wasn't the first time that morning that they had encountered that response.<br />
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They were looking for any information that would help in any way- asking for all photos and videos to be sent in to be scrutinized-- anything that we thought might help they took.<br />
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Sitting at the gate with other runners waiting for my flight gave me both a sense of relief and more anxiety. A relief to be around other people, to share what we had gone through, the be thankful that we were all there. Yet more anxiety as I heard people recounting where they and been and realizing just how close we all came to NOT being there.<br />
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-6501086929535383512014-03-16T10:21:00.001-04:002014-03-16T10:21:41.318-04:00Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The alarm goes off. You reach over and quickly hit the snooze. <br />
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Your bed is warm and comfortable. Your pillows and blankets seem to be in THE most perfect positions as if they are pleading with you to stay.<br />
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They are saying: "Don't leave. It is warm, safe, and comfortable here."<br />
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"You don't need to go now, " they say "whatever it is you are going to do will be there waiting for you later."<br />
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"Ahh, I don't want to get up" you say as if continuing the conversation your bed has started with you.<br />
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But you do.<br />
<br />
You drag yourself out of bed, maybe grab a cup of coffee and head out the door.<br />
<br />
Once you are out the door the calm and peace of the world surrounds you. The crisp air dances on your skin. The dark sky slowly begins to change colors- from deep, dark, blue to lighter blue with hints of pink, orange, and red coming through. The birds begin to chirp.<br />
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<br />
You can feel it coming. The beauty, the splendor, the magnificence .....The dark sky has given way to the most gorgeous sunrise.<br />
<br />
There it is before you. As if it had always been there. The bright, warm glow of the sun surrounds you.<br />
<br />
You stop for a moment to reflect on what it is you would have missed if you had stayed in the warm comfort of your bed. <br />
<br />
Often it takes moving from a warm, comfortable, safe place to witness the beauty of what the world has in store for us. <br />
<br />
So it is with change. Whatever that change may be you will find yourself moving from a warm, comfortable, safe place out into the quiet darkness. That quiet, dark place may surround you for a while before you start to hear the friendly chirping of the birds and begin to see the colors of the sky change. <br />
<br />
Hold on. Don't turn back.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know that safe place is still calling you to return. It is there waiting for you; taunting you.<br />
<br />
You can hear it: "I am a warm, safe, comfortable place. Come back, you are always welcome here."<br />
<br />
Before you turn and go back stop for a moment and count the number of sunrises you've seen on days you didn't get out of bed. How many have you seen in that warm, comfortable, safe place?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-4999075221529275092014-03-12T20:07:00.003-04:002014-03-12T20:07:58.454-04:00Food ruled my life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have a confession to make.<br />
<br />
I have a cupcake in my freezer.<br />
<br />
Well, ok there are ACTUALLY two in there.<br />
<br />
Why they are there and how they manage to stay there is really a long story so I will do my best to give you the cliff notes version.<br />
<br />
Food ruled my life.<br />
<br />
There was a time in my life when all I can remember thinking about was food. Thoughts about what I had eaten.. what I actually WANTED to eat but didn't...what I was planning to eat later...what I might eat tomorrow...<br />
<br />
That was all I really thought about. Food had so much power over me. It controlled whether I was happy or sad-- which really meant if I felt horrible because I ate something "bad" that I "shouldn't have eaten" or if I felt good because I was able to will myself away from something delicious.<br />
<br />
I couldn't understand how people could go through their day not concerned at all about food. Didn't everyone feel like this?<br />
<br />
What was wrong with me?<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the way, early in my life, I developed an unhealthy relationship with food.<br />
<br />
I would either eat way too much or nothing at all. <br />
<br />
I couldn't be around something sweet without eating it, or dream of eating it ...until I gave in and took a few bites and then stood over the trash can trying to decide if I should just inhale the rest or throw it in the trash...and if it went in the trash it had better touch all of the nasty stuff in there or there was a good chance I might take it back out!<br />
<br />
Food had power over me.<br />
<br />
I can now say that I realize that I GAVE it power over me, but hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it??<br />
<br />
So how did I go from there to having 2 cupcakes in my freezer?<br />
<br />
I'm not going to lie, it took quite some time to get here, but it all started with education.<br />
<br />
Not the kind you get from sitting in a classroom - at least no classroom I had ever been in.<br />
<br />
It took educating myself about food, nutrients, and what happens when we eat. <br />
<br />
It took learning about what happened in my body when I ate certain foods, and when I ate them at specific times- like before, during, or after my training sessions- or what happened if I ate them when I had not trained.<br />
<br />
Slowly I learned how to put food to work FOR me. I was no longer AT THE MERCY of my food.<br />
I finally had the upper hand!<br />
<br />
That is such a wonderful feeling because I love to eat, and for so many years I walked around thinking that I couldn't eat; that I had to avoid food especially the foods that I liked to eat if I wanted to look and feel a certain way.<br />
<br />
Truth is the really delicious foods that I loved to eat included steak, veggies, potatoes, chicken, and fish. Not just sweet things. You name it, I loved to eat it...well, ok just don't say "liver" I never liked that :(<br />
<br />
I just didn't realize that I COULD eat all of those wonderful things.. and my cupcake.. if I fed my body according to the plan.<br />
<br />
The plan?<br />
<br />
Yes, the plan.<br />
<br />
The plan to build muscle and not store fat! <br />
<br />
Where did I get that plan? I got that from learning what happens when I eat certain things at certain times... really nutrient timing. Just big words for put the right stuff in at the right time. Just like you put the right kind of gas in your car when it needs it. Same thing.<br />
<br />
Sure this took some work in the beginning, but now it is just my normal way of eating and I don't really have to give it much thought....which is why I can have 2 cupcakes sitting in my freezer.<br />
<br />
So if YOU are feeling like I was.. I am here to tell you that you don't have to go on that way. Food doesn't have to rule your life and you don't have to run from food either.<br />
<br />
It is time to start a new, healthy relationship with food. One that puts food to work FOR you!<br />
<br />
If I did it, you can too!!<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-14994722066750948692014-03-10T17:27:00.000-04:002014-03-10T21:22:04.715-04:00How to reach your health, fitness, and fat loss goals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is tax season!<br />
<br />
...as if you weren't already aware of that...<br />
<br />
Like anything in life, you could do your taxes by yourself in an effort to save money by not paying someone to help you. BUT did you ever consider that the small act of hiring someone to help you might result in your saving even MORE money???<br />
<br />
It is true. And I'm sure you have heard many stories of people who didn't realize all of the deductions that they had missed until they had a professional look things over.<br />
<br />
The same thing happens in the gym.<br />
<br />
Many people opt for the "save money" training version by not hiring a trained professional or worse yet opting for the cheapest "diet plan" they can find.<br />
<br />
While both of these seem as if they are saving you money-- AT THE MOMENT--but they are likely COSTING YOU MONEY in the long run.<br />
<br />
How many times have you tried to lose that 10 or 20 pounds? How many times have you succeeded? I mean succeeded in terms of NOT having it find its way back to you...<br />
<br />
How long have you been following that training plan only to realize that you have seen little to no results from doing so?<br />
<br />
As Albert Einstein said "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results".<br />
<br />
What if hiring an educated professional would help you reach your goal in half the time with one tenth of the headache?<br />
<br />
What if hiring the right person meant that you would be educated you so that NO MATTER WHAT happened in your life you would ALWAYS know how to eat and train to achieve your health and fitness goals??<br />
<br />
I can't help it when I am at the gym- I look around and wonder how long this woman or than man have spent doing that exercise THAT way. If they could just tweak their form slightly to actually activate the muscles that they are trying to use... WOW the results that they would see from their training would be so different!!<br />
<br />
Are YOU one of those people??? The ones who don't want to invest a little bit to get the MOST from your training, your nutrition, your life?????<br />
<br />
Did you realize that when you DO invest in this you are investing in YOURSELF. It is like putting money in the bank.<br />
<br />
I can't help it, I want to help everyone! It frustrates me to no end to see people spinning their wheels day in and day out; following this crazy diet or thinking that that shake will help them achieve the body they want. IT WON'T!<br />
<br />
Because this drives me so crazy I am opening my schedule to work with a select few. My time is precious - you all know how my travel schedule is- so I am NOT going to work with just anyone. <br />
<br />
You must be 100% committed to yourself and to the plan. You must know WHY it is that you want to work with me, to achieve great results. <br />
<br />
My website will be up and going before long and I anticipate to be booked long before that happens. If YOU are ready to take the next step, to REALLY learn how to achieve your health and fitness goals and you are 100% committed submit your email address to me and I will forward you an application.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-49183591948831970492014-03-07T15:43:00.000-05:002014-03-07T15:43:30.168-05:00Who do you surround yourself with?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we lose focus sometimes it just helps to get away and clear your head. Is it the getting away that does it? Or is it where you end up and who you end up there with that does it?<br />
<br />
It seemed like lately I just couldn't get my brain to focus on the tasks at hand. Didn't matter what I tried I was just caught up in circles in my mind and accomplishing very little in the way of working. <br />
<br />
I knew I had an upcoming trip to Australia and COULD. NOT. WAIT. to go. <br />
<br />
I'm not really sure what it is about being on an airplane that helps me to clear my mind. Maybe it is literally just looking at the world from a different perspective. Maybe it is that I am forced to just sit and not busy my mind with everything else around me. Who knows, but what I do know is that I do feel different when I am on a plane.<br />
<br />
When that plane lands in Australia and I am instantly surrounded by 45 high-energy, health-minded, focused, creative, business owners who want nothing more than to help people transform their bodies and lives I can't help but to get energized and focused myself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
The brick walls I had created were falling away and I was able to again see the vision I had created once upon a time. A vision for reaching people, educating them and helping them to help themselves. Really transforming lives.<br />
<br />
The trick is carrying that drive and focus with me as I fly half way around the world and arrive home.<br />
<br />
Whether it is drive and focus relating to a business plan, a nutrition plan, a training plan we have to set ourselves up for success. How do we do that?<br />
<br />
One key is to surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do. <br />
<br />
Truth is, we become like the company we keep. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJGgJ5uMnHE/UxotbyzSR5I/AAAAAAAAAKk/BpPdw7ca8Ag/s1600/IMG_8011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJGgJ5uMnHE/UxotbyzSR5I/AAAAAAAAAKk/BpPdw7ca8Ag/s1600/IMG_8011.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
Who are the 5 people that you spend most of your time with? Do those people fuel you or drain you? Do they share the same goals and visions that you do? If they don't, do they support you in your efforts to achieve your dreams?<br />
<br />
The first step in creating what we desire is to surround ourselves with people who support us. <br />
<br />
Maybe now is a good time to take a look around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-40115453861679953152014-03-06T14:28:00.001-05:002014-03-06T14:28:10.110-05:00Running a marathon and living life are one in the same...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Its true no matter how much you may want to deny it. Life,
and getting things done in life really mirrors marathon running.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look at it like this. Just as race day is starting, so too
is your journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You and everyone else
embarking on the same journey are gathered together in one place, excitedly
making last minute preparations before you make your way to the staging area-
the last place you will wait. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gun goes off and you jockey to find a comfortable place
and stride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People on the
sidewalks are cheering for you encouraging you as you begin the journey you
have prepared for over that last few months.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One by one the miles pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your smile and stride are as strong as they were when you
began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You rejoice in the beauty
of the rising sun, the birds chirping, the smell of freshly cut grass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drinking in all that surrounds you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure there are still people cheering, although fewer than at
the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sun starts to rise and so does the temperature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You douse yourself with water in an
attempt to stay cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On your
journey things start to get a bit more challenging, there are fewer people
cheering for you and you begin to feel as if you are on your own on this
journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miles are still going by, but instead of seeing the beauty
around you you are wishing and hoping for some cool breeze, someone to cheer
for you, a friendly face to help you along….something, anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are more than halfway there and your pace slows as it
sometimes does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You feel as if you
are walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do your best to
assure yourself that no matter what you are still moving forward, toward your
goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter if no one
is there to see it, it is still happening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slower, and slower the miles seem to pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point you are using the walk
run method.. at times progress seems good, and then all of a sudden it comes to
a sloooooow walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are starting
to get frustrated “how come I can’t just keep running?” you aren’t really sure
why but you can’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do your
best to reassure yourself that any forward progress will eventually bring you
to your goal- the finish line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You put your head down and focus, one step then the next
then the next…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before you know it you see the crowd building- you must be
nearing the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Louder
and louder they cheer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You ignore
your pain and press on as fast as you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You cross the finish line and immediately fall into the arms
of your awaiting friends. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yep that’s how it works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the beginning of our journey we are excited, raring to go,
met with all kids of support and fanfare even from people we hardly know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems as if you are just flying along well on your way
and suddenly you find yourself with sweat in your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having gone from noticing all that is
beautiful around you to wishing you were anywhere but where you were yet you
still must press on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no stopping
in the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You started the
journey and there is no escape from the path until you reach the end….the
finish line…..your goal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It gets quiet and at times it seems as if you are barely
making progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a
while you hear someone cheering for you, but it is pretty much just you..
pressing onward as you keep the finish line in your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No doubt as you get closer to completing your task the crowd
starts to cheer louder- they can see how close you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want you to finish too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You cross the finish line celebrating with your closest
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You spend a few minutes, hours or even days replaying the
events that brought you to where you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Would have’, ‘could have’, ‘should have’, and ‘did’ are all things that
you rehash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then before you know it you are planning your next adventure
knowing that no matter what, this is how it will play out:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Excitement and fanfare in the beginning gives way to
solitude; gutting it out and praying that one foot lands in front of the other
over and over and over until the finish line is in sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only then does the excitement and
relief return. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-52059573840360880542014-02-24T07:27:00.001-05:002014-02-25T09:41:05.247-05:00Lose 30 pounds in 30 days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Buy Now, Pay Later" should be the title of the new book and program being revealed at a local gym. <br />
<br />
The book- and program- promise a 30 day 30 pound weight loss strategy. Hmmm... sounds enticing, huh?<br />
<br />
Well, of course it does who wouldn't want to lose 30 pounds in 30 days?? I mean, if you HAD 30 pounds that you 'need' to lose....<br />
<br />
Why should you choose this program when all of the others like it have failed?<br />
<br />
You see, that's the kicker.. you SHOULDN'T choose this program. Nope. Not at all.<br />
<br />
It won't work just like all the rest haven't worked. <br />
<br />
Yeah, I hear what you are saying, "but Michelle, I DID lose weight doing those others!"<br />
<br />
Yep, you did.. and then you gained it back!<br />
<br />
And that is exactly what will happen again THIS time.<br />
<br />
Let me let you in on a secret..ok, it isn't actually a secret, it's called SCIENCE and lots of people like to ignore it. <br />
<br />
You can't trick human physiology. You can try all you want, but you just can't do it. The sooner you <strike>learn </strike> accept that fact the better off you will be.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal: cutting your calories to a level that this book (and many others) suggest causes a really cool hormonal shift in your body. It causes your body to think you are starving- not necessarily from a caloric perspective(although that can happen to), but from a nutrient perspective. <br />
<br />
So what?<br />
<br />
Well, this causes your body to actually increase your desire for food (hello cravings and mood swings) as well as causing it to burn fewer calories. Ever wonder why you have so many food cavings on a low calorie (and nutrient poor) diet? Yep, this would be why.<br />
<br />
Ya know what else it does?<br />
<br />
It actually causes you to store body fat more readily! Yep, your body wants to survive and this is how it is going to make sure that it does.<br />
<br />
Ever wonder why people that drop weight doing things like this put it all back on, and then some?? Yep this is why. Science. Physiology. Can't trick it folks, you just can't.<br />
<br />
Right about now you are thinking "yeah, but I'll exercise so I will burn more calories and this won't happen."<br />
<br />
Ha ha. Ok.<br />
<br />
Did you know that the more you perform the same exercise- or do the same amount of work the fewer calories you expend?<br />
<br />
True story. Your body becomes efficient and subsequently requires less effort and less energy to perform the given task.<br />
<br />
"No problem" you say "I'll just do more work."<br />
<br />
Ha ha, sure. How long can you keep that up?<br />
<br />
Besides that - doing this in the midst of cutting your calories will actually cause your body to expend FEWER calories. So you spend more time exercising and actually burn fewer calories.. and now your body REALLY thinks it is starving ...yep you guessed it- hormonal signals for you to increase food consumption while very efficiently shuttling all of those calories you take in straight to FAT.<br />
<br />
Sweet!<br />
<br />
So, sure go ahead and buy the book. Heck, buy the program. I guarantee you will pay later.<br />
<br />
You may lose weight in 30 days, but you will set yourself up for a lifetime of struggle. <br />
<br />
If you've done programs like this before you probably are already struggling with the effects.<br />
<br />
You know who you are. <br />
<br />
There is a better way.<br />
<br />
This is not it.<br />
<br />
You're welcome.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-31355276440371362992014-02-13T15:37:00.001-05:002014-02-13T15:37:11.719-05:00The low down on surviving a relay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DpAmtio2xQ/Uv0rYicL0kI/AAAAAAAAAKI/7OxwKzPU__Q/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DpAmtio2xQ/Uv0rYicL0kI/AAAAAAAAAKI/7OxwKzPU__Q/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Unless you've been under a rock and missed all of my Facebook posts from the weekend you are well aware that I, along with 5 other women, ran the Ragnar Florida Keys Relay from Miami to Key West. All 200 miles of it.<br />
<br />
In case you've never done one, or heard anyone describe it, it goes something like this: Runner #1 starts at start line while the rest of us drive to the exchange point where we let runner #2 out and wait for runner #1 to hand off. From there we drive to the next exchange where we drop off runner # 3 and wait for runner #2. And so it goes until we drop runner #1 off again while we wait for runner #6 to finish her leg. <br />
<br />
We run through this rotation 6 times until we finally reach our destination- Key West.<br />
<br />
Do we sleep? I'm sure someone got a few minutes, but no, not really.<br />
<br />
Do we shower? Ummm no. Can you say "baby wipes and change your clothes???"<br />
<br />
Sure the van might not smell like roses and we may be a bit sleep deprived, but we must keep moving forward. <br />
<br />
When you embark on an adventure like this pretty much everyone will run their first leg well. But the key to reaching the finish line in a timely manner is making sure that you can consistently run well. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jj5muWpd1fE/Uv0rYXQb-qI/AAAAAAAAAKE/PicRSTEgIZA/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jj5muWpd1fE/Uv0rYXQb-qI/AAAAAAAAAKE/PicRSTEgIZA/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>How do you manage to do that???<br />
<br />
The key is to know how to properly fuel for and recover from your run as quickly and efficiently as possible. <br />
<br />
I probably shouldn't be sharing these "secrets" that give us the advantage, but I'm betting that even if people DO read this, they won't actually follow through. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here it is. Here is the secret to great performance <i style="font-weight: bold;">especially</i> repeat performance over a matter of hours. In this case 6 runs in just over 24 hours, all of which were able to be run at about the same pace (read: no performance decrement) despite the searing sun and heat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pB-nPnzlhpw/Uv0qrpM9nzI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/LyFuBoL7Rtw/s1600/IMG_1861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pB-nPnzlhpw/Uv0qrpM9nzI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/LyFuBoL7Rtw/s1600/IMG_1861.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh and BTW, that is me on the far left of each of the pictures at the top of the page. I look like an ultra runner, right? Ha, this supplement combination is also the secret to building and keeping MUSCLE!<br />
<br />
Now you know :)<br />
<br />
Want to know more? Let me know..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mp-body.com/Home" target="_blank">Check out Metabolic Precision</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_786370677"></span><span id="goog_786370678"></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-54652450792030175222014-02-03T12:59:00.000-05:002014-02-03T12:59:24.327-05:00Searching for that mystery exercise?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I got in a great workout while I was out of town this past weekend. I always enjoy checking out gyms in different areas as well. The gym we went to was pretty well-equipped and had a really cool "feel" to it--well minus the guy that told me I probably shouldn't do deadlifts (no joke).<br />
<br />
We knocked out our workout (which DID include deadlifts) and walked around to check out some of the other equipment. You had the standard pin-select stuff, cardio, medicine balls, kettle bells and the like, and then we found them...<br />
<br />
The mystery machines. No, not the one from Scooby Do although I think that one does serve more of a purpose. These machines left us with a mystery-- why the heck would anyone use that let alone build that?<br />
<br />
They reminded me more of a ride that you would find at Disney. The entire machine moves with you as you perform the exercise. The seated row made me feel like I was riding a horse, the shoulder press felt like you were trying to launch yourself into space, and the bicep curl felt like you were in a rocking chair. What the????<br />
<br />
Yeah, mystery machines for sure.<br />
<br />
Why? Who knows. Somehow, for some reason, the basic machine needed to be tweaked.<br />
<br />
Why?? Well if it did something that the basic machine did not, it must somehow be better. Why would you waste your time with the basic, old version when you could have the new and improved one?<br />
<br />
Logical, right?<br />
<br />
No, actually not at all.<br />
<br />
Seems to me that all too often people are searching for that one different thing. That esoteric ingredient, the magical exercise that will some how bring them miraculous results. <br />
<br />
Well, I'm sorry to say (no, I'm actually happy to tell you) that it doesn't exist. <br />
<br />
The basics are the basics for a reason. You can't skip over those and head right to the most obscure thing and think it will be the ONE.<br />
<br />
You can't do a 2 handed kettle bell snatch with your eyes closed standing on a Bosu while signing the national anthem before you learn how to do a squat. Well, you can try but I promise it won't turn out well.<br />
<br />
You can't eat McDonald's for breakfast, skip lunch, and eat KFC for dinner and take green coffee bean extract and expect anything to happen. Again, many people try and as we can see it doesn't turn out well.<br />
<br />
The truth is simple, as it always seems to be. You have to consistently nail the basics before you even think about doing anything else.<br />
<br />
Basics in the gym and basics outside the gym. It doesn't get any more simple than that.<br />
<br />
Learn the basics. Nail the basics consistently. Succeed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.metabolicprecision.com/fat-loss-e-course" target="_blank">Learn the basics</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-77904193560431562372014-01-30T09:51:00.000-05:002014-01-30T09:51:12.863-05:00I can't eat healthy, I don't know how to cook!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"I can't eat healthy, I don't know how to cook!"<br />
<br />
No, that isn't a joke I actually hear that all the time. <br />
<br />
It makes me giggle for a few reasons:<br />
<br />
1. You certainly don't look like you are starving so you are feeding yourself somehow.<br />
<br />
2. There are plenty of unhealthy things that require cooking too.<br />
<br />
3. If you can find a grocery store, and you can use Google, you can cook.<br />
<br />
4. Even if you DO eat out you don't need to make poor food choices!<br />
<br />
I don't consider what I do "cooking". Heck I probably only use one or two pans and the crock pot.<br />
<br />
Does this sound like "cooking" to you: 2 packages of ground chicken breast, 1 package grass-fed ground beef, 3 packages frozen veggies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-3aFFOd2gs/Uupl7HGM_0I/AAAAAAAAAJs/umQkDURthB0/s1600/IMG_7561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-3aFFOd2gs/Uupl7HGM_0I/AAAAAAAAAJs/umQkDURthB0/s1600/IMG_7561.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think that may be what you are trying to tell yourself..and the world, but what you REALLY mean is that you don't know WHAT TO EAT.<br />
<br />
Once we get real honest about the situation, then we can do something about it. <br />
<br />
Knowing what to eat is the key whether you are cooking at home or you are eating out. Whether you are eating on a train, or eating in the rain, or in a box, or with a fox...<br />
<br />
Luckily for you I can help with that. Together with what you will learn from <a href="http://www.metabolicprecision.com/fat-loss-e-course" target="_blank">Metabolic Precision</a> you will find yourself looking forward to getting in the kitchen and whipping up some great dishes!<br />
<br />
Did I mention that with <a href="http://www.metabolicprecision.com/fat-loss-e-course" target="_blank">Metabolic Precision</a> comes an entire cookbible??? Yep, hundreds of recipes so you can make as simple or as fancy a dish as you'd like.<br />
<br />
Why spend one more day confused about what to do? Why spend one more day unhappy with where you are? You are worth it. Take the step now.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-4179519574844126162014-01-28T20:56:00.000-05:002014-01-28T20:56:14.145-05:00The ONE diet you MUST follow...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What good is a diet that you can't stick to? I mean, you are looking for this diet to answer your prayers of weight loss, right? And it certainly can't do that if you don't follow it. <br />
<br />
So here's what you do.. follow this ONE diet. It is the ONE you have been looking for. It is the ONE that will deliver the results you are looking for.<br />
<br />
How do I know this? Because I know you can stick with it.<br />
<br />
Yeah I know you are wondering how is it that I can be so sure. Just trust me on this...<br />
<br />
Think about all of the diets that you have tried to follow in the past. Why didn't they deliver the results that you were hoping for?<br />
<br />
Well, I'm sure there were a few reasons why- but one of the biggest was most likely the unsustainable changes that you attempted to make. <br />
<br />
Sure anyone can do over the top things for a few days or maybe a few weeks...but can you sustain those over the top things for the rest of your life?<br />
<br />
Ahhhhh...I doubt it. If you could, you wouldn't be reading this post about the ONE diet that you MUST follow.<br />
<br />
So how do I really know that this will work for you? Easy. Because I live it everyday.<br />
<br />
Now before you get all defensive, I am NO different than you are. <br />
<br />
I spent years competing in the physique world following nutrition and training plans that were only sustainable in the short term. Sure, I looked good on stage, but that was about it. The "off season" was a different story. <br />
<br />
But that is how that is set up to work.. really, it is. <br />
<br />
Following regimens like that cause hormonal changes and fluctuations that make it a priority for your body to replenish body fat stores as rapidly as possible. Unfortunately our bodies go above and beyond in this 'recovery' and we end up fatter (literally) than we were before.<br />
<br />
Ugh. Not cool.<br />
<br />
Learning how to put food to work for you, how to get lean and stay there without delving into the unsustainable is what it is all about. That is the ONE diet that you MUST follow. It is the ONE thing that will work.<br />
<br />
Now here is the secret.. it isn't a diet. <br />
<br />
It is a way of life. It has to be. <br />
<br />
Temporary changes bring temporary results. Permanent changes yield permanent results.<br />
<br />
Permanent changes have to be sustainable changes.. it isn't rocket science.<br />
<br />
This is how I woke up at 40 looking better than I did at 20, or 30!<br />
<br />
This is Metabolic Precision. It is a lifestyle. A way to live. A way to get more from life. A way to live energized rather than depleted.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to some great <a href="http://www.metabolicprecision.com/fat-loss-e-course" target="_blank">FREE information</a> to get you started.<br />
<br />
Your opportunity to work with me one on one online with the Metabolic Precision program is coming very soon however opportunities will be very limited. If you are serious about wanting to know the ONE way to guarantee fat loss you won't want to miss out on this.<br />
<br />
Message me to place your name on the list for advanced announcement of this opportunity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-75423427266597442902014-01-14T17:54:00.003-05:002014-01-14T17:54:39.370-05:00What is the best fat burner?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I remember it like it was yesterday. The brown liquid in the bottle that promised to help burn fat tasted like a bitter lemon- tea. Not too bad I thought..but nothing happened.<br />
<br />
I didn't drink just one of them, I had a few of them. Maybe one every day. I'm not sure what I was hoping for but all I got was a nice lemon- tea flavored treat. No fat burning, well at least not that I could tell anyway.<br />
<br />
Does that story sound familiar?<br />
<br />
Maybe yours wasn't lemon-tea, maybe it was some kind of pill, or powder, or cream but you looked to it to help you burn fat and nothing happened.<br />
<br />
This is usually where all of the fun commercials tell you that it wasn't your fault. You didn't fail, it was the diet/product that failed you. Well, that may be a part of the situation, but there is something much bigger that you must know. <br />
<br />
Are you ready?<br />
<br />
You failed.<br />
<br />
Yes, I just said that. You failed.<br />
<br />
You failed to realize that NO PRODUCT can do it all.<br />
<br />
Yes, some can actually help you in your quest to "burn fat"..although not it the sense that you imagine (more on that later).<br />
<br />
I think what needs to happen first is that you figure out what it is you mean when you say "burn fat". What you are really envisioning happening is losing fat ...becoming leaner.. right?<br />
<br />
So what <b><i>is</i></b> the best "fat burner"... or should I say what is the best way to lose fat and become leaner?<br />
<br />
YOU are the best fat burner. And the best way for you to lose fat and become leaner is to STOP ADDING BODY FAT. <br />
<br />
Yes, it is up to YOU.<br />
<br />
Let's simplify this for a moment. Think of your body fat as a pool of water (or fat- whatever image suits you best). At the bottom of this pool is a small drain. Ever so slowly some of this water (or fat) flows down the drain. This represents your exercise and everything else that you do that causes "fat burning".<br />
<br />
Now imagine a large hose placed in the top of the pool with a constant heavy stream of water flowing from it into the pool. This represents everything that you do that adds to your body fat stores.<br />
<br />
It shouldn't be too hard to figure out that if the hose filling the pool is doing so at a rate greater than or equal to the rate that the drain is emptying the pool you will NOT be getting any less fat. You may in fact be getting even fatter!<br />
<br />
....even with the drain open at the bottom of the pool!!<br />
<br />
So when you ask me what the best "fat burner" is and what you should take that will help you to lose fat I canNOT answer that with one word. The answer is not a pill, or potion, or cream. (Sure, some may actually help and as I said we will get into that later). <br />
<br />
The answer is YOU and the answer is to STOP adding to the fat.<br />
<br />
How do you do that??<br />
<br />
Well, I can't answer that in one word either. I'll need two..<br />
Metabolic Precision.<br />
<br />
Metabolic Precision will teach you how to STOP adding to the fat. THIS is the key.<br />
<br />
No matter how you phrase the question to me, this is the answer. Learning how to stop adding to the fat will get you where you want to go because it also helps to "burn fat". Yep. It does.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for more information about how to do this, you'll want to check out <a href="http://www.metabolicprecision.com/" target="_blank">Metabolic Precision</a>.<br />
<br />
Your opportunity to work with me one one one online with the Metabolic Precision program is coming very soon however opportunities will be very limited. If you are serious about wanting to know the best way to "burn fat" you won't want to miss out on this. <br />
<br />
Message me to place your name on the list for advanced announcement of this opportunity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-86178446906813982712014-01-08T21:52:00.000-05:002014-01-08T21:52:09.678-05:00Please don't intimidate me...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I read it, I actually did laugh out loud. Then I thought to myself, "What a shame."<br />
<br />
Yep the gym that is famous for not judging (cough, cough) has done it again. This time they have decided that all squat racks must be removed from their gyms. This comes as a result of a member complaining that the squat racks were intimidating.<br />
<br />
Wait, WHAT??!<br />
<br />
Yes, those very same squat racks that I search high and low for are apparently very scary to some people. Huh...<br />
<br />
While I could go on and on about how squatting is probably one of the best exercises that people can do, and that if people want to lose weight (fat) they NEED to lift weights and squat, and that an inanimate object CANNOT intimidate someone, and...<br />
<br />
I think it goes far deeper than just this poor squat rack. It seems that the squat rack, along with people that are in shape are banned from this gym because people want to avoid pain.<br />
<br />
They want to avoid acknowledging the pain they feel in their current situation. Whether they are overweight or under-tall, less muscled than they'd like, or just not confident instead of acknowledging what is REALLY going on they opt for "remove anything that may make me take a good, hard look at myself".<br />
<br />
Wow, that is scary!<br />
<br />
What happens when the outside world...the world outside the purple pizza parties... does not play by these rules? Is there a way to cope? Does anyone say, "Hey, maybe we should take a deeper look at what is going on here?"<br />
<br />
Yeah, probably not and that is quite unfortunate as pain is really the only thing that will cause you to change.<br />
<br />
Change will occur when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of changing.<br />
<br />
So removing anything and everything from your life that makes you the slightest bit uncomfortable is a recipe for misery, not for happiness.<br />
<br />
Being intimidated has nothing to do with the 'object' it has everything to do with Y-O-U. The feelings you are feeling are coming from inside of you...in reaction to a story you have told yourself. Yep, it is in your head. <br />
<br />
I don't mean that like "you're nuts", but literally your reactions to things are based on stories you have in your head. Coming to terms with these stories, or at the very least acknowledging them is the first step.<br />
<br />
What are your stories?<br />
<br />
Answering this is the first step to losing fat, gaining muscle, freeing yourself from your food addictions, and yes, even freeing you from the fear of the squat rack!<br />
<br />
Avoidance is a recipe for keeping you stuck. Stuck in that place you were waaaaayyyy back when that story in your head first took place.<br />
<br />
Are you ready to move forward? <a href="http://www.metabolicprecision.com/" target="_blank">Metabolic Precision Can Help</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-16928208998593207952014-01-05T12:07:00.000-05:002014-01-05T12:07:04.038-05:00Have you just 'let yourself go'?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you just 'let yourself go'? Interesting to think about, and I bet if you took a poll of the general population many would agree that they, or their friends, family members or loved ones have indeed 'let themselves go'.<br />
<br />
It was a conversation just like this that started my thinking...hmmmm, maybe just maybe we need a different perspective on this.<br />
<br />
I was running with a good friend the other day as she was recounting a conversation that centered around her brother. Apparently in high school he played sports and was in relatively good shape. Now, some years later he is a good bit heavier and in pretty sad shape.<br />
<br />
Sure she was talking about her brother, but this same conversation could have been about anyone. In fact, I am sure that you could name at least 5 people right now who fit this same description.<br />
<br />
Common thinking on our part as well as theirs, is that they just 'let themselves go'. <br />
<br />
You hear this saying thrown about all the time, but what on earth does it mean?<br />
<br />
I'm guessing that most people use it in a sense that refers to the 'giving up' or 'giving in'. That whatever it was we used to do we don't do any more.<br />
<br />
"<i>In high school I played football and baseball. I'm 30 now and I haven't played sports in years. I've really let myself go."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I don't think I would be far off with that assessment either. <br />
<br />
Ok, here is the challenge to that paradigm. What if 'letting yourself go' didn't carry with it the meaning of giving up on something, what if it meant more of a <b>continuation </b>of things???<br />
<br />
Follow me for a minute.<br />
<br />
In high school, sure you played sports (or maybe you didn't), you also stayed up late, ate too much junk food, and thought you knew everything.<br />
<br />
Look at your life now--I'm betting that you 'let yourself go' on doing at least 3 of the 4 things I just mentioned. How's that working out for you?<br />
<br />
The <b>continuation</b> of things that we could get away with when we were younger may be exactly what derails us later in life.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Lack of sleep</b></u><br />
<br />
Lack of sleep is linked to increased stress levels, weight gain, food cravings, impaired glucose and insulin functioning, and disruption to circadian rhythms.<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In a nutshell, losing sleep causes us to feel hungry (even
though we aren’t), increase our caloric intake, store more of these calories as
fat and burn fewer calories throughout our day regardless of the exercise we
do. We gain weight, become diabetic, and develop cardiovascular disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Sound familiar????</span></div>
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Eating junk food </u><br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u>
No surprise here, junk food isn't all that great for you when it comes to staying healthy or 'in shape'. The problem is that most people don't realize just how much of what they are eating actually falls into this junk food category.<br />
<br />
Candy bars, cookies, and ice cream are all easy to spot, but the other junk that goes around masquerading as real food is what we need to be aware of. Those "healthy" boxed, prepared cereals, crackers, breads, and other convenience foods.. yep, pretty much in the junk food category. And, NO, I don't care what the commercials say...<br />
<br />
You may have been able to get away with eating them when you were younger, but not so much now. Guess what, that is because your body responds differently to them now. Hormonally speaking your body is better able to store those things as fat as opposed to use them for immediate energy. <br />
<br />
Let me say that another way, continuing to eat those things as a large part of your diet will make you fatter and fatter. Period. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thinking you know everything </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Interesting how we think that just because we are older we know more than we did before. Sure this may be true about some things, say for instance the job you have- you probably know more about it today than you did on your first day. But when it comes to your body and your health, I find that most people don't have a clue. <br />
<br />
Not knowing which end is up with regard to your health and well-being can be a problem for sure, but the BIGGER problem is thinking you know everything about it when in fact, you do not. <br />
<br />
No one is born knowing everything. And certainly it is very challenging to know a lot about a lot of things. That is why people specialize- to learn more about one or two things. So stop thinking you know everything about your health and seek out someone who knows more and who may be able to help you.<br />
<br />
So back to my point about 'letting yourself go'. I propose that it isn't the giving up on what you did when you were younger that got you to where you are, rather the 'letting yourself go' on doing what you did when you were younger that has done it. The continuation of things that no longer serve you. <br />
<br />
All too often people are looking for what it is they need to do to make a change when all too often it is something they need to stop doing that will help the most.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-71771229041005761172014-01-01T13:52:00.002-05:002014-01-01T13:52:50.277-05:00Gym Etiquette For The New Year Resolutioners...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's that time of year- you know, the time when all of the New Year's Resolutioners show up at the gym and all of the gym regulars get a bit frustrated.<br />
<br />
You can't really blame them, I mean for almost 10 months now the gym has been pretty much theirs. There is an unspoken understanding between 'the regulars'...you know on Monday the guy that always wears the red tank top will be in the squat rack until about 9:30 so you can schedule your training around that. You get to know people without really knowing them and it makes for a better training session for all involved.<br />
<br />
But then New Year's comes and in walk 'the newbies'. <br />
<br />
In anticipation of this unavoidable event, I decided to throw together a list of some Do's and Don'ts- a gym etiquette posting of sorts to help folks out.<br />
<br />
1.<b> DO Shower</b>. Yes, I understand you are going to work out, but if you stink already we have a BIG problem.<br />
<br />
2.<b> DO Change your clothes</b>. This goes along with #1. Some folks like to wear the same clothes to train in because they are comfortable..that is fine, but wash them! Otherwise do as the rest of us do and just wear something different..that is clean. And please be sure they fit properly, I don't want to see your junk hanging out no matter how cool you think you are.<br />
<br />
3. <b>DO Wear deodorant</b>. I know I shouldn't need to say this, but I will..because you know somewhere....<br />
<br />
4. <b>DON'T stand around in the locker room naked</b>. Fine to do when you are at home, but in public this is a bit of a no-no. Don't be 'that guy' or 'that girl' that folks try to avoid... unless of course you are at a nudist gym, in which case ignore this recommendation.<br />
<br />
5.<b> DON'T stand directly in front of the dumbbell rack</b>. This area is for loading and unloading ONLY. It is not meant to be used while doing your set.<br />
<br />
6. <b>DO give yourself and everyone else plenty of room. </b>I've had this happen many times- I'm in the middle of a set of squats and some guy drags a bench over, sits down and starts doing shoulder press 3 inches away. C'mon man, not a good idea. Don't be that guy, be sure to give yourself and everyone else plenty of room. Collisions in the gym should not occur. Always be aware of your surroundings.<br />
<br />
7. <b>DON'T talk to someone in the middle of their set.</b> I don't care what it is you want to say, it can wait. <br />
<br />
8. <b>DON'T randomly start talking to someone with headphones in. </b>Head phones in the ears should be considered the international sign for "I don't want to talk". I don't care if you CAN tell they aren't listening to anything. They have their headphones in for a reason. Leave them alone.<br />
<br />
9. <b>DON'T sing. </b>This is generally directed towards those of you that wear headphones while training. The rest of us can't hear your back up singers and would really rather not hear you sing "Baby Got Back" out of tune. Save it for the car, or the shower (just not the shower at the gym).<br />
<br />
10. <b>DON'T just jump on a piece of equipment.</b> It is never safe to assume that someone isn't using it- especially if someone is standing near it. Always ask. If they have head phones in, simply point to the machine and they will know what you are asking.<br />
<br />
11. <b>DON'T talk on the phone while sitting on a piece of equipment. </b>You are there to train, remember? Also, chances are pretty high that someone else is waiting to use what you are sitting on. Never mind the fact that no one wants to hear your conversation anyway.<br />
<br />
12. <b>DON'T hover around a piece of equipment while checking FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter, or anything else. </b>See #10. Put the phone down and train.<br />
<br />
13. <b>DO wipe up your mess.</b> No one wants to sit in your sweaty mess. Wipe down the equipment before walking away.<br />
<br />
14. <b>DON'T assume you know what you are doing.</b> Save yourself a time and energy, hire a professional. How do you know if you don't know what you are doing? If this is your first time to the gym- you don't know what you are doing. Hey, nothing to be ashamed of, we've all had our first day at the gym. If you want to ensure that you continue to have days at the gym, be sure you know what to do and how to do it properly.<br />
<br />
15. <b>DON'T bathe in perfume or cologne before your session. </b>While you may think it smells fabulous, the rest of us are choking on it. Save it for your night out at the bar; not under the squat bar.<br />
<br />
16. <b>DON'T come to the gym if you are sick.</b> For goodness sake keep it to yourself. The gym is kind of like an adult daycare situation..one person gets sick and then so does everyone else..just like the little kids that spread their germs around the daycare.<br />
<br />
SO there you go, a few things that can help you out as you venture into some new exciting territory.<br />
<br />
Stay safe and have fun.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-72341831463369664342013-12-23T21:35:00.003-05:002013-12-23T21:35:59.144-05:00Everyone knows how to train (and eat), right?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Walk in to any gym (even the ones with squat racks) and you'll hear it or see it. Everyone is an expert.<br />
<br />
Don't think its true? Just listen to them.<br />
<br />
When we were in LA some of it was so good I actually took notes. No, for real, I did. Pulled my phone out and typed it right in there so that I would remember what I wanted to share with all of you.<br />
<br />
Two guys doing tricep pushdowns; the one directing says to the one doing the work: "turn your left toe in." No, I am not joking, and just to clarify the guy was standing pretty damn straight.<br />
<br />
Younger guy talking to a gentleman maybe 20 years his senior is going on about how he is bulking but come January 30 he is going to "start cutting" (love that terminology). So the older gentleman tells him: "The first rule is to get up in the morning and run on an empty stomach."<br />
<br />
I giggled to myself as I reflected on just how interesting it is that everyone in the gym knows everything. <br />
<br />
No need to seek a professional, clearly anyone who has ever joined a gym, lifted a weight, lost a pound, gained a pound, ran a mile, or did a jumping jack knows exactly what to do to lose body fat, gain muscle, or improve performance. And they know how to do this IN the gym and IN the kitchen.<br />
<br />
What I find so very interesting is that no one seems to think anything of this. It somehow seems perfectly normal and acceptable especially to those on the receiving end.<br />
<br />
Weird, I don't think those same people would take advice on how to fix their car from a 13 year old who just drove for the first time. I don't think that they would take french cooking lessons from someone who just attempted their first soufflé. <br />
<br />
These same people would think nothing of taking a tennis, golf, or ski lesson. Heck, most people brag about that going on about how much they spend in an attempt to become better at these sports yet very few do the same with they gym.<br />
<br />
So let's see if I am getting this right- in order to become better at tennis, golf, or skiing folks hire a professional that will teach them the best, fastest, and safest way to reach their goal in those respective sports...did I get that right?<br />
<br />
Ok, so why then do people wish, and hope, and dream about being stronger, or in better shape, or healthier yet take advice from anyone?<br />
<br />
I just don't get it.<br />
<br />
I mean, really if YOU wanted to reach your goal wouldn't you seek out the best possible person you could to help you reach it??? I would. But maybe I'm just crazy. Or maybe you like to waste your money.<br />
<br />
"But Michelle, there trainers everywhere, how do we know who is a good one?"<br />
<br />
Great question...<br />
<br />
You can't know..especially if you have no (or very little) experience in the gym. Everyone who calls themselves a trainer may look and sound like they know what they are talking about....but they don't.<br />
<br />
I will tell you this. If you are looking for the top trainers who know about nutrition and training then you are looking for a Metabolic Precision certified trainer.<br />
<br />
Most certifications send hopefuls a text and an exam..yes, at the same time...and ask them to answer multiple choice questions. Some send a text and require and exam to be taken at a testing center..again asking folks to memorize things and then regurgitate them on a multiple guess test. Not MP.<br />
<br />
MP requires that all hopefuls not only learn the material, but also that they demonstrate the understanding of it through its application via essay exam as well as practical application. MP is a science based and research proven method for reaching your goals.. I don't care if it is body fat loss, muscle mass gain, performance improvement, or something else the certified MP professionals are the ones that can get you there.<br />
<br />
As the new year approaches no doubt you or someone you know will be making <i style="font-weight: bold;">THAT</i> New Year's Resolution... you know the one I talking about. Why not hire someone that can get you there safely and teach you how to sustain and maintain the results you achieve? I mean, unless you want to get there and then back slide..<br />
<br />
For those of you that are really serious, use this link to find the best trainer you'll ever meet. But only if you are really serious.<br />
<br />
Can't find one in your area? No problem these folks are ridiculously good at doing things on line as well. Need help finding just the right person? Just ask, I'm more than happy to be a "match maker".<br />
<a href="http://mp-body.com/MP-certified-personal-trainers_australian" target="_blank">Find a Metabolic Precision Trainer</a><br />
<br />
Do it. You'll be glad you did. No worries, you can thank me later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-59476436368009225902013-12-21T19:16:00.001-05:002013-12-21T19:16:13.402-05:00Where have all the good gyms gone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Have you ever heard something, and you know you heard it, but later on it comes back around and really slaps you in the face??<br />
<br />
Yeah that's kind of what happened this weekend.<br />
<br />
I mean, it isn't anything that I didn't already know, or something that I hadn't noticed before, but this time it really hit me. And then it was almost as if a panic of sorts set in.<br />
<br />
Training is disappearing. Real, honest to goodness training..with real weights..not inflated balls, rubber bands, or hollow cheap metal equipment. <br />
<br />
You may look at me and think: "oh come on, you have no idea what you are talking about" but you would be sorely mistaken. My roots in the industry go way back, as does my love of the gym and training with real weight; iron as we like to call it.<br />
<br />
It goes back to the good ol days when there was only bodybuilding in the bodybuilding world. No, fitness, figure, bikini, physique...just the real beef- bodybuilding. Guys like Quadzilla Paul DeMayo, Tom Platz, and the like were all over the magazines.<br />
<br />
You could walk into almost any gym and find a squat rack and plenty of plates to load the bar with. <br />
<br />
Fast forward to this weekend.<br />
<br />
We walk in to a 24 Hour Fitness (yeah, ok I know..but that is part of the point) and have to search for anything resembling a squat rack. Finally, after having walked up 4 flights of stairs, through a labyrinth of rooms chock full of machines did we find one lone squat rack. It was aaaaaaaaaallllllll the way in the back. Literally.<br />
<br />
I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that we walked through at least 4 rooms chock full of suspension training equipment, inflated balls, rubber bands, cheap machines, and virtually every other piece of equipment you can think of <i style="font-weight: bold;">except</i> olympic bars and plates (and squat rack).<br />
<br />
I thought to myself: "damn, they really don't want anyone to even know they have a squat rack." The image this gym (and most others these days) presents is one of cardio and toys; nothing serious or intimidating. Well, at least nothing that could be interpreted as such by Joe (or Josephine) Q. Public...don't want to scare them away.<br />
<br />
What on earth has happened???<br />
<br />
When did it become so scary to see a squat rack, or to see someone squatting, or deadlifting?<br />
<br />
Is everything going the way of Planet Fitness? I call it the "aim for mediocrity" mindset. <br />
<br />
Hasn't anyone noticed that we, as a society, are moving further and further from a state of health?<br />
<br />
Interesting that this shift away from health mirrors the shift away from <i style="font-weight: bold;">real</i> training with <i style="font-weight: bold;">real</i> weights in a <i style="font-weight: bold;">real</i> gym. <br />
<br />
This is what hit me like a ton of bricks all over again. <br />
<br />
I've been there before, having the thought that all of the real equipment in the gym has been moved to the back, out of the line of sight of anyone just walking in the door. Keep that stuff in the back and no one gets scared. Riiiiiiiiight. Keep it in the back and no one gets leaner, healthier, or fitter either. Spending your time doing endless hours on the less intimidating cardio equipment will do little good.<br />
<br />
So came back to me the words of a good friend, Shawn Phillips, in one of his recent musings on <a href="http://www.kryptonitereport.com/44-iron-muscle-building-52-million-pound-challenge/" target="_blank">The Kryptonite Report</a> in which he discussed the disappearance of real gyms. <br />
<br />
What gives, where have they gone?<br />
<br />
Is it coincidence that more people hit the gym today than ever before yet the number of overweight and obese continues to grow?? (pun intended)<br />
<br />
Clearly something isn't working.<br />
<br />
Maybe getting back to hitting the iron in a real gym would help....<br />
Just a thought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-72369429997557682302013-12-13T16:06:00.002-05:002013-12-13T16:06:47.855-05:00Coffee, coffee, coffee.. Your BulletProof coffee is full of holes! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Coffee, the nectar of the Gods as it has often been referred to, definitely has a place in my life. I love it. <br />
<br />
Yes, I realize some may think love is a strong word to use to describe my relationship with coffee, but the thought of it can bring a smile to my face, it never lets me down, and it is always there for me. So yes, I say love.<br />
<br />
My relationship with coffee, or anything coffee flavored goes back to my childhood days. I have fond memories of sharing coffee flavored ice cream with my mom. Good times for sure. <br />
<br />
Mom and I still share coffee although these days it is usually the drink, not usually the ice cream. <br />
<br />
Those of you that know me know that I love coffee. You guys also know that one of my missions in life is to bring the truth to light. I dislike half-truths and deceptive marketing <i style="font-weight: bold;">especially</i> when it comes to exercise, nutrition, health, and healthy living. Just. Can't. Deal.<br />
<br />
Spreading these half truths makes it harder for all of us to reach our optimal health status. <br />
<br />
So what's got me all wound up now?<br />
<br />
Coffee.<br />
<br />
Yes. Coffee. My love.<br />
<br />
Coffee is so much more than a smile in a cup, it has a laundry list of positive effects on our health as well. <br />
<br />
When I say health benefits, I mean proven by science. Cast all doubts aside. No guessing. Just facts. Good for you. Period.<br />
<br />
Coffee consumption helps to lessen depression. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>Pham N. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Green tea and coffee consumption is inversely associated
with <o:p></o:p></span></i><i>depressive symptoms in a Japanese working population. Public Health Nutr. 2013 Mar 4:1-9</i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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Drinking coffee is associated with decreased risk of all cause mortality.</div>
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<i>Malerba S. Turati F. Galeone C. Pelucchi C. Verga F. <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A
meta-analysis of prospective studies of coffee consumption and mortality for
all causes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.5pt;">Eur J Epidemiol (2013) 28:527–539</span></i></div>
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I could go on and on, and most likely will at some point.. but not before I get to the actual point of this post.... the bull$hit that is Bulletproof Coffee.</div>
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There, I said it. </div>
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I am tired of the BS that gets thrown around by the folks that have been duped into thinking that: 1. there is some magical 'non-toxic' coffee bean that one man has a special hook up with 2. that the rest of the world's coffee supply is fully of mold and toxins 3. that drinking butter and oil in your coffee is a good idea.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
This is an excerpt from his website "<span style="background-color: #f5f7f9; color: #3d4042; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">Upgraded Coffee is the result of an obsessive pursuit to find the absolute highest performance coffee beans on earth. It's taken me more than 10 years to identify every step of performance-robbing toxin formation in coffee and to find a reliable, perfect source of beans that always make me feel great — even though "normal" coffee gives me a headache and jitters and makes me cranky. This coffee makes you feel noticeably better than anything else you'll find. You'll never go back to Starbucks again. These beans are meant for drinking black or best of all, for making Bulletproof Coffee with coconut oil.</span><span style="background-color: #f5f7f9; color: #3d4042; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;"> "</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f7f9; color: #3d4042; font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Really? Your coffee is so good you can drink it black ....or drown it in oil? Ummm, I'm sorry but that just seems kind of silly to me. If it IS that good, I shouldn't have to add anything to it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"Performance-robbing toxin formation"-- wow really an extraordinary claim there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">Ok, Mr. Special Guy. Show me your science! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 24px;">What? You don't have any? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Huh. Didn't think so. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">FYI folks, the very worst coffee in the world- which makes up maybe 20% of the supply may have very small amounts of molds in them. You would need to drink coffee from almost a kilo (2.2pounds) of those beans to get ANY small amount of insult to your system. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">(**Keep in mind not all mold is 'bad'. What we have here is fear mongering-- nutritional terrorism as a good friend would say. Heck you EAT mold- blue cheese!!! Penicillin, one of the most widely used antibiotics, is derived from a fungus and has saved countless people from illness!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Beyond the claim of his super special coffee is the claim that adding fat to our coffee will somehow make us leaner and even build muscle. Hmmm... nice thought. Got any science to back that?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Didn't think so.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) sound like a really great idea as far as energy production and glucose sparing goes- but unfortunately all things that sound good don't always pan out in the science. MCTs are one of these things- just doesn't hold up in the studies. Soooooo, while it may sound good it just doesn't work that way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">One thing it MAY do is send you running to the nearest restroom. Have fun with that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Drives me nuts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">C'mon people, you're smarter than that. When people make extraordinary claims, they should have extraordinary evidence to prove their claims. This guy does not. Period. He alludes to some studies that were done, yet provides no further information or links to them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">...because he doesn't have any. His science doesn't exist.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I could've guessed he didn't have much of a science background after reading his musings. But the fact that he sells a bag of Glutathione really sealed the deal. News flash- taking glutathione does not lead to increased levels of glutathione in your body. So sorry folks, but you've been duped yet again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Your welcome. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d4042; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Now it is time for me to finish my cup of coffee :)</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-91380717676091917062013-11-11T20:48:00.001-05:002013-11-11T20:48:09.274-05:00Scariest Marathon Training Ever...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You've probably heard I've run a few marathons.. heck you may have run a few yourself, or maybe you are gearing up to train for one. Either way, you'll want to check out the scariest marathon training plan ever. I mean straight up ridiculous scary.<br />
<br />
For this to be scary I guess you need to know how most people train for marathons (especially if you are new to this or even just reading for fun). Definitely need a reference point from which to measure the level of scariness.<br />
<br />
Ok, so here's how most marathon training plans go:<br />
<br />
Monday- run<br />
Tuesday- run<br />
Wednesday- run faster<br />
Thursday- run slower<br />
Friday- maybe cross train on the elliptical machine at the gym<br />
Saturday- run really far<br />
Sunday- run for recovery<br />
<br />
Yep, that's pretty much it. The distances may change a bit (read: they all get longer) but things generally follow that plan. <br />
<br />
Weekly mileage depends on the person but may average 40-60 miles or more. Yes, you read that right. Forty to sixty miles...to run 26 miles. OHHHHHHKAY, its 26.2 but that's not the point. The point is that people do a TON of running to get ready for, well.. running. Seems logical, maybe?<br />
<br />
Here's what I want to know- where is the science that supports that rationale; because I haven't found any.<br />
<br />
Let me say that again- I haven't come across science that supports this method of marathon training.<br />
<br />
What I have come across is a plethora of research that shows shorter duration, higher intensity work improves endurance performance. <br />
<br />
You may also be interested to know that it (shorter duration, higher intensity work) reduces visceral body fat (that's the worst kind-the kind on the inside-surrounding your organs), improves VO2, and improves speed at lactate threshold.<br />
<br />
What does all of that mean?<br />
<br />
It means you perform better and you are healthier. Nice.<br />
<br />
Add to that the fact that shorter duration, high intensity exercise also helps to maintain (and can even help to build) muscle...<br />
<br />
Why should you care about muscle?<br />
<br />
Maybe because muscle mass actually helps to maintain your health and your immune system.<br />
A slow, steady loss of muscle as we age is actually a predictor of disease (and injury). Yup, its a fact.<br />
<br />
Running, running, running does little to preserve muscle, in fact it can speed up the loss. <br />
Sad, because i really like running.<br />
<br />
Well, it is a good thing that I also like resistance training. Yes, lifting weights. Those things can help you build muscle and avoid disease. But guess what?? They can also make you faster!<br />
<br />
True story.<br />
<br />
Having strong, powerful muscles can actually help you in your marathon training.<br />
<br />
I know i've just thrown a big monkey wrench into your marathon training plan...but I'm only doing it because I like you and I want to help you.<br />
<br />
So what is this, the scariest marathon training program that I alluded to earlier??<br />
<br />
It involves resistance training and shorter duration, higher intensity runs instead of just running, running, running. And not running, running, running is really scary for people who are used to it.<br />
<br />
What does this scary plan look like?<br />
<br />
It may look something like this:<br />
<br />
Monday- Squats (and a few other key leg movements)<br />
Tuesday- Track speed work<br />
Wednesday- Upper body work at the gym<br />
Thursday- short Tempo, or interval run<br />
Friday- Deadlifts (and other key movements)<br />
Saturday or Sunday- your ONE 'long' run<br />
<br />
<br />
While something like this may be the scariest thing ever- it may also save you from injury and illness during your marathon training.<br />
<br />
<br />
Have questions, or need help with your training? You know where to find me :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-36357476387812484742013-10-17T06:47:00.002-04:002013-10-17T06:47:08.606-04:00The Zen of Running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is something magical about an early morning run. Whether it is under the moon and stars, or the first glints of sunlight, the quiet morning is quite cathartic.<br />
<br />
Each stride brings my foot in contact with the ground. Each time an opportunity to transfer energy to and receive energy from the earth. I am not running ON the earth, I am running with it, because of it.<br />
<br />
This time is my moving meditation. My time to find peace, calm, happiness, and focus. My time to lose the pressures and worries of the outside world. A time to look inward, to what really matters. To remember why all of this started in the first place. To have a sense of calmness, connectedness, peace, and freedom. To remember my calling and reaffirm my willingness to live it. <br />
<br />
Slowly the sun rises and people begin to stir. The once peaceful, quiet connection to nature begins to fade. The hectic energy of those running in the proverbial hamster wheel of life is once again aiming to overtake the peace of those living in the moment. Like the background static of a radio station not quite in tune, the message is still there, but unable to be discerned.<br />
<br />
Stop. Find quiet. Connect with nature. You will hear the message. You will find your calling and together we can make the world a better place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-16566870796180694582013-01-16T19:25:00.001-05:002013-01-16T19:25:58.987-05:00The science of healthy living<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy 2013 everyone! This is it, this is the year that you will put it all together and embrace the science of healthy living. Yep, I said science and I meant it.<br />
<br />
Every single thing that we do is the result of a billion (or more) chemical reactions. That sounds like science to me. No matter if we are sitting at the computer typing, running a marathon, lifting weights, grocery shopping or eating dinner we are nothing but a bunch of chemical reactions. Got it?<br />
<br />
Ok, good.<br />
<br />
Now let's jump back to the end of 2012 where I was writing about Exercise and Weight Loss (<a href="http://adamsadmonitions.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Exercise and Weight Loss Part 1</a> <a href="http://adamsadmonitions.blogspot.com/2012_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Exercise and Weight Loss Part 2</a>). We talked about not counting calories, hopefully that rings a bell. Today we are going to talk about chemical reactions. THAT is what dictates how we function. How many calories we burn (or don't burn), how much muscle we build (or don't build), how well our brain can communicate with our hands to type this information, that is all a function of the chemical reactions in our body. <br />
<br />
Want to make anything work better or differently, then you must manipulate the chemical reactions in your body to do so. How do you do that? Simple. Pay attention to the nutrients you put in your body- NOT the calories.<br />
<br />
Think about it like this. My car has a 25 gallon gas tank. In order for me to drive a long distance I had better fill it up, all 25 gallons. If I put 25 gallons of milk in the gas tank, how far will I get? Probably not too far at all. But why? It was 25 gallons, the tank was full.<br />
<br />
I know, you are thinking- duuuuhhhh, because you can't put milk in your car, it was built to run on gas (I'm old-school, mine is not electric). If I put milk in it then all of the other reactions that are dependent on the gas do not occur and something pretty terrible may happen. That is pretty easy to see right?<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok, what if I only put 2 gallons of milk in there? Nope, still not going anywhere.<br />
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<br />
Ok, now let's look at you. Maybe you need 2,500 calories a day. Can we fill you up with 2,500 calories from motor oil? Duuuuhhh, of course not. I know, you think I am being ridiculous. I'm not. What about 2,500 calories of Twinkies? Well, you may get a little further than with the motor oil, but not by much. Your body was not designed to run on Twinkies. If you fill your tank with things that your body was not intended to run on, the chemical reactions that take place within you are changed. Different things happen, and some really important things don't happen.<br />
<br />
<b>HERE IS THE KEY</b>- this happens even if you don't get all of your calories from Twinkies. Eating non-nutritous foods, things your body was not meant to run on, affects you each and every time you do it. The more you do it, the worse it gets...independent of the calories consumed!!!<br />
<br />
<b>KEY #2</b>- Lots of things you think are nutritious foods are not! How do you tell the difference? Simple. Avoid things that come in a box. Your meals should be comprised of vegetables, fruits and meats. Can't get much easier than that. Those are the things your body is meant to run on.<br />
<br />
<b>SUMMARY</b><br />
It isn't a function of just the calories, just as your car's performance isn't just a function of the gallons. Putting the right nutrients in your body keeps it running just as putting the right gas in your car keeps it running! <br />
<br />
Focus on nutrients, not calories. You're welcome.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-39798818969354428732012-11-28T18:11:00.002-05:002012-11-28T18:11:43.333-05:00Exercise and Weight Loss Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The holidays are upon as and surely there is no shortage of articles chronicling holiday workouts- ones you can do on the road, ones that burn the most calories, ones that the Hollywood starts are doing, you name it I'm sure it is out there. Yes, I understand that the magazines and newspapers need to make money, but do YOU? Ok maybe in the deep recesses of your brain you know it, but I think most people forget that when they buy these publications in search of the best workout to keep them form gaining weight during the holidays. I'm here to save you some money, spare you the frustration and keep you fitting into your summer wardrobe!<br />
<br />
Last time we talked about not looking at our workout as a way to merely burn calories. Trust me, you will be sorely disappointed if you do that. Not only will you realize that you burn more calories cleaning the house than you did spending your time on that elliptical, but you will realize that the LESS time you spend in the gym the leaner you will be. NO, that is NOT a typo. I said it and I meant it. Let's look at it this way- you are hoping that one hour of your day will some how magically fix what goes on the other 23 hours of the day. Not. Going. To. Happen. Ok, so the next step is spending more hours in the gym and trying to burn MORE calories, right? If 1 hour 3 times a week won't cut it, then maybe 1 hour SIX days a week will!<br />
<br />
So you set out on that path, certainly burning more calories than you were before. Of course since you are wanting to lose weight you keep your caloric intake the same, or better yet, you may even drop it a little bit -heck that is what all of the holiday magazines are suggesting. Exercise more, eat less. The standard prescription for weight loss. These days you can even find apps for your iphone or armbands to wear that can calculate all of this for you..even better, you can do it without even thinking!! Tell me how that works out for you.. Never mind, let me guess. For the first week or so, you may actually drop some weight and feel pretty good. The next few weeks don't go quite as well. You start to feel tired and run down. You feel 'softer' and have stopped losing weight and may have even put a few pounds back on. Frustrated you decide to INCREASE the amount of time you spend in the gym. You must've hit a plateau and exercising more to increase your caloric burn must be the way to get through it.<br />
<br />
...and so goes the cycle.<br />
<br />
Let me fill you in on what is actually happening here. You have increased your energy expenditure by increasing your exercise, yet you have maintained or even dropped your caloric intake causing a large caloric deficit. This is a rather new state for your body to be in and it hasn't figured out how to fix it yet (read: lessen the caloric deficit) so you lose weight (notice I did NOT say you lose fat. You are most likely losing muscle). Our bodies are an amazing balance of chemical reactions. When one thing changes our bodies react in a way to bring things back into balance. What am I saying? I am saying that if you created a large caloric deficit by exercising more and eating less, your body is going to work hard to reduce that deficit. It does this by expending fewer calories and asking you to take in more. So the more you exercise, the fewer calories you burn. You head home and then wonder why you are starving and searching for things to shove in your mouth. Things that once satisfied you now leave you wanting more. Not the recipe for weight loss that you thought you had signed up for. Enter frustration.<br />
<br />
So what DO you do? Well, first off stop counting calories. Yes, you heard me. Stop counting the ones you take in and stop counting the ones you expend. Stop wearing those silly arm bands and watches that "measure" the calories you burn during your workout. Stop using the app on your phone that logs all of your food intake and plots it against your exercise. This doesn't work. (You're welcome) It might work if we did it for a day, but we don't. It might work if all calories were the same, but they are not. It might work if our bodies didn't respond by expending fewer calories and demanding more be taken in, but they do.<br />
<br />
After you throw your armband in the trash, the next thing you need to do is eat something. Yes, eat. If we feed our bodies we have a much better chance of accomplishing what we want. In other words, put food to work FOR YOU. Lean protein, vegetables, fruits and good fats should be the crux of your diet. Eat small meals throughout the day (every 3-4 hours) and be sure they include the staples I just mentioned. Should you exercise? Yes, of course. Just don't go into it thinking about burning calories. As I mentioned in <a href="http://adamsadmonitions.blogspot.com/2012/10/exercise-and-weight-losspart-i.html">Exercise and Weight Loss Part I </a> you should look at exercise as a means for making yourself a better functioning machine- for the 23 hours of the day that you are NOT exercising. THAT is what exercise does.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind that a large caloric deficit is NOT the way to lose weight. Eat and exercise, but don't eat less and exercise more. Eat better and exercise smarter.<br />
<br />
You're Welcome.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7523735656814495873.post-58745503527998640362012-11-12T14:29:00.001-05:002012-11-12T14:29:13.237-05:00WV 50 miler. WARNING, LONG POST!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Early mornings, track workouts, long runs, back-to-back days
of running topped of with a full schedule of work, travel and family. Getting ready for a 50-mile race takes
a lot of work. Yes, I said 50
miles. Having spent my 38<sup>th</sup>
birthday running 40 miles, I figured that it only made sense to spend my 39<sup>th</sup>
birthday running 50 miles. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYTsCDUK1f8/UKFMFEr7FJI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CG_Y8mBXTTY/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYTsCDUK1f8/UKFMFEr7FJI/AAAAAAAAAHg/CG_Y8mBXTTY/s320/IMG_2825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was 6 am as we stood on the start line- well, more like
we milled around in the general area of the start line. Unlike other races where participants
are toeing the line ready to take off like cheetahs, ultra runners are a bit
more relaxed. There is a completely different energy at an ultra event compared
to a road race marathon distance or shorter. Strong and determined, but in a calm, laid back manner. There
is camaraderie amongst ultra runners that you are hard pressed to find in any
other group. Ultra runners are a different breed for sure. </div>
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The race director signaled the start of the race and we were
off. It must have been an interesting sight as you could see nothing but our
headlamps and the shine of any reflective gear caught in their path. The wind
was cold and I was thankful I was wearing a hat, ear warmers and a hood. Following the shoes of the runner in
front of me I quickly noticed they had been collecting frost making it appear
as though we had been running through snow. I knew it was cold, but that was just ridiculous. This Florida girl was missing the
warmer weather for sure.</div>
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This 50 miler had its start and finish at The Mountain
Institute in Circleville, WV.
Reading the words “mountain” and “West Virginia” should have been enough
for me to realize that I would be climbing mountains, but it was not. Just shy of 7 miles would bring us to
the first of six aid stations, Spruce Knob, the highest point in West
Virginia. There was good running
on this leg as the trail was mainly grassy with some pine needle covered climbs
a few of which were quite steep. I had mentally planned for about 9 hours and knowing
we would be out there at least that long I knew it was best to conserve energy
and walk. </div>
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Not long after we passed the first aid station we had our
first encounter with some questionable terrain. The trail seemed to be a dried riverbed complete with large
loose rocks. I was hopscotching
from one to another to another feeling much like I did as a child running
through the woods, I started to laugh. This was fun!</div>
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The rock covered trail gave way to a leaf covered
trail. Unfortunately the leaves
were covering loose rocks that were covering mud. One wrong step and you were in up to your knees. Thankfully my shoes were on tight
otherwise I might have lost them!
It seemed to go on for miles.
The longer it continued the less I laughed. I tried to think of it as one big mud run. That worked for a
few minutes before my mind switched gears- that isn’t what I had signed up for.
That isn’t what I wanted to be doing.
I just wanted to run. I
tried. I’d get lucky for a step or
two, maybe even three before I would sink into the mud or slip on a rock or
even step on a stick whose opposite end would somehow find its way into my
other foot. OUCH! I was reduced to walking regardless of the flat ground. </div>
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Unlike running a road race some of the inherent excitement
of trail running is actually finding the trail. Following the markers can often be a challenge. Miss one and you’re in the middle of
the woods with no map and no cell phone service. </div>
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At one point the ribbons we were following seemed to
stop. I looked around and saw some
on the opposite side of the creek. </div>
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Crossing the
creek I found myself climbing up the side of a mountain. Literally. Huffing and puffing hiking my way up, up, up. Somehow I had
already forgotten that we had made our way from Spruce Knob down the mountain
to the creek in the valley- OF COURSE we were climbing back up. The climb
seemed to go on for miles until once again we were on top of a mountain. A
small respite form the climb lasted maybe a quarter of a mile and once again we
were headed down. From 4200 ft down to about 2400 ft. Downhill often sounds
good when you offer someone the choice of uphill or downhill. Unfortunately down is not always
fun. Too steep to run, never mind
the loose rocks and sticks covered in fallen leaves- oh the fun of fall racing.
It is fun to look at pretty leaves when they are on the trees, not so fun when
they are under your feet.</div>
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Running generally gives me plenty of time to think. Not this time, I had to concentrate so
hard on where I was putting my feet, where the rocks were, where the sticks
were, where the ribbons marking the course were that I couldn’t think about
anything else. Those distractions helped me avoid the thought that I would have
to turn around and run back the way I came. Five hours and 48 minutes after the
race began I reached the 25-mile mark. Time to head back up the 2000 ft we had just
descended. </div>
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It was during this ascent that I realized a few things. I realized that I am not a good
hiker. I had never hiked before.
Not a real mountain anyway, and I didn’t want to be doing it today. Today I wanted to run. I found myself
becoming more and more frustrated.
Knowing I would be dead in the water with a negative attitude, I tried
to turn it around. All I could
think of was the movie Happy Gilmore when Adam Sandler’s character says “I’m a
hockey player, but I’m playing golf today.” I was thinking, “I’m a runner, but I’m hiking today.” Happy
Gilmore, I understand your frustration! I wanted to cry.</div>
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I also realized what it felt like to want to quit, to really
want to quit. I was so frustrated,
so over slipping, tripping, stabbing myself with sticks. Over hiking and
climbing and trying not to trip down the mountain. I was done. I knew I would make it to the next aid station
before the cut off time. I didn’t care. I wanted to quit. Then it happened, I thought of my
clients. </div>
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I asked them to do challenging things all the time and I
wouldn’t let them quit. No matter
their challenge I wouldn’t accept their quitting. What would they say if I
quit? How could I let myself quit if I wouldn’t let them quit? I actually had
this argument with myself, thankfully I was hiking uphill and did not need too
much brain power to concentrate on my foot placement. Trudge, trudge,
trudge. I kept going.</div>
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I arrived at aid station #4, the 33.6-mile mark, 45 minutes
before the nine and a half hour cut off. It had taken 2 hours and 45 minutes to
get there from the 25-mile mark. Eight and a half miles, two hours and
forty-five minutes. Miserable. </div>
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My friends were waiting for me smiling and cheering. I feigned a smile. I could hardly say
anything. I was afraid to open my mouth, I knew that if I did I would cry. </div>
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I have no idea what Katie asked me. She either asked how it was going or
how I was doing. It didn’t matter
the answer was the same “pretty miserable, awful” was all I could manage as my
eyes started to tear up. She gave
me a knowing look and just patted my shoulder “you’re doing great”. </div>
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I knew I wasn’t.</div>
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I’m not sure why, but I kept going.</div>
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Maybe 45 minutes later another runner, Dan, came up behind
me. Poor guy, he was trying to be
nice and ask how I was doing. Mumble, mumble, mumble. I don’t even remember
what I said, but I’m sure that it wasn’t very inviting or positive. I had a negative remark for everything
he said. I even thought to myself,
“Sheesh, just stop with the negativity!” but it kept coming. He finally said “how are you on the
downhill?” </div>
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“Depends on the footing,” I said and off he went.</div>
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A few minutes later a thought ran through my head: after the
next aid station I would only have 10 miles to go. I could go 10 miles. I had gone 10 miles so many times
during my training. </div>
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Then I had another thought: if I finish the race, but it
takes more than 14 hours I will be disqualified. There was a strict 14-hour
cutoff; cross the line at 14:01 and instead of having that time posted next to
your name you would have the letters ‘DQ’. If I didn’t post official results then this race wouldn’t
count in my quest to run a race in each of the 50 states. I would have to run West Virginia
again. No way was THAT going to
happen. I wasn’t going to be out
here for hours climbing mountains and not have it count. </div>
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I have no idea what specifically it was that brought about
those thoughts, but I am sure it was something my fellow runner, Dan, had said.
I started to run. Hop scotching from rock to rock as I had done some 30 miles
earlier. I caught up with Dan at the next aid station. I was thrilled to learn that we would
follow along a creek for almost 2 miles before turned back into the trees and
hit more mountain. </div>
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“C’mon, let’s run until we have to climb, “ I said as I
started to jog away. He was right
behind me. We must’ve run for a
mile or so when my foot slipped on the edge of a rock. Didn’t seem like a big
deal, but as I tried to take the next step the pressure on my toes was
unbearable. I let out a few choice words and tried to keep going with a
limp. It didn’t take long to
realize that wasn’t going to work very well. I couldn’t tell if my toe was broken or if I had somehow
ripped off a toenail. I sat down, took my shoe off, gingerly rubbed my toes and
told him to keep going.</div>
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I was afraid to take my sock off knowing that if it looked
bad I would feel like I needed to take care of it. If I didn’t look then I could keep going. Nothing felt too out of place and I put
my shoe back on. Nope, that wasn’t going to work. I took the shoe off again and started to run with my right
shoe on and left one in my hand. That
worked for a few yards, but as soon as I stepped on some sharp rocks I realized
that it wasn’t such a great idea.
Darn it, not now. </div>
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I refused to let it knock me out of the game at this
point. Had my head been where it
was a few miles back, I may have gladly used this opportunity to exit. Mentally
I was in a different place. I had
decided I was going to finish the race and I was not going to let this stop
me. I put the shoe back on and
tried to once again take a step.
No dice. I tried to run. It still hurt but it was better than walking. Ironic,
the thing I had wanted to do, that I had been unable to do for hours was now the
only thing that I could do.
Thankfully it wasn’t too long before I had Dan back in my sights.</div>
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Together we dodged mud, rocks, bugs and sticks on our way to
the 46.2 mile mark. That was the
last aid station and I knew that Katie and my friends would be there. It was somewhere around 6 pm, 12 hours
after starting the race, when we reached the aid station. What a difference 13 miles and a new
friend can make. I was waving my
arms in the air and shouting as we approached the stop. Katie, Jenny, Don and Bobbie were there
to greet me with smiles and cheers of their own. I was truly a different person than the last time they saw
me. The excitement on their faces
showed they recognized it as well.
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It’s Dan,” I said. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for
him.”</div>
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Somehow in my walking with Dan, I had left behind the
hopeless frustration I had felt miles earlier. It had been replaced with positivity, excitement and a “can
do” attitude. </div>
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Dan and I headed off toward The Mountain Institute. We had
just under 4 miles to go and had 2 hours to do it. Crossing cow pastures, scaling barbed wire fences and
even doing a little running. We
were closer and closer by the minute. We knew what was waiting for us in the
last mile. A half mile climb, pretty much straight up, fondly referred to as
“cardiac” followed by a relatively runable path down to the finish. </div>
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This last hill was not going to get the best of me. “Just remember, it isn’t as long as the
rest of them,” Dan said. It was
true; this one was only a half mile long.
Then no matter what it was only a half-mile to the finish. </div>
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Dan went on ahead as he is a much stronger hiker than I am.
I was doing the best I could; my heart was pounding and I was huffing and
puffing. As I got to the top of the hill I took a deep breath serving as both a
sigh of relief and a means to return to a normal pattern of breathing. One half
mile of grassy trail to go, I was running to the finish.</div>
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As I neared the left turn that would bring me down the hill
to the finish, I saw Don and Bobbie.
I was so overwhelmed with happiness that I wanted to cry. Crying doesn’t
work well while running; I did my best to hold back the tears. I could hear my name called over the
loud speaker as I neared the finish.
Now the tears were really starting to come. </div>
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I’ve never been one to throw my arms up in victory as I
cross a finish line, but this time I did.
I didn’t even think about it.
With all that I had experienced that day I was so thrilled to have survived
and crossed the finish that there was no way you could’ve kept me from doing
it. There, as the sun was setting
Katie and Jenny were waiting for me and so was Dan, we had finished. Not only had we finished before the 14
hour cutoff time, we had finished in under 13 hours! Twelve hours and
fifty-nine minutes to be exact. I
couldn’t have been happier. </div>
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Fifty-four people started the race, 28 finished. It could have very easily been 27. I had never wanted to quit so
badly. I just wanted to stop the
misery I was feeling. I wasn’t
thinking any further into the future.
But now, after having crossed the finish line I was so glad that I did
not quit. I finished. I did it. It was hard. It was very hard. It was the hardest thing I have ever
done. It wasn’t even what I had
trained for. I had trained for
running, not mountain climbing. Without Dan’s company and his unknowing gentle
encouragement I may not have realized that I did have the ability to succeed in
this environment. Had this been any other race, I could have been left
behind. Not in ultra running.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Running isn’t about the actual journey itself, it is more
about what we learn on that journey. I learned that in life there are many things we encounter
that we think we aren’t ready for.
Paths that we are sure should be different: wider, flatter, and easier to traverse. The thing is those paths don’t really
lead us to our ultimate goals. It
is the narrow, steep, rocky path that allows us to really achieve great things,
to conquer our fears, our doubts and ultimately ourselves. On these paths in
life, with a little help from others we discover more than we ever thought we
would.</div>
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P.S.</div>
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When you are climbing a mountain, literally or figuratively,
find someone who has done it before and walk beside them. Do not expect them to carry you, to do
it for you. You must do it for
yourself. It is only then that you
will be able to walk with the next
person and encourage them.</div>
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<o:p>Thank you to everyone that encouraged and supported me- I love you guys!</o:p></div>
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