Changing Seasons & Time

Working on getting myself adjusted to time change is not as bad as I thought it’d be this year, and it has not really been bad at all the previous years. What has made this year a little different though is that most to all of the time has been spent close to home unlike other years where I travelled a little more often, and camped a tad more than this year for sure.

The seasons were obviously thoroughly enjoyed via my porch, park, trail, and unlucky / lucky me no beach. I’m not one to be in a crowded beach any time of the year so I don’t apologize for it either. Big crowds of people just laying down absorbing a beautiful sun on a cloudless sky isn’t too attractive for me. On a day like that I’d be out working out, hiking, or just enjoying outdoors doing something other than that. I know it’s an abnormal thing to state out loud to some, but hey not everyone does the same thing every time nor like the same things.

Hiking, camping, working out outdoors is better for me mentally and emotionally. Thus I’d like to enjoy my time communing with Mother Nature in here grandest while absorbing all I could in a day in the woods/mountains helping me make sense of the atmosphere the world finds itself in. We do have outlets that have taken to Virtually running a marathon, an Ironman, or trail race to make do until a certain pesky Virus is taken care of. Some have been able to “race” virtually on the Honor system to garner trophies, t-shirts, swag and an award to post on ‘social’ media and get their proper congrats they’d otherwise get in person at the end of such an event.

The time commitment to train for said events on a regular year is monumental due to life events if you have kids, are married, and have a job or two. Training takes a life of its own. Biking a few times a week, swim (Good Luck) if you can find a pool that’s opened and even admits a single swimmer in to start. All of the pools by me have been closed since last year in the Fall. Now, Running has taken a front seat for more of the population due to the ease of participation on time of day/week and duration/distance anyone can choose to participate in.

It’s a social/anti-social event. For the introverts running alone is AWESOME!!! For extroverts – I thought about the types of conversations they have with themselves since they’re running alone, and how many people they truly miss being around. It is a very difficult time for many. I do figure that the Introvert is like ‘so, you’re alone and having a hard time’ Hit me up, and I’ll give you some guidance or an ear/shoulder for you. They truly are empathetic to your (extrovert) self.

Now, with all of that being said take time as the season is changing once more to the fall, then winter to manage the cabin fever that comes with it. Eat well, hydrate often, exercise more and get a good sweat going. Consult with a nutritionist, find a Personal Trainer to guide you in this journey, and by all means reach out to a Mental Health professional if you truly feel you’re at wits end!

No one can do this alone, and it takes a team to make you successful.

Reach out to help or get assistance. No one on the wonderful planet is ALONE in this.

Stay healthy, and here are a few pics for you!

RED Friday Partner WOD

Chilling at Tenaya Lake, YNP 2016

Planning and executing

I’ve spent the past two weeks prepping, doodling, writing, and finalizing a 12 week running program. Of course it’s nothing too detailed since it’s going to be presented as an outline for the participants at the gym for those that want a goal race after the 12 wk program runs its course

The focus of the program is really how to teach/instruct clients on the basics of running technique. I teach clients to improve their hip strength, hamstring pull, and make less noise while running. This is not a Big deal for veteran runners unless they themselves have some chronic pain, or need to improve their running technique where I am asked to assess/evaluate then proceed to have them work on re-learning how to move with one skill at a time.

Getting outside and running is a great release for many involved, and stress relief if you’re not training for a coming race is something they look forward to. There are times when a direct correlation of following a plan reduces the stress involved as to what distance, or focus points one should cover is not something they have to worry about. They just follow the plan, execute the drill and are non to displeased to find themselves running better and finding that there is enjoyment to be had.

What do you look forward to when you train, whether it be in the gym, or outdoors? Is it the physical aspect of doing something, or a mental release that you actually look forward to when you participate in such endeavours?

Go out, find what makes you happy while being in the moment to find release in the physical realm, or a mental check. Emotionally, I believe both the psyche and physical exertion work on releasing such toxicity at times that I look forward to the iron game and really let out my anger, or sadness during and intess bout of lifting/CF.

While running, I entertain my past running career. Racing both in road/trail races and how they both are similar in a small way and differ greatly depending on distance and location of course. Who can beat a trail race with great scenery? While running along the Chicago lakefront really is a fantastic treat as long as you’re not being run down by the idiot bike riders!

Go out, train, have fun both in the box or outdoors.

My Prio shoes.  Excellent zero drop shoes I've run with, and have even grabbed for my HIIT/CF WOD's

See you soon,

G