If you are still looking for a meaningful gift for a loved one or friend in your life, consider giving the gift of fitness with Blonde Runner training gear, fitness equipment or a class pass or program gift certificate. All items are available for immediate pick-up (
“Cyclo-cross is a form of bicycle racing. Races take place typically in the autumn and winter (the international or “World Cup” season is September-January), and consists of many laps of a short (2.5-3.5 km or 1.5-2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount in one motion. Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an hour long” -Wikipedia
For information on the Utah Cyclocross race series visit: http://www.utahcyclocross.com/
Have you ever meet a doctor that is obese? What about a respiratory nurse that smokes? Or a trainer that is out of shape? What about a dietitian that eats junk food regularly? Do you think they know how unhealthy that lifestyle is? Yes, I am sure they do. So, what’s my point? The point is that “knowing” what to do to take care of your health and actually “doing” are two different things. Don’t get me wrong, you have to “know” what is healthy to “do” it. “Knowledge is power” “Ignorance is not bliss” “Things are easer said than done.” Let’s face it the DOING is the hard part! The doing takes practice, support, stamina and constant effort. Truly living a healthy lifestyle is where we reap the benefits of the knowledge we have. So, how do people get it done?
As the Olympics come to a close I find myself thinking about the lifestyle of an athlete. What makes them get up everyday and workout so long and hard? Day after day they push themselves. Perhaps it is the glory, or maybe it is the coach that has a structured workout planned for them and is going to be at the track at 6 a.m. to meet them. Or maybe it is the family and friends cheering them on and giving them support. Those athletes didn’t get to the Olympics all on their own. They had a support team made up of coaches, doctors, therapists, family and friends etc…We are not any different. We all need support and coaching. Athletes are accountable to someone everyday – that makes a difference and helps to get things done! So, don’t hesitate to get the support you need, even if you “know” what you need to be doing. Sometimes being accountable to someone else helps the DOING part get done. Happy “doing.”
Live Healthy,
Lora
I have enjoyed watching the Olympics and being inspired by others. One of my favorite sports to watch is swimming. Dara Torres, 42 years old, is competing in her fifth Olympics! After Dara earned an individual silver she was asked what she will tell her two-year old about her Olympic experience and this is what she said:
“Don’t set an age limit on your dreams.” - Dara Torres, Olympic silver 2008! I love it! She is amazing.
Michael Phelps is also so inspiring - 8 gold medals! Making history!
Who says fitness isn’t fun?! The WiiFit is all that it promises; it has you set goals, tracks your progress, gives your immediate feedback, awards points and unlocks new exercises. It is a new way to enjoy health in the convenience of your home (no excuses about not getting to the gym) and is family friendly too!! Everyone can enjoy fitness at any age and it can be done anytime! I am going for a perfect score on the yoga poses. How about you? I would highly recommend the Wii Balance Board as a great addition to any home gym. Nintendo Wii Sports is also fun. Boxing is my favorite – great for the back, core and arm muscles! Check it out www.wiifit.com. Invest in your health and get movin’!
If you have never participated in the Wasatch Back relay, I highly recommend it. I was fortunate enough to be in the company of fantastic members of South Davis Road Runners group this weekend. What makes this 181 mile race from
Have you ever watched a race broadcast on television and marveled at the effortless grace of a professional runner striding out sub-five-minute miles, as if they were out for an easy jog in the park? Contrast this to the general masses seen pounding out miles struggling to stay in shape.
Do you ever wonder how it seems so effortless for professional runners?
We are all born with a certain running style and degree of efficiency. However, proper run mechanics or form can be developed and improved upon. Professionals perfect technique through training and discipline. Through the use of form and biomechanical analysis, inefficiencies can be identified and changes can be made to help improve overall running economy and prevent injury, making running easier and seemingly more effortless. Call to see when the next analysis is scheduled - Lora at 801-299-1601.
Today my youngest child is one. It is amazing to me to see how much progress a little baby makes in one year’s time. It seems to me that when a significant birthday is coming up we are forced to reflect on what we have accomplished in our life so far. Often, this reflection spurs change. “If you always do what you have always done, you’ll get what you have always gotten” So, you have to ask yourself, am I please with my life and state of my health? If not, changes need to be made. For some this may be a life makeover, for others this may be a few minor adjustments.
Maybe you need a life makeover, but you feel you are not ready for such large changes or you question your ability to stick to it. Remember - anyone can be healthy for one-day or change one health habit for a day. Perhaps drinking a little more water, or eating another fruit or vegetable for a snack is doable. Maybe getting to bed 30-minutes earlier or going without soda pop or candy/chocolate for a day. The more often a healthy choice is made the easier it gets to make it again and again. Even small changes can make a big difference in our health over time. Imagine all the little things a small baby learns each day to finally talk, feed itself and walk. It is amazing to see what even small daily changes can lead to in one year’s time. Resolve to wake up each day and ask yourself “What can I do to be a little healthier today.” Then DO IT. Each marathon is a series of steps….
…good luck to those wishing to make the Olympic Marathon team at the Boston Marathon soon!
Teaching children health habits is possible. As I strive to teach my young children, I have developed a meal-time rule - “try at least one bite“ because you’ll never know if you’ll like it unless you try it. This is a principle I learned from the childhood classic Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.
I have found that most children are like the typical adult - they are not always in the mood for a particular food. While a mood should not dictate all food choices it should be considered and food should be offered and re-offered to children again and again. Exposing children to all the different fruits and vegetables nature has to offer can lead to great discoveries. Who would have thought my three year old would like cooked green peppers?!
I have found children are sensitive to textures and may prefer a sliced apple over a cooked one. Try offering foods in a variety of ways and don’t assume that they don’t like it just because they have rejected it once. Offer vegetables again and again. They may just like them in a box or with a fox, and on a train. And in a car. And in a tree. They are so good, so good, you see!
Here are some other ideas to get children healthy:
Children’s 26.2 mile challenge
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Do you want to prevent injuries and feel great! If so, you will want to watch these video clips!
