Seeking Simplicity

Run a Marathon

Posted by SeekingSimplicity on May 18, 2010.

This may seem like an insane goal to some, but nothing will build your confidence more than running a marathon. Almost anyone with a good training plan and a little time each week can accomplish this aspiration. The keys are not to push too hard and do not set a time goal.

Setting an impossible goal will give you the chance to find your limit and then cross it. Even if you have never run before it is possible to grow into marathon distance with some patience and effort.

Side benefits include losing weight and getting into great shape. A race is a huge motivator to stick with a fitness program.

Still think it is impossible? Try some of these resources:

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/ Jeff Galloway created a system of running and walking that has helped thousands achieve a finished marathon. His method also seems to reduce injuries and allow for a faster recovery than most programs.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1570281823 The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer is an incredible and inspiring book filled with information for the beginning runner. The author’s David Whitsett, Forrest Dolgener, and Tanjala Kole present a 16 week program that will get you to the finish line.

http://steverunner.blogspot.com/ Phidippidations is an excellent podcast about running, training, and the sport in general. An inspiring show that will make you realize ordinary people can run marathons. Also make sure to check out other great running podcasts at http://www.runningpodcasts.org/

http://www.marathonguide.com/ This website will help with the selecting of your marathon. The reviews by actual participants in the events are very helpful when trying to choose your goal race.

The physical and mental effort to prepare for a marathon will improve many areas of life. The marathon is a perfect chance to see how planning and persistent effort pay off. Other goals will seem easy and approachable when using the same mindset that brought success to the marathon.

Once you run a marathon, you will feel like you can do anything!

Simple Fitness

Posted by SeekingSimplicity on April 15, 2010.

Who doesn’t want to be fit? How many New Year’s resolutions revolve around getting fit?  How many people really follow through with this goal?

Exercise. For many people this is an ugly word, but it doesn’t have to be. Find something that is fun and start there. A simple fitness routine requires little or no equipment and can be done anytime and anywhere. Too many people get hung up on starting complex routines and buying expensive gizmos.

Jumping out of the gate doing hours of tough workouts will just lead to burnout or even worse injury. Start out gently!

Fitness is based on three key elements:

Cardiovascular Health

Go for a walk most days. It might not seem like much, but a thirty minute walk five days a week is already more exercise than most people do! Walking is easy, requires no equipment and is very safe. Walking is a natural and gentle entry into exercise. This habit can become a gateway into running. Spending time outdoors is a wonderful way to stay healthy!

Strength

A very simple routine of pushups, squats, and crunches can be done with no equipment at all. For motivation there are iPhone apps for Hundred PushUps, Two Hundred Squats, and Two Hundred Situps (Crunches), but they are not necessary. These three exercises will hit virtually every muscle group.

Flexibility

Finally, flexibility is the third key component to being fit. A simple stretching routine after walking, running or resistance training is all that is needed. Yoga is great for stretching and can have some elements of cardio and resistance training.

Fitness is about living life to its fullest while maintaining good health. The time invested in a simple fitness program will pay huge dividends.



Weight Loss

Posted by SeekingSimplicity on March 15, 2010.

I have struggled with my weight my entire life off and on. While I am not a physician or medical expert my personal experience has given some key insights into what has worked and failed. Nothing I am going to say here is ground breaking in fact it is probably what you already knew in the back of your mind.

Diets simply do not work. If you think that following a very austere eating plan is going to work in the long term you are probably wrong. I have tried just eating veggies, fasting, high protein, etc. In the end the mind and body will rebel.

So if dieting doesn’t work what should we do?

Count calories and exercise. It is really that simple.

I have lost thirty pounds and maintained it with relative ease by tracking my calories and exercising regularly. My experience of keeping a food journal has made me conscious of how much I am consuming. Finding your caloric budget for your goal and following it is an absolute must to achieve weight loss. Making better food choices is helpful for your health, but is not essential to lose weight. The number of calories is the key. Exercise allows for more calories and makes you feel good. Try to do a mixture of cardio, resistance, and stretch to keep the body healthy.

Being an iPhone junkie of course I use apps to help me with calorie counting. My two favorites are the LiveStrong.com and Tap and Track apps. Of course these apps aren’t necessary, but it does make it easier to track everything. In addition, when you enter your weight, height, and goal they will calculate your caloric needs and then act as a food and exercise journal. Of course my advice should never substitute for the advice of your physician, but I doubt my thoughts are going to be very different.

The formula is simple: calories in need to be less than calories out. Otherwise we get fat.