A few
years ago I was in the best shape of my life. I was eating right, working out
on a regular schedule – heck, I even had a personal trainer! But, slowly over
the years – things have changed. I’ve moved quite a bit and have picked up some
terrible habits, all the while – losing the good ones I had worked so hard to
attain! BUT – not anymore. The older we get, the slower our metabolism works.
We cannot continue to act and eat like we are 19 years old anymore. No more
late-night fast food runs, no more filling our bodies with empty calories and
most of all – no more laziness and excuses. I’ve realized enough is enough, and I want to
get back to that healthy state I was in, both physically and mentally. Because
your physical health plays a huge factor into your mental health too!
They
say exercise is one of the best anti-depressants out there. Getting physical
(ayyoo!) and working up a sweat releases endorphins which in turn are natural
anti-depressants. I’m sure you’ve heard the term “runners high”, and that’s
what it is. You get this energy that overcomes you. It’s a fantastic feeling!
So, that being said – I’ll be getting
back in the gym and training myself for the 5K Scotiabank Toronto
Waterfront Marathon that’ll take place on October 19, 2014!
Who are we kidding?
EVERYONE needs a little motivation sometimes, and by signing up for an actual
race – you’ll get just that. Races cost money to enter, and NO ONE wants to
waste money nowadays, LOL! So – sign up for a race and start training!
2. Get Proper Running Shoes!
One of the problems I
have had is that my running shoes are just not very good. When running on the
treadmill, I often get shin splints and feel the pain afterwards as well. I’m
currently shopping around for a better pair, so if you have any suggestions –
PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
3. Get Those Beats Downloaded!
Personally, I always exercise so much HARDER when I got some great
music playing in my ear. Something upbeat, something fun – something obviously
energetic! HERE
is a great resource for some exercise playlists, but let me know in the
comments what your favourite workout jams are!
4. Share Your Fitness Goals!
Nothing like sharing your fitness goals and being held accountable to
motivate you even more! LOL Share your goals with friends and family,
encouraging them to give you those boosts when you seem to be slacking off.
Better yet – get social! Share your goals through your social media streams and
you may even link with others who are focusing on the same goals. By working
together and encouraging each other, you’ll get those extra motivational pushes
just when you need them the most!
5. Start Running!
Obviously, you need to start
training. Get yourself into the gym, or working out outdoors/at home. You’ll
need to train your body for the upcoming race. Running at least three times a
week is suggested, and gradually increasing your run lengths. But don’t forget
to weight train as well. Build your strength and endurance! You’ll be working
all these muscles you forgot you had so don’t forget to stretch! You should
also be watching WHAT you put in your body, because your body works off of what
you put in it. If you are filling your body with crap – you will feel like
crap! Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!
I am going to need all the help and motivation I can get, so check in on me guys!
Also let me know if there are any fitness goals you are working towards - we can encourage each other!
