Great 5k, Bad Weather, Nice Vacation

     My wife and I went to Cape May last weekend for a much needed getaway and because I signed up to run a 5K at the beach.  It was the Grand Opening of the Cape May Running Company and I was anticipating a fun run close to the beach.  I like to run in different places and to have fun on vacation while doing it.  I always tell you life is about balance.
     On Friday night, I could hear the wind blowing and the driving rain hitting the motel room window. I wasn't sure I wanted to get up and run this 5K.   However, I signed up to do it, I paid for it and I knew that I was going to run it.  No matter what the weather.  It was 44 degrees, torrential rain, with a coastal flood and high wind warning.  Perfect weather for this 5K, right?  Not at all, but I ran it and was happy that I did.  I got my exercise in, I got to meet some like-minded people, I got to socialize with runners from across the country and, most importantly, I got my T-Shirt.
        Life is what you make it.  We went to the Cape May Brewing Co. and the Slack Tide Brewery. We had lunch at historic Cold Spring Village.  My wife loves to see the Cape May lighthouse and go shopping at Sunset Beach for salsa.  Despite the weather, we did what we wanted to do and got exercise while we were doing it.  You can't put your life on hold for the weather, for when you aren't so tired, for when it's a better time, etc.  You have to live your life while you can and make the healthiest choices you can while maintaining balance and your happiness.  Get up, get out and get moving and have a good time doing it.


You can't predict the weather, but you can predict how you will react to it.
Dan

Go Outside and Get Moving!

     I like to run around Nay Aug Park.  It has some nice trails, some scenic spots and during the work week it is not too busy.  Studies show that getting out into nature helps to lower your stress and in turn, your blood pressure.  You can forget about the rush of the office and anything that aggravates you by getting outside in the fresh air.
       The paths are a good way to get a little different view of the park, but also aid in developing your skills at maintaining balance while walking or running.  They are uneven and as you navigate them, you need to keep your balance as you go. You can swing your arms and carry weights for a little cardio addition.  You take deep breaths and you should think about nothing else than living in that moment and how beautiful it is outside.  The gym is a good place for a workout, but nothing beats getting out and really enjoying nature.


Be stress free--outside!
Dan

How Did You Live?

       You often hear people regretting things that they did not do.   Or making excuses for things they don't want to do. They may not choose to do things because they felt they were too old, or didn't want to waste the time, or didn't want to take the chance.
       Life can be full of excuses. They didn't have time to eat right or exercise.  They will run tomorrow when the weather is nicer.  Making a salad is too time consuming in the morning than just buying a burger at work.  The weather is making their joints stiff so they will wait until it gets warmer outside.  They will take that trip next year.
      We all do it.  We talk ourselves out of or into doing things.  And life is a total sum of all of those choices.  And about balance.
       Yes, once in awhile eat the burger at work. But on that day walk or run for a little while to burn off the extra calories.  It is okay, don't go out running when it is raining or snowing.  On that day jump on the trampoline while watching TV. Join the Y or somewhere you can swim to move those stiff aching joints.   You can eat the pancakes for breakfast if you grab the leash and take the dog out for a walk around the park. Walk around flea markets, walk around tourist attractions, just get out there and walk.  Or run.  Or skip rope.  Or go bowling.  Or fly a kite.  Or hunt for shells on a beach. Or rake leaves.  Or take a class.  Or paint something. You get the idea.
     

You should just do it. 

Success Or Failure...Up To You

      With New Year's Day rapidly approaching, we start to look at our lives--what we would like to keep and what we would like to change.  I am more of a "Bucket List" person, constantly adding to a list of things I would like to do before I die. My wife makes that "lose 20 lbs" and give up diet soda pair of resolutions, every year.  I always advise that it is better to make a resolution to be healthy-- to eat healthier, to move more, to be more active and to keep flexible.  I do encourage giving up diet soda and artificial sweeteners as they are the worst things for your body.
     Sometimes our goals are in sync. We both still want to ride on a zip-line when the weather gets nicer,  Sometimes they aren't.  I like to "Run Around Scranton". She likes to wait in the bar that the run begins at until I finish.  I have no problem with that.
     As human beings, we have a natural tendency to seek blame for our problems.  Stress at work or at home causes us to eat and gain weight.  It was just too hard on the holidays to pass up all of the treats and drinks. We have to run around after work, so we can't exercise as much as we would like to. The list of excuses can be endless, but they are just that--excuses.  You can seek the help of Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, Atkins, Shakeology--to reach your weight loss goals.  However, if you don't want to lose weight, are not ready to lose weight or are going to make more excuses, you might as well save your money. You have the power to change your life and only you can make it happen.  Your determination, your lifestyle changes, your ability to cope with all that gets thrown at you--these are the deciding factors in keeping your resolutions.  It is about balance, not deprivation, starvation or unhappiness.  It is about keeping yourself moving and motivated.  It is your attitude that will determine your ability to succeed.


Attitude is everything...

Season of Balance

       No matter what you do, you are still doing more than someone who is sitting on the couch watching TV.   If you go outside tonight while it's snowing and sweep the sidewalk or clean off the cars, or you carry those decorations up from the cellar, you are burning calories.  I have been so busy lately, this morning I felt stiff and I knew I just needed to get up and move.  I jumped on the trampoline and did some stretches and it made a big difference in how I finished my day. 

      This is a season of balance.  Trying to balance work, Christmas shopping, dinners or day trips with family or friends, lunch or dinner on the go, can be hard on your body.    Making better choices during the daytime, packing better lunches for work and moving a little more on your free time can help.  Park in the back of the parking lot when you go to the store or the mall so that you have to walk further to the door.  Carry the bags into your house one at a time so that you get the extra benefit of walking back and forth. Buy extra fruit and vegetables for snacking and for sharing with your guests.  While you can still put out the cookies and nut roll, it is nice to have choices. Keep yourself hydrated and don't drink diet soda.  Keep away from the artificial sweeteners and additives. As I always say, the key to life is balance and you should always enjoy yourself.                                                                                                                                                                               Life is short, enjoy it!

     

Enjoy Yourself

     My wife and I like to take rides and go to fairs, festivals, flea markets and breweries.  This time of year, as all of the shopping and decorating is underway, we like to go to to places like Christkindlmarkt in Mifflinburg, then to Country Cupboard in Lewisburg for dinner and shopping.  There are a lot of festivals, craft shows and marketplaces--each offering their share of smoked meats, cheeses, sweets and alcohol. This can provide a challenge when you want to be healthy and still enjoy yourself.
     As I have always said, the key to life is balance.  Exercise and a balanced diet during the week--like my daily dose of beans--will enable you to indulge on the weekends or on special occasions.  I like to make soup from beans because they are a good source of protein, B Vitamins, fiber, iron and potassium.  They also keep you feeling fuller longer, lower cholesterol and keep blood sugar levels balanced.
    If you exercise a little bit every day, or a little more intensely a few times a week, you keep yourself flexible and you are more likely to be able to walk farther and stand longer.  Take a walk, go for a run, jump on the trampoline, rake the leaves...do whatever you can to move as often as you can. Stretch your muscles and lift some light weights to keep your heart pumping.  You can enjoy all that this time of year has to offer if you just maintain your balance.

        Have fun and keep moving!

The Bacon 5K

       Yesterday, I went to Coca-Cola Park Stadium to run in the Bacon 5k Challenge at the home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.  Some people were taking part in the "challenger" part of the race where you run half way, eat half of a pound of bacon, then run the other half.  I chose not to do that.  I did enjoy running around the outside of the stadium and then back through the infield to the finish line.  My wife came with me for moral support.
       After the 5k, we the went to the Easton Farmers' Market and the River Fest taking place where the Lehigh River meets the Delaware River.  We drank some beer, ate some brisket and beans, and had a nice day.  We bought some vegetables and fruit and ate some ice cream at Dairy Queen.
      My wife and I have been watching what we eat and I try to exercise every day.  She has increased her walking. The key to being happy, though, is balance. In life it is balance on the inside as well as the outside.  Balance with work and home. Balance with keeping healthy, exercise and enjoying life.  If you eat well during the week, you can have extra things on the weekend.  If you exercise you can keep flexible enough to enjoy your time off.  Maintaining balance with your diet and with your daily exercise routine is a good thing.  Taking time to do the things you love and eat some different things is even better.



Maintain balance for a happy life...