So, What are You Training For?

What is happening today?!  I have a question to ask you...  What are you training for?

It's a legit question! You could be following a running program for the next big race. Maybe you are cycling to complete the Corporate Cycling Challenge here in Omaha. It's possible you are swimming so you can conquer your first open water swim triathlon. Perhaps you are lifting to compete in a strength challenge. 

But for me, at 40 years young with bad knees and a full schedule the most accurate answer I can come up with is...

"I'm training for life."

I've done the races - runs, bike rides, triathlon. I've played in volleyball tournaments and leagues. While I'm still a competitive person, I've come to realize that sports, medals and trophies aren't the only reason to train.

I'm not here to impress you or anyone else. What I am here to do is live the healthiest life I can. I want to feel strong and empowered in my daily life. I want to be a positive example to my kids and the folks I interact with every day. I want to show that YES YOU CAN if you focus and have discipline - no matter what your goals are. It's important to me that I enjoy all that I can everyday, no matter where I am: having the strength and stamina to enjoy hikes in the mountains, bike rides down volcanoes, a full day of swimming and paddling in the ocean, sand volleyball, or volunteer to carry a standard and walk 18 Holes of golf as a volunteer, to help my kids when it's time to move all their belongings down a steep set of stairs, load a truck, and then unload and carry up 2 flights of stairs, or carrying a heavy suitcase up the stairs from the subway (Side note: That wasn't super enjoyable, but I was glad I could do it!). 

I want functional strength. What is that, you ask?

Functional strength is the strength that gets us through life and daily survival.

But wait - I don't want to GET THROUGH my life, or merely survive! It is my intention to be active as long as this body allows me to be, and I'm going to do all that I can to live up to that intention! My knees are a challenge for me - but I find ways to keep moving. I listen to my body and push to my edge, but not passed it. (Maybe someday I'll get new ones that bend like they should!) I want to continue to take on new challenges, explore new places, and experience all that I can. That's what functional strength means to me.

Another major component to my training is nutrition. 

Nutrition. Yup. Notice I didn't refer to it as DIET. While DIET is what we eat, many look at it as a temporary state, something you do to punish yourself for bad food choices or a few extra pounds gained. I'm switching the script and calling it Nutrition. How should I nourish my body, fuel it to successfully train for this epic sport called LIFE?

Tough question. I'm finding that pinning down the "right" answer is a challenge, and very different depending on what you read and who wrote it!

Here's what I know: When I keep it simple, whole foods, nix the artificial stuff, and drink plenty of water, I feel awesome. I sleep better, my digestion is better, I'm less irritable, and getting through my workouts feels easier.  I'm not a proponent of any particular fad-type diet or anything that's uber restrictive - I'm not all Paleo, or Vegan, or gluten free ... I'm working on the KISS Plan. KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID! :D  

I wish that we all could have learned early in life that diet and exercise and taking care of our bodies was our best bet for staying healthy.  How has this been missing from our education? Why is "fixing our diet" an after thought?  Why is diet and exercise prescribed AFTER the diagnosis? I may never understand the reasons for the way health, nutrition and fitness education has evolved (or disappeared, as it were). I feel strongly that we all  need to take a more active role in our well being through strength training and nutrition. After all, there is no finish line. This sport lasts for a looooooooooooooooonnnnggggg time (if we're lucky).

So lace up, get warmed up, and let's get after it - DAILY. 

Until Next Time,
<3 Jen