Balancing My Fitness Act: Mixing it Up in 2018

Most people think that I have this healthy living thing down pat. I’m a runner, after all, and have been for about 25 years. It’s my passion. I do complement my running with strength training, which is vital for staying strong and injury free. But I’m finding that, for an older(ish) runner, that may be too much of a good thing. For 2018 my goal is balancing my fitness act. Mixing up my routines in a way that will help me stay strong, injury-free, and potentially, run better.

Several years ago I was in what I would call great shape. I was riding my bike a lot (one year I rode 6,000 miles). I was also practicing yoga at least twice a week. All that in addition to my regular running and strength routine. Even though I was in my 50s I was in the best shape of my life.

So what happened? I decided to put more focus on my running. I  wanted to run a two hour half marathon, my post-50-year-old PR, and I knew that I’d really have to train hard. I put my cycling on the back-burner, and it never got moved back to the front.

Now that I’m entering my post-60 world, I know that I need to balance my fitness act. Less pounding more spinning. Less speed and more serenity. And I plan to extend that balance throughout my life. Better body care, more relaxation, with a focus on living healthfully and enjoying life.

Balancing My Fitness Act: 5 Changes to Mix it Up

Here are five things I plan to do to help balance my fitness act.

Yoga

I used to go to yoga at least twice a week. I was strong, flexible, and my balance was great. Starting now I plan to add a short yoga video or audio to my weekly routine at least two times a week.

Cycling

I’m a little embarrassed about this, but my road bike has been gathering dust for over three years. Today I cleared off the cobwebs (literally, don’t judge), my first step in getting back into cycling. My poor old bike needs a little more than just cleaning, like new tires and probably a tune up, but that’s simple, then I’m ready to go.

Body Care

It’s funny how you can recommend consistent massage, foam rolling, and stretching to clients and friends, but when it comes to your own self, you tend to skip it all. Not enough time. Too busy. So many excuses! I plan to dedicate myself to my own self-care. That includes daily foam rolling and stretching, and scheduling a monthly massage or fascial stretch.

Running and Strength Training

Of course, I’m not letting go of my favorite things! I will still run, just not to the exclusion of everything else. I currently strength train about twice a week, which I’m fine with. I do a lot of unilateral and body weight exercises that improve my running and strengthen my glutes and core.

As for running (my love!), I think I need to cut back to about three days a week. The pounding is starting to get to me. Of course, as I say that I am contemplating training for my 38th marathon, so I may have to sneak another day in there, but in general, I’m looking at more cross training.

Nutrition

Even though I follow a plant-based diet, I’m pretty relaxed about my diet. I believe that balancing my fitness act extends to my nutritional outlook, so balance and moderation work just fine for me. That means I enjoy a little dessert most nights, a bowl of pasta on occasion, and a cold beer after a hot workout or a long day.

I really love that Michelob ULTRA fits my life and lifestyle. With only 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, it’s a light yet delicious beer that I can enjoy with friends or after a half marathon like I did today. While I passed up the beer garden at the race (too soon for me), I certainly enjoyed it later on, after a nap, shower, and with lunch.

Michelob ULTRA understands that active people love to train hard, push themselves, eat healthfully, yet still want to enjoy a refreshing beer without guilt. They get it that your health and happiness do not have to be at odds with each other. Life is about balance and a balanced lifestyle has room for good food and good beer.

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