Category Archives: Mind & Body

Getting Benched

You hear and read it all the time, listen to your body.

An ache here, a pain there, a little bit sore – no big deal.  I think most athletes and  individuals who workout, get into the mindset that you need to push through the pain, or the pain only exists in your mind.   Most of the time it is in your mind, but sometimes…… you may have pushed too hard.  Which is what I think I did. Damn-it.

During a kickboxing class a few days ago, I noticed an unfamiliar hurt around my knee as I knee’d the bag as quickly and hard as I could for a minute straight. I knew after 10 seconds, but I kept going.  This is the point at which I should have stopped. I think we always know, as with  most things in life. You just know.

The soreness hasn’t gone away and I’m afraid of making it worse. I’ve been told to ice it, and I decided it’s time for a break.  I like taking a step back and looking at situations to see what I can see differently. In this case, I’ve realized that my whole leg hasn’t been up to par lately. The foot has been tight, shin has been sore, hamstring  and quads are tight….the signs were there. I’ve been going too hard and not warming up and stretching enough.  I want to be healthy and fit, but am I really doing myself a benefit if I’m not listening to my body when it’s talking?

I’m going to take a week off from any running, jumping, pounding or leg extensions then I’ll ease back into it.

This post is just a gentle reminder to; listen to your body, pay attention to signs, and take a break every once in a while.   p.s This can be carried into other aspects of our lives

Must be Loco

I was easily convinced by a gym buddy to sign up for a mud run called The Toro Loco Challenge.  At first I said no, and when asked again 30 seconds later I said yes. lol.

This will be my first mud run, my first physical challenge, my first competitive type thingy…just got a whole bunch of firsts going on.  So here’s the jist.

This event has two courses

The Raging Bull for Advance Challengers, and The Leisurely Longhorn for Families and Dogs.  Guess which one I’m signed up?!  Oh yes,  The Raging Bull, and I’m not an advanced challenger. I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into.  I’m getting just a tad bit nervous

I must say two things before I go on.

  • Push Yourself. No one will do it for you.
  • Your mind will take you there.
It’s taken me a while to adopt these philosophies, but I love them, and I believe them to be true. They motivate and inspire me.  Just wanted to share with you….now back to the Toro Loco Challenge!

This event is being held in Eloy, AZ just about an hour south of Phoenix, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. As listed on their website, some of the proceeds go to the Humane Society and quite a few other charities on site that help animals in one way or another including Greyhound Rescue, Ruff Life Rescue, Arms of Angels, and others.
Here’s the course

Alrighty folks. This is in just a few days. I can’t wait to recap it for you.  

Fitness Should Be Fun

Fitness should be fun!

When I came across this event called Skirt Chasers, I couldn’t help but rally up some friends to sign up.  It’s a 5k … but more. Here the info directly from their website:

The Race
A Skirt Chaser. Literally. Women start first, while men wait in anticipation for three LONG minutes. Once the men FINALLY start the chase is really on! What happens next is just over 3 miles of anticipation: Will the gals be caught? Will the guys get the thrill of not only the chase but also the win?

The Block Party
The Block Party features live music, games and a happy hour atmosphere with food and drinks. The sexy fashion show is a highlight- it features the latest Skirt Sports products and proves that the most gorgeous women are feminine and athletic! Awards will follow.

Single? This is your opportunity to flirt with like-minded athletes. We’ve even created stickers to signify those who are looking to meet someone – so you can flirt without opening your mouth!

Partnered up? You should make a bet – Winner gets a sexy back massage. Loser has to do the dishes for a month. The point is, a little competition adds spice to your relationship!

What Else is Special About the Skirt Chaser 5k? As part of your entry racers have the option to buy a skirt (well, technically we were thinking the skirts were for the women) for a song – just upgrade when you purchase your race entry! WAY cooler than a tee. Way sexier too!

Sounds cool huh? There are many elements of this event that I am drawn to. First the fact that it is 5k. (I plan to participate in more races this year) This is the type of brand in which I believe in their philosophy. They say, If you look good you feel good.  Can I get a What-What?! I’ve seen this to be true, especially for women, and even more true when working out. How often have we opted to not go to the gym, take a yoga class or go for a run/hike because we feel like we don’t have the right clothes/shoes, or what we do have is too old, etc etc. Having sometime nice to wear, or something we feel decent in, gives us a psychological and motivational push. Also once we do get into a fitness routine and begin to see the benefits, we feel better.
This company is so on point, and have developed a fitness apparel line based on that, and have moved to creating fun, fitness events that appeals to all types of people.

I have recruited six friends to do the 5k. I think it will be fun. I’m looking forward to recapping the event for you!

Do Two More

Two more minutes reading, two more sheets to fold, two more reps at the gym, two more minutes on the phone with an old  friend, two more minutes on yourself.

Apply this wherever you see fit. I started at the gym.  Just two more squats, two more minutes running, two more push-ups. It kind of revs you up a bit, because you really want to finish strong and make it worth it. You eventually see and feel results; physically and mentally. Where do you think can you apply Two More?

 

Connecting Breath and Thought

Breath work is very important as I’m sure you’ve read in magazines, heard on TV,  discussed with friends, or having experienced it.

Let’s take a minute to reflect on some of the scenarios:

  • When someone is upset or all riled up, you hear people say, “Stay a step back and breathe”.
  • A child falls and scraps her knee and won’t stop crying. The parent will usually tell the child to breathe, and eventually the crying dies out.
  • Running is more enjoyable when you breathe properly.
  • Pregnant women are taught patterned breathing to use during childbirth.
  • How many times have you been in an Ab or a Yoga class and you hear the instructor say, “Don’t forget to breathe”.?
  • Singers are taught breathing techniques in voice and choral classes.

So – breath work is extremely important and helpful. It has a calming affect and helps to move the flow of energy throughout our body.  Many things can be said about this – scientifically, psychologically, physiologically and mentally.

I’ve started to make a conscious effort to practice breath work on a daily basis. It’s been challenging to stay consistent, but I’m determined to keep it up.

Here’s what I’ve been doing

Breathe in deeply through your nose. Visualize your breath as it goes in through your nose, down your lungs and feel the air expand  near your stomach. 

Breathe out through your mouth. Visualize your breath as it exits your stomach area and up your lungs then out your mouth.
Do that a few times and feel yourself relax.

With each breath (in & out)  you are accepting and releasing.

Take the breath work a step further.
With each inhale – accept love into your life. With each exhale – release your fears and insecurities. Say it in your head, or say it out loud.

Practice it. You can change the thought process, but the main idea is to bring positive in and send the negative out.  Find something that works for you and think or say it as your breathing.

I usually feel a little bit calm or at ease afterwards. It makes me feel good.  Try it. Let me know your thoughts. What are you doing, what types breath work do you do?