I manage a country homestead and the lives of my 4 babies ages 10,8,5 and 3. I LOVE TO RUN and NEED to keep healthy and fit for my SANITY!! Seriously....All problems are solved when I am running.

Making MY health a priority allows me to be the mother and wife that I need to be for them.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Soul fitness

As predicted, I've taken the summer off a regular fitness routine. 5 months of intense training for my marathon was a LOT and I was ready for a little break.

It has been an EXTREMELY hot summer here in Ontario so I'm really o.k with the break.  Last year I did the same thing but I made two big mistakes and ended up gaining almost 10 pounds.

1) I didn't watch my diet. I lazed around the pool most days, munching on snacks and ate regular meals.
2) I drank a glass of wine a little too often.


THIS SUMMER I've LOST 7 pounds since my Marathon. How??? I stopped drinking alcohol completely ( Minus one very fun date night...lol) , and I've watched my diet.  I'm not 'working out' so I don't need to eat as much. Very simple.  I'm eating what I normally eat...just a little less each time I eat. 

I've just gone back to my normal weight pre marathon training. (I gain weight when I train).  Less training equals a little muscle and water loss. 

In the fall, when we get back to a regular routine, and a jog becomes my 'me time' again, I'll firm up a little.  I'm just glad I haven't GAINED weight by being lazy.

I'm pretty sure the crazy farm chores I've been doing around here have helped maintain a little muscle and fitness.  I understand why farmers are strong...those feed bags are heavy!!!  My pipes are pretty big :)  I dare you to arm wrestle me.... lol


Anyway....I've also been working HARD at  SOUL FITNESS.  I've always said that being a Fit Mom has to do with MIND, BODY, and SOUL. 

This summer time is SOUL time, and I do feel so incredibly renewed.

Body time can come later.  In fact, when my Mind and SOUL are in good shape, my body catches up MUCH FASTER.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What would you do for soul time to help you feel renewed? It is easy to know how to take care of physical things but what do you do to take care of your soul?

Alyson said...

soul fitness routine:

sleep
quiet time to myself
pull back a little from 'activity' and just enjoy simple things with my husband or family. Pray more and listen to what God is telling me.

Pretty much just remembering to take the time to breath a little and do the things that make life enjoyable.

Alyson said...

oh..and reminding myself to fill my stomach with nourishing food and water helps the soul. If I stuff in the alcohol and sugar, and preservatives...that is NOT good for my brain chemistry. Not a diet. Just a reminder