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.

Updates and Information...

I have not been posting much because I will be honest with you...I have not been running much and have felt a little less fit than usual.  I don't like to post the negative too much because I would much rather be inspiring than for you to read about my slump.

I've been running at least once or twice a week since taking the summer off of running. I've lost the 3 or so pounds I gained exercising too little and eating too much over the summer.  My body likes to run so I knew it would not be long before I felt comfortable in my jeans again.

I will admit to you that most of my slump has to do with not liking what I see in the mirror.  This age thing is not sitting well with me, and I would have MUCH rather have seen my birthday come and go without notice. Unfortunately the ever increasing grey hair, wrinkles and saggy skin just does not go away.  I know I'm being completely vain and that is a problem. I need to embrace my age as it is inevitable, but I'm just being honest here. I don't like my body right now but I have not yet found the motivation to begin the weight training that I know I should.
Weight training  is the ONLY thing that WILL help my muscles and skin tone. I know that. I guess I was and am still sort of hoping that I will be the only human being this rule does not apply to.  Running keeps me skinny, but skinny and flabby is not so pretty ;)

Moving on...

Other than wallowing in self pity for a few months I have also been doing a TON of research.  My son has been suffering from a SERIOUS rash since April of this year.  He has undergone a series of testing and we have concluded that he is allergic to both wheat and dairy.  This new information has sparked research on my part about wheat and dairy.

I have been BLOWN AWAY by the information I've acquired.  My new found knowledge is too vast for this one blog post so I will just say this....

The Wheat and Dairy industry is KILLING US.  That was pretty harsh right?  Well I have reasons for saying that but for now just trust me when I say that if you limit your wheat and dairy intake for a week or so you most likely will see HUGE improvements in your overall health.   That sounds a little better doesn't it?

If you don't believe me I urge you to read the book Wheat Belly NOW.  If you don't want to do that, go to YouTube and type in Underground Wellness and check out Sean Croxton's short and informative videos on wheat and dairy.

You will thank me later. ESPECIALLY if you are overweight in any way and are wondering WHY YOU ARE NOT LOSING THE FAT!! (yes I'm yelling at you ), if you suffer from depression, arthritis or any other autoimmune disease.

Moving on again....

This is what I get for not blogging in way way too long.

I do have more exciting news for you.

1) One, I had the opportunity to teach 2 health and nutrition classes in my kids school this past month. THAT  was probably the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me for so many different reasons...

2) It looks like the FULL MARATHON is now back on my event list for 2012. This I will definitely talk more about later as I'm doing it for a dear friend and her incredible boy and I'm going to be asking you once again to help me this year to change a life.

3) I've been working on giving up my addictions and crutches. This is a struggle for me but something I feel is necessary in order for me to become fit in mind body and soul.  You can pray for me on this one because let's be honest here...I'm a human being and I struggle just like you do.  When I'm feeling a little stronger I will blog about it but right now I feel like remaining a little more anonymous about my issues. 

That's it. I need to blog more often....

Perhaps soon.
Alyson

Running the Race....

I know I have not posted much. I have been doing that on purpose. I put the kids in school this year to have a little more time to think. I still have 2 babies with me most of the time and so life is still very busy. Not homeschooling has simply freed up a little more mental time for me.

I have not been blogging much as I have been taking this time to be still and hear God's voice. I have been praying more, reading more, and listening a lot more.

I have been working on me. The person deep inside this body of mine and listening to her voice. Sometimes the voice inside clashes with God's voice and we duke it out. Lately God is winning and I'm slowly allowing Him to take control.

I am writing today because I believe that I have found MY verse. The verse that speaks to me. The verse that keeps me going both spiritually, physically and emotionally...and as always I can apply it directly to running ;)


Hebrews 12: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

These 3 verses our not only for running but for life as well.

I'm seeing a Marathon in my future....I'm just sayin' ;)

Life Controlling Issues

Here is another video posted by my friend Shan Larter. Here she gives some incredible insights into Eating Disorder recovery. I truly feel that her ideas and messages can be applied to
ANYONE WHO SUFFERS FROM A LIFE CONTROLLING ISSUE....Alcoholics,Drug addicts, people who suffer from Bipolar Depression and have coping mechanisms that are preventing their recovery. Frankly EVERYONE who uses ANYTHING to avoid emotional issues.