​Building a Lasting Workout Habit

Thursday night before our group took off to run, I asked everyone, how many of them are running more than this one group run? Unanimously, they all responded with this group run being their only run. I expounded on the importance of running multiple times a week to improve their running both physically and mentally. Running once a week will make running difficult and prevent improvement. While I can write a long blog on the importance of training to run healthy and with less discomfort, this morning I want to chat about building a lasting workout habit. Many years ago, when I started in fitness as a running coach, I read a book intitled, The Power of Habit. I wanted to understand how the power of habit making worked and increased the chances of successful training. Creating a workout habit is one of the most rewarding endeavors you can undertake for your physical and mental well-being.

Understanding Cortisol and Why You Should

Good morning! This week I read an article about cortisol, and it explains in great detail, how this hormone works, its importance and what affects our levels. To be honest, I have never really known much about cortisol, and it was not till somewhat recently, I gave it any thought. My doctor first piqued my interest, as she discussed the stress I went through (during my late wife’s cancer), and how that stress most likely elevated my cortisol levels, thus leading to weight gain. I kind of ran with that idea and even used it as an excuse for a significant amount of weight gain. Probably some truth, but I dare say, only partly. While the stress I experienced from a very difficult time in my life may have been a factor in my increased weight gain, other factors, such as caloric intake, too many sweets, and spotty exercise, all played a significant role no doubt. Not perfectly, but over the past year, I have improved my discipline in all the aforementioned areas.

Mastering Hot Weather Running

Master Hot Weather Running Understanding Running in hot weather can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it offers the chance to enjoy the great outdoors under clear, sunny skies. On the other, it presents unique challenges that can test your endurance and push your body to its limits. When the mercury rises, your body must work harder to maintain its core temperature. To cool your body, glycogen is called upon to support cooling your skin and is the main fuel source for our workout muscles. The battle for glycogen is always won by protection of the body first. Meaning, if called upon to support your body’s cooling system, it will always choose the most important (cooling your body). High temperatures combined with humidity create a particularly challenging environment, as sweat evaporation—the body’s natural cooling mechanism—becomes less effective.