Regular Exercise May Keep Your Body 30 Years ‘Younger’- According to NY Times

Love this article form the NY Times. Just in case you needed more inspiration to get out there and get some exercise on the road.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/21/well/move/regular-exercise-may-keep-your-body-30-years-younger.html

I’ve been really digging my running adventures on the road lately. Had a great run along the coast in Santa Cruz and did a daily run in SF over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and up into the Headlands trails (which are amazing!) What an incredible resource to have these trails and beautiful nature just outside the city and within running or cycling distance. Got couple nice 20 milers in.

Triathlons!

On Sunday, I raced in my fourth triathlon in a five week period. These were my first triathlons and I just began swim training for the first time less than 6 months ago. I was racing the Olympic distance and I did one sprint race. At the race 2 weeks ago, I was 3rd in my age group and my run pace was 6:38 per mile, which I was happy with. Tri racing is an endeavor that I will continue and I am excited to learn ways to improve my time specifically on the swim and bike. A few quick notes:

I completed these races with no gatorade/sugary strangely colored drinks, no gels or processed foods along the way. Simply whole foods and water. I will do a specific post about my race nutrition but happy to report that it is indeed possible to thrive without sugary processed foods/drinks, which seem to be everywhere in these races.

Another truly great positive I took away from these races was the tremendous sense of community and support from other racers, the staff and fans. So cool to connect with others in a positive way especially in a world where these interactions with strangers can sometimes be infrequent.  

The importance of ROUTINE on the road

While playing tennis yesterday with a friend, he asked me for some tips about traveling healthy. He is about to head off on a trip for a year. This advice applies to travelers for shorter trips but especially for frequent or longer term travelers.

The concept is the importance of establishing a routine. Traveling can throw off your whole schedule (and I understand sometimes that is the point!) but to remain healthy and fit on the road, routine is key. I recommend a morning routine to include a workout and a focus on hydration and eating light (fruit/smoothies/juice). I also have friends who tell me they benefit greatly on the road by their morning yoga, meditation and breathing exercises as well. Any of these things can help provide a framework for your morning routine.

My morning routine is what keeps me on point on tour and if I do miss a morning, by shear momentum my body will want to make up for it with an afternoon or evening workout.

All that being said most importantly- Don't get stuck in your routine! Routine can help to get you in a rhythm but then make sure to change your workouts up and keep yourself and your mind challenged!!

Workout inspiration

I mentioned David Goggins as an inspiration in one of my recent instagram posts. He is truly hardcore.

I started doing a workout that he recommended called nickels and dimes- sets of 5 pull ups and 10 push ups, every minute for 15 minutes minimum. I've been doing about 20 minutes, getting to 100 pull ups and 200 push ups, keeping focused on good form throughout. Working to an hour with no breaks. Here I am today after 5 miles of interval sprints and then nickel and dimes- worked but energized! 

Here are some links to what David Goggins is all about:

and the full article: 

http://www.nerverush.com/david-goggins/