90 Days Later: Fitter Than Ever with P90X2!

The next 90 day challenge starts Monday April 9th, 2012. Are you in?

How Many Times Have You Attempted to Get Fit?

I know my own struggles. Curious about yours, too…

Running: Where To Begin?

"running shoes 009" by lizbadley via Flickr

I run for many reasons. First, running is a great cardiovascular sport. Second, it helps clear my mind, release stress, and when I’m finished, I’m usually more focused, relaxed, and ready to conquer the day at hand. Recently a friend asked, “What did you do to start running?”

When I started running, I could barely run 15 minutes before I was out of breath. I normally ran two to three times a week. I did this for about a month. Each time I ran, I set a goal of increasing my minutes on the treadmill anywhere from two to five minutes more than the last run.  As time went on, I begin to read websites such as Marathon Rookie and Runner’s World to learn more about the sport and improve my ability. As I begin to increase my speed and really commit to running, I decided to get my gait tested at a specialty running store. This is probably something you should do when you first start because the right person can really determine whether you need a neutral shoe for cushion versus a stability shoe for support. Buying and running in the wrong pair of shoes can cause serious injury to your feet, especially if you’re training for a half-marathon or marathon. In addition to wearing the right gear, I also found a running buddy. Running with others is fun, and it also challenges you, as well. (Accountability, anyone?)

How about you? Why do you run? If you’re not running, it’s never too late to start. We all start somewhere.

We Are Better Together, Even During Workouts

Well, I’ve started my second round of P90X this week. I can already tell I’m gonna really have to “bring it” until I get a new workout partner. Why, you ask? Well, during my first round of P90X, my wife worked out with me, and we had an incredible journey together. Like me, she got great results, too. She is starting a new program – TurboFire. I may have to jump in and join her on my cardio days just to see what it’s about. It should be interesting since I have two left feet. I will be blogging about that in the upcoming weeks.

My wife and I getting ready to run the 2011 Dallas Rock & Roll Half Marathon - one month before starting P90X. We run together even though we don't actually run together.

I love working out with others. It motivates me, I have fun, and most importantly it holds me accountable. It’s amazing the number of people who purchase in-home-fitness programs or have gym memberships that barely use them. Around 60% of people that start out on a fitness journey fail. You could say, “Old habits die hard!” That’s why we need to create new habits. That’s why we need accountability.

Accountability, simply put, keeps us committed to the decisions we have made. Let’s face it, we are all accountable to something or someone…spouse, house payment, coach, God/faith. So why not our health? It’s important. That’s why I decided to become a Team Beachbody Coach. I knew that when I finished my journey that I would want to pay it forward to someone with similar goals, so if you want me to help you and hold you accountable,my support is free-of-charge.(Really!) I also knew that I needed to be accountable to someone who could raise my fitness level. Thanks, Coach Sean. You’re awesome at what you do. Be sure to check out his blog, too.

Your health and well being are important. Not just for you, either, but for the rest of your family. I don’t know about you, but I want to be around a while to grow old with my Love and see my kids grow up. Being accountable to others brings out the best in us. We are better together. Even during our workouts.

Saturday Morning Run

I love running on Saturday morning. I am fortunate to live in the amazing city of Austin, famous for the trails around Lady Bird Lake. When I can’t get downtown, though, I take a run in my neighborhood. What’s important is that I get moving. It gives me a chance to not only get great cardiovascular exercise, but I am also able to clear my mind. And I love inviting people along for the run. Exercise is better – funner – when we do it together. If you can’t run, don’t worry about it. Just move. Every. Day. Little things add up to big results.

So what are you doing today? Get up and move!