Many things happen when you find yourself on this “other” path.  There can be negative self-talk, weight gain, depression, frustration, lack of motivation, stress eating.  This is where the tough part comes in.  How do you get yourself back on the right path?

We all know that it is easy to continue to training and eat healthy when we are being successful with it, but when we are beating ourselves down for not doing what we know we should do sometimes we stay on that path.  We think change is too hard to do.

The first thing to do is remember to put one foot in front of the other.  Sometimes we try to walk faster than we can run.  That will only lead to more failure.  We just need to get out the door or get into the gym.  How many of you have walked into a gym and ended up not working out?  I have not.  If I go into the gym, I always do something no matter how long or short it is.  If I go out for a run, I always have to get back home whether I run or walk.

Set realistic goals that you can achieve.  If you have taken some time off from training then you can do a run/walk plan.  When you are doing a strength program, do what you can do.  Realize that you will be sore, but that soreness will quickly go away as you continue to work on your health.  Be happy with your success.  Look in the mirror after you workout and tell yourself that you did a good job.  It doesn’t matter if you just went one mile or ten.  Something is better than nothing.

If your diet has gotten off track then it may just be a matter of getting rid of the unhealthy foods in your home.  If you do not have cheat foods in your home then you will be less likely to eat them.  If you struggle with throwing out unhealthy food then decide if you want it to be stored in your body for you to lug around or if you would rather throw it away or give it away.  Imagine strapping that food to your body and lugging it around.  It would not be very comfortable.

For most of us it is colder outside, there is less light, and sometimes there are icy conditions.  It takes planning and focusing to make sure we are getting our physical activity in.  The holidays are around which means there are lots of enticing foods.  It all boils down to choices that you want to make.  It also comes down to your health.

I wanted to write this post because even as a personal trainer and a coach that knows the right and healthy way to do things, I have found myself on that wrong path.  I have found myself skipping workouts here and there.  Oh, there is always a valid excuse….yea right!!  I’ve found myself snacking hear and there on unhealthy foods, and I know that leads me to negative self talk.  The negative self talk leads to more bad behavior.

My goal is to get back on track, and what a perfect time to do it.  I will set eating goals, workout goals, and positive self talk goals.  If I slip then I will get right back on.  One slip does not have to lead to many slips.  I do not want to make a habit out of slipping.  I want to make a habit out of a healthy life.

If you have found yourself on a path you do not want to be on then join me in getting on a healthy, happy path.  Take the path that feels good all around; a path that we are being good to our bodies and ourselves.  Encourage others around you to get on the healthy path, so they may feel better and be happier.

As always, Be Healthy, Train Smart, Have Fun

Coach Diane

I think one of the biggest issues is; most people are using workouts as the test rather than the information for the test. What you learn from your workout is how you grow and develop both the physical, and mental knowledge to take and pass your test. And in our opinion the best way to do this is to relax, let the workout unfold, record the data and use it for moving forward.

First relax and build you aerobic base. During the process of base building, whether it be running, biking or swimming, the ability to develop will depend on how aerobically and bio-mechanically efficient you become. You can develop your efficiency by practicing your form. Your best form is a relaxed form! Yes there are certain basic physical postures you should be in for all three disciplines, but the key to making them work right for you is to relax, visualize and let it happen.

I once read that Butch Harmon, famed golf swing coach for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson teaches them visualization of ball flight. He says if they are thinking of all the things they need to do right, one is sure to go wrong, and cause bad ball strike, flight and direction. So they stand behind the ball visualize the motion and flight and then hit away.

This is a practice that you as runners and triathletes should do. Picture yourself with great body position, relaxed form and easy breathing and then let it happen. As a runner listen and feel your feet. Are they light, fast, quite. As a cyclist listen to your wheels spin and feel your feet spinning in circles. As a swimmer picture yourself rolling and gliding naturally in the water taking smooth efficient breathes. Don’t under emphasize the importance of visualizing.

The other key to relaxing is take the stress out of your training by having a plan in place. If coaching is not option for you, do a little research and find a training plan that works best for you! We always tell our teammates let me do the thinking and you do the training. This means all they have to do is read the workout step out the door and go. The stress of developing a plan, and finding the time to execute it is added stress that will take some of the enjoyment out of your training.

So in essence, set a reachable goal. Get a plan that works best for you! Don’t over think your training. Learn the basics of good form, visualize and let it happen.  If it feels natural, pretty good chance it is natural. And as always….

Be Healthy, Train Smart, Have Fun

Coach Jeff and Diane

Forefoot Running Drills from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Podcast on Natural Running/Forefoot Striking 6-16-10 from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Newton Natural Running Form with Danny Abshire from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Reaching Out from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Staying Motivated through training! from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Nutrition Tips For Racing and Training from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Help for Nagging Pains from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Cadence for Biking from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Swimming Drills from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Race Report 2-8-10 from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.

Basic Strength and Core Exercises from Jeff Kline on Vimeo.