Flexible or Not to Be Flexible?

Did you think I was going to talk about yoga? Well, guess what? This is not a post about yoga.  I'm talking about work-out routines and plans.  Are you one that likes to have each day of the week planned out as to which days are allocated for cardio and which days are allocated for weight training and that it is the same schedule from week to week to week? This is where you don't want to deviate from your routine, because it helps you stay on track of your program.  If this is what works for you, then by all means, you have got to stick with this plan.

On the other hand, you might be like me.  I need to have variety or flexibility within my week from week to week to week; otherwise, if I stay with the same routine from week to week, then for my personality, this would lead to burn-out...again, for my type. When training for a marathon, I like to have the same day of the week-end for my long runs, but then I switch up my days during the week for my short runs, my mountain bike ride, weight training, and yoga and even switch up yoga instructors. This mix up routine from week to week keeps me refreshed in a sense and I don't get tired of training.  So, does this sound like you?  This certainly works for us who always needs variety in life.  If this is you, then either continue with this plan or try this plan out.

Being flexible in our work-out programs and routines or staying regimented from week to week is not wrong at all. We have to experiment and go with the flow that works best for our personality and make-up. If your current work-out routine hasn't worked well for you, try the other way, whichever way that may be for you.  See if it prevents burn-out and keeps you staying motivated to keep moving. The basic bottom line of all this is, don't ever stop exercising or working out. It's one of the several important elements to keep our bodies, the temple of God, in tip top shape so that we may be able to love and care for those around us.

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Please feel free to share your work-out schedule with us and what has worked best for you. 

Call 'Em On It!

When out on a training run or ride, many of us have learned to depend on gels, chews, or jelly beans for fuel. They come in extremely handy when it comes to taking in carbohydrates, sodium, and potassium during those longs rides and runs.  These important nutrition elements are crucial in helping us feel good and energetic from start to finish. 

Last week when I was about to purchase a few gels at our local bike shop, I looked at the expiration date on the gels.  I was so disappointed and in disbelief when I saw that the "use by" date on the gel packaging was over two months ago! I immedately went to one of the workers at the bike shop and called him on it. Needless to say, he was embarrassed and tried to brush off that "oversight".

This is not a matter to take lightly. Any food item with an expiration date should not be taken into the body, because who knows what kind of situation you could be placed in.  Food that is beyond an expiration date can possibly make any individual sick and not feel good.  Beyond the expiration date, food can get terribly spoiled even in a gel form.

Be an advocate for yourself.  Look at those expiration or "use by" dates.  Let the store manager know if there are any nutritional supplements that are expired. Call him or her on it! Don't think that just because you are in a reputable sports store you are safe purchasing any "food item" there.  Look out for yourself and for everyone else who will be purchasing those same nutritional sport aids as you.  We would all be doing ourselves a big favor when we are looking for each other's health and making sure we all have a good run or ride!

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What situation have you found yourself in looking at expired food items at a store?

Bottom Line...Make it Do

It was almost 6:00 earlier this evening and the weather cooled to a perfect temperature. I was getting excited that my mountain bike ride and running hill repeats afterwards was going to be so enjoyable in this cooler temp!  After putting my front tire on my bike and pumping up the tires, I proceeded to put on my helmet and gloves.  Last, but not least, I was about to switch to my mountain biking shoes...or so I thought.

Oh my heart sank when I realized I only brought my left shoe!!  I have clipless pedals, so I need my special cleats underneath my shoes.  I have no idea, in this whole wide world, why I was so absent-minded and only packed one shoe.  I thought...well, I should just only run then...but, no...I was really looking forward to riding too...I don't want to leave here disappointed...I better make this ride happen somehow some way my brain commanded!  I also thought...just like Nike says..."Just do it!".  I had also taken a picture and sent it to Tom of my shoes.  He replied with a text saying "Make it do or do without". 

Ever since I switched to clipless pedals, there instantaneously was no turning back!  It definitely makes me feel one with the bike with greater "power".:)  Not being connected to my pedals has been a foreign thought and feeling now.  However, I proceeded to ride with one mountain biking shoe and one running shoe.  If anyone was going to laugh or stare, I was going to not care one bit.

I'm so glad I went on with my wonderful ride looking "unique" at my feet.  If anyone noticed, maybe they thought I'm trying to start a new trend...so be it.  So, on the days you plan your work-out and you haven't brought all you need, just proceed...make it do or do without.  The workout/exercise can still happen somehow or some way.  Well, let me take that back...one exception.  If you forget your helmet, don't ride...and just run.  Never ever ride without a helmet.  However, back to my "message" here, nothing should stop you when you have plans to exercise regardless the situation.  Bottom line...Make it Do!

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What situation have you found yourself in which you didn't have all you need for your exercise and what did you do?